On Inari's collective forms and Kitsunes

click for video: Quicktime / .m4v for iPod/iPhone / direct streaming at Blip.tv for PC

" A kitsune may take on human form, an ability learned when it reaches a certain age — usually 100 years, although some tales say 50. As a common prerequisite for the transformation, the fox must place reeds, a broad leaf, or a skull over its head. Common forms assumed by kitsune include beautiful women, young girls, or elderly men. These shapes are not limited by the fox's age or gender, and a kitsune can duplicate the appearance of a specific person. Foxes are particularly renowned for impersonating beautiful women. Common belief in medieval Japan was that any woman encountered alone, especially at dusk or night, could be a fox."

Paying homage to the local Inari, Sam Renseiw visited some Kitsunes at Fujimi. View the architectural "promenade-renard" by clicking here or on the links above, and enjoy the almost hypnotic travelling. (patafilm # 636, 04'37'', 24.5 MB, Quicktime/mov - other versions at Blip.tv)

Today's Bonus Lumiere video Feature another Shinto view. (Lum # 157 " Shinto wedding" 00'53'', 4.7 MB, Quicktime/mov)

Today's Patalab HD video features photogenic ladies in a corner. (HD # 03a,00'44'' 140 MB, Quicktime/mov)