RAIJIN

Raijin is the Japanese god of thunder and storms. He is usually depicted holding a hammer surrounded by a drum. Raijin is one of Japan's most feared gods. Parents traditionally tell their children to cover their belly button during a storm or Raijin will eat their stomach. There is also a farming tradition of praying to Raijin for rain and lightning. The Japanese once believed that lightning was responsible for fertilizing rice plants. Rice fields hit by lightning will surely enjoy a bountiful harvest.