Research
#1. Kitsune Mask
Kitsune mask also known as a fox mask is a special type of mask worn by Japanese people during festivals. In short, a kitsune mask is any mask that has the physical characteristics of a fox.
In Shinto culture, foxes are messengers of Inari. This goddess is highly associated with agriculture, fertility, and prosperity. In their beliefs, the fox has a special spirit and a connection to the goddess, and that is why Japanese people respect foxes so much.
Every year during the rice harvesting season people have to buy these masks because they’re required when attending //the festival// to pay tribute to the gods. Moreover, the masks can be used for ritual practices.
Nowadays, many people just buy and wear them for fun. However, before those masks were worn for more reasons than just for fun. Japanese people used to wear them to scare away the enemies and to protect themselves during fights.
Types of kitsune masks :
Firstly, it is important to note that there are good foxes and bad ones in Japanese culture. Therefore kitsune also is divided into those categories. Furthermore, these two categories are divided into 13 subcategories that include Kaze, Chikyu, Kasai, Sand, Yama, Mori, Jikan and several others. For that reason, Japanese people have many types of kitsune masks. They all have different, designs, colors and even the expression of the fox’s face.
The most common colours include gold, red, white and black
#2 Folding Fans
The fan is an immediately recognizable icon of Japanese culture.
Historically, Japanese fans were tools of aristocrats and the samurai class. They were a way to signify social standing, and even communicate messages. During bloodier times, the samurai would follow their commander’s fans signals, like a coded message.
The war fan on the right is painted with a bright and striking sun motive that was easily visible at a distance.
#3 Japanese circle pattern
The seigaiha or wave is a pattern of layered concentric circles creating arches, symbolic of waves or water and representing surges of good luck. It can also signify power and resilience.
#4 Miko
Priestess/ Female Shaman/ Shrine Maiden/ Women Attendant
Miko have traditionally served as shamans or spirit mediums. They are involved in religious duties at shrines or act as individuals without any shrine affiliation (the recent types are commonly associated with a specific village or travel around the countryside performing magic). In the past, they also helped to organize pilgrimages, provided religious entertainment and assisted in ritual prayers.
#4 NekoMata
Nekomata is a type of Japanese supernatural creature. According to its name, it is a cat that has changed into a yōkai. It is often confused with the Bakeneko, another cat-like yōkai, and the distinction between the two is that Nekomata has two tails while Bakeneko has only one.
According to legends, the most dangerous and powerful Nekomata live deep in the mountains, where they prowl in the shape of wild cats like leopards and lions. They grow to incredible sizes, many meters long, and prey on other large animals such as wild boars, dogs, bears, and of course humans.
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