Kori Kombat

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The trope depicts a rivalry or conflict between the yokai of kitsune and tanuki. These two creatures from Japanese folklore have similarities such as shapeshifting, casting illusions, and a penchant for being tricksters. There is a name for these events for when these two tricksters fight called Kori no Tatakai (translates to Battle of Tanuki and Kitsune). The name of Kori comes from the kanji of kitsune (狐) and tanuki (狸) put together to make the work, kori (狐狸). Different from a battle of violence, they have a showdown with their shapeshifting powers as a demonstration of their magic. When comparing the two, kitsune usually overpower tanuki through their power, but tanuki is better tricksters. The trope in media doesn’t usually have a battle but more so a rivalry between two magical beasts. A typical example would be a rivalry between two characters who are one of the respective yokai.

Examples of Kori Kombat include:

Anime and Manga

• The fight between Naruto and Gaara, from Naruto, seems to be a reference to this rivalry. They are both Jinchuriki for the Fox and Tanuki Tailed Beasts.
• Averted with Ponchi and Konchi, from Shaman King, most likely due to being partners to their Shamans.
• Pom Poko has an example of how the kitsune have hidden amongst humans. While the tanukis rather live in the forest despite the threat of urbanization.
• Subverted in BNA

Video Games

• Referenced in Samurai Warriors with Ieyasu Tokugawa being associated with tanuki and his rival, Mitsunari Ishida, being associated with kitsune.