Thankfully, Ghibli's talented animators help elevate the film to where this aspect is secondary to its fun aesthetic.
Pom Poko might be best known for its main characters' use of their magic "pouches," but in all actuality, the 1994 film is an enjoyable watch. Admittedly, its reliance upon the audience's familiarity with the cultural connotations of tanuki is a bit alienating to some viewers. Thankfully, Ghibli's talented animators help elevate the film to where this aspect is secondary to its fun aesthetic.