The Seven Lucky Gods in Japan. (七福神)

The books about luck and the good luck goods has been published a lot in Japan. The beckoning cat is introduced in the books often. 

A beckoning cat. It is also called a welcome cat. "Please come to my restaurant (or my store)!"

But the Seven Lucky Gods (七福神) is being introduced as a lucky mascot following the beckoning cat.
The Seven Lucky Gods that it is faith in Japan as bring fortune.

In the end of Muromachi era (1336-1573), the god of wealth faith had spread in Kyoto. It is the age of the Onin War (1467-77). Not only samurai, people are also exhausted at the time. There was an atmosphere people needed the god of wealth. At the same time, the people (civilian) were trying to do the business and could earn money. 

The faith of the god of wealth began to fashion between the people. Buddha was god to wish the good harvest and to save the country. In the end of Muromachi era, it became the people wished their wealth individually. At the time, the Seven Lucky Gods were born for the people.

The name and features of The Seven Lucky Gods are like below.

1. Fukurokuju: god of happiness, wealth and longevity
2. Jurojin: god of long life
3. Benzaiten (Benten-sama): goddess of knowledge, art and beauty, especially music
4. Bishamonten: god of warriors
5. Hotei: the fat and happy god of abundance and good health
6. Daikokuten (Daikoku): god of wealth, commerce and trade
7. Ebisu: god of fishers or merchants, often depicted carrying a sea bream
Ebisu and Daikoku are often paired and represented as carvings or masks on the walls of small retail shops.

If you want to live longer, maybe you should be with Fukurokuju and Jurojin. Actually they are same god! If you want to be smart and be an artist, you should be with Benten-sama. Want to be strong? Please be with Bishamonten. Get a healthy body? Please be with Hotei. Everybody needs money! And get a prosperous business? Please be with Daikoku and Ebisu!

Thank you so much!