Myobu are divine foxes and lesser deities in Japanese folklore - they are guardians of sacred shrines and are generally believed to be servants of Inari, the god of the harvest. They are stunningly beautiful and often carry sacred objects in their mouths, such as the round jewel often carried by koma inu in other shrines. Myōbu can also be seen carrying spiral keys, sheaves of grain, and scrolls.
The mere presence of a Myobu brings happiness and blessings upon those that see it, providing they are faithful to the gods which the Myobu is serving.