Guardian of the samurai
Hachiman 誉田別命 / 応神天皇
Also known as: Homudawake, Emperor Ōjin, Hachiman-no-Ōkami
Element: Fire (火)
The myth
Homudawake, remembered as Emperor Ōjin, was the son of Empress Jingū. Legend says he was still in her womb while she led an expedition across the sea, and he was born after her return.
He came to be worshipped as Hachiman. The Minamoto clan took Hachiman as their guardian, and from there he became the protector of the samurai class. Usa Jingū in Ōita is the head shrine, and Tsurugaoka Hachimangū in Kamakura is the most famous in eastern Japan.
What people pray to Hachiman for
- Work and career
- Victory in competition
- Good fortune
Why: A ruler under whom the country flourished and the guardian of warrior clans, he is prayed to for success at work and in competition.
Where to meet Hachiman
The element shown is the one used by Kamimap's fun guardian-kami quiz, based on traditional five-element associations. It is not a religious teaching.