In essence, kitsune are kami. Kami are nature spirits in tune with the elements of the realm who possess many abilities. Common folk in Japan would give offerings and worship the kami, including the kitsune.

Many legends tell of kitsune having a lifespan of 900 to 1000 years, which seems to be how long they can maintain a mortal form. Once kitsune gain enough wisdom and power, they shed their mortal coils and rejoin the Celestial Courts. Kitsune over 900 years are rare and extremely powerful.

As spirit, kitsune require a connection to their element. Kitsune usually stay in domains bearing his or her element, or at least a natural representation of it. The connection to the element fuels the kitsune, giving them powers associated with a particular element. By drawing on the domain, the kitsune stays healthy.

Kitsune are restricted by their nature and Japanese society, including the traditional taboos of the orient:

1) As spirits, the kitsune are expected to serve the people who live on or near the land. In exchance, the people offer gifts and prayers to the kitsune to keep them happy. This is sort of a pact, where the kitsune follow a code of etiquette in exchange for being tended to.

2) Even with the strength of immortality and their powers, kitsune are still considered a "lesser race." Hence, their effects and influence on mortal life is restricted. Mortals are the heroes of Japan, and neither kami, oni, nor god hold sway over mortals, unless the mortal breaks tradition. As long as this unwritten pact is kept, the mortal will win. This is, in part, something of a celestial balance.

In order for kitsune to become involved, mortals must petition through prayer or offering directly to a particular kitsune, or willingly accept one's presence and aid. Barring possession or taking mortal form, the kitsune has the option of simply appearing, like any kami might.

The kitsune rarely run direct interference in mortal life, however, since doing so is a disruption of the natural order and would take its toll on the land and people.

It takes a good deal of power for the kitsune to manifest in the physical world. This is probably the most rare form of kitsune appearance.

There are very few legends that tell of the kitsune in her full power without a tie to the physical world. In Vampire Princess Miyu, a kitsune possesses a mortal and is forced out to combat the main character in it's natural form. Some kitsune, such as Tamamo-no-mae, require the death of many people.

A kitsune just 'appearing' means either the walls of the spirit world and the physical world are weak, or could possibly be taken as an omen. Whatever the reason, a manifested kitsune is a very rare and noticeable event. Such a creature would require offerings, prayers, or some source of energy to be able to appear, or to remain for long periods, and is most likely in their domain.

Since the appearance of the kitsune is disruptive to nature's balance, the area they are in will most likely suffer. Sickness, blight, and other such plagues would be part and parcel of the kitsune's ongoing existence. This is one example of the kitsune's vampiric nature, as it drains the region to fuel itself.

Different forms of manifestation include the true fox form, the human form, or a combination of the two. In all cases, the kitsune is supernaturally attractive. Also, considering the kitsune is a spirit, it could transform into any shape desired. Legends of kitsune transformation include trees, stones, an entire forest and other such phenomenon.