{"id":28422,"date":"2020-09-16T15:04:47","date_gmt":"2020-09-16T14:04:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/?p=28422"},"modified":"2020-09-16T15:04:47","modified_gmt":"2020-09-16T14:04:47","slug":"lucky-seven-and-the-seven-lucky-gods","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2020\/09\/16\/lucky-seven-and-the-seven-lucky-gods\/","title":{"rendered":"Lucky Seven and the Seven Lucky Gods"},"content":{"rendered":"<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F28422&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F28422\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F28422&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F28422&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F28422%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F28422\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F28422\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul><p>There are seven wonders of the world, seven days of the week, early astronomers recgognised seven planets, we avoid the seven deadly sins, and we pray for sevens at slot machines. The world has always had a fascination with the number seven and Japan is no exception. In fact, the number \u2018nana\u2019, \u2018shichi\u2019 , \u2018seven\u2019 or whatever you want to call it, is quite a big deal in Japan.<\/p>\n<p>With the influence of Hinduism, Buddhism and Taoism tying in with the native Shintoism over the years, Japan&#8217;s reverence for the number is entrenched. Buddhism introduces the idea of seven reincarnations, a birth is officially celebrated seven days after the event and death is mourned for seven days (and then re-mourned after seven weeks). We could go on. But nowhere is this number and its lucky connotations more obvious than its manifestation in the form of \u2018Shichifukujin\u2019, or the Seven Lucky gods.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_28458\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-28458\" style=\"width: 720px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-half-width wp-image-28458\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Takarabune_by_Hiroshige-720x499.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"499\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Takarabune_by_Hiroshige-720x499.png 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Takarabune_by_Hiroshige-300x208.png 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Takarabune_by_Hiroshige-1024x710.png 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Takarabune_by_Hiroshige-768x532.png 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Takarabune_by_Hiroshige-564x391.png 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Takarabune_by_Hiroshige-1200x832.png 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Takarabune_by_Hiroshige-900x624.png 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Takarabune_by_Hiroshige-1440x998.png 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Takarabune_by_Hiroshige-390x270.png 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Takarabune_by_Hiroshige-780x541.png 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Takarabune_by_Hiroshige-510x354.png 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Takarabune_by_Hiroshige.png 1532w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-28458\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Takarabune and Shichifukujin depicted by Hiroshige in Ukiyoe (Circa 1840)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun BCX9 SCXW22678856\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun BCX9 SCXW22678856\">The <\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun BCX9 SCXW22678856\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 BCX9 DefaultHighlightTransition SCXW22678856\">Shichifukujin<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun BCX9 SCXW22678856\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun BCX9 SCXW22678856\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun BCX9 SCXW22678856\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun BCX9 SCXW22678856\">(\u2018<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun BCX9 SCXW22678856\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 BCX9 DefaultHighlightTransition SpellingErrorHighlight SCXW22678856\">shichi<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun BCX9 SCXW22678856\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun BCX9 SCXW22678856\">\u2019 meaning seven, \u2018<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun BCX9 SCXW22678856\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 BCX9 SCXW22678856\">fuku<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun BCX9 SCXW22678856\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun BCX9 SCXW22678856\">\u2019\u00a0meaning \u2018luck\u2019 and \u2018<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun BCX9 SCXW22678856\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 BCX9 SCXW22678856\">jin<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun BCX9 SCXW22678856\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun BCX9 SCXW22678856\">\u2019 mean<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun BCX9 SCXW22678856\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun BCX9 SCXW22678856\">ing \u2018person<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun BCX9 SCXW22678856\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun BCX9 SCXW22678856\">\u2019)\u00a0<\/span><\/span> can be found at temples all over Japan throughout the year, but it is the New Year when these lucky gods really come into play. During the first seven days of the year (there\u2019s that number again), the gods hop aboard the Takarabune (treasure boat) and descend to earth bringing the prospect of luck and good fortune. Although each god previously existed individually, they exploded in popularity as a \u2018lucky super-group\u2019 of seven in the 17th century. Now, across Japanese New Year, people keep pictures of the lucky gods under their pillows and do their best to visit them all at local temples for a slice of the luck in the year to come.<\/p>\n<p>Probably best get to know this characterful bunch. Who are they and what do they do?