also: やわたのかみ
Hachiman; god of war
A Shinto deity associated with war, archery, and the protection of Japan. Also known as 八幡大菩薩 (Hachiman Daibosatsu) in a syncretic context.
Hachiman was worshipped as the guardian deity of warriors.
There are many shrines throughout Japan dedicated to Hachiman.
Standard kanji spelling for the deity Hachiman.
Kana spelling of the alternative reading やわたのかみ, used when the reading is emphasized or in contexts where kanji are avoided.
The name 八幡 (Hachiman) is of uncertain origin, but the deity is historically associated with Emperor Ōjin and was later syncretized with Buddhist figures. The reading やわたのかみ is an older, native Japanese reading.