and the Taoist Hotei, Fukurokuju and Jurojin. While different in subtle ways (for example, Ebisu represents abundance while Benzaiten, the only female deity in the group, embodies creativity and ...

Plus, Yoshino has spent her entire life attached to a strong male – first Hotei, who raised her, then Shoma as her foster brother, who attended school and commuted with her, and finally ...

In Japan, some children also wait for Hotei, a jolly Japanese god with a rotund frame who carries a similar bag full of treasures. Hotei’s visit, however, coincides with the new year.