Inari

Sources in the provided corpus do not present a single canonical origin myth for Inari; rather, Inari's identity and narratives vary regionally and historically. References emphasize long-standing veneration (including shrine-centered traditions at Fushimi Inari) and note that Inari may be conceived with variable gender and diverse local forms, reflecting a plurality of origin traditions across Japan.

There is no single standardized anthropomorphic depiction of Inari in the provided materials. Inari is most commonly represented in shrine contexts by fox imagery: fox statues frequently appear throughout Inari shrine precincts (often flanking approaches and offering areas), and foxes are described as the kami's messengers. Shrine iconography also includes numerous donated torii gates and votive objects; modern popular culture sometimes anthropomorphizes Inari in varied character forms, but these are creative adaptations rather than uniform traditional iconography.

Across the sources Inari's principal roles are as patron of rice, agriculture, the rice harvest, food and general prosperity, and as a protector/benefactor whom individuals and communities petition. Inari is associated with industry in some sources, indicating a domain extending into economic productivity. Foxes (kitsune) function as Inari's messengers in shrine practice and popular belief. Historical evidence of political petitions (for example correspondence directed to the kami) indicates Inari is addressed for favors and protection, but the provided materials do not elaborate discrete supernatural ‘powers’ beyond these patronage and intercession roles.