Foxes are typically mischievious characters in Japanese folklore, some foxes are even known to possess people, this is called Kitsune-tsuki. People who are possessed by the fox will begin to adopt fox-like features & behave in strange ways.

Likewise Kudagitsune, pipe foxes & Osaki, twin tailed wease like creature can also possess people, these creatures have a tendency to be loyal to a family, sticking closely to them, often possessing those who threaten the family they've sworn loyalty to.

This has meant that families known to keep Kitsune, Kudagitsune, Osaki are shunned by society for fear of being cursed or possessed.

On a real note though, before modern understanding of mental health, often times Kistune-tsuki was the umbrella diagnosis for mental illness in Japan.

Illustration by Nanami Takeuchi | @nanasometimesdraws