Japanese Gods and Goddesses introduces you to the Japanese creation myth, some major deities and the Seven Lucky Gods.

Japanese Mythology is a very brief introduction to the topic. It is illustrated with interesting examples of netsuke, miniature carvings used to fasten pouches to kimono.

The Seven Lucky Gods The Shichifukujin are an eclectic group of deities from Japan, India, and China, including Hotei, the God of Happines and Daikoku, the God of Wealth. Today images of the seven appear with great frequency in Japan - on key chains, towels, T-shirts and more. In one popular Japanese tradition, they travel together on their treasure ship Takarabune and visit human ports on New Year's Eve to dispense happiness to believers. Read more about their origins, symbols and legends.