Tag Archives: art

Daikokuten: The Japanese God of Wealth and Theft

Arkane Curiosities

There aren’t many deities out there that actually encourage you to steal from their temples. But Daikokuten does just this. As the Japanese god of wealth, he (or sometimes she) understands that you might have a break a few rules to climb up the ladder of riches.

One of the Seven Lucky Gods

Daikokuten is one of the seven lucky gods who brings abundance and good fortune. Also referred to as Daikoku or Daikokutenno, this god his roots in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Originally a deity of Hindu origin known as Mahakala, he was a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. As Buddhism spread to Japan in the 6th century, Mahakala became entwined with the Shinto god Ōkuninushi.

God of Darkness

Represented as 大黒天 in Kanji, Daikokuten means “God of the Great Darkness.” It might seem strange that a good luck god is associated with the dark, but this has more to do with those sneaking around to seek their fortune. One of his several forms is feminine, known as Daikokunyo (大黒女), meaning “She of the Great Blackness,” or Daikokutennyo (大黒天女), meaning “She of the Great Black Heavens.”

The God of Five Cereals

The term “five cereals” refers to a group of staple grains that form the foundation of traditional Japanese agricultural — rice, wheat, barley, soybeans, and millet. Daikokuten symbolizes the bountiful harvest and abundant yields of these crops. By invoking Daikokuten’s divine presence, farmers express their gratitude for the life-sustaining nourishment that the five cereals bestow upon them.

Magical Mallet

Daikokuten is often depicted carrying a magical mallet known as a “Uchide no kozuchi” (the Mallet of Fortune). He uses this weapon to squash demons who might bring bad luck. According to the myth, when the mallet is swung, it can grant any wish, producing abundant crops and endless riches.

Stealing Your Way to Good Luck

The tradition of fukunusubi (theft of fortune) holds that anyone who can steal the divine figure of Daikokuten would gain good fortune. That is, unless you are caught in the act. Daikokuten bestows luck only to those bold enough to grasp it. Also known as “She of the Great Blackness,” he is also the god of thieves. 

So nab one yourself, but be sure not to get caught. With Daikokuten, you have to steal your good luck. 

Tim Kane

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Exploring Junji Ito’s Haunting Realms of Japanese Horror Manga

Arkane Curiosities

Junji Ito is the undisputed master of Japanese horror manga. With his twisted and surreal narratives, Ito has cemented his status as one of the most influential figures in the genre. Works like “Uzumaki,” “Tomie,” and “Gyo” showcase his mastery in blending body horror, psychological torment, and cosmic dread. Ito’s ability to delve into the darkest recesses of the human psyche has captivated audiences worldwide, solidifying his legacy as a modern horror icon.

A Glimpse into the Mind of Junji Ito

Initially inspired by classic horror movies like Dracula, Frankenstein, and Suspiria, Junji Ito began reading the horror manga of Kazuo Umezu at age 4. He even tried his own hand at manga, saying: “I took a pencil and paper, or sometimes the back of advertisements, and would draw frames, imitating the manga I had read.”

His professional ourney into manga began when he submitted a story to horror magazine, Monthly Halloween, earning him recognition and encouragement to pursue his passion. The story was later serialized in the late 1980s as “Tomie,” a chilling series exploring the malevolent power of a beautiful, immortal girl. 

The Power of the Bizarre

At the core of Ito’s approach to horror lies his profound understanding of fear as a fundamental human emotion. He taps into our primal fears, expertly weaving the strange into everyday settings. His stories deal with body horror, psychological torment, or cosmic horror.

Ito draws inspiration from various sources, including H.P. Lovecraft, Salvador Dalí, and H.R. Giger. In interviews, he has also credited the films of Guillermo del Toro. 

Uzumaki

New readers to Ito should start with Uzumaki, where a mysterious curse engulfs its residents of the town of Kurouzu-cho. A spiral motif infects every aspect of life, twisting minds and bodies with increasing intensity. Ito’s intricate illustrations beautifully capture the grotesque transformations, immersing readers in a relentless descent into madness.

Tomie

His breakthrough work was “Tomie” where a seductive young woman brings about jealousy, obsession, and a chilling cycle of death and regeneration. Ito weaves a complex tale exploring the depths of human desire and the destructive consequences it can unleash.

Gyo

This manga focuses on body horror as fish-like creatures with mechanical appendages invade the land. Through atmospheric visuals and spine-chilling encounters, Ito pushes the boundaries of what it means to be repulsed and fascinated simultaneously.

Influences and Legacy

Junji Ito’s unparalleled imagination and masterful storytelling have firmly established him as a titan in the realm of horror manga. Whether you’re a die-hard horror fan or a casual reader, immersing yourself in the twisted and captivating worlds crafted by Junji Ito is an experience that will both haunt and fascinate you for years to come. 

Tim Kane

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