Thursday, March 28, 2024
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Discover the Shichi Fukujin: Japan’s 7 Gods of Fortune (2024)

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The 7 Japanese gods of fortune, also known as shichi fukujin (Japanese 七福神), are a group of gods and deities that are revered in Japan for their ability to bring good luck and prosperity.

Below is a description of each of the seven Japanese gods of fortune and their importance in Japanese culture and religion, as well as possible offerings and locations.

1. Ebisu god of fortune – “Shichi fukujin” (七福神), Japanese gods of fortune.

Ebisu is one of the 7 Japanese gods of fortune, also known as shichi fukujin (七福神).

Ebisu (えびす), is considered the most important god of the seven Japanese gods of fortune, is the god of wealth and commerce, and is known for his ability to bring good luck in business and fishing.

shichi fukujin
Ebisu

Origin of Ebisu, one of the Shichi Fukuji (七福神), seven Japanese gods of fortune.

Ebisu is a Japanese god that originated in Japanese mythology, but has been adopted into the Buddhist religion.

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Ebisu is often depicted with a fish and a fishing rod, symbolizing his role in economic prosperity and his relationship with fishing. He is considered the protector of fishermen and merchants, and is invoked to ask for good luck in business and economics.

Ebisu, one of the 7 Japanese gods of fortune portrayed in literature

Ebisu has also been portrayed in Japanese literature and art over the centuries.

In literature, he is mentioned in several classic works such as “The Tale of Genji”, where he is seen as a god protector of fishermen and merchants.

In art, his image is commonly used in prints and paintings, and he is often portrayed with a fish and a fishing rod, as well as with a serene and friendly smile, reflecting his role as a protective and benevolent god.

Ebisu Temples or where to find Ebisu one of the Shichi Fukuji (七福神)

Throughout history, Ebisu has been venerated in temples and shrines dedicated to him throughout Japan, and his image is commonly used in omamori amulets and decorative items to attract good luck in business.

There are several temples and shrines in Japan that are dedicated to Ebisu and where it is possible to venerate him and ask for good luck and protection.

7 Japanese gods of fortune
Imamiya Ebisu Shrine

Some of the most important temples and shrines dedicated to Ebisu include:

  • Taga Taisha Grand Shrine: This shrine in Shiga is the birthplace of Ebisu and is considered one of the most important shrines dedicated to him in Japan.
  • Imamiya Ebisu Shrine: This shrine in Osaka is one of the most popular shrines in Japan and is known for its annual Ebisu festival, held in January.
  • Ebisu Shrine near Dōgo Onsen: This shrine in Ehime is known for its connection to the famous Dōgo Onsen hot spring bath.
  • Tōkeiji Temple: This temple in Kanagawa is known for its connection to the Ebisu cult and is considered one of the most important temples dedicated to him in Japan.
  • Kanda Daikokuten Shrine: This shrine in Hiroshima is dedicated to Ebisu and Daikokuten, two of the Japanese gods of fortune, is very famous among businessmen.
  • Futami Okitama Shrine: This shrine in Mie Prefecture is famous for its connection with the cult of Ebisu and is considered one of the most important shrines dedicated to him in Japan.

Keep in mind that these are just some examples of temples and shrines in Japan where Ebisu is venerated, there are many more throughout the country.

It is advisable to investigate if you plan to travel to Japan, if you like mythology or Japanese gods, I advise you to visit one of these temples to learn more about the importance of Ebisu in Japanese culture.

He is also considered a protector of travelers, so it is common to find his image in train stations and ports.

2. Daikokuten god of fortune – “Shichi fukujin” (七福神), Japanese gods of fortune.

Daikokuten is one of the 7 Japanese gods of fortune, the famous shichi fukujin (七福神).

Daikokuten (大黑天), is the god of wealth and the granary, and is known for his ability to bring good luck in agriculture and economic prosperity. He is considered the protector of farmers and merchants, and is often invoked to ask for good luck in business and economics.

Daikokuten is a god that originated in Japanese mythology, but has been venerated in the Buddhist religion.

He is often depicted with a bag of rice and a hammer, symbolizing his role in economic prosperity and his relationship to agriculture. He is considered the god of wealth and prosperity, and is often invoked to ask for good luck in business and economics just like Ebisu.

shichi fukujin
Daikokuten

Daikokuten, revered in the literature “The Tale of Genji”.

Daikokuten has also been portrayed in Japanese literature and art over the centuries as well as Ebisu, and is mentioned in several classic works such as “The Tale of Genji”, where he is seen as a god protector of farmers and merchants.

In art, his image is commonly used in prints and paintings, and he is often portrayed with a bag of rice and a hammer, as well as a serene and friendly smile, reflecting his role as a protective and benevolent god.

