Tanuki Udon

Oil on Canvas 9.7 in x 12 in / 25 cm x 30 cm

Tanuki udon is one of the most popular types of udon served in Japan. It has the thick udon noodles in a dashi soup and tempura flakes. It is named after the ‘tanuki’, which looks like a cross between a badger and a raccoon - although it is its own species.

I often saw status of tanuki at the doors of restaurants, and I supposed they brought good luck. Certainly they have a long history in Japanese legend and folklore as supernatural creatures - not unlike the spritual and mischievous foxes.

Here I have painted a tanuki carrying a bowl of tanuki udon home with him.