Meeting Binbogami: Japan’s Fascinating God of Poverty

When travelers think of Japanese mythology, images of the sun goddess Amaterasu or the benevolent Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin) usually come to mind. These deities promise harvest, wealth, and longevity. However, within the vast pantheon of the Yaoyorozu no Kami (Eight Million Gods), there exists a deity that everyone hopes to avoid: Binbogami (貧乏神), the God of Poverty.

While the concept of a god bringing financial ruin sounds terrifying, Binbogami is a beloved, albeit feared, figure in Japanese folklore. From ancient woodblock prints to modern video games, this scruffy spirit offers a unique window into how Japanese culture views wealth, misfortune, and hospitality.

The Origins of the Destitute Deity

Unlike the primordial gods found in Japan’s creation myths, Binbogami became prominent during the Edo period (1603–1867), an era when the merchant class was rising and the fluctuation of wealth became a central anxiety of daily life.

Binbogami is typically depicted as an emaciated, dirty old man. He wears ragged, threadbare clothes and often holds a fan (uchiwa) in his hand. According to folklore, he prefers to inhabit the homes of the lazy or the unkempt, hiding in closets or dark corners. His presence ensures that no matter how hard the family works, they will remain poor. He is often considered a type of Yakubyougami (god of pestilence or misery).

Culturally, Binbogami represents the personification of neglect. In a society that values cleanliness and diligence, the God of Poverty is drawn to the opposite: filth and sloth. Therefore, keeping him away requires not just spiritual rituals, but practical home maintenance.

Legends of Trickery and Hospitality

There are countless folktales involving Binbogami, and they often carry a moral lesson about attitude and acceptance.

The Loyal Spirit

One famous tale tells of a man so poor and hardworking that Binbogami felt comfortable in his home. However, the man’s luck eventually changed, and he began to prosper. As the house became cleaner and wealthier, the Seven Lucky Gods arrived to take up residence. Usually, this would be a joyous occasion, but the Lucky Gods tried to forcibly kick Binbogami out. Surprisingly, the homeowner defended the God of Poverty, acknowledging that Binbogami had been with him during his hardest times. Touched by this kindness, Binbogami transformed into a Fukunokami (God of Fortune), proving that compassion can alter one’s fate.

The Failed Escape

Another humorous story involves a man who decided to move house to escape his crushing poverty. On the night before the move, he heard a rustling sound in his closet. When he opened it, he saw the skinny, old Binbogami packing a small furoshiki (cloth bundle). When the man asked what the spirit was doing, Binbogami replied cheerfully, “I’m getting ready to move with you!” The man realized that running away changes nothing if you carry your bad habits (or spirits) with you.

Binbogami in Modern Culture

Today, Binbogami remains a recognizable character in Japanese pop culture. He is perhaps most famous for his role in the long-running video game series Momotaro Dentetsu. In this board game-style adventure, the player who is furthest from the destination is possessed by Binbogami, who proceeds to sell the player’s assets and double their debts. He is a source of frustration and hilarity for millions of Japanese gamers.

He also appears in anime and manga, such as Noragami, often portrayed with a mix of sympathy and menace. These modern depictions keep the folklore alive, reminding a new generation of the precarious nature of fortune.

Traveler’s Tips: Where to Find (and Banish) Him

For travelers interested in the darker side of Japanese mythology, there are specific locations dedicated to this deity. Unlike normal shrines where you pray to a god, shrines for Binbogami are often designed to drive him away.

The Binbogami Shrine (Nagano Prefecture)

Located in Iida City, Nagano, this is one of the most famous sites. Here, the worship method is cathartic. Visitors are encouraged to slap the statue of Binbogami with a wooden stick and kick the sacred tree three times to drive away poverty spirits. It is a physical manifestation of “casting out” bad luck.

Kitano Shrine (Tokyo)

In Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo, there is a small stone statue dedicated to Binbogami. The ritual here was historically to leave an offering to appease him so he would leave your home and go elsewhere.

Setsubun Festival

If you visit Japan in early February, you will witness Setsubun. While primarily about chasing away Oni (demons), the chant “Oni wa soto, Fuku wa uchi” (Demons out, Fortune in) is spiritually connected to the idea of expelling entities like Binbogami to make room for prosperity.

Sources & Further Reading

To deepen your understanding of Japanese folklore and the context of household deities, consider exploring the following texts:

• Nihon Eitaigura (The Japanese Family Storehouse) by Ihara Saikaku: A collection of Edo-period stories focusing on merchants, wealth, and the spirits that influence them.
• Gazu Hyakki Yagyo (The Illustrated Night Parade of a Hundred Demons) by Toriyama Sekien: The definitive visual encyclopedia of Yokai from the 18th century, which standardized the appearance of many spirits, including Binbogami.
• Kojiki & Nihon Shoki: While Binbogami is a later folkloric addition and not a primary deity in these ancient texts, reading them provides the necessary foundation for understanding the Shinto concept of Kami and purity.