Tanuki-Tsuki 狸憑き - "Possession by Tanuki spirits." -
About this yokai: One of the more common examples of Tsukimono. (Not be confused with a Tanuki who has transformed into a person!!!) – in this case: This poor festival goer has been possessed by an hungry Tanuki! – At her feet is a number of tanukis favourite snacks, itadakimasu!
its been said, when a person finds themselves possessed by a Tanuki, he or she begins consuming all that they can get their hands on. (Sometimes gluttonously consuming even Trash or spoiled food. yuck!) - The person who is possessed by the Tanuki becomes extremely hungry, but at the same time no matter what they eat, they just will never be satisfied their appetite is insatiable, their body becomes plump, but weak and they will eventually die of starvation... (The Tanuki is feasting well however, it would be apt to say that the tanuki is eating through their host.) - Generally, when a Tanuki possesses a person, it’s because the person has played a trick on the Tanuki or taken something from them, so its out for revenge: I wonder what she did...
Generally the only way out of this sort of situation, would be to visit a shrine (or hire an Onmyoji to visit you) - Good luck with that, especially if the yokai doesn’t want to leave!! - Of course there are some tales & situations where people can control the Tanuki by worshipping it instead, as with foxes, dogs and other powerful yokai they have been venerated as gods, Tanuki are pretty rare however.
• History: Until modern medicine was introduced—mental illness and insanity were often blamed on tsukimono. - [note to self come back and add a more full explanation some other time.]
In slang "Tanuki gao" can refer to a fat, cute, chubby face (or a person's facial expression of feigned ignorance) in contrast "Kitsune gao" refers to people with narrow faces and high cheekbones (or an otherwise sneaky expression.
Sticker Art by @Samkalensky (yo thats me!) - Part of my Night parade of 100 Demons - Yokai & Japanese folklore sticker collection, weather-resistant 4" Glossy sticker. Check my shop & follow @samkalensky for many more!