Kitsune are typically split into two groups, Kitsune and Nogitsune, "Kitsune" usually meaning "Good" kitsune and "Nogitsune" (lit. "Wild Fox") meaning "Bad" or "Renegade" kitsune.

​

"Kitsune" kitsune sometimes follow a set of rules or law (set forth by their matron deity of Inari.) that may include never harming anyone unless in defense of a third party, never killing, keeping their word at any cost, and other things along those lines. Nevertheless, they are more of the benevolent sort of kitsune described above, playing tricks on proud samurai and corrupt nobles, etc. Ones that serve Inari sometimes wear a red scarf or bandanna around their necks to identify themselves as followers of Inari.

​

"Nogitsune" kitsune do not follow any rules but their own, do not follow Inari, and are typically regarded to as evil. They are more of the sort mentioned above that intend harm on the innocent, will kill mortals readily, will doom a farmer struggling to support their family, and other nefarious deeds. The nine tailed foxes of Chinese legend and other asian countries besides Japan may be identified as "Nogitsune."

​

The types of kitsune are better known as zenko (善狐, literally good foxes) and yako (野狐, literally field foxes, also called nogitsune). Zenko kitsune are benevolent creatures, heavily associated with the god Inari, and are sometimes simply called Inari foxes. Yako foxes are mischevious, and sometimes even malovent. They love to play tricks on humans, and to disturb the peace.

​

Other types of kitsune include the ninko, an invisible fox spirit who is only percieved by human beings when it possesses them. Another tradition classifies kitsune by seperating them into one of thirteen types, which are defined by the supernatural ability the kitsune possesses.