His name is Billiken, or as we affectionately call him here in Osaka, Billiken-san.
Now, let me ask you a question.
Where do you think he comes from?
Japan?
Actually… America!
That’s right. Billiken was born in the United States around 1908.
According to the story, an American female artist saw a mysterious little figure in a dream and created Billiken based on what she had seen.
With his pointed head, big smile, and enormous feet, Billiken became popular as a good-luck charm.
