A get-together with the Shichifukujin 👹🍣🎎 Wonderful Japan

If you enjoy photography, I can only recommend traveling to Japan at some point. If there is one thing that the Land of the Rising Sun certainly has no shortage of, it is impressive motifs. When I first set foot on Japanese soil, everything was new, unfamiliar, and fascinating—and I couldn't help but capture every detail with my camera. But even after several years here, that feeling hasn't completely gone away. Time and again, I come across scenes, places, and atmospheres that I simply have to photograph.

I am particularly fascinated by shrines, temples, gardens, and castles. I can hardly resist when a beautiful picture presents itself – and so my photo collection continues to grow. Sometimes I leaf through the pictures and feel a little wistful when I think back on all the special moments I've already experienced here in this great country.

And it doesn't always have to be the big destinations and well-known places where all the other tourists hang out. I like to seek out a few more remote destinations that most people don't tend to visit, where I often end up being completely alone.

Over time, my nose has led me to many somewhat remote but interesting places where I could take a few more photos for my alwazs-growing collection.

This was again the case during my last stay in Tokyo, where we were based just outside the city center. Even though it was a rather low-key neighborhood, I took the opportunity to explore the area where I then came across some old acquaintances, the Shichifukujin.

The Shichifukujin (七福神) are the seven gods of fortune in Japan. They are not only religious figures, but also cultural icons deeply rooted in the Japanese concept of happiness, virtue, and joie de vivre, and can be found in many places throughout the country.

The Shichifukujin originated in the Muromachi period (1336–1573) and are a prime example of Japanese syncretism—the blending of different religious traditions. They originate from Shintoism, Buddhism, Taoism, and even Hinduism, but in Japan they were united into a harmonious group that brings good luck and protection.

The number seven is considered particularly auspicious in Japan – it represents completeness and spiritual balance. The popularity of the seven gods of fortune grew with the urban culture of the Edo period, when many people longed for tangible, friendly protective figures. The Shichifukujin are not dogmatic at all, but are portrayed in a playful and humorous way, and thus seem open to personal interpretation.‌.‌.And here at this small local shrine, I encountered them once again. But let's take a closer look at who we see here....

We start at the far left and take a closer look at the first four figures.

On the left is Bishamonten, the god of warriors and protection. He comes from the Buddhist pantheon and is usually depicted in armor. He embodies steadfastness, justice, and the defense of good.

Next to him is Jurōjin, a Taoist god of longevity. He carries a stick and often a scroll, and is sometimes accompanied by a deer. Jurōjin stands for a peaceful, long life and embodies wisdom that does not impose itself, but quietly accompanies.

Third is Daikokuten, the god of wealth and agriculture. He originally comes from Hinduism and is depicted with a lucky hammer and a large sack. Daikokuten brings material prosperity and domestic happiness—a friendly guardian of everyday blessings.

On the far right is Benzaiten, the only female figure among the Seven Gods of Fortune. She is the goddess of music, art, and wisdom and usually plays a biwa, a traditional lute. Her origins lie in the Hindu Sarasvati, and she inspires creative expression and mental clarity.

In this section, we see Ebisu on the far left, the only one of the seven gods of fortune with purely Japanese origins. He is the patron saint of fishermen, merchants, and honest work. Typically depicted with a fishing rod and a fish, Ebisu embodies the down-to-earth happiness that comes from diligence and consistency.

In the middle is Fukurokuju, a Taoist god of wisdom, wealth, and longevity. He is easily recognizable by his elongated skull and carries a scroll and a staff. Fukurokuju represents the enduring knowledge and virtue of a long, fulfilled life.

On the far right is Hotei, the laughing monk with a large belly and cloth bag. He is the god of contentment, humor, and generosity. He often holds prayer beads or a fan. Hotei symbolizes the happiness of the moment—a cheerful companion who spreads joy and serenity.

The seven gods of fortune are often depicted traveling on a treasure ship, the Takarabune, while elsewhere they are often shown separately in different locations that can be visited like a pilgrimage route. Here at this local shrine, however, they stood lined up next to each other, spreading good cheer.

And this good mood was further enhanced by what could we encountered right in front of the small shrine. Queen Sakura was in town and had brought her very own magic with her. This alone made it worth stopping here for a moment and taking a break. And after finsihing chatting with the Shichifukujin again, I then made plans for our next meeting. Let's see where we'll bump into each other then.