Smiles of the Seven Lucky Gods: Japan’s Icons of Fortune
If you have ever strolled through the bustling streets of Tokyo’s Asakusa district or wandered the quiet temple paths of Kyoto, you have likely encountered them. They appear as small statues, paintings on souvenirs, or motifs on amulets: a group of seven rotund, smiling figures radiating pure joy. They are the Shichifukujin, or the Seven Lucky Gods.
While Japanese culture is often associated with the solemnity of Zen or the discipline of the Samurai, the Seven Lucky Gods represent the boisterous, earthly pursuit of happiness, wealth, and longevity. Their beaming smiles are infectious, inviting travelers to pause and partake in the optimism they symbolize. In this guide, we dive deep into the history, legends, and cultural significance of these seven benevolent deities.
Origins: A Divine Melting Pot
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Seven Lucky Gods is that they are the ultimate symbol of Japanese religious syncretism. They are not a homogenous group; rather, they are an international assembly of deities from Shintoism, Hinduism, Taoism, and Buddhism brought together by folklore over centuries.
Only one, Ebisu, is indigenous to Japan. The other six hail from India and China, proving that the search for good fortune transcends borders.
- Ebisu: The god of fishermen and commerce, usually holding a sea bream (tai) and a fishing rod. He is often associated with the Shinto deity Hiruko.
- Daikokuten: Originally the Hindu deity Shiva (Mahakala), he evolved in Japan into a god of wealth and agriculture, seen standing on rice bales with a magic mallet.
- Benzaiten: The only goddess of the group. Originating from the Hindu goddess Saraswati, she represents art, music, wisdom, and flowing water.
- Bishamonten: Based on the Hindu god Kubera (Vaisravana), he is the god of warriors and defense against evil, clad in armor.
- Hotei: The Fat Buddha. Based on a historical Chinese Zen monk, he represents contentment, happiness, and abundance.
- Fukurokuju: A Chinese Taoist deity symbolizing wisdom, luck, and longevity, easily recognized by his elongated forehead.
- Jurojin: Another Taoist deity often confused with Fukurokuju, representing longevity and accompanied by a deer or crane.
The Legend of the Treasure Ship
The most enduring image of the Shichifukujin is that of the Takarabune (Treasure Ship). According to folklore, on New Year’s Eve, the Seven Lucky Gods board this magical ship to sail from the heavens down to the human realm.
The ship is laden with magical treasures, including the hat of invisibility, the lucky raincoat, the sacred key, and the inexhaustible purse. However, the true treasure they bring is not material wealth, but the “Seven Calamities Removed and Seven Blessings Gained.”
Children in Japan are often told that if they place a picture of the Takarabune under their pillow on the night of January 1st, they will have a lucky “first dream” (Hatsuyume), setting the tone for a prosperous year ahead. The smiles of the gods on the ship are meant to remind the populace that fortune favors those who greet the world with a cheerful countenance.
Modern Culture: The Seven in Daily Life
In contemporary Japan, the Shichifukujin remain ubiquitous. You will find them on lottery tickets, noren curtains at restaurants, and even as anime characters. Their accessibility makes them beloved by the general public; they are not distant, fearsome gods, but approachable figures who seem to enjoy the good life.
A popular tradition that survives today is the Shichifukujin Meguri (Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage). During the first week of the New Year, thousands of Japanese people walk specific routes in their cities to visit seven different shrines and temples, each dedicated to one of the seven gods. They collect stamps (goshuin) on a special board (shikishi) at each stop. It is a healthy, spiritual, and communal way to kick off the year, blending exercise with prayer.
Traveler’s Tips: Finding the Gods
If you are visiting Japan, seeking out the Seven Lucky Gods can be a rewarding side quest. Here are a few tips for the culturally curious traveler:
- The Yanaka Seven Lucky Gods Pilgrimage (Tokyo): This is one of the oldest pilgrimage routes in Tokyo, taking you through the nostalgic shitamachi (downtown) area of Yanaka. It is best experienced in January, but the temples are beautiful year-round.
- Kamakura: The coastal town of Kamakura offers a stunning pilgrimage route that combines hiking with temple hopping. Don’t miss the Benzaiten shrine at Zeniarai Benten, where people wash their money in spring water to double it.
- Souvenirs: Look for Omamori (charms) featuring the gods. A small golden mallet (Daikokuten’s hammer) is a popular keepsake for financial success.
- Rubbing Statues: At many temples, you will see statues of Hotei or Daikokuten worn smooth. It is believed that rubbing the belly of Hotei brings good luck and health. Don’t be shy—give it a try!
Sources & Further Reading
To understand the deep historical roots of the indigenous member of the group, Ebisu, one should look to Japan’s oldest historical records. While the group of seven formed later (around the Muromachi period), the roots of individual deities like Ebisu are often linked to the story of the “leech child” (Hiruko) found in ancient texts.
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): For the mythological origins of Izanagi and Izanami and the figure of Hiruko (often identified as Ebisu).
- The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): For parallel creation myths and early Shinto history.
- Japanese Jungle: Seven Lucky Gods – An exploration of Japanese folklore.
- Shinto: The Kami Way by Sokyo Ono – For context on how foreign deities were integrated into the Shinto pantheon.