Fox Statue Representation
When visiting any shrine that has Inari in its name then you will most likely see a pair of fox statues. Inari is known as the deity of rice and is related to prosperity. There is a myth that a family of foxes offered their services to Inari and thus became the attendants of the shrine. Another story relates to foxes eating rodents, which prevented the destruction of rice crops. This enhanced the idea of foxes being guardians. Although there are negative versions of foxes like they are known as shapeshifters and tricksters.