Is it a bear? Is it a dog? Of course not, it's Tanuki, the much loved Japanese mythical creature filled with fun and mischief! And this one has a birthday greeting for you.
Anyone who has visited Japan will have seen this traditional character, sitting gnome-like on doorsteps or spying out from plant pots. His name is Tanuki and he is a popular icon in Japanese folklore based on a real life creature!
This charming Japanese birthday card has a very traditional style with the opening on the left side and a red cord down the spine on the right.
The hand painted design by picture book artist Setsuko Tonomura features the mythical Tanuki character with Japanese script and red hanko stamp. At the top, in vertical Japanese calligraphy, it reads 'Otanjoubi omedetou gozaimasu' which means 'Happy birthday'.
Inside and on the back are cute painted details adding to the premium look of the card.
With a matching envelope in blush pink, the card is blank inside for you to write your own greeting.
Made in Japan.
