Seven Lucky Gods

There are lots of famous characters in Japan. From Hello Kitty to Pokémon, there isn’t a shortage of familiar faces. Just spending a short amount of time in Japan, the most famous characters become known to everyone because they are EVERYWHERE. Beyond pop culture icons that are used in animations, merchandise, and/or marketing, there are some characters that have more meaning than others.

Within many shrines across Japan, there are seven characters that reveal themselves in statues, artwork, and carvings. They are known as Shichifukujin, or the Seven Lucky Gods. Typically seen together as a group, most often in their treasure ship or Takarabune (as it is known), their friendly faces bring joy because they are said to bring good fortune to people’s lives.

Ebisu (恵比寿): the God of success in business (originally from Japan). He typically has a fish and a fishing pole with him.

Benzaiten (弁財天): the Goddess of financial fortune, good results in learning, music, and art (originally from India). She is easily identifiable because she is the only woman!

Fukurokuju (福禄寿): the God of wisdom, wealth, luck, and longevity (originally from China). He has a huge brain!

Hotei (布袋): the God of happiness, contentment, good fortune, bringing good match, bringing healthy children (originally from China). He is chubby and holds a fan.

Juroujin (寿老人): the God of long life/longevity and happiness (originally from China). He holds a staff and wears a hat.

Bishamonten (毘沙門天): the God of war and victory (originally from India). He usually looks a bit intimidating or scary.

Daikoku (大黒): the God of commerce, agriculture, and prosperity (originally from India). He carries a mallet and wears a hat.

Shichifukujin have been around for hundreds of years in Japan. Many temples and shrines enshrine the seven gods throughout Japan. During the New Year holiday, some people like to tour shrines that pay heed to these deities. The tours are so popular there is a special name for it - Shichifukujin Meguri. According to my research, there are 28 tour routes just in Tokyo! Many people collect stamps as they visit these shrines, commemorating their journey.