On New Year’s Day, Buddhist god Hotei brings gifts and good fortune in Japan

By: Megan Bryson, University of Tennessee, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: January 1, 2026

Words: 970

Last Updated: 1 week, 2 days ago

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By Megan Bryson, University of Tennessee

The new year brings a fresh start, symbolized in some cultures by the cherubic baby New Year who replaces the old year that has come to a close. In Japan, the roly-poly god Hotei, who is often identified with Santa Claus, ushers in the new year along with six other gods of good fortune; together, they form the Seven Lucky Gods, or shichi fukujin in Japanese.

As a …

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