People who have read Chinese or Japanese myths and folklore will
frequently come across these shape shifting, mischievous
seductresses...and I believe the topic of fox spirits has been
mentioned here in the past or has even showed up in FANFIC (^_^) so
here is a bit more info
[book, no ISBN# or anything]
Durdin-Roberston, Lawrence. THE GODDESSES of INDIA, TIBET, CHINA and
JAPAN
Cesara Publications
page 452
"Inari, offices and titles: Vixen Goddess, Associated Places: Japan,
Kyoto
INari the Fox Goddess is associated wiht the fire and smithcraft.
When referring to her, Chamerlain writes of 'the assistance rendered
by that deity to the famous swordsmith Kojaki, for whom she blew the
bellows while he was forgina sword for an ancient Mikado.'
The worship of Inari is mentioned by Chamberlain in his description
of the places of pilgrimages in Japan; he states that the "great
Kyoto temple of the fox-deity Inari has a branch in almost every
village'. This animal is considered in Japan to be of great magical
importance.
Japanese women, according to Harrison's account, attach great
importance to foxes 'and take great pains to be on the....side of the
goddess Inari.' The same author also states that 'Geisha dn women of
pleasure are sometimes colloquially spoken of as kitsune (i.e.
foxes)'.
Among the greater festivals of the Japanese Calendar, Chamberlain
includes the first day of the Horse (Hatsu-uma) in February, a
moveable feast, holy 'to the Fox-Goddess Inari'. Again on November
the 8th, the Festival of the Goddess of the Kitchen Range fires are
lighted in honour of Inari and other deities.
This goddess may have some connexion with the vixen, Aunt Piety, of
China."
I found the above mentioned info on Inari because I was checking info
on MARISHITEN...you can read more about her here
http://p076.ezboard.com/fshinsengumiheadquartersfrm54.showMessage?
topicID=28.topic