Ebisu: The Japanese God of Fishing, Fortune & Prosperity
Ebisu and Daikoku 1765-69 - Artist unknown
When you think of Japanese tattoos inspired by the ocean, koi fish are probably one of the first things that come to mind. But what if you love fishing or the sea and want something a little less expected?
Ebisu (恵比寿) could be the perfect choice.
Ebisu is one of Japan’s Seven Gods of Good Fortune (Shichifukujin 七福神) and is associated with fishing, the sea, prosperity, good fortune and a successful livelihood. He is traditionally shown with a fishing rod in one hand and a large tai (sea bream) in the other.
And unlike many of the other Seven Lucky Gods, who have origins in Indian, Chinese or other Asian mythology, Ebisu is traditionally considered a distinctly Japanese deity.
A God of Fishermen
Ebisu has a particularly strong connection to the ocean and those who make their living from it. Fishermen have traditionally looked to him for good catches, prosperity and protection, making him a wonderful figure for anyone with a personal connection to fishing or the sea.
His cheerful expression is also part of his charm. Ebisu is often depicted smiling or laughing, giving him a very different feeling from some of the more fierce or intimidating figures found in Japanese tattooing.
One of the most interesting traditions surrounding Ebisu connects him with Hiruko, a child of the creator deities Izanagi and Izanami.
According to later interpretations of the mythology, Hiruko was born with severe physical abnormalities and was placed in a reed boat and set adrift on the sea. He eventually became associated with Ebisu, the god who came from the sea and brought abundance to those who depended upon it.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts – 1935 Hasui gosho-ningyo of boy as Ebisu with toy tai float
Why Ebisu Makes a Beautiful Tattoo
One of the things I love about Ebisu as a tattoo subject is that there is so much more to design than just the fish.
His traditional clothing — including his kariginu, hakama and distinctive kazaori eboshi hat — creates beautiful opportunities for movement, folds and detail. His fishing rod and line can flow naturally through a composition, while the tai, waves and other traditional Japanese elements can be used to build the background around him.
This makes Ebisu particularly well suited to larger Japanese tattoo projects, such as a sleeve, bodysuit or backpiece.
British Museum – Ebisu writing the characater for ‘good luck’ surrounded by New Year’s symbols – The print is by Torii Kiyomine
An Alternative to the Traditional Koi
If you’re drawn to Japanese tattooing, fishing or the ocean, but don’t want the usual koi fish, Ebisu offers something with a little more personality and symbolism.
He can represent good fortune, prosperity, abundance and a successful livelihood, while also carrying that strong connection to the sea.
Whether you’re a fisherman, spend your weekends on the water, love Japanese mythology, or simply want a tattoo representing good fortune, Ebisu can make a meaningful and visually striking subject.
He would work beautifully as a Japanese tattoo sleeve or large backpiece, surrounded by waves, wind bars and other traditional Japanese imagery.
Sometimes the most interesting tattoos aren’t the most obvious ones.
Ebisu is definitely one worth knowing about.
Interested in an Ebisu Tattoo?
I specialise in Traditional Japanese tattooing, Irezumi and Horimono in Auckland, New Zealand. If you’re interested in an Ebisu sleeve, backpiece or another Japanese mythology-inspired tattoo, I’d love to hear your ideas.
This Utamaro print is from a series of the gods and courtesans. This one is referred to as ‘An Expensive Feast’ celebrating a prosperous New Year.