Mark Schumacher, compiler of the wonderful onmark A-Z Dictionary of Japanese religions, has produced an authoritative guide to the Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin). This labour of love includes the following:
INTRO Page. Explores their development in art and … Read the rest
Japan has acquired an ugly reputation for its duplicitous, cruel and government-subsidised whale hunting, together with the subsequent feeding of contaminated meat to schoolchildren and others. Australia has currently taken it to the world court about the ludicrous claim to … Read the rest
Bishamonten can sometimes be seen in Shinto shrines as one of the Seven Lucky Gods. He’s recognisable by the pagoda he holds in one hand and often a spear in the other. He is closely associated with the north, … Read the rest
Daikoku (aka Daikokuten) is one of Japan’s most popular deities. He’s a jolly fellow with a sack of treasure and a mallet. As such, he’s probably the most well-known of the Seven Lucky Gods (shichifukujin). Although he’s … Read the rest
Kompira (or Konpira) is one of the more popular kami in Japan, associated with the sea and with its main shrine of Kotohira-gu in Shikoku (known popularly as Konpira-san). The deity is said to be derived from Kumbhira, a … Read the rest
Hinduism and Shinto seem to share a lot in common. They’re pre-Buddhist, animist and polytheist. The sun enjoys a special place in their pantheon. Their spirit-gods have animal familiars, and they need to be honoured and entertained. The religions are … Read the rest
Ebisu (aka Kotoshiro-nushi-no-kami) is one of Shinto’s most intriguing characters. One of the Seven Lucky Gods, he carries a sea bream and is the patron deity of fishermen.
In medieval times, Ebisu was identified with Hiruko – the leech child … Read the rest
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