I found these little guys when I was at a Nanzoin Temple in Sasaguri, Japan. They are the Seven Gods of Fortune, or Seven Lucky Gods, or Shichifukujin in Japanese.
The gold symbol behind them means treasure. The resident priest of this temple won the lottery and built the world’s largest bronze statue at this site. The Reclining Buddha. This temple has become a hotspot for people who want good luck with money or to win the lottery.
Here are the gods’ names and what they represent. Memorize them because I will be testing you on them later.
Hotei, the fat and happy god of abundance and good health.
Jurojin, god of longevity.
Fukurokuju, god of happiness, wealth, and longevity.
Bishamonten, god of warriors.
Benzaiten, goddess of knowledge, art and beauty, especially music.
Daikokuten, god of wealth, commerce, and trade.
Ebisu, god of fishing or merchants.
