Ghost of Yotei was able to show another side of an iconic animal

The fox is not only one of Japan's most respected animals, but it is also one of the most memorable creatures found in the breathtaking world of Ghost of Tsushima. As players explore Tsushima Island, they can often encounter foxes barking at Jin from afar, beckoning him to follow them to a nearby Inari shrine. There, Jin can gain progression towards a new charm slot and even potentially get a chance to pet the fox before it leaves. Now, Ghost of Yotei would be remiss not to feature the animal again, but the game could do so much more with foxes this time around to put them a little more front and center.

Foxes can still be just as charming and adorable in Ghost of Yoteihowever, according to Japanese folklore, they have a darker side to them that many may not be aware of. As such maybe Ghost of Yotei was able to expand the fox's purpose and expand its role into the game's narrative, all while drawing from the deep well of stories and lore related to the animal.

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What to expect from Ghost of Yotei 2025

Ghost of Yotei is officially slated for a 2025 release, and fans can expect a brand new story with a new main character, as well as gameplay updates.

Ghost of Yotei was able to show another side of the fox

Japanese folklore suggests that foxes retaliate when disrespected

In Japanese culture, foxes, also known as “kitsune”, are considered very significant and respectable creatures with deep ties to Shinto beliefs and folklore. In fact, foxes are considered so special that they are often regarded as messengers of the deity Inari, who is associated with rice and agriculture, fertility and abundance, and trade and prosperity. In light of the high status of foxes in Japanese culture, disrespecting one of the animals is seen as potentially dangerous and can lead to supernatural consequences that one might want to avoid.

For example, disrespecting a fox can cause the offender to be cursed with bad luck, illness or other hardships. In more extreme cases, foxes are believed to possess those who disrespect them as a form of revenge or punishment. This particular condition, otherwise known as kitsunetsuki, is known in Shinto folklore to cause erratic behavior and other physical symptoms. Foxes are also considered cunning tricksters in Japanese culture, with their retaliatory nature often leaning more towards humiliating or deceiving those who mistreat them. Finally, since foxes are connected to the deity Inari, disrespecting a fox is often seen as a simultaneous insult to Inari, resulting in larger, more spiritual repercussions.

A side quest in Ghost of Yotei can bring Japanese fox folklore to life

Given the common beliefs about foxes in Japanese culture and the likelihood of Ghost of Yotei In keeping with its predecessor's love of animals, there could be an opportunity for the sequel to explore the supernatural side of foxes instead of placing them in the game as mere guides. For example, Ghost of Yotei may contain a side quest or series of side quests connected to someone disrespecting or harming an Inari shrine in any way, where Atsu is tasked with locating the perpetrator and witnessing the consequences of their actions. That would be a good way to Ghost of Yotei to tie elements of horror into their world and also educate players a bit more about Shinto folklore.

Delving deeper into the nature of foxes in Japanese folklore—both as messengers of Inari and as agents of supernatural retribution— Ghost of Yotei were able to transform these iconic animals from the first game into much more prominent figures in their world. Approaching foxes in this way would not only raise the cultural authenticity of Ghost of Yotei but also its atmosphere and themes. Whether it's through a haunting side quest or subtle hints of the animal's supernatural side, foxes have the potential to take Ghost of Yoteis storytelling and world-building to a whole new level, while honoring the respect these creatures are known for in Japanese culture.

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Ghost of Yōtei

The sequel to Ghost of Tsushima, Sucker Punch's Ghost of Yōtei is a PS5 exclusive scheduled for release sometime in 2025. The story is set in 1603 and will feature a new protagonist and a new Japanese region far removed from Tsushima's setting.

Action

Adventure

Open-World

System

Released

2025-00-00

Publisher

Sony Interactive Entertainment