<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_28449\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-28449\" style=\"width: 170px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-28449\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/FMIB_52020_Ebisu_the_Fish-god_of_Japan_bearing_a_Red_Tai-720x849.jpeg\" alt=\"Ebisu\" width=\"170\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/FMIB_52020_Ebisu_the_Fish-god_of_Japan_bearing_a_Red_Tai-720x849.jpeg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/FMIB_52020_Ebisu_the_Fish-god_of_Japan_bearing_a_Red_Tai-254x300.jpeg 254w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/FMIB_52020_Ebisu_the_Fish-god_of_Japan_bearing_a_Red_Tai-869x1024.jpeg 869w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/FMIB_52020_Ebisu_the_Fish-god_of_Japan_bearing_a_Red_Tai-768x906.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/FMIB_52020_Ebisu_the_Fish-god_of_Japan_bearing_a_Red_Tai-478x564.jpeg 478w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/FMIB_52020_Ebisu_the_Fish-god_of_Japan_bearing_a_Red_Tai-900x1061.jpeg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/FMIB_52020_Ebisu_the_Fish-god_of_Japan_bearing_a_Red_Tai-390x460.jpeg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/FMIB_52020_Ebisu_the_Fish-god_of_Japan_bearing_a_Red_Tai-780x920.jpeg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/FMIB_52020_Ebisu_the_Fish-god_of_Japan_bearing_a_Red_Tai-510x601.jpeg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/FMIB_52020_Ebisu_the_Fish-god_of_Japan_bearing_a_Red_Tai.jpeg 916w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 170px) 100vw, 170px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-28449\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Ebisu &amp; his catch<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Ebisu<br \/>\n<\/strong>The first is a god of work and the patron of fishermen and tradesmen, Ebisu. As an island nation reliant on the power and promise of the sea, it is no surprise that Ebisu is the only of the seven with origins in Japan\u2019s native religion, Shintoism. Whenever you come across a depiction of Ebisu, he\u2019ll be flashing a big smile wielding his a fishing rod in one hand and a large red Tai (red snapper) in the other, which is believed to be another harbinger of good luck as it sounds like the Japanese word for \u201causpicious\u201d (medetai). Ebisu has come to symbolize plentiful fishing, safe sailing, and business prosperity, and as such, can now be spotted in small shrines of shopkeepers and merchants across Japan. These days, you can even buy a famous brand of beer with his grinning, lucky face emblazoned on the can.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_28443\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-28443\" style=\"width: 151px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-28443\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Daikokuten_-_color-151x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"151\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Daikokuten_-_color-151x300.jpg 151w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Daikokuten_-_color-517x1024.jpg 517w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Daikokuten_-_color-768x1522.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Daikokuten_-_color-285x564.jpg 285w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Daikokuten_-_color-775x1536.jpg 775w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Daikokuten_-_color-1034x2048.jpg 1034w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Daikokuten_-_color-900x1783.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Daikokuten_-_color-720x1427.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Daikokuten_-_color-390x773.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Daikokuten_-_color-780x1545.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Daikokuten_-_color-510x1010.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Daikokuten_-_color.jpg 1070w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 151px) 100vw, 151px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-28443\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Daikokuten\u00a0<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"mceTemp\"><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Daikokuten<br \/>\n<\/strong>Daikokuten, the second of the seven, has come a long way since his origin as the Hindu god Shiva and Buddhist Mahakala. Mahakala was a warrior god known as the \u201cgreat destroyer,\u201d with scaly black skin and a fierce disposition, which is why when brought to Japan his name was translated to Dai(big)-Koku(black)-Ten(divine being). Over time Daikokuten evolved into a god of agriculture and rice, two cornerstones to a thriving kitchen, and his appearance changed into a shape more befitting of a god for food &#8211; quite a bit rounder and a great deal jollier than his warrior roots. Sometimes black as the name implies, or tanned from his farming, Daikokuten is now depicted dawning a hammer that grants wishes in one hand, a bag of treasure in the other, and with two barrels of rice beneath his feet.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_28445\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-28445\" style=\"width: 170px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-28445\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/De_Godin_Benten_Benten_titel_op_object_Een_parodie_op_de_zeven_Goden_van_geluk_serietitel_Mitate_shichifukujin_serietitel_op_object_RP-P-1991-538-265x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"170\" height=\"192\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/De_Godin_Benten_Benten_titel_op_object_Een_parodie_op_de_zeven_Goden_van_geluk_serietitel_Mitate_shichifukujin_serietitel_op_object_RP-P-1991-538-265x300.jpg 265w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/De_Godin_Benten_Benten_titel_op_object_Een_parodie_op_de_zeven_Goden_van_geluk_serietitel_Mitate_shichifukujin_serietitel_op_object_RP-P-1991-538-905x1024.jpg 905w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/De_Godin_Benten_Benten_titel_op_object_Een_parodie_op_de_zeven_Goden_van_geluk_serietitel_Mitate_shichifukujin_serietitel_op_object_RP-P-1991-538-768x869.