inari

Inari is a term with multiple meanings across different cultures and places. It is most commonly associated with Shinto in Japan, where Inari Ōkami is the kami of foxes, fertility, agriculture, industry, and prosperity. Inari shrines are widespread, and fox statues are a common feature at these sites. The best-known example is Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto, famous for its long tunnel of vermilion torii gates that are donated by worshippers seeking prosperity and success.

In Finland, Inari is a municipality in Lapland, located well above the Arctic Circle. It is one of the country's largest municipalities by land area and includes a dispersed population across many villages, including the main settlement of Inari. The region is noted for its Indigenous Sámi heritage, extensive wilderness, and numerous lakes. The Siida museum and cultural center near Inari focus on Sámi history, culture, and Arctic nature. The local economy centers on tourism, reindeer herding, and forestry, with services that cater to the indigenous and Sami communities as well as regional visitors.

Inari Sámi is a Uralic language spoken by the Inari Sámi people in Finland, primarily in and around the Inari area. It is one of the Sámi languages, with several dialects and a long-standing tradition of oral literature. Today it is considered endangered, and revitalization efforts include bilingual education, media, and community programs to support language transmission to younger generations.