Lecture (2) Foxes in Japan: Shapeshifting, Duplicity, and the Uncanny

This podcast lecture, Foxes in Japan: Shapeshifting, Duplicity, and the Uncanny, explores the multifaceted role of foxes, or kitsune, in Japanese cultural and artistic traditions. From their origins as supernatural beings capable of traversing human and otherworldly realms, to their representation in folklore, religion, and visual arts, kitsune embody themes of transformation, mimicry, and societal critique. The lecture delves into the Choju Jinbutsu Giga, a 12th-century scroll often regarded as a precursor to modern manga, where anthropomorphic foxes subtly challenge societal norms. By contextualizing these depictions within Japan’s historical and religious landscape, the lecture uncovers how foxes became enduring symbols of both playfulness and unease, influencing modern narratives in manga, anime, and beyond.