Fox spirit that deceives people as a woman
Osan-gitsune
On the stone bridge, the woman suddenly leaps lightly. "A fox after all." The body cut down by the sword becomes an old fox, then again a woman's face.
Overview
Osan-gitsune is a fox spirit that disguises itself as a beautiful woman or lady to deceive people. It is known across western Japan, especially the Chugoku region, with tales in Iwakuni and Eba.
Encounter
It appears at night by roads or bridges as a slightly strange woman. In the Iwakuni tale, a bold retainer meets such a woman near bridges and notices a nonhuman leap as she crosses.
Lore
Osan-gitsune traditions are summarized in works such as Murakami Kenji's Yokai Jiten. The name has several proposed origins, and the Iwakuni story is also recorded by Mizuki Shigeru.
Traits
It approaches in the form of a woman and confuses people with speech and disguise. Even after being cut down as a fox, it may appear again as a woman, deepening the uncertainty.
This must surely be the work of the famed Osan-gitsune of this area.
Inoue Enryo, Yokaigaku Kogi