Daikokuten Temples or where to find Daikokuten one of the Shichi Fukuji (七福神)

Throughout history, Daikokuten has been venerated in temples and shrines dedicated to him throughout Japan, and his image is commonly used on amulets and decorative items to attract good luck in business and agriculture.

7 Japanese gods of fortune
Ōyamazumi Shrine

There are several temples and shrines in Japan where Daikokuten is venerated and it is possible to ask for good luck and protection. Some of the most important temples and shrines that are dedicated to Daikokuten include:

  • Ōyamazumi Shrine: This shrine in Kagawa is known to be one of the oldest places dedicated to Daikokuten in Japan.
  • Daikokuten Ebisu Shrine: This shrine in Hiroshima is dedicated to Daikokuten and Ebisu, two of the Japanese gods of fortune.
  • Daikokuten-dō: This temple in Nara is dedicated to Daikokuten and is known for its large bronze statue of the god.
  • Tōkeiji Temple: This temple in Kanagawa is known for its connection to the cult of Daikokuten.
  • Futami Okitama Shrine: This shrine in Mie Prefecture is famous for its connection to the Daikokuten cult.
  • Daikokuten Shrine: This shrine in Chiba is known for its connection with the Daikokuten cult and its large statue of the god.

Please note that these are just a few examples of the temples and shrines in Japan where Daikokuten is venerated, there are many more throughout the country.

Today, shrines and temples dedicated to Daikokuten are still very popular in Japan, especially among farmers and merchants, who visit these places to ask for good luck and protection in their work.

It is also common for people to wear amulets or holy cards with the image of Daikokuten in their businesses or workplaces, to attract their good luck and protection.

In summary, Daikokuten is a very important god in Japanese culture and religion, known for his ability to bring good luck in agriculture and the economy. He is worshipped in temples and shrines.

3. Bishamonten god of fortune – “Shichi fukujin” (七福神), Japanese gods of fortune.

Bishamonten is one of the most important and popular Japanese gods of fortune in Japan.

Bishamonten (毘沙門天) is known as the protector of fortune, success and wealth, and is worshipped by many people throughout Japan. He is one of the seven deities of fortune in Japan, and is known for his imposing appearance, with armor and a sword.

Bishamonten is a Buddhist deity that was adopted into the Japanese religious system.

shichi fukujin
Bishamonten

Bishamonten the Japanese god of war is one of the “Shichi fukujin”.

He is considered the Japanese god of war and protection, he is especially considered the protector of soldiers and people in the business of selling weapons.

He is also known as the god of wealth and commercial success when struggling so to speak to survive among all others, and is worshiped by those in business and those seeking prosperity in their lives.

In traditional Japanese iconography, Bishamonten is depicted as a warrior with armor and a sword, often riding a lion or a dragon.

This representation symbolizes his role as protector and defender of Buddhist followers. In some representations, he is also depicted with three eyes, symbolizing his ability to see everything and protect his followers from danger.

Bishamonten is especially worshipped at Buddhist temples and shrines in Japan, and it is also common to see his image in stores and businesses throughout Japan. Many people offer offerings and pray to Bishamonten for protection, wealth and success in their lives.

Bishamonten Temples or where to find Bishamonten one of the Shichi Fukuji (七福神)

Bishamonten is a highly revered deity in Japan, and can be found in many temples and shrines throughout the country.

7 Japanese gods of fortune
Tokeiji Shrine

Some of the most famous temples and shrines where Bishamonten can be found include:

  • Tō-ji Temple, in Kyoto: This is one of the oldest temples in Japan dedicated to Bishamonten. It was founded in the 9th century and is known for its large five-story pagoda.
  • Hō-ō-dō Temple, in Nara: This is another ancient temple dedicated to Bishamonten. It was founded in the 8th century and is known for its beautiful gardens and statues of the deity.
  • Tokeiji Shrine, in Kamakura: This is a shrine dedicated to Bishamonten, is known as the shrine of marriages and is a popular place for marriage rituals.
  • Chōraku-ji Shrine in Kanagawa: This is another shrine dedicated to Bishamonten, it is known for its large statue of the deity and beautiful gardens.
  • Hōkoku-ji Temple, in Yokohama: This temple is famous for its bamboo garden, it is a place where you can find a statue of Bishamonten, it is especially popular during the spring when the bamboos are in bloom.

These are just a few examples of the many temples and shrines where Bishamonten can be found in Japan.

4. Benzaiten god of fortune – “Shichi fukujin” (七福神), Japanese gods of fortune.

Benzaiten is one of the most important and popular Japanese gods of fortune.

Benzaiten (弁才天) is known as the goddess of music, poetry, art, wisdom and wealth, and is worshiped by many people throughout Japan.

She is one of the seven deities of fortune in Japan, and is known for her beauty and elegance.

Benzaiten is a Buddhist deity that was adopted into the Japanese religious system.

shichi fukujin
Benzaiten

Benzaiten, the goddess of Japanese music, is one of the “Shichi fukujin” (七福神).

