Shichifukujin
The Seven Lucky Gods of Japan, embodying happiness and prosperity, blend Shinto, Taoism, Buddhism, and Brahmanism, influenced by Japan, China, and India. The "Treasure Ship" image, filled with gold, silver, and rice, became popular in the Edo period. It was believed that dreaming of this ship on New Year's Eve would bring good fortune for the year ahead.
Daikokuten
Daikokuten is the god of commerce and prosperity, often regarded as the patron of cooks, farmers, bankers, and protector of crops. Known for his smile, short legs, and hat, he’s typically depicted with a bag of treasures. Legends also portray him as a demon hunter, using a sacred talisman to trap demons. His figure merges the Buddhist deity Mahākāla with the Shinto god Ōkuninushi. "Daikoku" translates to Mahākāla, meaning "Great Blackness." According to the 1690 Butsuzōzui compendium, Daikokuten can also appear as a female, Daikokunyo.
Benzaiten
Benzaiten, originating from the Hindu goddess Saraswati, is the only female among the Seven Lucky Gods. Known as Benzaiten, Benten, or Bentensama, she embodies financial fortune, talent, beauty, and music. Often depicted near a Torii gate, she appears as a smart, beautiful woman holding a biwa, a traditional Japanese lute, often accompanied by a white snake. She is the patron of artists, writers, dancers, and geisha.
Hotei
Hotei is the god of fortune, guardian of children, patron of diviners and barmen, and also the god of popularity. He is depicted as a fat, smiling, bald man with a curly moustache. He always appears half-naked, as his clothes are not wide enough to cover his enormous belly. He blessed the Chinese, and they nicknamed him "Cho-Tei-Shi" or "Ho-Tei-Shi", which means ‘bag of old clothes’.
Ebisu
Ebisu is the only god with purely Japanese origins, dating back to the time of Izanami and Izanagi. He is the god of prosperity, wealth in business, and abundance in crops and food. As the patron of fishermen, he is often depicted wearing traditional fisherman attire, holding a fishing rod and a large fish (such as carp, hake, cod, or sea bass), symbolizing abundance. His image is commonly found in restaurants serving large quantities of fish or in household kitchens.
Fukurokuju
Fukurokuju, originating from China, is a Taoist god associated with wisdom, luck, longevity, wealth, and happiness. Once a hermit during the Song Dynasty, he is believed to be a reincarnation of Hsuan-wu. Known for living without food (breatharian), he is also said to have the power to resurrect the dead. Depicted with a large head and traditional Chinese attire, he holds a cane and a scroll. Often accompanied by a turtle, crow, or deer—symbols of long life—he is also the patron of chess players. Fukurokuju's traits overlap with Jurōjin, and in some texts, the goddess Kichijōten is referenced in his place.
Jurōjin
Jurōjin, the god of longevity and the elderly in Japanese Buddhist mythology, is believed to be the incarnation of the southern pole star. Legend holds that he was based on a real person from ancient times, described as tall with a long head. He is typically depicted with a long white beard, riding a deer, and accompanied by a 1,500-year-old crane and a tortoise—symbols of long life. Often shown under a peach tree (which symbolizes life extension in Taoism), he holds a cane and a scroll containing the wisdom of the world. A cheerful figure, Jurōjin enjoys rice and wine.
Bishamonten
Bishamonten, originally from Hinduism as the god Kubera (also known as Vaisravana), was adopted into Japanese culture. He is the god of fortune in war, battles, and authority, as well as the protector of those who follow the rules. Depicted in armor and a helmet, he often carries a pagoda and wields a spear to protect holy sites and fight evil spirits. He is usually shown surrounded by a hoop of fire.
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