(The Seven Lucky Gods of Japan)

A group of seven Japanese gods, all of whom are associated with happiness and good fortune: Benten, Bishamon, Daikoku, Ebisu, Fukurokuju, Hotei, and Jurojin. The seven are drawn from various sources but have been grouped together from at least the 16th century.

The Shichifukujin are a favorite theme of Japanese folk song and are frequently represented in painting and theatre, both singly and as a group. The seven are often shown on their treasure ship (Takarabune) together with various magical implements, such as a hat of invisibility, rolls of brocade, an inexhaustible purse, keys to the divine treasure-house, cloves, scrolls or books, a lucky rain hat, or a robe of feathers.

Each of the seven gods are used by various business owners and shopkeepers for good luck, depending on what the business is: for instance, accountants would want Jurojin to favor them, a doctor would ask Bishamon for help, etc.