Raijin

Meaning & Symbolism

Thunder, power, nature's fury. Raijin creates thunder by beating his ring of drums. Often paired with Fujin as a complementary pair.

The Story

One of the oldest Shinto deities, depicted at the gates of Sensoji temple in Asakusa. Raijin is fearsome but not evil — thunder and lightning were seen as fertilizing the rice paddies. The famous Tawaraya Sotatsu screen paintings of Raijin and Fujin are national treasures.

Traditional Placement

Best Seasons

Compatible Motifs