Benzaiten is considered a patron goddess of music, art and poetry, and is also regarded as the goddess of wealth and business success. She is especially worshipped by musicians, artists and people in business, who invoke her to ask for inspiration and good fortune in their careers.

In traditional iconography, Benzaiten is depicted as a beautiful woman holding a zither or a biwa, a traditional Japanese musical instrument, such as the Koto.

She may also be depicted with a fish or a snake, symbolizing wealth and fertility. The image of Benzaiten sitting on a lotus symbolizes purity and spiritual enlightenment.

Benzaiten Temples or where to find Benzaiten, one of the 7 Japanese gods of fortune.

Benzaiten is a highly revered deity in Japan, being one of the seven Japanese gods of fortune and can be found in many temples and shrines throughout the country. Some of the most famous temples and shrines where Benzaiten can be found include:

7 Japanese gods of fortune
Chokoku-ji Temple
  • Chokoku-ji Temple, in Kamakura: This is one of the oldest temples in Japan dedicated to Benzaiten. It was founded in the 14th century and is known for its beautiful gardens and statues of the deity.
  • Myōhō-in Temple, in Kyoto: This is another ancient temple dedicated to Benzaiten. It was founded in the 12th century and is known for its statues of Benzaiten and architectural style.
  • Benten-dō Shrine, in Osaka: This is a shrine dedicated to Benzaiten, it is especially known for its statue of Benzaiten sitting on a lotus and for its beautiful gardens.
  • Benten-dō Shrine, in Hiroshima: This shrine is famous for its oversized statue of Benzaiten, it is a place where you can find the deity sitting on a snake or a fish.
  • Benten-dō Shrine, in Kagawa: This shrine is famous for its large statue of Benzaiten, with a zither in his hand, is a place where you can find the deity sitting on a lotus.

These are just a few examples of the many temples and shrines where Benzaiten can be found in Japan.

Benzaiten is especially worshipped at Buddhist temples and shrines in Japan, and it is also common to see her image in stores and businesses throughout Japan.

Many people make offerings and pray to Benzaiten for inspiration and good fortune in their careers, especially in music or art, but she is also venerated by women who want to become pregnant.

5. Hotei god of fortune – “Shichi fukujin” (七福神), Japanese gods of fortune.

Hotei is one of the best known and most popular Japanese gods of fortune in Japan, especially during the Christmas holiday season, as he is considered the Japanese Santa Claus.

He is known as the god of fortune, good luck and happiness, and is worshiped by many people throughout Japan. He is one of the 7 gods of fortune in Japan, and is known for his jovial appearance and his big belly (so it is said that he is the real Japanese Santa Claus, I leave this link to know the history of Christmas and ho ho hotei), in physique is very similar to Buddha.

shichi fukujin
Hotei

Hotei the god of wealth and fortune is one of the 7 Japanese gods of fortune.

Hotei is a deity that was adopted into the Japanese religious system.

Hotei (布袋) is considered the god of wealth and fortune, and is especially worshiped by those in business and those seeking prosperity in their lives. He is also known as the god of good luck and happiness, and is invoked to ask for good luck in business and personal life, as well as being considered the true Japanese Santa Claus.

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In traditional iconography, Hotei is depicted as a jovial, burly man with a large belly. He is often depicted with a bag full of gifts and treasures, symbolizing his role as the god of wealth and fortune. He may also be depicted with a bamboo staff, symbolizing his role as the god of wisdom and spiritual enlightenment.

Hotei Temples or where to find Hotei, one of the 7 Japanese gods of fortune.

Hotei is especially worshipped at Buddhist temples and shrines in Japan, and it is also common to see his image in stores and businesses throughout Japan. Many people offer offerings and pray to Hotei for good luck and prosperity in their lives.

7 Japanese gods of fortune
Sensō-ji Temple

Some of the most famous temples and shrines where Hotei can be found include:

  • Tōshō-gu Temple, in Nikko: This is one of the largest and most famous temples in Japan dedicated to Hotei. It was founded in the 17th century and is known for its beautiful statues of the deity and for its architectural style.
  • Sensō-ji Temple, in Tokyo: This is one of the oldest and most famous temples in Japan dedicated to Hotei. It was founded in the 6th century and is known for its large statue of Hotei and for its large number of visitors.
  • Zentsū-ji Shrine, in Kagawa: This is a shrine dedicated to Hotei, it is especially known for its large statue of Hotei and its beautiful garden.
  • Daikokuten-dō Shrine, in Hiroshima: This shrine is famous for its oversized statue of Hotei, it is a place where you can find the deity sitting on a treasure or a bag full of gifts.
  • Daikokuten-dō Shrine, in Kumamoto: This shrine is famous for its oversized statue of Hotei, a place where you can find the deity sitting on a treasure or a bag full of gifts.

