The 7 lucky Gods


The 7 lucky Gods - 七福神 - Sichi Fuku Jin

This is the most important figurines that you will find in Japan. They are found often traveling on a boat (Takarafune) bringing treasures and wealth to the people.

Takarafune This is Takarabune (fune) or treasure ship, carrying the seven lucky gods. It is a very popular figurine in Japan.
Daikoku

大黒天

 One of the seven lucky gods. He is representing the wealth of the land and is therefore the god of the farmers. He wears hood, holding a Kozuchi; (a carrying bag) on his right hand and sitting on rice bales the symbol of Daikoku. When shaken by the god, this bag is supposed to grant all wishes.
Ebisu

恵比須

 One of the Seven lucky Gods, usually portrayed with a sea bream. He is the god of fishermen, merchants and prosperity. He is the only god originated from Japan.

There is a story that he is rather deaf, it is why people who pray for him making lot of noise before ....
Fukurokuju

福禄寿

 One of the seven lucky gods. God of happyness, wealth and longevity. He is originated from china. He has a big forehaed and hold the sacred book which contains he lif span of every person. He is represented often with crane and a turtle symbol of longevity.
Hotei

布袋

 One of the seven lucky gods. Hotei is the most popular and favorite Japanese household god. He is the god of prosperity. He is represented in many different positions generally with a big belly and smiling. He often carries a treasure bag with gifts for the children. He is the Japanese Santa Claus.

He brings luck to whom touch his belly!
Benzaiten

弁財天

 One of the seven lucky gods. Goddess of music, artist and geisha, she is the only woman among the seven happy gods. She has for origine the indian godess Saravasti.

She is also called Benton, Benten, or Benzaiten
Jurojin

寿老人

 One of the seven lucky gods. The god of longevity. He is represented as an old man walking with a fan and a scroll under his arm. He is quite often identified as Fukurokuju and one consider that they have the same body.
Bishamon

毘沙門天

 One of the 7 lucky Gods. Bishamon is the Japanese name for Vaisravana, a Buddhist deity. He is protecting the wealth. He is represented wearing military protection, with a glave and a small temple in the left hand.