Osan Kitsune () is a folktale from Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. It describes a fox spirit associated with deceptive encounters, often appearing in human form.
The story is included in published collections of Hiroshima folktales.
Folklore In the tale, the fox spirit appears as a woman carrying an infant and asks passersby for help. After handing over the child, the figure disappears; the child is later revealed to be a stone.
Associated locations Several locations in the Eba area of Hiroshima are associated with the Osan kitsune legend. A road known as Osan-dōri (おさん通り) is named after the figure.
The road forms part of the Yokogawa–Eba municipal route, extending from the area near Eba Station to the vicinity of the Eba Tunnel.
A statue of the Osan fox is located near the Eba streetcar stop.
The legend is also associated with the area around Satsuyama Park in Eba.
See also
Kitsune Hiroshima prefecture Fox spirits
References