Iconography of Raijin are often found in Japanese temples and shrines. He is usually depicted alongside Fūjin, the god of wind. The name "Raijin" is derived from the Japanese words kaminari (雷, meaning "thunder"; on-reading rai) and kami (神, meaning "god"; on-reading shin or jin).

May 18, 2014 · Statues of Raijin and Fujin are found all over Japan at the gates of Japanese shrines and temples as protectors. Visitors to these sacred places must pass by the intimidating gaze of the gods before entering.

Apr 28, 2019 · Raijin, also known as Kaminari-sama and Raiden-sama, is the Japanese god of thunder, light and storms. This is one of the most feared deities of Japanese culture. In Japan, adults often tell children to cover their belly button when …

Nov 29, 2022 · While there is much art featuring Raijin, his most famous depiction is at Sanjusangen-do, a Buddhist temple in Kyoto, where statues of Raijin and Fujin guard the entrance. These statues are considered some of the most beloved works in Japanese art.

Nov 23, 2020 · Raijin’s status as a protective god can be seen literally in his most famous image at the Buddhist Sanjusangendo Temple in Kyoto. The lacquered wooden statues of the thunder god and his brother Fujin , the god of wind, are the temple’s protectors and are listed among Japan’s greatest national treasures.

Jul 17, 2022 · Raijin, the Japanese god of thunder, lighting, and rain, is a dualistic god. He represents the destructive power of storms, but is also recognized for the rain that he brings, without which there would be no crops.

Feb 10, 2020 · In Japanese mythology, Raijin (Raiden) is one of the eight gods of thunder and master of lightning. His attribute is a sacred Taiko drum. He is commonly represented together with his brother, Fujin, the god of the wind, but his personal companion is Raiju (“thunder animal” or “thunder beast”).

Mar 28, 2012 · Visiting Japanese temples, eventually you will wonder who are the characters represented so often by larger-than-life sculptures placed inside many temple gates… One of them is Raijin, the Japanese god of thunder and lightning …

Oct 16, 2024 · Throughout Japan, there are numerous shrines and temples dedicated to Raijin, reflecting his importance in Shinto worship. One of the most notable sites is the Ikegami Honmon-ji Temple in Tokyo, where he is venerated during special ceremonies.

Oct 8, 2024 · Sensō-ji, Tokyo’s famed Buddhist temple, with over 1,300 years of history and tradition. Its origins, dating back to the seventh century, are based on a compelling legend about two fisherman discovering a golden statue of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, in the adjacent Sumida River.