The Seven Lucky Gods of Japan (Shichifukujin) are a group of seven deities who, together, are said to bring good fortune, happiness, and prosperity. They are not a single pantheon from one tradition; rather, they are a diverse assembly drawn from Japanese, Chinese, Indian, and even Shinto sources, and they have been worshipped together since at least the Muromachi period (14th–16th centuries).
Origins and History
The grouping of the Seven Lucky Gods is a uniquely Japanese phenomenon, though each individual deity has older roots. The set likely crystallized during the Muromachi period, when merchants and townspeople in Kyoto and Osaka began to venerate them as a collective. Their popularity grew during the Edo period (1603–1868), when they became a common subject in woodblock prints and were associated with the New Year.
The seven are often depicted together on a treasure ship (takarabune), which is a common New Year symbol. According to tradition, the ship sails into port on New Year’s Eve, and if you place a picture of it under your pillow, you will dream of Mount Fuji, a hawk, or an eggplant—all considered auspicious dreams.
The Seven Deities and Their Roles
Each of the seven gods has a distinct identity, origin, and area of influence. While they are often worshipped together, they are also venerated individually.
- Ebisu – The only one of the seven who is native to Japan. He is the god of fishermen, merchants, and honest labor. He is often shown holding a fishing rod and a sea bream (tai). His origins are somewhat murky; he may have been a local deity of the sea or a figure from folklore.
- Daikokuten – A god of wealth and prosperity, derived from the Hindu deity Mahakala, who was adopted into Buddhism and then transformed in Japan. He is usually depicted as a stout, smiling figure standing on bales of rice, holding a magic mallet that grants wishes and a sack of treasures.
- Bishamonten – The god of warriors and protectors of the righteous. He is also rooted in Hindu mythology, where he is known as Kubera, the god of wealth. In Japan, he is depicted as a fierce, armored figure holding a pagoda and a spear. He is the only one of the seven who is a full-fledged Buddhist deity.
- Benzaiten – The goddess of music, art, wisdom, and wealth. She is derived from the Hindu goddess Saraswati. She is often shown playing a biwa (a Japanese lute) and is associated with water and rivers.
- Fukurokuju – A god of wisdom, longevity, and happiness. He is depicted as a tall, bald man with a long beard and a high forehead. He is sometimes said to be based on a real Chinese Taoist sage who lived in the Song dynasty.
- Hotei – The god of contentment and happiness. He is a portly, laughing figure with a large belly, often shown carrying a cloth sack. He is based on the Chinese monk Budai, a legendary Zen figure who lived in the 10th century. In the West, he is sometimes mistaken for the historical Buddha, but he is not.
- Jurōjin – Another god of longevity, often confused with Fukurokuju. He is depicted as an old man with a white beard and a staff, sometimes accompanied by a deer or a crane. Some traditions say he is Fukurokuju’s grandfather, but this is not consistent across sources.
How They Are Worshipped
There is no single temple dedicated to all seven gods, but they are often enshrined together in Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples across Japan. A common practice is the shichifukujin-meguri, a pilgrimage to seven different temples or shrines, each dedicated to one of the gods. This is especially popular during the New Year, and many people collect stamps (goshuin) or small charms from each site.
In homes, small statues or scrolls of the seven gods are displayed, often in the tokonoma (a recessed alcove in a traditional room). They are also a popular subject for netsuke (miniature carvings) and other decorative arts.
Common Misconceptions
One frequent misconception is that the Seven Lucky Gods are all native Japanese deities. In fact, only Ebisu is purely Japanese; the others have roots in Indian (Benzaiten, Bishamonten, Daikokuten) or Chinese (Fukurokuju, Hotei, Jurōjin) traditions. Another common error is conflating Hotei with the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama. Hotei is a folkloric figure, not a religious founder.
Also, the group is not static. In some regional variations, a different deity, such as Kichijōten (a goddess of fortune) or even a figure like the god of wealth, may replace one of the standard seven. However, the seven listed above are the canonical set in most of Japan.
Comparisons with Other Pantheons
The Seven Lucky Gods are often compared to the Twelve Olympians of Greek mythology, but the comparison is not exact. The Greek gods were a family with complex relationships and myths, whereas the Seven Lucky Gods are a loose association of deities from different cultures, united by a common function: bringing good luck. They are more similar to the Roman household gods (Lares) in that they are invoked for practical, everyday blessings, but they are not tied to a single household or state cult.
In the context of Buddhism, the Seven Lucky Gods are considered worldly deities (tenbu) who protect the Dharma, but they are not seen as ultimate beings. In Shinto, they are often treated as kami (spirits) and enshrined alongside indigenous deities.
Modern Cultural Presence
The Seven Lucky Gods remain a popular motif in modern Japan. They appear in anime, manga, and video games. For example, the manga and anime series Noragami features several of them as characters. They are also a common subject in contemporary art and souvenirs. During the New Year, many people still practice the pilgrimage tradition, and the gods are a familiar sight in temples and shrines.
In addition, the seven gods have been used in marketing and branding. For instance, some companies use them as mascots for products that promise good fortune, such as lottery tickets or New Year’s goods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Seven Lucky Gods all male?
No. Benzaiten is a goddess, and in some regional variations, Kichijōten (a goddess of fortune and beauty) is included instead of one of the male gods. However, in the standard set, Benzaiten is the only female.
What is the treasure ship (takarabune) and how is it used?
The takarabune is a mythical ship that carries the Seven Lucky Gods. It is a common New Year decoration. Many people place a picture of it under their pillow on New Year’s Eve, hoping to dream of Mount Fuji, a hawk, or an eggplant, which are considered lucky dreams.
Can I visit a temple dedicated to all seven gods?
There is no single temple that houses all seven as the primary deities, but many temples and shrines have a hall or a set of statues dedicated to them. The best way to see all seven is to undertake the pilgrimage (shichifukujin-meguri) at a location that has a circuit of seven sites, such as the one in Kamakura or in various neighborhoods of Tokyo.
Are the Seven Lucky Gods still worshipped today?
Yes. They are particularly venerated at New Year, but they are also worshipped throughout the year for specific blessings, such as business success, academic achievement, and artistic skill. They are a living part of Japanese folk religion.
What is the difference between Fukurokuju and Jurōjin?
Both are gods of longevity and are often confused. Fukurokuju is depicted as a tall, bald man with a long beard and a high forehead, while Jurōjin is shown as an old man with a white beard and a staff, sometimes accompanied by a deer or crane. Some traditions say they are related, but their origins are distinct.
Related
- Hindu Sun Gods: Surya and the Solar Deities
- Hindu Gods of Time: Kala, Shiva, and Cosmic Cycles
- Hindu Gods of Wisdom: Ganesha, Saraswati & More
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