Inari
Also: Oinari
Japanese: 稲è·
Translation: Carrying-Rice, Growing-Rice
Inari nominally is a kami in the Shinto religion in Japan. I say nominally because from a mythological point of view Inari seems to have become a full fledged religion in its own right rather than as a part of Shinto. Inari has accrued elements of Buddhist boddhisatva and Hindu deities.
Inari does not appear in any of the oldest documents (i.e. the Kojiki and Nihongi). I have not taken the time to properly research the subject but Inari appears to be composite entity that has accrued the profile of more and more profiles and mythological personalities as time went on.
I suspect the oldest form of Inari is as bearded man seated on or carrying a sack of rice. He was probably associated with the concept that rice was how wealth was measured in early Japan. Inari has also been depicted as androgynous and female. Occasionally he also appears as fox, snake, dragon and once even as a monstrous spider.
Inari is commonly associated with the image of a young female food goddess and an androgynous boddhisatva. Other personalities and profiles associated with Inari include: Ukanomitama, ÅŒgetsu-Hime, Toyouke, Dakiniten, Dakini, Benzaiten, Izanagi, Izanami, Ninigi, Wakumusubi, Ukanomitama, Sadahiko, Omiyanome, Tanaka Shi and Uke-mochi.
Inari’s profile has grown to include: grain, blacksmith, protector of warriors, fishermen, protection from fire, actors and prostitutes, luck, prosperity, good health, fertility, finance, business and industry.
That impressive list of genders, species, personalities and profiles is why I think he is a composite entity.
Inari’s symbols are the wish granting jewel and foxes. Less common symbols associated with Inari are the sickle, sheaf or sack of rice and a sword.
About 1/3rd of Japan’s 32,000 shrines with at least one full time resident priests are dedicated to Inari.
Inari is said to come down from his mountain in the spring and return in the fall.