This is the fireball beast belonging to Raijin the Storm God. Not your usual sort of pet — he is more like a deranged Tasmanian devil with his hair on fire.

Raiju behaves like a dervish during thunderstorms, whizzing around in a scratching clawing frenzy. His crazy activity causes all the zapping and sparking of lightning bolts as they hit the earth.

In his quieter moments he can take the form of a badger, cat or weasel, but will still leave scratch marks everywhere as he sharpens his claws on anything within reach.

Here’s an odd thing. Japanese parents warn their children to keep their tummies covered at all times. Why? When Raijin has finishing storming across the sky, his exhausted pet loves to wander off and find a nice warm comfortable belly button to curl up in.

Snoozing lightning spirits in your navel is not a good thing. Keep your bellies secure, people. And pluck out any fluff — it will only make your belly button seem more comfy.

In recent times, Raiju has found new fame due to his guest appearances in Pokémon. Which is great. Just remember what we said about the belly buttons, okay?

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Article last revised on November 19, 2018 by Rowan Allen.
Editors: Peter J. Allen, Chas Saunders

References: Coming soon.

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