The Japanese animated fantasy film Pom Poko, directed by Isao Takahata and produced by Studio Ghibli, is released in Japan.
Following the release of Pom Poko, Studio Ghibli gains more international recognition for their unique storytelling and animation style, contributing to global interest in Japanese animation.
Plans are announced to develop Tama Hills into residential areas, threatening the habitat of the tanuki.
The tanuki from various clans convene to discuss the threat posed by human urban expansion.
Tanuki begin showcasing their shape-shifting abilities to confuse and deter humans from their land.
Tanuki conduct low-level sabotage such as causing accidents and spreading rumors to slow development.
Facing increased destruction, tanuki plan large-scale supernatural interventions to halt humans.
Tanuki perform a festival-like display creating huge, monstrous tanuki forms to frighten humans.
A chaotic battle against humans using elaborate shape-shifting and illusions to protect their forest.
Despite efforts, humans continue development; tanuki populations dwindle and habitats vanish.
Some tanuki integrate into human society, disguising themselves and accepting co-existence.
Tanuki hold a farewell festival for their lost lands, marking the end of their traditional way of life.
