>>45310272This explains why Umbreon is the only(?) eeveelution to have visible eyelashes, maneki neko are often stylized with long 'lashes.
Umbreon definitely has ties with Bakeneko, another cat yokai, similar, but not the same as the Nekomata (Espeon). Bakeneko are said to get their powers from the moon, which is evident in Umbreon's dex entries: "When darkness falls, the rings on the body begin to glow, striking fear in the hearts of anyone nearby." "Umbreon evolved from exposure to the moon's energy pulses. It lurks in darkness and waits for its foes to move. The rings on its body glow when it leaps to attack."
After learning all of this I think Umbreon might be one of my favorite pokemon now.
