Raijin: The Storm God

The Drummer of the Skies

Raijin (also known as Raiden) is the terrifying Shinto god of thunder, lightning, and storms. He is depicted as a muscular demon with red skin, a frantic expression, and wild hair. Floating above his head is a ring of drums (taiko). To create thunder, he beats these drums with hammers. To create lightning, he strikes the earth. He is almost always accompanied by his brother Fujin (God of Wind).

The Divine Origin

Raijin is a creature of death transformed into a force of nature. He was born from the rotting corpse of Izanami (the primal mother goddess) in the underworld (Yomi). When Izanagi (her husband) saw her in her decaying state, he fled, and Raijin was one of the demons sent to chase him. He represents the chaotic, destructive aspect of nature.

The Kamikaze

Despite his frightening appearance, Raijin is a protector of Japan. In 1274 and 1281, when the Mongol fleets attempted to invade Japan, it is said that Raijin and Fujin conjured a massive typhoon that destroyed the enemy ships. This storm was named the Kamikaze ("Divine Wind"). He saves the nation, but he destroys the individual.

The Belly Button Rule

Japanese parents teach their children a specific survival rule: "When it thunders, hide your belly button."

The Final Warning

Folklore says that Raijin loves to eat human navels (heso). Or, he uses the navel as a conduit to electrocute the body. This myth likely originated to encourage children to cover their stomachs during storms to avoid getting sick from the sudden drop in temperature. Storms are not random; they are a performance. If the sky turns green and the drums start beating, do not stand under a tree, and cover your stomach.