HAKUJA (Snake)
Hakujya is the Japanese White Snake, a symbol of good fortune.
Crossing the road of a snake is a good omen and they deliver wealth.
They are considered a god of luck. Associated with Japanese Buddhism, it represents art, music and eloquence.
KAERU (Frog)
Kaeru is the Japanese Frog, and means “to return”.
It’s a symbol of spring, fertility and good fortune.
They are often given as lucky charms or thoughtful gift to return safely to a place.
KITSUNE (Fox)
Kitsune is the intelligent Japanese Fox, with paranormal powers.
They can be found near Irani shrines which are red Shinto gates.
They grow a tail every hundred years as they get wiser and stronger powers, and can only grow up to nine tails.
KOMAINU (Lion-Dog)
Komainu are Lion Dog guardian statues at entrances of temples and shrines.
They are a pair or guardians, a female and a male lion dog.
The famale sits on the left with her mouth closed and the male sits on the right with his mouth open.
TANUKI (Racoon-Dog)
Tanuki is a Japanese Racoon Dog with a reputation for magic and mischief.
Associated with the gods, they can shapeshift and are popular for pranks.
Their habitat is the forests, they have large eyes with black fur mask around the eyes, and, long and puffy fur.
TATSU (Dragon)
Tatsu is the serpentine-like Japanese Dragon, a water deity.
Originated in Shintoism, Tatsu has four claws and superpowers.
They live in palaces at the bottom of the sea or ocean, or in other secluded places such rivers and lakes.
TSURU (Crane)
Tsuru is the Japanese Crane, symbol of success and good fortune.
They are very popular and represent longetivity and happiness.
Tsuru are an inspiration to artists and appear often represented in prints and variety of artistic objects.