Boarding the Takarabune: Sailing with the Seven Lucky Gods
When the New Year arrives in Japan, it brings with it a flotilla of traditions designed to sweep away the misfortunes of the past and usher in prosperity. Among the most vibrant and optimistic of these images is the Takarabune (宝船), or the “Treasure Ship.”
While you cannot book a ticket on this vessel through a travel agent, “boarding” the Treasure Ship is a metaphorical and spiritual journey deep within Japanese culture. It represents the arrival of the Shichifukujin (Seven Lucky Gods) and the promise of a bountiful year ahead. For cultural travelers and folklore enthusiasts, understanding the Takarabune offers a fascinating window into how Japan harmonizes mythology with daily life.
Origins of the Treasure Ship
The concept of the Takarabune is not tied to a single ancient text but rather evolved over centuries, solidifying during the Muromachi period (1336–1573). It is a perfect example of Japanese religious syncretism, blending elements of Shinto, Buddhism, and Chinese Taoism.
Originally, the ship was depicted as sailing from the heavens or from across the sea to bring happiness to the people. By the Edo period (1603–1867), woodblock prints (ukiyo-e) featuring the Takarabune became incredibly popular. These prints were not merely art; they were talismans. Merchants and commoners alike sought these images to ensure financial success and household safety, effectively “boarding” the ship through their devotion and ritual use of the imagery.
The Legend: Who is On Board?
The Takarabune is piloted by the Seven Lucky Gods, a motley crew of deities hailing from India, China, and Japan. Each god governs a specific aspect of luck:
- Ebisu: The god of fishermen and commerce (the only native Japanese god of the group).
- Daikokuten: The god of wealth and agriculture.
- Benzaiten: The goddess of arts and wisdom.
- Bishamonten: The god of war and warriors.
- Fukurokuju: The god of wisdom and longevity.
- Jurojin: The god of the elderly and longevity.
- Hotei: The fat, happy god of abundance and good health.
However, the gods do not travel light. The Takarabune is laden with magical treasures known as takara-mono. These legendary items often include the Uchide no Kozuchi (a magic mallet that taps out gold), the Kakuremino (an invisibility cloak representing protection from evil spirits), and the Nunobukuro (an inexhaustible bag of supplies). Legend states that boarding the ship—or welcoming it—grants access to these divine tools.
Modern Culture and the First Dream
In contemporary Japan, the act of “boarding” the treasure ship is most closely associated with the tradition of Hatsuyume (The First Dream).
According to superstition, the dream you have on the night of January 1st (leading into January 2nd) foretells your luck for the coming year. To ensure a pleasant dream, people traditionally place a picture of the Takarabune under their pillow.
These pictures often feature a palindrome poem (a kaibun) written on the sail or the side of the ship. The poem reads:
“Nagaki yo no, too no neburi no, mina mezame, naminori fune no, oto no yoki kana.”
roughly translating to: “In the long night of deep sleep, everyone wakes up to the pleasant sound of the ship riding the waves.” Because the poem reads the same forwards and backwards in traditional kana, it is considered a magical spell to invoke good fortune and prevent nightmares. If one dreams of the ship, it is considered a sign of immense prosperity.
Traveler’s Tips: Finding the Fleet
If you are visiting Japan, particularly around the New Year (Oshogatsu), you can engage with the Takarabune tradition in several ways:
- Shichifukujin Meguri (Pilgrimage): Many cities, including Tokyo (Yanaka or Asakusa districts), Kamakura, and Kyoto, have designated pilgrimage courses visiting temples dedicated to each of the Seven Lucky Gods. Completing the circuit is a form of spiritual boarding of the ship.
- Souvenir Hunting: Look for ema (wooden prayer plaques), charms, or decorative fans featuring the Takarabune at shrines. They make excellent gifts that carry a story.
- Museums: The Tokyo National Museum often displays historical woodblock prints of the Takarabune during the New Year exhibition, allowing you to see how the depiction of the ship has changed over centuries.
Sources & Further Reading
For those interested in delving deeper into the mythology of the gods aboard the ship, the following texts provide foundational context:
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): Essential for understanding the origins of native Japanese deities like Ebisu (associated with Hiruko).
- The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): Provides further historical and mythological context for Shinto traditions.
- Japanese Folk-Lore by A.B. Mitford: A classic English language resource for understanding the nuances of the Seven Lucky Gods.
- Encyclopedia of Shinto: For detailed breakdowns of the syncretic nature of the Shichifukujin.