I believe the warning about the badger/tanuki in Ran was a sly reference to Lady Kaeda.

By the accounts I've read, Japanese historically believed there was a supernatural (actually part of nature to them) They were animistic.

Even today, I believe some Japanese, especially followers of animistic Shinto, have a vague feeling that magical animals, demons, and mischievous spirits exist.

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A murky puddle becomes clear when it is still.