Myths & Deities — The Deity of Longevity, Wisdom, and Prosperity —
FukurokujuFukurokuju represents the combined virtues of happiness (fuku), wealth (roku), and longevity (ju).He is easily...
Myths & Deities
Myths & Deities 
Myths & Deities — Japan’s Native God of Commerce and the Sea —
EbisuEbisu is unique among the Seven Lucky Gods as the only one believed to have originated in Japan.He is typically dep...
Myths & Deities — The God of Prosperity and Everyday Abundance —
DaikokutenDaikokuten is one of the most familiar deities among Japan’s Seven Lucky Gods, closely associated with prosper...
Myths & Deities The Mountain Mother and Her Child: Rethinking the Myth of Kintaro
The Mountain Mother and Her ChildBefore Kintaro becomes a hero, he is first a child of the mountains. Raised by a powerf...
Myths & Deities What Lies Within the Tumulus
Stone, Iron, and the Journey BeyondAt first glance, these gentle hills appear to be part of the natural landscape.Quiet,...
Myths & Deities Yomotsu Hirasaka — Writing a Letter at the Edge of Worlds
The entrance to Yomotsu Hirasaka, marked quietly, without insistence.Yomotsu Hirasaka is described in Japanese mythology...
Myths & Deities Between Journeys and Myths
– Entering Japan’s World of Yokai and Memory –IntroductionBetween Journeys and Myths is a personal record of placeswhere...
Myths & Deities A Quiet Alternative to Kyoto: Visiting Kurashiki’s Bikan Historical Quarter
A quiet journey through Japan’s timeless townscape
Myths & Deities The First Visit of the Year
A quiet ritual at the beginning of timeAt the beginning of the year,many people in Japan make a quiet visit to a shrine....