Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of a 'god of the wind' is most commonly expressed through the Shinto deity Fūjin (風神), but other terms exist for wind gods in different contexts. This guide covers the primary deity, general terms, and related expressions.
Referring to the specific Shinto deity of wind, often depicted carrying a bag of winds.
Fūjin is the Japanese god of the wind and one of the oldest Shinto gods. He is often portrayed alongside Raijin, the god of thunder.
風神は風の袋を持っている。
Fūjin carries a bag of winds.
Referring to a god or spirit of wind in a general sense, not necessarily the Shinto deity.
A literal and general term meaning 'god of the wind'. It can be used in folklore, fantasy, or when speaking broadly.
古代の人々は風の神を信仰していた。
Ancient people worshipped a god of the wind.
While primarily the name of the Shinto deity, 風神 can also be used generically to mean 'wind god' in some contexts, especially in literature.
Referring to a wind god within a Buddhist context.
Fūten is a Buddhist wind god, one of the Twelve Devas. This term is specific to Buddhist iconography and is less commonly known.
風天は仏教の風の神です。
Fūten is the Buddhist god of wind.
Referring to a wind god in myths, stories, or fantasy settings, possibly from other cultures.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'a god who governs the wind'. It is useful when introducing a wind deity from a non-Japanese mythology.
ギリシャ神話では、アイオロスが風を司る神とされている。
In Greek mythology, Aeolus is considered the god who governs the wind.
A more colloquial and friendly way to say 'god of the wind', using the honorific 様 (さま). Suitable for children's stories or casual conversation.
風の神様がいたずらをして、帽子を飛ばした。
The god of the wind played a prank and blew my hat away.
風神 (Fūjin) almost always refers to the specific Shinto deity. If you are talking about a wind god in a general sense, 風の神 (kaze no kami) is safer and more widely understood.
Fūjin (風神) is often paired with Raijin (雷神), the god of thunder. They are frequently depicted together, so mentioning one often brings the other to mind.
その神話には風神が登場する。
A wind god appears in that myth.