Shichi Fukujin : The Seven Gods of Fortune

When you first see images below, you might think they belong in a toy shop. 

Seven comical-looking characters, mostly with chubby faces and big grins. 

So what are these ?

Shichifukujin at Tokoji temple, Meguro-ku, Tokyo

These are Shichi Fukujin (七福神, "The Seven Gods of Fortune"). Shichi Fukujin refer to the seven gods of good fortune in Japanese mythology and folklore. They are often the subject of netsuke carvings and other representations.

Each has a traditional attribute:

1. Hotei (or Hotei osho), the fat and happy god of abundance and good health. He is also the god of laughter and the happiness you can achieve by being satisfied with what you have. He is the god of joy and satisfaction in trade, hence a Hotei statue is often positioned at the entrance of stores.

2. Jurōjin, god of wealth, wisdom and happiness for our long lives.

3. Fukurokuju, god of wisdom, good luck, happiness, wealth, virility and longevity.

4. Bishamonten, god of prosperity, war and patron of warriors, brings good luck in both battle and defence. He is protector of the Buddhist law and defender of peace.

5. Benzaiten (Benten-sama), goddess of knowledge, art and beauty, especially music. These attributes help to soften the vulgarity of monetary wealth.

6. Daikokuten (Daikoku), god of wealth, commerce and trade. Protected people against evil forces, giving a good harvest to farmers, ensures prosperity and wealth in commerce and trade. He is also guardian for cooks and all kitchen workers.

7. Ebisu, god of fishers or merchants and favours them with a good catch, often depicted carrying a sea bream.

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Seven has been an auspicious number for thousands of years in countries around the world, and Japan is no exception. There are seven basic principles of the Samurai's philosophy (bushido), tanabata matsuri is on the seventh day of the seventh month, a baby's birth is celebrated on the seventh day, a death is mourned for seven days, and again after seven weeks. In Buddhism, the main 'religion' of Japan, people believe in seven reincarnations. It is not surprising that there are seven gods in the shichifukujin.

Shichifukujin have been an important part of Japanese culture since the Muromachi era ( 15th century). They were popularised by farmers, although most of these characters have a courtly or scholarly appearance, merchants and artisans. Consequently their treasures are practical things like rice, fish and cash, rather than gold or jewels.