Raijin and Fūjin in Japanese Mythology: Myths, Symbols, and Powers

Have you ever watched a summer storm roll in and felt the air shift just before the first clap of thunder? In Japan, that electric moment has long been linked to two powerful deities: Raijin, the god of thunder and lightning, and Fūjin, the god of wind. 

If you’re curious about the stories that swirl around these stormy figures, we’ll cover everything you need to know in this guide.

Jump to:

Raijin (雷神) literally means “thunder god” in Japanese. He’s often shown with a fierce red face, wild hair, and a circle of drums, each beat said to summon lightning. By contrast, Fūjin (風神), whose name translates as “wind god”, carries a great bag of winds slung over his shoulder, ready to be unleashed. Together, these Japanese gods rule the skies: Raijin hurls lightning, while Fūjin drives the winds that carry the storm.

In artwork across temples and scrolls, the pair are nearly inseparable, standing guard at gates, swirling through clouds, or racing across panels on folding screens. They are not merely destructive, though. In many myths they also cleanse the air, make way for rain that nurtures crops, and signal seasonal change.

Raijin and Fūjin appear in many traditional tales that blend creation, conflict, and natural harmony. These stories reflect the role they play in shaping the world and supporting human life.

One popular tale places the two brothers at the creation of the world. After the sun goddess Amaterasu brought light, chaos still ran wild. Raijin and Fūjin were charged with taming the unruly skies. Fūjin’s bag controlled the powerful gales that once tore across the land, and Raijin’s drums set the rhythm of rainfall that ended drought. Their combined efforts helped bring stability to a once-turbulent realm, allowing life to flourish under the sun.

Another story finds them siding with the heroic emperor Jimmu, said to be Japan’s first ruler. As invaders approached, Fūjin whipped up storms that disoriented the enemy fleet, while Raijin’s thunder scared soldiers into retreat. The divine intervention was seen as a sign that the gods favoured Jimmu’s right to rule and protect the land.

In autumn festivals, children bang drums to imitate Raijin, asking him for a balanced rainfall—neither flood nor famine. These rituals honour his power and express gratitude for stable weather and healthy harvests. Fūjin is often acknowledged in parallel, as his winds help carry seasonal change and refresh the air for the new cycle.

From Noh theatre masks to contemporary manga panels, Raijin and Fūjin bridge old and new. Traditional storytellers use them to explore nature’s dual nature: awe-inspiring and nurturing in one moment, destructive in the next. Modern writers and game designers often cast them as guardians or formidable bosses, echoing their ancient reputation.

Their image also appears in protective talismans. Merchants once hung depictions of the brothers to guard warehouses against fire (lightning) and storm damage (wind). Samurai clans carved them onto armour to call on their raw power in battle.

Various sources offer different accounts of Raijin and Fūjin’s origins, but many traditions trace them back to Izanami and Izanagi, the primordial deities who created the world in Japanese mythology. In versions influenced by Buddhism, the thunder and wind gods are sometimes portrayed as fierce spirits or demons—oni—who were ultimately transformed into protectors through the compassion and wisdom of the Buddha. 

This transformation is reflected in their fearsome appearance, particularly in Raijin’s red skin and wild, horn-like hair, which blur the line between god and demon. Despite these demonic traits, Raijin is regarded as a kami, a divine being within Shintō belief, known for his strength and ability to ward off evil when respected and properly honoured.

You might recognise Raijin and Fūjin in video games such as Final Fantasy, anime like Naruto, or even in adaptations of thunder gods within the Marvel Universe, such as in Thor storylines. Their dramatic imagery continues to inspire architects, who often place statues or motifs of the pair at museum entrances to create a sense of awe and reverence. 

The image of Raijin and Fūjin together is especially popular in tattoo artwork, often chosen to represent a balance between chaos and calm, power and resilience. A Raijin and Fūjin tattoo typically symbolises the wearer’s respect for natural forces and a desire to embrace life’s turbulence with strength and confidence.

Shintō shrines such as Kaminari-mon at Sensō-ji temple in Tokyo give Raijin (and limited space to Fūjin) pride of place. During summer matsuri, portable shrines parade through streets while chants and drums echo the thunder god’s presence.

In agriculture, rituals called taue-matsuri invite steady rain with offerings of rice cakes and the sound of beating drums. Coastal communities honour Fūjin before typhoon season, asking the god of wind to direct storms away from harbour.

Early Buddhist tales label them as troublesome spirits, but later stories celebrate them as guardians who defend temple gates. Their transformation highlights how perceptions of divine power can shift across time and belief systems.

Raijin is pronounced as Ray-jeen, and Fūjin is Foo-jeen (long vowels).

Literally “Thunder God”; the kanji 雷 (rai) means lightning or thunder, and 神 (jin) means deity. The name directly reflects his elemental domain and divine role.

Artwork sometimes shows him with horn-like hair, which blurs the line between god and demon, yet in Shintō he is fundamentally a kami. His fearsome look serves to ward off evil rather than represent it.

Interested in exploring more about ancient Japanese beliefs, traditions, and divine figures like Hachiman? The Introduction to Japanese History and Culture Diploma Course from Centre of Excellence is the perfect place to start. For a discounted price of £29, you'll learn about he spiritual stories, practices, and philosophies that shaped Japan’s past and continue to influence it today.