Raccoon

The Tanooki are a race of rather plump raccoon dog-like creatures, found primarily on Isle Delfino. Though only three are shown, it appears that Tanookis work as vendors for a living and the race itself does not appear to populate Isle Delfino in as large numbers as the other races, such as Piantas and Nokis.

History

Super Mario Sunshine

During the events of Super Mario Sunshine, the Blue Coin Shop is run by two Tanooki, one older and one younger. Additionally, a Tanooki owns a small rowboat shack in Noki Bay. The boats can be rented for a price of 90,000 coins. However, Mario is allowed to use them for free.

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga

In Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, Mario and Luigi encountered the Tanoombas, a race of Tanooki-Goomba hybrids. In the game's sequel, Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time, Shroob-like versions of the Tanoombas appeared. These creatures were named Tashroobas. Tanoombas also reappeared in Partners in Time.

Super Paper Mario

In Super Paper Mario, the character Francis mentions that he would like a Tanooki Suit made with real Tanooki fur.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl

In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, one of the names that can be generated from pressing the "RANDOM NAME" button is TNUKI, a reference to the Tanookis.

Trivia

• The Tanooki are actually based on an animal known in Japanese as the "Tanuki", or in English as the "Japanese Raccoon Dog." It is often said to be a shape-shifting trickster in Japanese folklore.
• The design of Tanooki's from Super Mario Sunshine, were likely designed after the Tanuki Statues all across Japan; the sun hat, the shirt/coat, tail and sash are all trademarks of the statues.
• PETA created their own browser game, entitled "Super Tanooki Skin 2d", as a way of objecting to Mario's use of the Tanooki Suit in Super Mario 3d Land. The game stars a skinless Tanooki, chasing Mario to get his skin back.

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