Fujin

Fujin is the Shinto kami of winds in Japanese mythology. The name combines the characters for wind (風, fū/kaze) and god (神, shin/jin). He is among the oldest wind deities in Japanese tradition and is mentioned in early chronicles such as the Kojiki (c. 712) and Nihon Shoki (720). In myth, Fujin governs the winds and is sometimes invoked in weather rituals. He is typically depicted as a robust, oni-like figure who carries a large bag on his shoulders, from which winds may be released. Some traditions place him in the mountains or the upper air.

In artistic representations, Fujin is frequently shown together with Raijin, the god of thunder. The two are a common motif on temple screens, paintings, and woodblock prints, especially from the Heian to Edo periods. Their paired imagery emphasizes the control of weather and natural forces, and the most famous depictions often feature Fujin opening his bag to unleash gusts while Raijin pounds his drums.

Beyond religious symbolism, Fujin remains a pervasive cultural figure in Japanese art and popular culture. He appears in modern manga, anime, video games, and decorative arts, where his image continues to evoke wind, weather, and the shifting mood of the skies. While specific attributes vary by source, the core idea is that Fujin embodies the wind and its capricious power, influencing weather, climate, and seasonal change.