Translation guide
The English phrase "living god" refers to a person who is worshipped or revered as a deity while alive. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through specific terms for deified humans, imperial titles, and figurative expressions for highly respected individuals.
To refer to a person who is considered a god while alive, often in historical, religious, or imperial contexts.
To describe someone who is admired or respected to an extreme degree, often in a specific field or community.
Directly translating 'living god' as 生きている神 (ikiteiru kami) sounds unnatural and is not idiomatic. Use the terms above depending on the nuance.
The term 現人神 (arahitogami) is historically associated with the Emperor and State Shinto. In modern Japan, its use is rare and can carry political or historical connotations. For general reverence, 生き神 or figurative phrases are safer.
Literally 'god who is a person', this is the most direct equivalent for a living deity, historically used for the Japanese emperor before the end of WWII.
The emperor was worshipped as a living god.
Also means 'living god', but can be used more broadly for any person treated as a deity while alive, including in folk religion.
In that village, he was treated like a living god.
He is a living god in the industry.
Literally 'living legend', this is a common way to express that someone is so accomplished they are legendary while still alive.
That musician is a living god.
From 'charisma', used for someone with magnetic appeal and almost divine-like influence, often in politics or entertainment.
She is a living god in the fashion world.