Japan is a pet-loving society. Since 2003, the country has been experiencing a pet boom as the market value of animal-related industries reaches record highs. Indeed, pet owners in this country take their role seriously. Many spend large amounts on care while fully incorporating furrier members into their families. In some cases, couples and single adults are forgoing parenthood to focus, instead, on raising happy, healthy pets. Yet, not everyone opts for traditional choices like dogs or cats. One YouTuber, for example, has made a home for a tanuki raccoon dog. They share their experience on the vlogger's channel.

The Cultural Significance of Tanuki

Tanuki, the Japanese raccoon dog, is an iconic animal in the land of the rising sun. Potentially a separate subspecies, it is related to the larger group of Asian raccoon dogs. Tanuki have long thick fur that is particularly dense in winter, and a tail that is darker in color than their torso. Their coat is brownish-grey and often has black streaks. They have lighter fur on their underside and short hair on their muzzle.

Tanuki are mainly nocturnal but are known to be occasionally active during the day. They mate for life and usually pair with their mate. They parent their pups for about a year, and they live, themselves, for about seven or eight years.

The mythology surrounding the animal is particularly well developed. Japanese raccoon dogs are tricksters. They are often depicted as shapeshifters with a mischievous streak. At times, they take human form to fool unsuspecting travelers with beguiling spells. Yet, as mythology developed over the centuries, tanuki became more caring and benevolent. These days, they are believed to portend prosperity and business success.

Visitors to Japan have probably noticed numerous tanuki statues. Like the Maneki Neko cat that beckons customers from shop windows, tanuki encourage drinkers and diners to spend generously at bars and restaurants.

Even more famous in the West, however, is the role of the tanuki in Mario 3. Tanooki suits are a common item in the classic video game and a reference to the animal's mythos. True to tradition, the item allows Mario to shapeshift and fly. While wearing the suit, Mario can even transform into a statue, confusing enemies as to his whereabouts. Apparently, the creator of the internationally famous video game, Shigeru Miyamoto, was aware that many players wouldn't understand the mythology but decided to incorporate the item nonetheless.

A Spoiled Raccoon Dog

On his channel, YouTuber "Living with a Raccoon Dog" shows off an impressive feat. He has managed to domesticate a wild tanuki.

The raccoon dog has its own space in its owner's tatami room. On his made-up futon, he gets some TLC from the vlogger. The YouTuber explains that, at night time, his raccoon dog likes to be pet while lying on its futon. And if the petting stops, the tanuki is quick to let him know that it should continue.

Later on in the video, its supper time. Sardine sashimi is on the menu tonight. It's hard to imagine that many raccoon dogs in the wild receive such privileged treatment. Although at first glance, the tanuki's size is surprising, it becomes obvious why it is so big. It is clearly well-fed. Nevertheless, the tanuki has apparently been on a diet recently. As such, it makes quick work of those sardines.

Out among the Cherry Blossoms

Despite the COVID-19 crisis, the tanuki and its owner need to get out of the house. They hop into the car and head to a nearby park to see the cherry blossoms that are still in bloom. Of course, the tanuki needs to be on a leash for this expedition.

Despite how cute it is to see a raccoon dog with its head out the passenger side window, its fun to see it meander through the fields. It takes to the experience just like a dog, exploring willy-nilly and reacting to the sounds of other animals. From the water duct, that is.

Looking like a cross between a miniature bear and a fox, the tanuki seems to have a good time under the cherry blossoms. While the pair didn't seem to encounter anyone else, you can only imagine what kind of site they would have been.

A Word of Caution

The operator of "Living with a Raccoon Dog" makes everything appear hunky-dory in his life with a domesticated raccoon dog. However, in the disclaimer of his videos, he is quick to offer a few words of caution.

Most raccoon dogs are not suitable for living with humans. In the wild, tanukis cohabitate with their mates. Used to this cohabitation, they are often indifferent to others or even openly hostile. While the raccoon in this video appears calm, it occasionally is aggressive to visitors. Overall, it may be particularly difficult for a family to adopt a raccoon dog. The vlogger does not recommend it for most people.