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/De_Godin_Benten_Benten_titel_op_object_Een_parodie_op_de_zeven_Goden_van_geluk_serietitel_Mitate_shichifukujin_serietitel_op_object_RP-P-1991-538-499x564.jpg 499w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/De_Godin_Benten_Benten_titel_op_object_Een_parodie_op_de_zeven_Goden_van_geluk_serietitel_Mitate_shichifukujin_serietitel_op_object_RP-P-1991-538-1358x1536.jpg 1358w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/De_Godin_Benten_Benten_titel_op_object_Een_parodie_op_de_zeven_Goden_van_geluk_serietitel_Mitate_shichifukujin_serietitel_op_object_RP-P-1991-538-1810x2048.jpg 1810w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/De_Godin_Benten_Benten_titel_op_object_Een_parodie_op_de_zeven_Goden_van_geluk_serietitel_Mitate_shichifukujin_serietitel_op_object_RP-P-1991-538-1200x1358.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/De_Godin_Benten_Benten_titel_op_object_Een_parodie_op_de_zeven_Goden_van_geluk_serietitel_Mitate_shichifukujin_serietitel_op_object_RP-P-1991-538-900x1018.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/De_Godin_Benten_Benten_titel_op_object_Een_parodie_op_de_zeven_Goden_van_geluk_serietitel_Mitate_shichifukujin_serietitel_op_object_RP-P-1991-538-720x815.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/De_Godin_Benten_Benten_titel_op_object_Een_parodie_op_de_zeven_Goden_van_geluk_serietitel_Mitate_shichifukujin_serietitel_op_object_RP-P-1991-538-1440x1629.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/De_Godin_Benten_Benten_titel_op_object_Een_parodie_op_de_zeven_Goden_van_geluk_serietitel_Mitate_shichifukujin_serietitel_op_object_RP-P-1991-538-390x441.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/De_Godin_Benten_Benten_titel_op_object_Een_parodie_op_de_zeven_Goden_van_geluk_serietitel_Mitate_shichifukujin_serietitel_op_object_RP-P-1991-538-780x882.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/De_Godin_Benten_Benten_titel_op_object_Een_parodie_op_de_zeven_Goden_van_geluk_serietitel_Mitate_shichifukujin_serietitel_op_object_RP-P-1991-538-510x577.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 170px) 100vw, 170px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-28445\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Benzaiten<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Benzaiten<\/strong><br \/>\nThe next deity of luck is one of the most popular in Japan and the only goddess of the lucky seven, Benten (also referred to as Benzaiten). Benten is a recreation of the Hindu goddess Sarasvati, the personification of a sacred river and goddess of knowledge and arts. Benten as she is known in Japan is a patron of artists, and goddess of all things that flow &#8211; water, music, words, and time. As a ruler of water, she is credited for bringing ample rains and subsequent bountiful harvest, making her a provider of great wealth as well. In order to emphasize the wealth aspect of her blessings, Benten\u2019s name was later modified to Ben-ZAI-ten, the \u201czai\u201d meaning \u201cfortune,\u201d and thus came to be associated with \u201cgood luck.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_28461\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-28461\" style=\"width: 170px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-28461\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Todaiji_kondo_tamonten-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"170\" height=\"227\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Todaiji_kondo_tamonten-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Todaiji_kondo_tamonten-423x564.jpg 423w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Todaiji_kondo_tamonten-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Todaiji_kondo_tamonten-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Todaiji_kondo_tamonten-510x680.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Todaiji_kondo_tamonten.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 170px) 100vw, 170px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-28461\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Bishamonten depicted at Todaiji, Nara<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Bishamonten<\/strong><br \/>\nOf the Seven Lucky Gods, only Bishamonten has maintained his fierce image he is a god of warriors and a punisher of evildoers. Bishamonten is one of the Four Heavenly Kings, who, in Buddhism, oversee each of the cardinal directions. This armour-clad deity is a protector of the righteous who was often prayed to for victories in battle, rewarding his followers with riches and good fortune. He carries a stupa in his right hand, thought to be a treasure house of Buddha\u2019s teachings, and a lance in his left. He is also often depicted standing atop devils, symbolizing his subjugation of evil. Due to the association with victory and the bounties of a battle well-fought, Bishamonten became enlisted as one of the Seven Lucky Gods in Japan.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_28451\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-28451\" style=\"width: 141px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-28451 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Fukurokuju_-_color-141x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"141\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Fukurokuju_-_color-141x300.jpg 141w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Fukurokuju_-_color-480x1024.jpg 480w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Fukurokuju_-_color-768x1637.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Fukurokuju_-_color-265x564.jpg 265w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Fukurokuju_-_color-720x1535.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Fukurokuju_-_color-961x2048.jpg 961w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Fukurokuju_-_color-900x1919.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Fukurokuju_-_color-390x831.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Fukurokuju_-_color-780x1663.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Fukurokuju_-_color-510x1087.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Fukurokuju_-_color.jpg 1092w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 141px) 100vw, 141px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-28451\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Fukurojuku<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Fukurokuju<\/strong><br \/>\nFukurokuju has his name is written with the symbols for happiness (fuku), wealth (roku), and longevity (ju), and is pretty self-explanatory. Fukurokuju is based on the Chinese tale of a Taoist hermit renowned for performing miracles and is recognized as the only of the lucky seven with the ability to bring back the dead. You can spot this deity among the lucky seven by his almost comically long forehead, long whiskers, and walking staff. He may also occasionally be depicted with a crane or tortoise, two animals that also symbolize longevity.