Final answer:
In Japanese folklore, foxes and tanukis are known shapeshifters and ravens also have transformation stories, whereas badgers are not typically associated with shapeshifting, making the badger the least fitting choice for a shapeshifter.
Step-by-step explanation:
If Yuri is developing a new cartoon inspired by authentic Japanese folklore and is considering which animal character would make the LEAST sense as a shapeshifter, we need to look at animals traditionally known in folklore for their shapeshifting abilities. In Japanese mythology, foxes (known as kitsune) and tanuki are indeed famous for being cunning shapeshifters. The raven, too, appears in various mythologies as a creature capable of transformation. However, the badger, while it does appear in some folktales, is not commonly associated with the power to shapeshift. Therefore, a badger would make the least sense as a shapeshifting character in a cartoon inspired by authentic Japanese folklore.