Tanooki [Jap. 狸] also tanuki: The Japanese raccoon dog, a badger or raccoon like animal in the canine family. In Japanese folklore, the animals are reported to enjoy tricking humans and posses a number of magical abilities, such as the ability to change shape using a magic leaf. In Mario 3, Mario can gain the ability to fly by use of a similar magic leaf and a full “Tanooki suit” allows him to transform into a statue.
