The spirit of rice, Inari
Ukanomitama 宇迦之御魂神 / 倉稲魂命
Also known as: Inari, Uka-no-Mitama
Element: Wood (木)
The myth
Ukanomitama is the spirit of rice and grain; in the Kojiki, a child of Susanoo. Ukanomitama is the main deity of Fushimi Inari Taisha, the head of all Inari shrines.
The fox statues at Inari shrines are not the kami itself but its messengers, often holding a key to the rice granary or a jewel in their mouths.
What people pray to Ukanomitama for
- Wealth and prosperity
- Work and career
- Family harmony
Why: As the spirit of the rice harvest, Ukanomitama has long been prayed to for good harvests, and from there for business success and prosperity.
Where to meet Ukanomitama
The element shown is the one used by Kamimap's fun guardian-kami quiz, based on traditional five-element associations. It is not a religious teaching.