Kitsune: "Fox" Legendary foxes as intelligent beings. The only way to kill them is to slice off all nine of their tails Komainu: "lion-dogs" Statues of lions, tending to guard Japanese shrines Tanuki: "Racoon dog" (yes it's an animal too) A master of disguise and shapeshifting, mischiveous and jolly, however somewhat gullibe and absentminded. Baku: "tapir" Said to devour dreams, including hopes and desires. (hope this counted as fantasy)
