What is Hachiman to the Japanese?

For the Japanese, Hachiman is the Shinto god of war, divination, and culture.

Why is Hachiman popular?

Hachiman is a popular Shinto god because he sent the divine wind (kamikaze) which saved Japan from a Mongol invasion. A Hachiman shrine is also usually the first a Japanese baby is taken to.

What is the symbol of the god Hachiman?

The most popular symbol of the Shinto god Hachiman is the bow and arrow, the traditional weapon of the ancient gentleman Japanese warrior.

Hachiman

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Definition

Hachiman is the ancient Shinto god or kami of war, divination, and culture. He is famously credited with sending the kamikaze or 'divine wind' which twice dispersed the invading fleets of Mongol ruler Kublai Khan in the 13th century CE. This assistance earned Hachiman the title of 'Protector of Japan'.

More about: Hachiman

Timeline

725
The Usa shrine is founded in northern Kyushu and dedicated to the Shinto god Hachiman.
747
A statue of Hachiman is ceremoniously transferred from the Shinto Usa shrine to the Buddhist Todaiji shrine in Nara, Japan.
859
The Iwashimizu shrine is built and dedicated to the Shinto god Hachiman in Heiankyo (Kyoto).
937
The Shinto god Hachiman is officially recognised as a bodhisattva.
1046
Yorinobu claims Hachiman patron god and founder of the Minamoto clan in Japan.
1191
The Shinto Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine is moved from Yuinogo to Kamakura, Japan by Minamoto no Yoritomo.