Kitsuneย is a supernatural shapesifting creature that is similar to werewolves. Kitsune are believed to possess great intelligence, long life, and magical powers. The word 'kitsune' is often translated as fox spiritย ghosts, however this doesnโt mean that they are not living creatures, nor that they are not foxes. The word spirit is used in its Eastern meaning, reflecting a state of knowledge or enlightenment. Any fox who lives sufficiently long, therefore, can be a fox spirit. There are two major types of kitsune; theย myobu, orย celestial fox, associated with Inari, who are presented as benevolent. and theย nogitsune, orย wild fox, who are often represented as malicious.
Theย Tetsuzan Shrineย is located inย Kanezaka. It is dedicated to a fox spirit. The people of Kanezaka leave offerings at the shrine.ย Kiriko Kamoriย is the shrine's current caretaker. Under her grandmother's care, Kiriko forged a close and lasting bond with the Fox Spirit, serving as a shrine maiden. The bond made between the Kitsune spirit and Kiriko is almost unbreakable right now.