The Fox and the Jewel: Shared and Private Meanings in Contemporary Japanese Inari Worship

The Fox and the Jewel is a comprehensive and insightful study of Inari worship in contemporary Japan, offering a unique perspective on the rich complexity of this revered deity's presence in various aspects of Japanese society.

Through an exploration of shared generalized meanings (tatemae) and private meanings and complexities (honne), the author sheds light on the ways in which Inari worship is both unified and infinitely diverse, without the apparent knowledge of its devotees.

This book provides a fascinating look at the communicative strategies that minimize the exchange of substantive information, while reinforcing the appearance of unity through a set of symbols representing fertility, change, and growth.

Whether you're an academic, a student, or simply someone interested in Japanese culture and religion, The Fox and the Jewel is an essential read that will deepen your understanding of this intriguing deity and its place in contemporary Japan.