Myths & Deities Shishimai: How Japan Made the Lion Dance Its Own
At first glance, Shishimai may resemble other lion dances found across Asia, but in Japan it evolved into a unique ritua...
Myths & Deities 
Objects & Symbols A Quiet Spin — The Japanese Wooden Top
Spinning tops can be found in many cultures around the world,but the Japanese koma carries a sense of quietness.Made of ...
Myths & Deities Leaving Words at the Boundary
— Yomotsu HirasakaA Boundary Without ExplanationA large rock stands quietly in the forest,marked with a sacred rope.Noth...
Yokai Cats, Curses, and Consequences: The Folklore of Neko-oni
Cat Oni Skulls (Neko-oni)Edo period and later.Objects associated with folklore surrounding curses involving cats, reflec...
Myths & Deities Where Life Is Prayed for, on the Edge of the Sea
On a quiet stretch of Japan’s coastline, a small temple clings to a cliff — a place where people come to pray for safe c...
Myths & Deities Closing the Journey of the Seven Lucky Gods
Together, the Seven Lucky Gods embody the many forms of happiness sought in everyday life—prosperity, longevity, wisdom,...
Myths & Deities Benzaiten – The Goddess of Music, Wisdom, and Art
Benzaiten is the only female deity among Japan’s Seven Lucky Gods, revered as the goddess of music, eloquence, wisdom, a...
Myths & Deities Jurojin – God of Longevity | One of the Seven Lucky Gods
Jurojin is one of the Seven Lucky Gods of Japan, revered as the deity of longevity, health, and gentle fortune.His origi...
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 — 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...