Kotoshironushi no Kami
事代主命
God of fishing, commerce, and good fortune; oracle deity and later identified with Ebisu
About
Kotoshironushi appears in the Kuniyuzuri myth as the elder son of Okuninushi. When Takemikazuchi came to demand the cession of the terrestrial realm, Okuninushi deferred to his son's judgment. Kotoshironushi, who was fishing at Cape Miho at the time, received the heavenly emissary's demand and consented to the surrender, symbolically overturning his boat and concealing himself behind a green fence of branches.
His name means 'the master who knows things' or 'the master who speaks on behalf of events,' suggesting an oracular function. This predictive quality aligns with his role as a deity consulted for divine judgments and important decisions.
Over time, Kotoshironushi became identified with Ebisu, one of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune—particularly through the fishing imagery. As Ebisu, he became one of Japan's most popular folk deities, a jovial patron of fishermen and merchants. This identification, while historically complex, is firmly established at Nishinomiya Shrine and Miho Shrine.
Mythology
Family Relationships
Parents
Siblings
Animal Messenger
Sea bream (Tai) (鯛（たい）)
As the fishing deity identified with Ebisu, the sea bream is inseparably linked to Kotoshironushi. Ebisu is invariably depicted holding a fishing rod and a large sea bream, symbolizing abundance and good fortune.
Shrines Dedicated to This Deity
| Shrine | Prefecture | Network Role |
|---|---|---|
| Nemuro Kotohira Shrine 根室金刀比羅神社 | Hokkaido | branch |
| Kanda Shrine (Kanda Myojin) 神田神社 | Tokyo | head |
| Mishima Taisha 三嶋大社 | Shizuoka | |
| Kotoshironushi Shrine (Mishima Ebisu) 事代主神社 | Shizuoka | |
| Miho Shrine 美保神社 | Shimane | head |
| Toka Ebisu Shrine 十日恵比須神社 | Fukuoka | branch |
| Wakamatsu Ebisu Shrine 若松恵比須神社 | Fukuoka | branch |
Frequently Asked Questions
Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team
Who is Kotoshironushi no Kami in Japanese mythology?
Kotoshironushi no Kami (事代主命) is God of fishing, commerce, and good fortune; oracle deity and later identified with Ebisu. This deity appears in Kojiki & Nihon Shoki and is enshrined at 7 shrines across Japan.
What shrines are dedicated to Kotoshironushi no Kami?
There are 7 shrines in our database dedicated to Kotoshironushi no Kami, including Nemuro Kotohira Shrine, Kanda Shrine (Kanda Myojin), Mishima Taisha and more.
What myths involve Kotoshironushi no Kami?
Kotoshironushi no Kami appears in 1 myths including The Cession of the Land (Kuniyuzuri). These stories come from Kojiki & Nihon Shoki.