List of Japanese deities

This is a list of divinities native to Japanese beliefs and religious traditions. Many of these are from Shinto, while others were imported via Buddhism or Taoism and "integrated" into Japanese mythology and folklore.

Major kami

• Amaterasu-Ōmikami (天照大神), she is the goddess of the sun as well as the purported ancestress of the Imperial Household of Japan. Her name means “Shines from Heaven” or “the great kami who shine Heaven". For many reasons, one among them being her ties to the Imperial family, she is often considered (though not officially) to be the "primary god" of Shinto.[1][2]
• Ame-no-Uzume (天宇受売命 or 天鈿女命) Commonly called Uzume, she is the goddess of dawn and revelry in Shinto.[3]
• Fūjin (風神) Also known as Kaze-no-kami, he is the Japanese god of the wind and one of the eldest Shinto gods, said to have been present at the creation of the world. He is often depicted as an oni with a bag slung over his back.
• Hachiman (八幡神), is the god of war and the divine protector of Japan and its people. Originally an agricultural deity, he later became the guardian of the Minamoto clan. His symbolic animal and messenger is the dove.
• Inari Ōkami (稲荷大神) The god or goddess of rice and fertility. Their messengers and symbolic animal are foxes . They are often identified with Ukanomitama and Buddhist deity Dakiniten.[4]
• Ninigi-no-Mikoto (瓊瓊杵尊) Commonly called Ninigi, he was the grandson of Amaterasu. His great-grandson was Kan'yamato Iwarebiko, later known as Emperor Jimmu , the first emperor of Japan.
• Ōmononushi in the Nihongi, Ōmononushi was considered a alternate name for Ōkuninushi. But, it appears that the two were separate kami.[5]
• Ōkuninushi (大国主) A god of nation-building, farming, business, and medicine.
• Omoikane (思兼) The deity of wisdom and intelligence, who is always called upon to "ponder" and give good counsel in the deliberations of the heavenly deities.
• Raijin (雷神) is the god of thunder and lightning and is often paired with Fūjin. As with the latter, Raijin is usually depicted as an oni.
• Ryūjin (龍神) some versions consider him and Ōwatatsumi as the same god, he is a dragon, as well as god of the sea.[6]
• Suijin (水神) The God of Water.
• Susanoo-no-Mikoto (須佐之男命) is a god of storms , as well as the ruler of the sea in some cases. He is also somewhat of a trickster god, as Japanese mythology extensively documents the "sibling rivalry " between him and Amaterasu. Susanoo was also responsible for the slaying of the monster Yamata no Orochi and the subsequent discovery of the sacred sword Kusanagi .[7]
• Toyotama-hime (豊玉姫)was the daughter of Ryūjin and the grandmother of Jimmu. It is said that after she gave birth to her son, she turned into a dragon and disappeared.
• Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto (月読の命 or 月夜見の尊) is the god of the moon . He killed Uke Mochi, out of disgust and anger in the way she had prepared a meal. This caused Amaterasu never to face him again, causing the sun and moon to be in different parts of the sky.
• Takemikazuchi, known as a god of thunder and the god of swords.
• Takeminakata
• Tamanoya

Kamiyonanayo

• Kuninotokotachi,[8]

• Omodaru and Ayakashikone: Sixth generation of Kamiyonanayo.[9]

• Izanagi:creation deity, brother and husband of Izanami.

• Izanami:creation deity, sister and wife of Izanagi.

Minor kami

• Amatsu-Mikaboshi (天津甕星), the kami of stars who existed before the Kotoamatsukami.
• Amanozako
• Amatsumara is the kami of iron-working.[10]
• Ajisukitakahikone
• Amatsuhikone, considered the third son of Amaterasu.[11]
• Ame-no-hohi (天菩比神, 天穂日命)
• Ame-no-Naemasu (天苗加命), said to be son of Futsunushi.
• Ame-no-Koyane (天児屋命 or 天児屋根命) A male deity, he is considered the "First in Charge of Divine Affairs," as well as the aide to the first Emperor of Japan .[12] He is also considered to be the ancestor of the Fujiwara family.
• Ame-no-oshihomimi (天忍穂耳命)
• Ame-no-wakahiko (天若日子, 天稚彦)
• Atago Gongen
• Ame-no-Tajikarao, in many versions is the kami that pull Amaterasu out of Amano-Iwato.[13]
• Azumi-no-isora (阿曇磯良 ) is a kami of the seashore. He is considered to be the ancestor of the Azumi people .
• Futodama is a kami who performed a divination when Amaterasu hid in a cave.[14]

