New Year kami; deity of the new year
A kami welcomed at the start of the year, often associated with prayers for a good harvest and family well-being. Part of traditional New Year observances.
See also: 神 (かみ)
We decorate with kadomatsu to welcome the New Year kami during the New Year season.
goddess of lucky directions; directional deity
Also known as 歳徳神 (としとくじん), this aspect governs auspicious directions for the year. Often consulted for travel and building orientation.
See also: 歳徳神
The directional deity is said to govern the lucky direction for the year.
Standard kanji spelling for the New Year kami.
Alternate kanji spelling; 歳 can also mean 'year' but is less common for this term.
Compound of 年 (とし, 'year') and 神 (かみ, 'kami'). The exact historical origin is uncertain, but it is deeply rooted in Japanese folk religion and New Year customs.