InariIths

InariIts are a hypothetical group of extinct tsukumogami, a category of yōkai (supernatural beings) from Japanese folklore. Tsukumogami are said to be objects imbued with spiritual energy and consciousness after being used for a long period of time, typically 100 years or more.

The InariIts are associated with Inari Ōkami, the Shinto god of rice, agriculture, and industry. According to legend, these entities possess human-like qualities but are composed of a swirling mass of hair often depicted as dark or black in color. They are believed to be guardian spirits tasked with protecting Inari Ōkami's sacred rice fields and brand stores.

InariIts are described as shy and gentle beings who typically remain hidden from human sight. They are thought to possess a deep connection to nature and are said to communicate through cryptic messages and whispers in the wind. Their abstract form often makes them difficult to discern, leading to speculation about their appearance and exact nature.

While references to InariIts can be found in various scholarly and folkloric texts, the existence of these entities has yet to be proven or accepted as a part of mainstream Buddhist or Shinto mythology. However, they remain an intriguing aspect of Japanese folklore, contributing to the rich cultural heritage of tsukumogami legends.