Tanuki

are Japanese racoon dogs. In, Tanuki are considered the rivals of kitsune. They are masters of disguise. The only known Tanuki from the series is Miroku's friend and assistant Hachiemon. He can shapeshift by placing a leaf on top of his head.

Trivia

 * A recurring gag throughout the series is that the kitsune Shippō is constantly being mistaken for a tanuki. Also in episode 93, a weasel yōkai was also mistaken identified by others as a tanuki before we would correct them.