Unveiling Raijin: The Thundering Pulse of Japanese Mythology
When dark clouds gather over the Japanese archipelago and the sky cracks with a deafening roar, children are often told to hide their belly buttons. This isn’t just a quirky superstition; it is a nod to Raijin, the fearsome and revered Japanese god of thunder, lightning, and storms. Also known as Kaminari-sama or Raiden-sama, Raijin is one of the most recognizable figures in Japanese folklore, bridging the gap between terrifying yokai (supernatural spirit) and protective Shinto deity.
The Origins of the Thunder God
Raijin’s lineage is as ancient as Japan itself. According to the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters), the oldest extant chronicle in Japan, Raijin was born from the decomposing body of Izanami, the primal mother goddess, after she descended into Yomi (the Underworld). When her husband, Izanagi, fled the underworld in horror upon seeing her rotting form, he was chased by various thunder deities birthed from her corpse.
Visually, Raijin is almost always depicted as a demonic, muscular figure with red skin and a terrifying expression. His defining accessory is a ring of drums (taiko) arching over his back. He beats these drums with hammers to create the sound of rolling thunder. Historically, artists often portrayed him with three fingers on each hand, said to represent the past, present, and future, distinguishing him from humans and placing him firmly in the realm of the divine and the supernatural.
Legends and the Eternal Rivalry
Raijin is rarely mentioned without his eternal partner and rival, Fujin, the god of wind. Together, they control the climate of the universe. In art and sculpture, they are often flanked on opposite sides of temple gates—Raijin on the left and Fujin on the right—acting as guardians against evil spirits.
The Divine Wind
One of the most significant legends involving Raijin and Fujin dates back to the Mongol invasions of Japan in the 13th century. It is said that the gods summoned a massive typhoon that decimated the Mongol fleet, saving Japan from conquest. This storm became known as the Kamikaze, or “Divine Wind,” cementing the duo’s status as protectors of the nation.
The Navel Snatcher
A more whimsical, yet frightening, piece of folklore concerns Raijin’s appetite for human navels. Japanese parents traditionally warn their children to cover their bellies during thunderstorms, saying, “Raijin will steal your belly button!” (Kaminari-sama ga heso o toru). While the origin of this specific diet is obscure, it serves a practical purpose: it encourages children to keep warm and cover their midsections when the temperature drops during a storm, preventing illness.
Raijin in Modern Culture
Despite his ancient roots, Raijin remains a vibrant part of modern Japanese pop culture. The imagery of the thunder god has evolved from woodblock prints to pixels and animation cels.
- Anime and Manga: Characters inspired by Raijin appear frequently. For instance, Enel from One Piece carries the signature ring of drums on his back, while the Pokémon Thundurus is a direct homage to the deity.
- Video Games: The character Raiden from the Mortal Kombat series derives his name and electrical powers from this myth, although his appearance differs significantly from the traditional red demon.
- Commercials and Mascots: In Japan, you will often find cute,