The tiny god of medicine
Sukunabikona 少彦名命
Also known as: Sukunabikona-no-Kami
Element: Wood (木)
The myth
Sukunabikona is a tiny god who arrived over the sea in a boat made from a seed pod. Nobody recognized him until he was identified as a child of the creator god Kamimusubi.
He became Ōkuninushi's partner in building the land, teaching people medicine and the use of hot springs. When the work was done, he left for Tokoyo, the eternal land beyond the sea.
What people pray to Sukunabikona for
- Health and healing
- Wealth and prosperity
- Study and exams
Why: Because he spread medicine and hot-spring cures, he is prayed to for health and recovery from illness.
Where to meet Sukunabikona
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.