Note to reader: This lesson is usually taught in January when my students are fresh from their long winter holiday and we can still find articles online about New Year’s traditions in Japan. Currently I am posting writings from my graduate program in preparation for a speech in November…. I hope you’ll play along and pretend we are just in from the cold…..

This is UNIT 2 in the Possible Selves program. Discovering what our strengths and interests are as Japanese language users. This is the Exploring section.
If you haven’t seen Unit 1, please start there with your Nihongo Dreams

SHICHIFUKUJIN
七福神

New Year’s celebrations in Japan last up to 15 days.  During this time people will travel to their hometowns and even famous temples and shrines in an activity called HATSUMODE (初詣　はつもうで).  One celebration is the arrival of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune (七福神　しちふくじん) in their treasure ship (宝船　たからぶね ) from different countries to spread their blessings to the people of Japan. 

Let’s Identify: 七福神

Look at the image of the boat and try to match the 七福神   from the boat above with their traditional version.  The style below is often found on obi decorations called netsuke (根付　ねつけ). (HINT: look at what they are holding)

(You may be able to zoom in on the ship to read the names of the shichifukujin on their flags. In my classroom this image is projected so my students can read the names with ease)

Let’s Listen 1: 福よ来い
（ふくよ　こい）

Watch the commercial for New Year’s activities at Rinnoji Temple in Nikko. 

Here’s the full version:

Let’s Read: 福よ来い

Take a look at the lyrics to this song. Do you recognize anything? Sing along with the song!

福よ来い福よ来い
年の初めに福よ来い
今日も我が家に福もって来い

恵比寿、大黒、毘沙門、弁天
布袋、福禄、寿老人
今日も我が家に福もって来い

恵比寿さん
商売繁盛　家庭円満
福もって来い　福もって来い

大黒さん
子宝安産　作物豊穣
福もって来い　福もって来い

毘沙門さん
受験合格　開運厄除
福もって来い　福もって来い

弁天さん
芸事上達　福徳円満
福もって来い　福もって来い

福よ来い福よ来い
年の初めに福よ来い
今日も我が家に福もって来い

恵比寿、大黒、毘沙門、弁天
布袋、福禄、寿老人
今日も我が家に福もって来い

布袋さん
金運財運　大漁満足
福もって来い　福もって来い

福禄さん
出生人望　良縁成就
福もって来い　福もって来い

寿老人
健康一番　延命長寿
福もって来い　福もって来い

福よ来い福よ来い
年の初めに福よ来い
今日も我が家に福もって来い

恵比寿、大黒、毘沙門、弁天
布袋、福禄、寿老人
今日も我が家に福もって来い

 Let’s Listen 2: 七福 童
(しちふく　わらべ）

Watch the music video sung by children learning about the 七福神. Aim for the gist of the song….

Can you recall who came from India? Who came from China? Who is from Japan?

Coming up next: Discovering your Nihongo strengths worksheet.
Tomorrow’s multi-literacy worksheet helps learners of all levels and ages learn who the Shichifukujin are and discover what their strengths and abilities are. Advanced/adventurous learners will be able to explore 4 character phrases featured in the song.