Short answers, pulled from the story.
The rhythm comes from a 1919 poem by Ujō Noguchi that became a children's song in 1925. Tanuki drummed their bellies to create this specific sound known as Pom Poko.
The narrative structure moves from late 1960s Japan when New Tama development started cutting through forest land to early 1990s when food sources dwindled for the tanuki colony. This timeline shows decades of gradual habitat destruction caused by modernization.
Isao Takahata wrote and directed Pom Poko during 1994 as his third film created for Studio Ghibli. Toho distributed the movie across Japan on July 16th that year with funding from Tokuma Shoten, Nippon Television Network, and Hakuhodo.
The story won Best Animation Film at the 49th Mainichi Film Awards upon release. It also won Grand Prix at Annecy International Animation Festival in 1995 before becoming Japan's submission for Academy Award consideration without getting nominated.
A character based on Shigeru Mizuki appeared as a commentator whose designs influenced how these magical dogs looked on screen. Studio Ghibli began experimenting with computer-generated imagery during production using digital tools alongside traditional hand-drawn techniques to create complex movement.