These are just a few examples of the many temples and shrines where Hotei can be found in Japan.

6. Jurojin god of fortune – “Shichi fukujin” (七福神), Japanese gods of fortune.

Jurojin (寿老人) is known as the god of longevity, wisdom and wealth, and is worshipped by many people throughout Japan. He is one of the seven deities of fortune in Japan, and is known for his wise old man appearance and big belly.

He is the god of the Shichi fukujin” (七福神), considered the god of longevity and wisdom, and is especially worshiped by those seeking a long and wise life. He is also known as the god of wealth and fortune, and is invoked to ask for good luck in business and personal life.

shichi fukujin
Jurojin

In traditional iconography, Jurojin is depicted as a wise and corpulent old man with a big belly.

He is often depicted with a book or scroll, symbolizing his role as the god of wisdom.

He may also be depicted with a bamboo staff or a snake, symbolizing his role as the god of longevity and immortality.

Jurojin Temples or where to find Jurojin, one of the 7 Japanese gods of fortune.

It is worth mentioning that the Fukurokuju god like the Fukurokuju god, are the Shichi Fukuji, which are less popular in Japan, so it is less common to see temples and shrines specifically dedicated to them 2, but it is possible to find statues or representations of him in temples.

Fukurokuju god of fortune – “Shichi fukujin” (七福神), Japanese gods of fortune.

Fukurokuju is one of the Japanese gods of fortune and therefore venerated although to a lesser extent than the others.

Fukurokuju (福禄寿) is known as the god of wisdom, happiness and wealth, and is worshipped by many people throughout Japan. He is one of the seven deities of fortune in Japan, and is known for his wise old man appearance and big belly.

Fukurokuju is considered the god of wisdom and happiness, and is especially worshiped by students, scholars and those seeking knowledge and wisdom in their lives. He is also known as the god of wealth and fortune, and is invoked to ask for good luck in business and personal life.

shichi fukujin
Fukurokuju

How is Fukurokuju, one of the Shichi Fukuji (七福神).

In traditional iconography, Fukurokuju is depicted as a wise, portly old man with a large belly. He is often depicted holding a book or scroll, symbolizing his role as the god of wisdom.

He may also be depicted with a bamboo staff or a snake, symbolizing his role as the god of long life and immortality.

Fukurokuju Temples or where to find Fukurokuju, one of the 7 Japanese gods of fortune.

Fukurokuju is a highly revered deity in Japan, and can be found in many temples and shrines throughout the country.

It is important to mention that the god Fukurokuju is one of the Shichi Fukuji, which is less popular in Japan, so it is less common to see temples and shrines specifically dedicated to him, but it is possible to find statues or representations of him in temples.

It is also common to see his image in stores and businesses throughout Japan. Many people offer offerings and pray to Fukurokuju to ask for wisdom, knowledge and good fortune in their lives.

How the 7 Japanese gods of fortune or Shichi Fukuji (七福神) are represented.

shichi fukujin
7 Japanese gods of fortune

Often the 7 Japanese gods of fortune, or Shichi Fukuji (七福神), are depicted together in a group of 7, and their image is commonly used in amulets and decorative items to attract good luck.

They are also considered to be protectors of travelers, so it is common to find their image in train stations and ports, or even sometimes in airports.

  • In addition to their role in religion, the 7 Japanese gods of fortune have also been portrayed in Japanese literature and art over the centuries, and their image has become an iconic symbol of Japanese culture in general, as you can see in the paragraphs above for each God.

Nowadays, it is common for the Japanese to visit shrines and temples where these Japanese gods of fortune are worshipped to ask for good luck, especially in times of need, such as an important exam, a job interview, or when starting a business.

The Japanese bring them offerings and prayers to ask for their benevolence, as it is believed that these gods can help achieve success and prosperity in life.

When you go on a trip what we like most as travelers is to have the best possible experiences, so these activities that I show you below, can be the best experiences you will have on your trip to JAPAN.

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We are lovers and specialists in Japan, one of us with a master's degree in Japanese culture, studying in Japan and Spain, also with Japanese language course with JLPT N3 (Noken 3) ofical qualification and superior qualification of tourist guide. We are a family of 5 members, and our 3 daughters are named Yuna, Yui and Yuki in honor of Japan, we love to travel (I have even traveled to Japan pregnant and with a baby on occasion) so we can bring you not only to Japan more otaku and cultural, but the face that not everyone teaches, traveling with children to Japan and places to visit with them.We love Japan, its culture, its people, its language, its cities, its small towns, its nature, its food, its anime and manga, its souvenirs... EVERYTHING ABOUT JAPAN!We invite you to see the traditional Japan and the secret Japan on our website and our Youtube.We are All About Japan: Your best travel guide to Japan
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