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Japanese Buddhism, Photo Dictionary of Japan's Shinto and Buddhist DivinitiesRETURN TO TOP PAGE of Japanese Buddhist Statuary A to Z Photo Library & Dictionary of Gods, Goddesses, Shinto Kami, Creatures, and DemonsCopyright and Usage PoliciesJump to Sister Store Selling Handcrafted Buddha Statues from China, Japan, and Asia
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HENGE 変化 = Shape Shifters
Henge - Japanese deities with shape-shifting powers (fox, tanuki, tengu)

Animals and mythological creatures that can transform themselves into humans or other entities -- for either benevolent or malevolent purposes -- are called henge 変化 in Japan. In folklore, the Kitsune and Tanuki are masters of transformation, as is the Tengu, the bird-man goblin of mountain forests. All incorporate both Shinto and Buddhist attributes. Some say the Kitsune (fox) and Tanuki (racoon-like dog) are manifestations of the powerful Tengu (bird-man). The latter is worshipped as the slayer of vanity and pride. Click any image below to learn more. There is also the powerful Dragon, who is more closely aligned to Buddhist traditions. Nonetheless, Japan’s imperial family even today claims direct descent from the line of the Dragon King. The term henge is also used to describe the various manifestations of Kannon Bosatsu.

Fox - Kitsune

Tanuki (magical fox-like dog)

Tengu - Japanese slayer of vanity

FOX (Kitsune)
Able to transform into human shape (typically that of a bewitching woman), and to hear and see all secrets of humankind, the fox is Inari’s messenger.

TANUKI
Can transform into any living or inanimate shape, but often assumes the form of a monk or a tea kettle to play tricks on people. In legends, the Tanuki can cast powerful illusions -- they can turn leaves into fake money or horse excrement into a delicious-looking dinner. 

TENGU
Mountain and forest goblins with both Shinto & Buddhist attributes. Their supernatural powers include shape-shifting into human or animal forms, the ability to speak to humans without moving their mouth, the magic of moving instantly from place to place without using their wings, and the sorcery to appear uninvited in the dreams of the living.

Dragon - Ryutakuji TempleDRAGONS. According to mythology from both China and Japan, dragons possess the power of transformation, and can change themselves into alluring male or female forms and thereafter mate with people. Indeed, the Japanese Imperial family claims direct descent from Princess Toyotama (Rich Jewel or Fruitful Jewel), who was the daughter of the Dragon King. See the DRAGON page for general details about this magical creature, or view the TALE OF HOORI to learn about the origins of Japan’s first human emperor, Jimmu Tenno. Because of such tales, the dragon was often used in old-world Asia as the crest or emblem of imperial houses.

Tale of Hoori http://web.archive.org/web/20000815090229/http://www.harapan.co.jp/english/miya_e/myth/kojiki_Hoori.htm

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