【ときどき大阪】通天閣で三代目ビリケンさん Osaka Tsutenkaku Tower Mr. Billiken

Billiken are little fat tummied, smiley statues that you’ll find all over Osaka – but why? That’s what we wanted to know too – so we found out. There’s a lot of odd things dotted around Osaka.

The Billiken, a peculiar yet charming statue, has become an integral part of Osaka's cultural landscape. This smiling, Buddha-like figure with pointed ears and an elongated head is more than just a quirky attraction; it's a symbol of good fortune

As the symbol of luck for the Shinsekai district, Billiken is centrally located near some of Osaka’s most unique cultural spots, from the neighborhood’s iconic tower to famous street food and the massive entertainment area of Namba.

Despite being a well-known character in and around Osaka, Billiken’s origins actually come from elsewhere. He comes not from Japan, but from the United States. To be exact, he comes from Kansas City, Missouri, or rather, his creator does. Florence Pretz,

比利肯 （英語： Billiken，日語： ビリケン）乃 日本 一種頭部呈尖狀、瞇眼、嘴角向上揚、 嬰孩 形象的幸運之神神像，尤其以 大阪府 大阪市 通天閣 裡的第二代比利肯神像最為出名，通常被暱稱為 比利肯先生 （日語： ビリケンさん）。