Tanuki and Ojizosan: Character Development

Both the tanuki and Ojizosan are prominent figures in Japanese folklore. The tanuki - a native animal which is a part of the dog family - represents the "trickster" archetype in Shinto mythology. Statues of the tanuki are common outside restaurants and bars. Ojizosan, on the other hand comes from Buddhist mythology. The guardian of travellers and unborn children, Ojizsan is often represented as a childlike figure in statue form. Given their intriguing contrasts and similarities, I thought it might be fun to put these two characters together.

Tanuki and Ojizosan colour sketches
Pencil on paper / Photoshop

Tanuki and Ojizosan roughs
Pencil on paper