Leaf-throwing raccoons that can turn into statues at will?

[fixelbrumpf]

For my tastes, this combination occurs far too often in, say, Japanese video games to be a coincidence. My guess is that it is somehow based on Japanese mythology, but exactly what is the story behind this?

Someone taught me the connection between rabbits and the moon once, but as for the origins of the leaf-throwing super racoon, I'm still clueless. Does anyone know where it comes from? Thanks a lot in advance.

 

[Apollo]

For my tastes, this combination occurs far too often in, say, Japanese video games to be a coincidence. My guess is that it is somehow based on Japanese mythology, but exactly what is the story behind this?

Someone taught me the connection between rabbits and the moon once, but as for the origins of the leaf-throwing super racoon, I'm still clueless. Does anyone know where it comes from? Thanks a lot in advance.

Yes, it is true that the tale of tanuki (racoon-like animals) and them turning into humans is a Japanese folklore. This myth is very much conveyed through the anime "Pom Poko." click here about PonPoko



Here is a link about the myth and the origin:
Tanuki - Japanese Trickster & Spook, Originally Evil, Now Icon of Generosity & Prosperity.

In fact, foxes are also part of Japanese folklore, as they are also tricksters and can turn themselves into humans and can't be trusted: About foxes:
Kitsune - The Japanese fox

What About the Leaf on Its Head?
The shape-shifting Tanuki is said to put leaves on its heads and to chant prior to transformation. In some legends, the leave is the sacred lotus plant. It is also believed that Tanuki can change leaves into money (as one of them did in Heisei Tanuki Gassen Ponpoko). In the computer game "Super Mario Brothers," when Mario gets a leaf, he gains pointy ears and the tail of a Tanuki.

 

[jeisan]

yup and in mario bros 3 you can also get the tanuki suit in which you are a full racoon and then by holding down you can turn into a statue.

also something that comes up alot is 2 tailed foxes or other animals...