Ebisu

Ebisu is a deity in Japanese religion and folklore, traditionally considered one of the Seven Gods of Fortune (Shichifukujin). He presides over fishermen, commerce, and good fortune, and is invoked for prosperity in business and daily endeavors. In traditional art, Ebisu is typically shown as a jovial, well-fed man with a broad smile, sometimes bearded, holding a fishing rod and a large sea bream (tai), and often standing on a barrel symbolizing abundance. His origins are not settled; Ebisu appears in early sources as a god of fishermen and the sea and is linked with local sea deities, later incorporated into the wider Shinto pantheon.

Worship of Ebisu is widespread in Japan, particularly among merchants and coastal communities. He is commonly paired with Daikokuten as a duo within households and shrines, representing trade and luck. Numerous Ebisu shrines host rites and festivals. A well-known urban festival is Tōka Ebisu at Imado Shrine in Tokyo, where worshippers seek prosperity for the coming year and acquire talismans and imagery of Ebisu.

In modern culture, Ebisu’s image remains a popular symbol of luck, enterprise, and prosperity. The name Ebisu is used for places such as the Ebisu district in Tokyo, and for commercial brands, notably the Yebisu beer produced by Sapporo. The deity also appears in art, literature, and contemporary media as a cultural emblem of good fortune.