Hachiman
/ha.tɕi.maɴ/noun
A Japanese Shinto deity traditionally identified with Emperor Ōjin and revered as a god of war, archery, and protection.
Did you know?Hachiman worship began at Usa Shrine in Kyushu and later spread among warrior clans, including the Minamoto, who regarded him as their divine protector.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Japan
Japanese
hata
“Banner or flag; a native Japanese term associated with ceremonial standards.”
Nara Period
Sino-Japanese
八幡
“A written name meaning “eight banners,” using the characters for eight and banner.”
725 CE
Japanese
八幡神
“The Hachiman deity established in the cult of Usa Hachiman Shrine in Kyushu.”
8th Century
Japanese
Hachiman Daibosatsu
““Great Bodhisattva Hachiman,” reflecting the Buddhist interpretation of the deity.”
Medieval Japan
Japanese
Hachiman
“A guardian deity of warriors, especially associated with the Minamoto clan, archery, and military protection.”
Modern English
English
Hachiman
“The conventional English name for the Japanese war and protector deity.”