Shikoku

About This Region

Shikoku is known as a "Kingdom of Tanuki" (raccoon dogs). These shape-shifters are portrayed with great personality—sometimes as folk heroes and other times as mischievous tricksters loved by locals. The region is also the birthplace of unique spirits like Konaki-jiji, who tricks travelers with his weight. Overall, Shikoku's folklore is a rich mix of humor and moral lessons, featuring spirits that feel very human in their motivations and interactions with villagers in the lush countryside.