Kesennuma’s Deity of Good Fortune

Japan’s “Seven Deities of Good Fortune” (Shichifukujin) are supposed to bring a person wealth and a long life. It is an international group. It includes Hindu, Buddhist, and Daoist deities and sages from India, China, and Japan. They are usually depicted riding together on a “treasure ship” (takarabune).

Ebisu is Japanese in origin and is considered to be the deity that protects businesses, wealth, and fishermen. He is often shown with a sea bream (tai) which symbolizes congratulations. That particular fish, the tai, is associated with the Japanese word “medetai,” meaning “auspicious, happy, joyous.” From this comes the expression “Omedeto,” which expresses “Congratulations!”

So it is not surprising to find a statue of Ebisu in the inner bay of Kesennuma (see photos). It stands along a bayside walk that provides a beautiful view of the harbor and its boats.

Although Ebisu is usually portrayed in a sitting position, this one is standing.
The well-fed figure, holding his fishing pole in one hand and a large fish in the other, symbolizes the main industry of the city. This one is known as the “Third-generation Ebisu Statue.” The second generation held a sea bream. This third-generation figure holds a katsuo, a skipjack tuna or bonito.

As the symbol of Kesennuma’s inner bay, it expresses hopes for a large catch. Climb the stairs next to the statue to the Isuzu Shrine, which has been honored as a place to pray for big catches and, of course, safe voyages.

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Photos by J. Vardaman