• Futsunushi (経津主神) Main deity at Katori Shrine.
• Haniyasu no kami, two deities born from Izanami’s feces.[15]
• Hoderi
• Hoori
• Isetsuhiko (伊勢都彦命)
• Ishikori-dome no Mikoto (石凝姥命), the god of metalworking.
• Kaya-no-hime
• Kawaya no Kami, kami of the toilet.[16]
• Kawa-no-kami a god of rivers.[17]
• Kagu-tsuchi, the kami of fire.[18]
• Kisshōten
• Konjin
• Kotoshironushi
• Kuebiko (久延毘古), the god of knowledge and agriculture, represented in Japanese mythology as a scarecrow who cannot walk but has comprehensive awareness.
• Kuraokami (闇龗) is a legendary Japanese dragon and Shinto deity of rain and snow.
• Kushinadahime
• Kukurihime no Kami (菊理媛神), a goddess enshrined at Shirayama Hime Shrine.
• Kuzuryū
• Kōjin (三宝荒神), is the god of fire, the hearth, and the kitchen.
• Kukunochi, believed to be the ancestor of trees.[19]
• Mitsuhanome, water kami.[20]
• Moreya
• Nakisawame, kami born from Izagani's tear after his wife's death.[21]
• Nesaku
• Nigihayahi-no-mikoto (饒速日尊)
• Oshirasama (ja:おしら様)
• Shinatsuhiko, a kami of wind.
• Sukuna-Biko-Na (少名毘古那) A small deity of medicine and rain, who created and solidified the land with Ōkuninushi.
• Sumiyoshi sanjin
• Sarutahiko Ōkami (猿田毘古神), a kami of the Earth that guided Ninigi to the Japanese islands.
• Seidai Myōjin, god of sports, enshrined at Shiramine Shrine in Kyoto, especially worshipped for kemari and football.
• Tajimamori (田道間守), god who obtained the tokijiku no kagu no mi in Tokoyo-no-kuni, and hailed as "god of wagashi" (sweets, confections).
• Tamayori-hime, mother of Emperor Jimmu.[22]
• Takitsuhiko a kami believed to bring form rain.[23]
• Tatsuta-hime and Tatsuta-hiko, pair of wind kami who bring forth autumn.[24]
• Ta-no-Kami (田の神), is a kami who is believed to observe the harvest of rice plants or to bring a good harvest, by Japanese farmers.
• Toyouke-Ōmikami, goddess of food. She is also the daughter of Wakumusubi.[25]
• Ugajin , a harvest and fertility kami represented with the body of a snake and head of a man or woman. They may be derived from Ukanomitama.
• Ugayafukiaezu, the father of Japan's first emperor.[26]
• Ukanomitama , a kami associated with food and agriculture.
• Uke Mochi (保食神 ), is considered a goddess of food. After she disgorged food from her body she had been killed by a disgusted Tsukuyomi or Susanoo.[27]
• Watatsumi some versions is consider the same god as Ryujin.[28]
• Wakumusubi

Yama-no-Kami

• Konohanasakuya-hime (木花之開耶姫 ), the wife of Ninigi and daughter of Ōyamatsumi, and great-grandmother of Jimmu. She is also known as the goddess of Mount Fuji.[29]

• Ōyamatsumi (大山積神 ), an elder brother of Amaterasu, and an important god who rules mountain. Also, the father of Konohanasakuya-hime.

Kotoamatsukami

• Amenominakanushi (天之御中主神) - Central Master
• Takamimusubi (高御産巣日神) - High Creator
• Kamimusubi (神産巣日神) - Divine Creator

• Umashi'ashikabihikoji (宇摩志阿斯訶備比古遅神) - Energy
• Amenotokotachi (天之常立神) - Heaven

People worshipped as kami

This section includes historical people worshipped as kami.

• Shōtoku Taishi was sometimes worshipped by Shintoists in Prince's Hall (太子堂 Taishido) as the Kami of building trade and easy birth, like in the Hokai-ji of Kamakura.
• Tokugawa Ieyasu enshrined at Nikkō Tōshō-gū and similar shrines.
• Toyotomi Hideyoshi enshrined at Toyokuni-jinja .
• Tenjin (天神) The god of scholarship, he is the deified Sugawara no Michizane . Subsequent disasters in Heiankyo were attributed to his angered spirit.[30]
• Oda Nobunaga enshrined at Kenkun-jinja.