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_28454\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-28454\" style=\"width: 170px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-28454\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Jurojin_with_deer-141x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"170\" height=\"361\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Jurojin_with_deer-141x300.jpg 141w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Jurojin_with_deer-483x1024.jpg 483w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Jurojin_with_deer-768x1629.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Jurojin_with_deer-266x564.jpg 266w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Jurojin_with_deer-724x1536.jpg 724w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Jurojin_with_deer-966x2048.jpg 966w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Jurojin_with_deer-900x1909.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Jurojin_with_deer-720x1527.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Jurojin_with_deer-390x827.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Jurojin_with_deer-780x1654.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Jurojin_with_deer-510x1082.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Jurojin_with_deer.jpg 1041w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 170px) 100vw, 170px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-28454\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Jurojin<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Jurojin<br \/>\n<\/strong>The sixth of the Seven Lucky Gods, is Jurojin, a god of wisdom. Jurojin is also based on Chinese tales of a Taoist sage, but he&#8217;s known for loving wine and women (perhaps his secret to a long life!) Differentiated by his long beard, his walking stick, and his scroll,\u00a0 thought to contain all wisdom of the world and all the good and bad deeds committed by its beings (like an all-encompassing version of Santa\u2019s naughty-or-nice list). He&#8217;s often accompanied by his messenger, a white stag, but can also be joined by cranes and tortoises as they symbolize longevity.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_28457\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-28457\" style=\"width: 170px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-28457\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Kano_Koi_Hotei_Edo_Period-181x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"170\" height=\"283\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Kano_Koi_Hotei_Edo_Period-181x300.jpg 181w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Kano_Koi_Hotei_Edo_Period-339x564.jpg 339w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Kano_Koi_Hotei_Edo_Period-390x648.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Kano_Koi_Hotei_Edo_Period-510x848.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Kano_Koi_Hotei_Edo_Period.jpg 562w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 170px) 100vw, 170px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-28457\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Hotei<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Hotei<\/strong><br \/>\nLast but not least is the god of contentment and happiness, known as Hotei. You will probably be familiar with his cheerful demeanour, big belly and large round earlobes. In Japan, this \u2018laughing Buddha\u2019 also guards children. With his defining feature is a large sack it&#8217;s probably not surprising that his name actually translates to \u201ccloth bag.\u201d\u00a0This sack is never empty and used to feed the poor and needy, bringing happiness to all. He could almost be thought of as a Santa Claus\/Robin-Hood hybrid, and how could that bring anything BUT the best of luck?<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s them. There is a lot more to their story and to the number seven, but now you\u2019ve\u00a0acquainted yourself with the Seven Lucky Gods, you\u2019re one step closer to that life of luck. So, you can put down the four-leaf clover, the rabbit&#8217;s foot, and maybe even retire your lucky underwear. Instead, you can do as the Japanese do and put your luck into the hands of not just one god, but seven.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F28422&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F28422\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F28422&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F28422&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F28422%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F28422\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F28422\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Like this post? Help us by sharing it! There are seven wonders of the world, seven days of the week, early astronomers recgognised seven planets, we avoid the seven deadly sins, and we pray for sevens at slot machines. The world has always had a fascination with the number seven and Japan is no exception. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":65,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_sitemap_exclude":false,"_sitemap_priority":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2367],"tags":[4793,4796,4799,4802,4805],"class_list":["post-28422","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-japanese-culture-and-history","tag-seven-lucky-gods","tag-7-lucky-gods","tag-lucky-7","tag-seven","tag-circle-of-life"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28422","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/65"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=28422"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28422\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28496,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28422\/revisions\/28496"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28422"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=28422"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=28422"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}