Kitsune

Kitsune are creatures of Japanese folklore. They are shape-shifters that exist as foxes in their normal state and can transform into a human. They are often presented as trickster spirits, which is a common interpretation of foxes in other forms of lore as well. They have also been portrayed as guardians and messengers. Imagery of a fox with nine tails has also been associated with Kitsune.

Like many supernatural creatures, Kitsune are extremely long-lived, perhaps even immortal. Their power and influence grows stronger with age, and some myths posit that a nine-tailed fox may be a powerful Kitsune elder. When a kitsune gains its ninth tail, its fur becomes white or gold. Common forms assumed by kitsune include beautiful women, young girls, elderly men, and even young boys.

Kitsune have appeared on the MTV supernatural drama series Teen Wolf. They are represented primarily through the character of Kira Yukimura, and her mother, Noshiko Yukimura - a powerful Kitsune who was born sometime around the 12th century. In the Teen Wolf mythos, a Kitsune's "tail" may be represented as a weapon, such as a sword or a dagger. Kira Yukimura used a collapsible sword. In addition to an extended lifespan, these Kitsune are also capable of accelerated reaction time and swiftness of movement. Through a process of "rubbing tails", a Kitsune can generate a field of flame or electricity, which they refer to as "Foxfire". Kitsune can also manifest an aura, which appears as a golden light that envelops their body. The aura takes the crude form of a fox spirit and overlaps the Kitsune's physical form. Although descended from a shape-shifter race, Kira Yukimura never demonstrated any shape-shifting abilities herself.