Why does Japan's thunder god Raijin want to steal your belly button?

Ideas & Philosophy · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Raijin is the fierce, drum-beating deity of thunder in Japanese mythology. Often depicted with a muscular frame and gravity-defying hair, he is a complex figure who ranges from a terrifying force of nature to a mischievous prankster. But why do parents warn children to cover their navels during storms?

Raijin, whose name combines the Japanese words for thunder and god, is a central figure in Shinto and Buddhist traditions. He is famously portrayed alongside his twin brother, Fujin, the god of wind. Their iconography is a staple of Japanese temple architecture, with notable wooden sculptures residing in the Sanjusangendo and Taiyuin Rinnoji temples. These figures are often depicted with fierce expressions, standing on clouds, and wielding their signature talismans: Raijin with his taiko drums and hammers, and Fujin with his wind bag.

The mythology surrounding Raijin is vast and varied. In the Kojiki, he emerges in a grotesque form from the decaying body of the creation deity Izanami, appearing as a collective of eight distinct thunder gods known as Ho-no-Ikadzuchi-no-Kami. Other legends paint a more human-like, albeit volatile, picture. One tale recounts how the 'God Catcher' Sugaru was tasked by an Emperor to imprison a destructive Raijin, eventually succeeding through prayer and divine intervention. In another, Raijin is credited with defending Japan from Mongol invaders by unleashing a fierce storm.

Beyond his role as a protector or destroyer, Raijin occupies a place in folklore as a source of childhood anxiety. Parents have long cautioned children to hide their belly buttons during thunderstorms, warning that the god might snatch them away to eat. This blend of reverence and superstition highlights Raijin's enduring presence in Japanese culture, where he remains a symbol of the unpredictable power of the skies, whether he is mending his drums, causing mischief, or standing guard at a temple gate.

Raijin's influence extends far beyond ancient texts and religious shrines. He is a recurring motif in traditional arts, including netsuke carvings, and his name—Raiden—has even been adopted for modern technology, such as the Mitsubishi J2M interceptor aircraft used during the Second World War. Whether viewed as a divine force, a national protector, or a mythical bogeyman, Raijin remains a vital, multifaceted character in the Japanese pantheon.

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