Katsu-un: The Japanese Art of Praying for Victory
When travelers envision the spiritual landscape of Japan, they often picture the quiet meditation of Zen gardens or the peaceful silence of moss-covered forest shrines. However, there is a fiery, dynamic side to Japanese spirituality known as Katsu-un (勝運)—the belief in “victory luck” or “winning fortune.” Whether it is a student facing a grueling entrance exam, a politician running for office, or an athlete aiming for gold, millions of Japanese people turn to specific deities and rituals to secure the spiritual edge needed to win.
Introduction to Victory Fortune
Katsu-un is a compound word derived from Katsu (to win) and Un (luck or destiny). Unlike the passive wish for good fortune found in buying a lottery ticket, Katsu-un is active and forceful. It is the spiritual alignment of one’s effort with divine favor to overcome obstacles.
This belief system is visually distinct. Shrines dedicated to victory are often awash in red—the color of expelling demons and illness—and are frequently populated by thousands of Daruma dolls, the round, hollow figures representing the founder of Zen Buddhism, Bodhidharma. These dolls are symbols of resilience; because they are weighted at the bottom, they always bounce back upright when knocked over, embodying the Japanese proverb: “Fall down seven times, stand up eight.”
Origins of the Warrior Spirit
The roots of Katsu-un are deeply intertwined with Japan’s feudal history and the rise of the Samurai class. During the Heian and Kamakura periods, the warrior caste sought patronage from deities who could ensure triumph on the battlefield.
The primary figure in this pantheon is Hachiman, the Shinto God of War and Archery, who is also considered the divine protector of Japan. Hachiman is identified with the legendary Emperor Ojin. Samurai clans, particularly the Minamoto, established Hachiman shrines across the archipelago to pray for military success. As the samurai era faded, the definition of “battle” evolved. In the modern era, the “war” is metaphorical—business competition, academic hurdles, and personal struggles—but the fervor of the prayer remains unchanged.
Legend: The Temple of Winner’s Luck
One of the most famous legends surrounding Katsu-un centers on Katsuo-ji, a temple nestled in the mountains of Minoo, Osaka.
According to temple records, in the 9th century, Emperor Seiwa fell gravely ill. The prayers offered by the monks of this temple were credited with his miraculous recovery. Overjoyed, the Emperor granted the temple the name “Katsu-o-ji,” using characters that meant “The Temple that Defeated the King” (implying the prayers were more powerful than the Emperor’s illness).
However, the monks felt this name was too presumptuous and disrespectful to the sovereign. They humbly altered the kanji characters. While the pronunciation remained Katsuo-ji, the meaning was changed to “The Temple of Winning Tail” (implying winning at the very end). This solidified the temple’s reputation as a power spot where one could pray to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
Modern Culture and Rituals
Today, Katsu-un permeates everyday Japanese culture, particularly during specific seasons.
Exam Season: In January and February, students flock to shrines to pray for passing grades. This has given rise to a linguistic food culture. Students often eat Katsudon (a pork cutlet bowl) before exams because “katsu” (cutlet) is a homophone for “katsu” (win). Even the chocolate bar KitKat is popular, as its name sounds like Kitto Katsu (“Surely Win”) in Japanese.
Daruma Rituals: The most iconic modern ritual involves the Daruma doll. When bought, the doll has two blank white eyes. The petitioner paints in the left eye while making a specific goal-oriented wish (victory in an election, winning a championship). The doll is placed on a shelf as a reminder of the goal. Only when the victory is achieved is the right eye painted in, completing the doll, which is then returned to the temple to be burned in a gratitude ceremony.
Traveler’s Tips
For travelers seeking a boost in their own ventures, engaging with Katsu-un culture is a memorable experience.
- Where to Go:
- Katsuo-ji (Osaka): Famous for its “Winner’s Luck” and thousands of small Daruma dolls left by successful petitioners. It is a photogenic and spiritual highlight.
- Kanda Myojin (Tokyo): Located near Akihabara, this shrine is favored by businessmen and tech entrepreneurs seeking victory in commerce.
- Tsurugaoka Hachimangu (Kamakura): An ancient Hachiman shrine that offers a deep look into the samurai origins of victory worship.
- What to Buy: Look for Omamori (amulets) specifically embroidered with the kanji for “Victory” (勝). These are designed to be attached to bags or kept in pockets.
- Etiquette: Remember that Katsu-un is about self-overcoming. When praying, it is customary to state your name, your address, and the specific effort you are making to achieve your goal, rather than simply asking for a handout.
Sources & Further Reading
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): For background on the lineage of Japanese deities.
- The Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan): Contains the historical accounts of Emperor Ojin (Hachiman).
- Katsuo-ji Temple Records: Historical accounts regarding Emperor Seiwa and the naming of the temple.
- Japanese Religion and Society by Winston Davis: For academic perspectives on the function of “this-worldly benefits” (genze riyaku) in Shinto and Buddhism.