Welcome to Wandering Tanuki!

Nice to meet you, I’m Tanuki! I was born in Japan and grew up in Chapel Hill, NC. I now live in Helsinki, Finland. Through this blog I want to share about Japanese language learning and culture! I grew up bilingually learning both Japanese and English and now teach both languages.

First… what is a Tanuki?

A Tanuki is a type of raccoon-dog common in Japan! They are extremely symbolic in Japanese folklore and culture. Maybe you’ve seen the Studio Ghibli film, Pompoko Tanuki, where supernatural Tanuki save their forest home.

Anyhow, here are some fun facts about the Tanuki that describe who I am:

🍄These animals are frequently mistaken as raccoons or badgers but are actually closer in species to wolves and foxes. Growing up in a Japanese household in the U.S., I have always been confused about my own nationality. I tell people I am American but maybe I am a bit like a Tanuki which look like raccoons but are not.

🍄They eat almost anything! I love trying new foods and learning about culture through food.

🍄They hibernate but with companions. One thing I have noticed after a little more than an year in Finland is that the dark and cold winter can be very taxing. Thankfully, my friends here have made it much easier for me.

🍄In Japanese folklore, they have unusually large magical scrotums which help people out of sticky situations. Tanuki are courageous and helpful animals! They are also frequently carrying a bottle of sake with a goofy smile. I would also like to be like a Tanuki: courageous, helpful, and knowing how to have a good time! 

Looking forward to hearing from my new readers and please feel free to comment or reach out.  Also, check out my about Tanuki page to learn more about me!