Myōbu

In The Pillow Book, Lady Myōbu was also the name of a pet cat belonging to Empress Consort Sadako, whom the author Sei Shōnagon served.

[2] Japanese folklore contains several stories that suggest explanations for the connection, mainly involving Fushimi Inari-taisha on Mount Inari near Kyoto.

[2] Myōbu may also have Buddhist origins, as Japanese images of Dakini-ten often depict women riding white foxes.

[3] The second explanation describes how in the 10th century, a noblewoman named Shin no Myōbu secluded herself in Fushimi Inari-taisha for seventy days.

[2][4] Another legend states that a lady of the imperial court who followed the Inari faith would frequently make pilgrimages to Fushimi Inari-taisha.

[2] The shrines themselves sell many myōbu-themed goods and souvenirs, including figurines, coin purses, keychains, and ema.

For example, in the tale of the noblewoman Shin no Myōbu, Akomachi, one of the messenger foxes of Inari Ōkami, protected the woman and granted her romantic success.

If one wishes to enter a good marriage or career, a similar practice is performed in which three myōbu figurines are purchased and worshipped.

[2] Other myōbu-themed objects, such as amulets that promote good marriages, bells, and small statues, can be purchased from shrines.

[2] Even in contemporary Japan, some devotees still claim to have seen myōbu, with some stating that the foxes saved them from disaster or have helped in healing.