This story is important because it shows harmony between Japan’s two major religions: Shinto and Buddhism. Foxes have a special role in Shinto mythology and Japanese folklore. ‘Inari,’ part of the shrine’s name, refers to a Shinto god. Inari protects rice fields and ensures a good harvest. Rice is the most important food staple in Japan, so Inari’s role is significant in Japanese culture. Foxes are the messengers of Inari and the means by which humans can pray to and receive guidance from the god. Throughout Japan, there are many Shinto shrines dedicated to Inari, and they usually have fox images and statues like those pictured here.
When the baby fox appeals to the priest of Ryūnji for a funeral ritual, the priest, acknowledging the importance of Inari in providing rice, does not hesitate.