On top of the Tower that reaches Heaven (also called Tsutenkaku or Hitachi Tower) sits a little statue that is mysteriously cherished as a God of Happiness (or “The God of How Things Ought to be”). This little God is called Billiken and initially he was an invention (or devine inspiration) by an American art teacher. Interesting to know is that today the statue that is found up at the tower is a replica of one that initally was found at Luna Park not far away.
Touching the feet of Billiken on top of the tower is said to bring happiness … There are more replica around. Purchasing one brings luck, receiving on even more … (so it is a great souvenir). Apart from this, this little God travels to promote business and in some ways seems to be an offspring of Daikoku even if I can’t see any mention of Daikoku around … but Billiken and Daikokuten rhym a bit … In any case, the sight from the tower is impressive one way or the other.
Inside Hitachi Tower:
Further Information:
View from Hitachi Tower
Intently observing ... the Living Machines or the Wohnmaschinen ... from that privileged point of view that is closer to the sky ... but at the horizon there are the misty mountains. Still projecting human longing.
