Tanuki (Raccoon Dog): The Spherical Trickster
Japanese folklore got it right. Tanukis really do look like walking beach balls. Come autumn, these raccoon dogs stuff themselves silly. Their faces puff up first; then their bodies follow until they’re practically rolling instead of walking. That black mask around their eyes makes their face look like a perfect circle. Old Japanese art wasn’t exaggerating when it showed them as round as the moon. They’re living proof that getting chubby for winter can look absolutely charming.