Raijin is one of the most important gods in Japanese mythology and one scary-looking guy. Along with his brother Fujin (the god of wind) Raijin is pretty much responsible for all the bad weather that hits Japan and, as a series of islands, Japan gets a LOT of bad weather.

You’ll find terrifying statues of Raijin all over Japan and no matter where you go you’ll eventually have to walk under his intense gaze. The popularity and widespread depiction of this thunder god is a sure sign of the respect these islander people have for stormy weather.

Raijin is one of the eldest gods among all Shinto gods. Shinto is the most dominant religion in Japan today, followed by Buddhism, with many gods representing the different forces of nature and existence.

Raijin is the direct offspring of Izanagi and Izanami, the two gods who descended from heaven to create the islands of Japan.