The Real Tanuki - The Tanuki is often confused with the badger (ana-guma) and the racoon arai-guma). It is neither -- it is an atypical species of dog that can grow up to 60 cm. in length, with distinctive stripes of black
fur under its eyes. The Tanuki is reportedly native to Japan, southeastern replica breitling watches Siberia and Manchuria. Some were introduced to western parts of the Soviet Union for fur rolex oyster perpetual farming in the 1950s, and have since spread into Scandinavia and as far south as France.

Tanuki are synonymous with modern-day Shigaraki (Shiga Prefecture). Shigaraki-style pottery, which traces
its origins back to the 12th century, is one of Japan's most beloved ceramic styles. But the Shigaraki staple most folks are familiar with today is not Shigaraki tsubo (large jars), but rather the pudgy ceramic Tanuki that stands in front of drinking establishments throughout Japan. It hublot replica watches holds a sake flask in one hand and in the other,
a promissory note for the booze; it never pays, though. If you've ever been to Shigaraki, you cannot miss the numbing variety of garish tanuki that stand in front of many tourist shops.

courtesy of onmarkproductions.com