Tanuki Badger at Zenzibuji Temple, Temple Number 32 -...

SHIKOKU, KOCHI, JAPAN - 2018/09/27: Tanuki Badger at Zenzibuji Temple, Temple Number 32 - Zenzibuji temple is near Chikurinji temple on a hill facing Tosa Bay. Zenzibu-ji is Temple number 32 on the Shikoku Pilgrimage Trail. Kobo Daishi visited this temple in 807 and trained here. Daishi wished for the safety of ships in Tosa Bay. Inside the temple is a statue of Kannon the Goddess of Mercy. Tanuki is the Japanese word for a raccoon. These creatures have been represented in Japanese folklore for hundreds of years. The tanuki have a reputation for being mischievous. At the same time they are jolly, good at disguising themselves. They are also absent-minded. and gullible according to legend. (Photo by John S Lander/LightRocket via Getty Images)