Pom Poko

In the late 1960s, the tanuki face an existential threat as a suburban development project called New Tama begins encroaching upon their forest home. This project poses significant dangers as it fragments their territory and depletes essential resources necessary for their survival.

As the narrative shifts to the early 1990s during the Heisei era, the living conditions for the tanuki take a turn for the worse. Their habitat continues to shrink, and resources become increasingly scarce, leading to conflicts among them as they compete for dwindling food supplies.

Amidst growing desperation, the tanuki gather under the guidance of their wise matriarch Oroku. They collectively decide to resist the impending development project in hopes of preserving their home and rallying their community against the threat.

Several brave tanuki emerge as leaders in the resistance, namely Gonta, Seizaemon, Shoukichi, and Oroku. These determined individuals rally their kin to relearn their old mystical illusion skills to disrupt construction efforts and protect their land.

Utilizing their illusion powers, the tanuki orchestrate a series of distractions and sabotages against construction workers. While their efforts lead to chaos, they also result in injuries, prompting many workers to flee, though new workers swiftly replace them.

Recognizing their plight, the tanuki send messengers far and wide in search of legendary elders who may assist their cause. After a prolonged wait, one of their messengers returns with a trio of revered elders from Shikoku, promising to help revive respect for the supernatural.

In a bold move, the tanuki, alongside their new allies, organize a spectacular ghost parade designed to make humans believe the area is haunted. Unfortunately, the attempt takes a tragic turn when one elder dies from the strain of the effort during the ceremonial raigō.

Tragically, the hard work of the tanuki and elders is undermined when a local theme park owner falsely claims that the ghost parade was merely a publicity stunt. This misrepresentation leads to a significant loss of impact and hope for the tanuki community.

Following the failure of the ghost parade, the tanuki's unity begins to splinter as different factions emerge, each employing varying tactics in response to the threat. This division creates chaos within their ranks and weakens their collective resistance.

In a desperate act, Gonta leads one faction that resorts to eco-terrorism, culminating in a disastrous confrontation with law enforcement. In a heroic last stand, Gonta merges with other tanuki to form a monstrous tsurube-otoshi, sacrificing themselves to prevent a massive truck from passing.

While some factions attempt to capture media attention through television appeals, others explore alliances with humanity or wander into strange cults. This chaotic attempt to draw sympathetic attention reflects their struggle to adapt to the new reality.

In a final act of rebellion, the remaining tanuki conjure a breathtaking illusion that momentarily restores the beauty of their former habitat. This bittersweet display evokes deep nostalgia for what has been lost, showcasing their innate connection to the land.

As the tanuki grow weary, they begin blending into human society, leaving behind those who cannot transform. Despite some garnering public sympathy through their media campaign, their struggle persists as they navigate the complexities of urban life.

In a poignant moment, Shoukichi encounters a non-transformed tanuki slipping into a narrow passage. Driven by curiosity, he follows them into a serene clearing where he is joyfully reunited with his companions, showcasing the enduring bonds of their community.

As the scene unfolds, Shoukichi's friend Ponkichi turns to the audience, earnestly imploring them to show compassion towards tanuki and other animals struggling without transformation abilities. The somber final image of a golf course overshadowed by suburban sprawl serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked development.