also: びゃっこ
white fox; supernatural white fox
Refers to an old, white fox traditionally believed to possess supernatural powers in Japanese folklore. Often associated with Inari or as a messenger of the gods.
The white fox is considered a messenger of the gods.
White foxes often appear in old tales.
Arctic fox
Zoological term for the Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus). In everyday contexts, ホッキョクギツネ is more common.
See also: ホッキョクギツネ
The Arctic fox inhabits the Arctic region.
Standard kanji spelling for the white fox, typically read しろぎつね.
Alternate reading びゃっこ, less common and may appear in older or literary contexts.
Compound of 白 (しろ, 'white') and 狐 (きつね, 'fox'). The reading びゃっこ is the on'yomi version, used in older or literary contexts.