Who is Binbogami? The Japanese God of Poverty
When travelers think of Japanese mythology, they often envision the majestic Amaterasu, the sun goddess, or the benevolence of the Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin). However, in a culture that boasts “eight million gods” (yaoyorozu no kami), not every spirit is welcome in the home. Enter Binbogami (貧乏神), the personification of poverty and destitution.
While he is a deity you likely want to avoid, Binbogami is a fascinating figure in Japanese folklore. Understanding him offers a unique window into the Edo-period mindset regarding wealth, luck, and the precarious nature of life. For the culturally curious traveler, the story of the God of Poverty is as enriching as it is cautionary.
The Origins of the Destitute Deity
Unlike the primordial gods found in ancient texts, Binbogami is a figure that solidified largely during the Edo period (1603–1867). He is typically depicted not as a fearsome demon, but as a frail, dirty, and emaciated old man. He often wears tattered clothing, holds a fan (uchiwa), and sometimes carries a broken begging bowl.
Binbogami is considered a yakubyogami (god of pestilence or misery). His origin is often tied to the neglect of the home. In traditional beliefs, spirits inhabit every corner of a house. If a home is kept clean and the inhabitants work hard, the Lucky Gods enter. If the house is dirty and the people are lazy, Binbogami takes up residence in the closet, slowly draining the family’s wealth and vitality.
Legends of Binbogami
There are countless folktales involving this gloomy spirit, ranging from the humorous to the tragic. One of the most famous themes involves the futility of trying to run away from him.
The Move
In one popular tale, a man plagued by financial ruin realizes that Binbogami is living in his house. Deciding to start fresh, he packs up his meager belongings to move to a new village. As he is walking down the road, he hears a voice from inside one of his boxes. He opens it to find the skinny old deity, who smiles and says, “I’m coming with you! we’re going to have a great time there.” The lesson is stark: you cannot run from your problems; you must change your behavior to solve them.
The Burned Miso
Conversely, Binbogami can sometimes be tricked or appeased. In some regions, it is said that Binbogami loves the smell of grilled miso. A clever homeowner might burn miso on a specialized platter to lure the god out of the closet. Once he emerges, drawn by the scent, the homeowner can chase him out or trap him. Interestingly, in a twist of irony, some stories suggest that treating Binbogami with unexpected kindness can cause him to leave out of embarrassment or even grant a small boon, as he is unaccustomed to hospitality.
Binbogami in Modern Culture
Despite his negative connotations, Binbogami remains a beloved character in modern Japanese pop culture. He appears frequently in anime, manga, and video games, often serving as a comic relief character.
Perhaps his most famous modern iteration is in the long-running video game series Momotaro Dentetsu. In this board-game-style adventure, the Binbogami character latches onto players and whimsically sells their assets or doubles their debts. He is a source of frustration and laughter for millions of Japanese gamers, keeping the concept of the “God of Poverty” alive in the digital age. He also features prominently in the anime Noragami, where his gloominess is depicted as a supernatural affliction.
Traveler’s Tips: Visiting Binbogami Shrines?
Believe it or not, you can visit shrines dedicated to Binbogami in Japan. However, the purpose is usually to drive him away rather than to worship him. This practice is known as binbo-gami-yoke (warding off the god of poverty).
The Binbogami Shrine (Iida, Nagano Prefecture): This is perhaps the most famous site. Here, the ritual is physical and cathartic. Visitors are encouraged to grab a wooden bat and strike a statue of Binbogami three times. Afterward, you kick the statue three times. This aggressive ritual symbolizes beating away bad luck and poverty to make room for prosperity.
Kitano Shrine (Bunkyo, Tokyo): Located near the Tokyo Dome, this shrine has a stone statue of Binbogami. The tradition here is strictly for stress relief and banishing bad financial luck. It is a quiet, off-the-beaten-path stop for travelers interested in the niche side of Shinto practices.
Sources & Further Reading
To deepen your understanding of the Japanese spiritual worldview, the following texts and concepts are essential:
- Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): While Binbogami is a later folk creation and does not appear in this 8th-century text, the Nihon Shoki establishes the animist foundation of Kami (spirits) inhabiting all things, which allows for the existence of such folk deities.
- Edo Period Rakugo: Many stories of Binbogami originate from Rakugo (comic storytelling) traditions of the 17th-19th centuries.
- Japanese Demon Lore (Oni to Kappa): Various compilations of yokai and folklore by authors like Lafcadio Hearn or Yanagita Kunio provide context on how domestic spirits are viewed in Japan.