Buddhism

• Aizen Myō-ō (愛染明王), a Wisdom King known to transform earthly desires (love/lust) into spiritual awakening.
• Amida Nyorai (無量光佛 or 無量壽佛), commonly referred to as Amida-butsu (阿弥陀如来), he is the primary Buddha of the Pure Land school of Buddhism. He is believed to possess infinite meritorious qualities and is known as the "Lord of the Beyond and the Afterlife." He is one of the Five Dhyani Buddhas.
• Daruma (達磨), traditionally held in Buddhist mythology to be the founder of Zen Buddhism, as well as the founder of Shaolin Kung Fu. One legend reports that after years of facing a wall in meditation, Bodhidharma's legs and arms fall off due to atrophy. Daruma dolls were created in honor of this legend.
• Fudō Myōō (不動明王), a fierce and wrathful Wisdom King who protects all by burning away impediments and defilements, and aiding them towards enlightenment.
• Idaten (韋駄天), guardian of Buddhist monasteries and monks.
• Jizō (地蔵), a Bodhisattva known as the protector of the vulnerable, especially children, travelers, and expectant mothers. He is also regarded as the patron deity of deceased children and aborted fetuses and the savior of hell-beings. His statues are a common sight, especially by roadsides and in graveyards.
• Kangiten, god (deva) of bliss.
• Kannon (観音), a Bodhisattva associated with compassion. Commonly known in English as the "Goddess of Mercy."
• Yakushi Nyorai (薬師如来), a Buddha known for healing and medicine.

Seven Lucky Gods

The Seven Lucky Gods (七福神, Shichi Fukujin) are:

• Benzaiten (弁才天 or 弁財天) Also known as Benten or Benzaitennyo, she is the goddess of everything that flows: words (and knowledge, by extension), speech, eloquence, and music. Said to be the third daughter of the dragon-king of Munetsuchi, over the course of years, she has gone from being a protective deity of Japan to one who bestows good fortune upon the state and its people. Derived from Saraswati, the equivalent Hindu goddess.
• Bishamonten (毘沙門天) Also called Bishamon or Tamonten, he is the god of fortunate warriors and guards, as well as the punisher of criminals. Said to live halfway down the side of Mount Sumeru, the small pagoda he carries symbolizes the divine treasure house that he both guards and gives away its contents.
• Daikokuten (大黒天) Often shortened to simply Daikoku, he is variously considered to be the god of wealth (more specifically, the harvest), or of the household (particularly the kitchen). He is recognized by his wide face, smile, and flat black hat. He is often portrayed holding a golden mallet, seated on bales of rice, with mice nearby (which signify plentiful food).
• Ebisu (恵比須, 恵比寿, 夷 or 戎) The sole member of the gods believed to have originated in Japan, he was originally known as Hiruko (蛭子), the first child of Izanagi and Izanami. Said to be born without bones, he eventually overcame his handicaps to become the mirthful and auspicious Ebisu (hence one of his titles, "The Laughing God"). He is often depicted holding a rod and a large red sea bream or sea bass. Jellyfish are also associated with this god, and the fugu restaurants of Japan will often incorporate Yebisu in their motif.
• Fukurokuju (福禄寿) Often confused with Jurōjin, he is the god of wisdom and longevity and said to be an incarnation of the Southern Polestar. He is a star god accompanied by a crane and a turtle, which are considered to be symbols of longevity, and also sometimes accompanied by a black deer. The sacred book tied to his staff is said to contain the lifespan of every person on Earth.
• Hotei (布袋) Best known in the Western world as the Laughing Buddha, Hotei is likely the most popular of the gods. His image graces many temples, restaurants and amulets. Originally based on a Chinese Chan monk, Hotei has become a deity of contentment and abundance.
• Jurōjin (寿老人) Also known as Gama, he represents longevity. He is often seen with a fan and a staff and accompanied by a black deer.

The goddess Kichijōten (吉祥天), also known as Kisshoutennyo, is sometimes considered to be one of the seven gods,[31] replacing either Jurōjin or Fukurokuju.[32] She embodies happiness, fertility and beauty. Daikoku sometimes manifests as a female known as Daikokunyo (大黒女) or Daikokutennyo (大黒天女).[33] When Kisshoutennyo is counted among the seven Fukujin[32] and Daikoku is regarded in feminine form,[33] all three of the Hindu Tridevi goddesses are represented in the Fukujin.

