An old Japanese New Year tradition says that on the New Year’s night, the Seven Gods of Luck (Shichifukujin) are traveling in their Takarabune “treasure ship", bringing gifts to those who believe in them.

The tradition is somehow similar to Santa Claus, with a bit more complex meaning, because besides the material presents, brought by the Takarabune, the Seven Gods of Luck are bringing each his spiritual gifts, such as happiness, knowledge or success…

In the statue photographed here, from left to right, they are Fukurokuju (God of happiness, wisdom, longevity, virility and fertility), Bishamonten (God of war and warriors), Hotei (God of happiness, satisfaction and abundance), Benzaiten (Goddess of arts and knowledge), Ebisu (God of good fortune, commerce and honest work), Jurōjin (God of longevity), and Daikokuten (God of wealth and prosperity).

The Seven Gods of Luck on their ship, Takarabune

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Tokyo Tower’s tunnel of light, and wishes for the next year