Wolf Neko are often confused with other wolves, but in reality, they are actually cats. While Neko means “cat” in Japanese, Kitsune is the Japanese word for fox. Despite the similarities in appearance, Kitsune and Usagimimi are completely different. While Kitsunemimi are distinctly human, Usagimimi are cat-like in appearance. While the wolves are often mistaken for cats, they actually share many traits with humans.
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Kitsune means fox
While the word “kitsune” literally means “fox” in Japanese, it does not mean ghosts. These spirits are actually not fundamentally different from ordinary foxes. The word “spirit” is used to refer to a state of enlightenment, and in some traditions, long-lived foxes are able to acquire supernatural abilities. They also are said to be very intelligent, as evidenced by their nine tails.
Kitsune are said to eat certain types of food and may also have a vengeful streak. In some cultures, these creatures are considered impure and a symbol of evil. However, they have many uses in mythology, including talismans, statues, and jewelry. A popular talisman, a kanji, depicts a kitsune. The word “katsu” is Japanese for “fox.”
Neko is just Japanese for “cat”
The Maneki Neko, or lucky cat, is a small, talisman-like Japanese cat figure. It is said to bring good fortune, protection, and success to its owner. A maneki neko may be painted black, white, or a combination of both. Historically, the Maneki Neko cat is a symbol of prosperity and luck, and may be adorned with a bib and collar. A maneki neko holding a koban coin or a fish is said to bring good luck to the owner.
While the word neko is often associated with actual cats, the word neko also refers to characters with cat-like features. Catgirls are known as neko, and the term neko has even been used in high-level programming languages. The term neko, or “cat,” has been around for centuries in Japanese, with the first neko appearing in manga in 1924. Inu mimi, or catgirl, appeared in anime around 1949 and were later adopted by American culture.
Kitsunemimi is human with cat traits
The term “Kitsunemimi” is a Japanese word for a person with animal-like characteristics. Depending on the family from which they derive their characteristics, Kitsunemimi may have dog ears or a floppy tail. Others may have long, prickly tails or be partially human, but are generally not much larger than a human. Kitsunemimi also have an obsession with berries and bushes.
As a result, they are often confused with human beings. In Japan, Kitsunemimi are often confused with nekomimi, although they have cat-like features. Their tails are larger and pointier than human ears. The Japanese name for this species is Kitsunenji, which means “say cheese.” The number of tails on a Kitsunemimi is also a clue to their level of power. Inari is typically the only ten-tailed Kitsune.
Usagimimi is human with cat traits
The Usagimimi are medium-sized, human-like creatures with hare-like ears and short tails. The slender body makes them look taller than they actually are. They typically have brown or tan fur and paler skin colors, and their hair varies in proportion between black and white. As a result, their personal behavior veers between being skittish and fearful of taking risks.
The Usagimimi’s ancestry can be traced back to the hare-spirits who lived among humans, but they are not as destructive as a common human. Instead, usagimimi are known for their knack for trades and are generally happy to exchange their wares with civilized races. They mock elves for their perceived laziness, but admire and respect craftsmanship.
Inumimi is human with cat traits
Inumimi is a subrace of yokai with dog-like characteristics. They are fickle and have the most advanced sense of smell among kemonomimi, but lack the agility and color vision of a cat. The inumimi wear collars and show their traits in a unique way. For instance, in their behavior, they often let their tongs dangle from their ears or lick things. They will also follow a command, such as “Sit!”
Inumimi are the most common race in manga, but the name does not refer to cats. In the manga, the main character Shinta is not allergic to cats, but she likes playing with them. In fact, Shinta’s cat becomes her girlfriend, attempting to make him reciprocate their catcalls. The manga also depicts the lives of several human characters with cat traits. This type of character has a unique personality that is unlike most others.