Billiken is characterized by his pointed head and bulging eyes, presenting a unique expression that leaves one wondering whether he is smiling or not. Are you familiar with "Billiken"?
A statue of Billiken stands at Tsutenkaku, a popular tourist attraction that symbolizes Osaka, making him a well-known figure in the city. Interestingly, Billiken was originally conceived in America by a female illustrator who dreamt of him as a god of good fortune. According to legend, then US President William Taft received good fortune from Billiken. During his presidential election campaign, Taft selected Billiken as his mascot to rival Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt, who used a teddy bear as his campaign symbol. The catchy name "Billiken" is said to have been derived from Taft’s nickname, “Billy.”
Billiken's rising popularity caught the attention of Tamura Komajiro, who founded a textile company in Ikeda City. Komajiro was known for his industrious and innovative spirit; he successfully ran a wholesale business for Western fabrics and quickly established a design department to create original textiles.
By registering the Billiken trademark and using it as a promotional character, Komajiro essentially pioneered the modern character merchandise business. Around the same time, Luna Park—then the largest theme park in the Orient—opened in Osaka, where a Billiken statue became a notable landmark. Today, the third Billiken statue is located on the fifth floor of Tsutenkaku Tower, where it’s enshrined along with the Seven Gods of Fortune as the newest addition.
There’s also a Billiken statue near the Gofukuza Theater, a site associated with Komajiro. It’s believed that if you stroke the soles of Billiken's feet, your wishes will come true. Perhaps doing so will inspire an original idea like Komajiro.