Japan has quite the close relationship with the ocean. Their society has been dependent upon fishing and seafood for so long, that one of their traditional Seven Gods of Fortune is a fisherman. This god is Ebisu, the god of luck and fishermen.

Ebisu, occasionally Romanized as Yebisu, is unique among the rest of the traditional pantheon in that he is the one of the Seven Gods that cannot be attributed to another deity from Chinese or Hindu traditions. He is said to have started life as a child born without bones; after a lifetime of hardship, he managed to grow his bones and ascend to godhood. He remained deaf and physically disabled, but was known to be such a mirthful entity that he is often nicknamed the Laughing God.

The important relationship that Japan shares with the ocean comes through in many ways, the most delicious of which is sushi. If you want to experience this rich tradition for yourself, come and try some of our classic sushi selections at our Japanese restaurant in Seattle.