Writer in Japan wonders why Tom Nook lacks folkloric tanuki traits

Polygon reports that a writer visiting Japan has highlighted an odd discrepancy in Animal Crossing: Tom Nook, a tanuki, appears to lack the enormous testicles commonly shown in Japanese folklore.

The piece notes many Western players call Tom Nook a raccoon, but he is a tanuki, a canid native to Japan, and folkloric tanuki are often depicted with comically huge balls used as parachutes, weapons, and symbols of wealth and good fortune. The writer says they encountered such depictions on statues and paintings while in Japan for the Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS) Championship, and contrasts that imagery with Tom’s role as a shop owner and loan shark who charges 2.5 million Bells for a basement.

There is no definitive explanation offered for Tom’s missing folkloric trait; the article mentions the folkloric ability of tanuki to shapeshift as a possible reason but frames it as speculative. The writer concludes the question remains unresolved and says they will not delay paying the basement fee to avoid provoking Tom Nook.

Key Topics

Culture, Tom Nook, Tanuki, Animal Crossing, Japanese Folklore, Algs Championship