Shinto, the Way of the Gods, is a Japanese belief and value system rather than religion and sits comfortably alongside the religion of Buddhism and Confucian beliefs. With over eight million deities the Shinto belief encompasses gods, goddesses and spirits, or Kami, together with talking animals and deified heroes of Japan.
Japanese Gods of the Shinto Belief System
From the eight gods of Japanese creation together with Amaterasu, the Sun goddess, from whom the Japanese Emperor claims a direct line of descent, the gods of Japan are a diverse group. Details of some of the Japanese gods follow.
Susano, the Storm God of Ancient Myth
Susano is best known for the legend recounting his mischief making role which caused the Sun Goddess to withdraw into hiding. Following this he was banished to Izumo where it is said he planted forests using the hairs of his beard. A further legend regarding Susano recounts how he killed an eight headed dragon after making it drunk with sake.
Inari the Japanese Rice God
Inari, the Rice God, is sometimes depicted as a bearded man although at others as a goddess. Legend states that he comes down from his mountain home in Spring and returns in Autumn. His messenger is a fox and he is known as the patron of swordsmiths and traders.
Japanese Gods of Ancient Belief - 7 Gods of Good Luck
There are seven gods of good luck in Japan, often depicted in Japanese artwork, they are as follows:
- Hotei - generally pictured with a massive stomach, Hotei is a symbol of contentment and good nature
- Jurojin - is a god of longevity and represents contented old age. He is generally pictured with either a crane, tortoise or stag
- Fukurokuju - was said to have been a Chinese philosopher and represents a combination of longevity and wisdom
- Bishamon - although sometimes referred to as a god of wealth, he is representative of zeal and warrior attributes
- Daikoku - the good natured and cheerful god of wealth and guardian of farmers
- Benten - a goddess associated with the sea and representative of the arts and feminine accomplishment
- Ebisu - the god of luck by hard labour and patron of tradesmen and fishermen.
This is just some brief detail of a few of the ancient Gods of Japan, the website, The Gods of Japanese Mythology, provides a great deal further information, some irreverent and comical, plus a fascinating view of the Top Ten Gods of Japan.
If you enjoyed this article, you may also like to read Shinto Beliefs & Japanese Legends about Flowers or Hanami, the Cherry Blossom Season of Japan
Source: Juliet Piggott, Japanese Mythology (Hamlyn: New York)
Dawn Denmar - Studying for a BA in Journalism and History, Dawn's innate curiosity about life has led to articles covering a range of topics and ...
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