Fukurokuju is in Japan the god of wealth, happiness and longevity, and one of the 7 Lucky Gods. It is usually represented together with an animal symbolizing longevity, such as a black deer (the legend says that the deer turns black after reaching the age of 2,000 years) a turtle (believed to live ten thousand years) or a crane, which is also believed to have a lifespan of 1,000 years. Photographed here is Fukurokuju represented on an ema votive plaque at Goryo Jinja in Kamakura.

Fukurokuju Ema, Goryo Jinja, Kamakura

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Takasaki Jigen-in legend