Fox Squirrel

The Fox Squirrel (キツネリス, Kitsunerisu) is an animal with a squirrel-like body and a fox-like head which first appears in Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and then in Castle in the Sky and has cameos in other Studio Ghibli films.

Their appearance is a mix of cats and kitsunes. In Japan, both creatures are lucky charms for their owners.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
A Fox Squirrel named Teto appears as Nausicaä's pet. Fox Squirrels are wild animals. However, Nausciaä managed to tame Teto.

Laputa: Castle in the Sky
In Castle in the Sky, several fox squirrels have befriended the caretaker robot who lives alone on the flying island of Laputa.

When Marnie Was There (Easter Egg)
In When Marnie Was There, a Fox Squirrel appears as a plush stuffed animal.

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Fuchshörnchen 風の谷のナウシカ