The story is considered the masterpiece of Niimi Nankichi, also sometimes known as the Hans Christian Andersen of Japan.

Some folk tales tell stories how foxes change shape to impersonate other beings and objects.

Dishes with eels have a reputation in Japan for providing strength, especially during the heat of the summer (see kabayaki).

Marilyn Taniguchi writing for the School Library Journal described it as a "poignant tale (that) will resonate with older readers, who will empathize with the struggles of a lonely outsider."

"[1] Kirkus Reviews wrote "A lot of information about Japanese culture and custom is imparted in the course of this telling," and commented "(Illustrator Genjirou) Mita’s beautiful and delicate original watercolors offer readers’ eyes large and lovely resting places as they make their ways through this long tale."

concluding "The startling and violent ending may make it difficult to find an audience, but it is a valuable introduction to a non-Western storytelling aesthetic.

[3] The book was made into an animated movie Gongitsune (ごんぎつね) with Mayumi Tanaka as the voice of Gon.