 |
| Wikimedia Commons Shiretoko-Shari Tourist Association |
Although I'm not deep into Japanese folklore, I've heard that foxes possess magical powers that they use to trick and bewitch unsuspecting people. In the Marvel multiverse, I wonder whether any particular fox through magic or mutant genes evolved over centuries into a sentient and sapient super genius for good or evil. But I'll leave any other thoughts on this to Doctor Strange or The Watcher.
I get similar vibes when I listen to jazz pianist Ichiko Hashimoto's（橋本一子）"Kitsune" (Fox) from her 1984 or 1985 album "Beauty" (I opted for 1985 in Labels). Yes, I did say jazz pianist although "Kitsune" is obviously on the line between technopop and avant-gardism. "Kitsune" is indeed a glacially haunting piece with a rhythm and Hashimoto's own voice lending to a mesmerizing aural experience akin to a meditation session. It's almost as if the Marvel fox has evolved itself out of time and treats it as a wind chime. Would like to hear some of her other tracks from "Beauty".
Hashimoto hails from Kobe and aside from her music work which includes singing and composing, she has also acted on TV, movies and anime. When Akiko Yano（矢野顕子）had to go on maternity leave, she filled in for her on keyboards during Yellow Magic Orchestra's domestic tour back in 1980, so perhaps the arrangement in "Kitsune" and perhaps "Beauty" was influenced by her time with the band. Below is her album "Mood Music" from 1987.