See also

• Shōki (Zhong Kui in Chinese)
• List of legendary creatures from Japan
• Yakusanoikazuchi:thunder deities born from Izanami’s body.
• Shinigami
• Kunado-No-Kami
• Sumiyoshi sanjin
• Zuijin
• Munakata Taisha
• Mishaguji
• Binbōgami
• Kamiumi
• Family Tree of Japanese deities
• Hitorigami

References

1. Coulter, Charles Russell; Turner, Patricia (2013-07-04). Encyclopedia of Ancient Deities. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-135-96397-2.
2. "Amaterasu". Mythopedia. Retrieved 2020-10-13.
3. "Ame-no-Uzume". Mythopedia. Retrieved 2020-10-13.
4. "Japanese Gods". Mythopedia. Retrieved 2020-11-13.
5. "Encyclopedia of Shinto - Home : Kami in Classic Texts : Ōmononushi". eos.kokugakuin.ac.jp. Retrieved 2020-11-13.
6. "Ryujin". Ancient History Encyclopedia. Retrieved 2020-11-13.
7. "Susanoo | Description & Mythology". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 2020-11-12.
8. Nihongi: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to A. Cosimo, Inc. 2008-01-01. ISBN 978-1-60520-145-0.
9. "Encyclopedia of Shinto - Home : Kami in Classic Texts : Omodaru, Ayakashikone". eos.kokugakuin.ac.jp. Retrieved 2021-01-17.
10. "Encyclopedia of Shinto - Home : Kami in Classic Texts : Amatsumara". eos.kokugakuin.ac.jp. Retrieved 2020-11-08.
11. Herbert, Jean (2010-10-18). Shinto: At the Fountainhead of Japan. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-136-90376-2.
12. Encyclopedia of Shinto
13. "Encyclopedia of Shinto - Home : Kami in Classic Texts : Tajikarao". eos.kokugakuin.ac.jp. Retrieved 2020-11-13.
14. "Encyclopedia of Shinto - Home : Kami in Classic Texts : Futodama". eos.kokugakuin.ac.jp. Retrieved 2020-11-07.
15. http://eos.kokugakuin.ac.jp/modules/xwords/entry.php?entryID=56
16. Bocking, Brian (2005-09-30). A Popular Dictionary of Shinto. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-135-79739-3.
17. "Encyclopedia of Shinto - Home : Kami in Classic Texts : Kawanokami". eos.kokugakuin.ac.jp. Retrieved 2020-11-13.
18. "Encyclopedia of Shinto - Home : Kami in Classic Texts : Kagutsuchi". eos.kokugakuin.ac.jp. Retrieved 2021-01-16.
19. "Kukunochi • A History of Japan - 日本歴史". A History of Japan - 日本歴史. Retrieved 2020-11-13.
20. "Encyclopedia of Shinto - Home : Kami in Classic Texts : Mitsuhanome". eos.kokugakuin.ac.jp. Retrieved 2021-01-16.
21. "Encyclopedia of Shinto - Home : Kami in Classic Texts : Nakisawame". eos.kokugakuin.ac.jp. Retrieved 2020-11-13.
22. "Encyclopedia of Shinto - Home : Kami in Classic Texts : Tamayorihime". eos.kokugakuin.ac.jp. Retrieved 2020-11-13.
23. Hartz, Paula (2014-05-14). Shinto. Infobase Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4381-1679-2.
24. Roberts, Jeremy (2009). Japanese Mythology A to Z. Infobase Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4381-2802-3.
25. "Toyo'uke – Goddess of Food worshiped at Ise". 國學院大學. Retrieved 2020-11-14.
26. Picken, Stuart D. B. (2010-12-28). Historical Dictionary of Shinto. Scarecrow Press. ISBN 978-0-8108-7372-8.
27. Coulter, Charles Russell; Turner, Patricia (2013-07-04). Encyclopedia of Ancient Deities. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-135-96390-3.
28. "Ryujin". Ancient History Encyclopedia. Retrieved 2020-11-13.
29. "Encyclopedia of Shinto - Home : Kami in Classic Texts : Konohanasakuyahime". eos.kokugakuin.ac.jp. Retrieved 2020-11-13.
30. "Sugawara Michizane | Japanese scholar and statesman". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 2020-11-25.
31. "Kisshōten (Kichijōten)". Retrieved 14 December 2015.
32. "Butsuzōzui (Illustrated Compendium of Buddhist Images)" (digital photos) (in Japanese). Ehime University Library. 1796. p. (077.jpg).
33. "Butsuzōzui (Illustrated Compendium of Buddhist Images)" (digital photos) (in Japanese). Ehime University Library. 1796. p. (059.jpg).

• Glossary(kana) – Encyclopedia of Shinto