Tanooki Mario

Tanooki Mario is a form of Mario or Luigi in Super Mario Bros. 3 when he obtains a Tanooki Suit. When they have this form, they will look like Tanookis and turn into a statue, known as Statue Mario or Statue Luigi, when pressing B and Down at the same time, in addition to temporarily flying. It is an improved version of Raccoon Mario. When Tanooki Mario is a statue, he cannot be hurt and if he uses this ability in the air, he can slam down like a Thwomp. This can destroy certain enemies and trigger switches. One setback is that while he is a statue he cannot move. He can also temporarily fly when the speed gauge is full and jump.

Tanooki Mario is not to be confused with actual Tanookis, who are a species found only on Isle Delfino.

The Tanooki Mario form's name comes from the tanuki, an animal found in Japan and is often depicted in folklore. The form that Statue Mario takes while wearing the Tanooki Suit is Kshitigarbha, who is the protector of travellers and the guardian of souls. In Japan he is known as Jizo-Bosatsu.

Trivia

 * If Mario beats an Airship in this form, the Mushroom King will say, "Thank you, kind raccoon. Please tell me your name."
 * Although it never appeared on the actual show, concept artwork of Tanooki Mario can be seen on the bonus disc of Shout! Factory's The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3 DVD set.
 * According to the comic book story "Tanooki Suits Me", Tanooki Mario's statue transformation is triggered by pressing a button on the front of the suit, and to change back, he has to simply wish he were human again.
 * In Super Paper Mario there is a Sammer Guy called Cloak of Tanooki.