Yebisu

Yebisu, also romanized as Ebisu, refers to the Shinto deity Ebisu, god of fishermen, luck, and wealth. He is traditionally depicted as a smiling man holding a fishing rod and a tai (sea bream) and is venerated as one of the Seven Gods of Fortune (Shichifukujin). In religious practice, Ebisu is associated with safe voyages, commerce, and prosperity, and shrines dedicated to him are found throughout Japan.

The term Yebisu is also used as a place name in Tokyo. The Ebisu area lies in Shibuya Ward, centered around Ebisu Station on the JR Yamanote Line, and is known for its restaurants, bars, and shops. A notable complex in the area is Yebisu Garden Place, a mixed-use development opened in the 1990s that includes offices, a hotel, and cultural facilities; the neighborhood also features Ebisu Yokocho, a network of narrow alleys with eateries.

In the business world, Yebisu is associated with Yebisu Beer, a premium beer brand produced by Sapporo Breweries. Introduced in the late 19th century, Yebisu Beer was named after the deity and uses traditional branding to evoke heritage. The beer remains widely distributed in Japan and has been marketed internationally in some markets.

The name Yebisu appears in other commercial and cultural contexts in Japan, reflecting the deity’s enduring presence in popular culture and regional identity.