A Comparison of Fox Images between Chinese and Japanese Cultures

• Main Authors: I-Chia Lee, 李翊嘉
• Other Authors: Shih-min Tien
• Format: Others
• Published: 2015
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/22628642568582000206

碩士 === 淡江大學 === 日本語文學系碩士班 === 103 === Fox this kind of animal has unique symbolic meaning in Japan and in China. Because Japan and China are neighborly nations and keep closed interaction thousand years, their culture influences each other a lot. The image of fox in China changed from auspicious creature, mythical creatures to monstrous creature, and it became one of traditional religion in China during this changing period. Otherwise, fox is an important role in legends and in fiction novel. Therefore, Fox for Chinese are frightening and worshipful. The religion and worship toward fox thrived for thousand years, but declined rapidly in hundred years. In Japan, people also had some legends about fox. Through time passed by and influences from China, Japanese fox culture developed its unique scene, especially in aspect of religion. Compared with Chinese fox culture decreasing, one of Japanese fox culture influenced by China, Inari faith, became a very important religion in Japanese society. This thesis is a comparison of the development about fox culture between Japan and China in different ages, societies, and religions.