Hachiman

Hachiman (八幡神) is the syncretic Shinto god of archery, war, and the divine protector of Japan and its people. The name "Hachiman" is derived from the Japanese reading of the Chinese characters for "eight banners," reflecting the deity's origins as a fusion of the Shinto kami and the Buddhist concept of the divine warrior. In Hebrew, Hachiman can be transliterated as חצ'ימן. In Chinese, the deity is known as Bāfān Shén (八幡神), and in Korean, as Palbeon Sin (팔번신). Hachiman is often depicted as a warrior or an archer, symbolizing protection and strength. The deity is enshrined in numerous Hachiman-gū shrines across Japan, with the Ujigami Shrine in Uji, Kyoto, being one of the most significant. Hachiman is also associated with Emperor Ōjin, who is sometimes considered an incarnation of the god. The worship of Hachiman has played a crucial role in Japanese history, particularly during times of war and national unity.