Hachiemon

Hachi (八衛門,はちえもん,Eight Gate of Protection) from Awa is a Tanuki attending Miroku's journey. His basic abilities are low and he has no weapons or skills for battle. He is an unremarkable being, but he understands Miroku well. Although Hachi is Miroku's servant, he often does not travel with him.

Since he is a tanuki, he has the ability to transform. If he puts a leaf on his head and transforms, he can assume the form of a giant yellow gourd. He can fly in this state. When he runs away, he can lay down a smoke screen to deceive enemies.

He is sometimes asked to perform impossible tasks, but if he complains, he gets beaten on the head. Even though he is treated brutally, he makes every effort for Miroku. He is nobly sworn a bond between master and servant.

Name

 * Hachi means 'eight' in Japanese, though it is also a name.
 * The tanuki has eight special traits that bring good fortune, possibly created to coincide to the "Hachi" symbol (meaning eight) often found on the sake bottles the statues hold.
 * The eight traits are: a hat to be ready to protect against trouble or bad weather; big eyes to perceive the environment and help make good decisions; a sake bottle that represents virtue; a big tail that provides steadiness and strength until success is achieved; over-sized testicles that symbolize financial luck; a promissory note that represents trust or confidence; a big belly that symbolizes bold and calm decisiveness; and a friendly smile.