Billiken Deity, Tsutenkaku, Osaka
There is a tower in Osaka specifically in Shinsekai (new world) Osaka that was built before World War I. When I visited this tower I was attracted by the numerous Ultimate Muscle statues, figures, souvenirs etc., but when I saw these Buddha looking things I was wondering if they were a character from the show. It turns out that they weren’t a character from the manga or anime of Ultimate Muscle, but a good luck deity called Billiken. It is known as “The God of Things as They Ought to Be.” The origins of Billiken actually come from an American teacher who created it as a charm doll in 1908. They say if you rub the soles of Billiken you will have good luck. So if you are in Osaka and you see this mischievous smiling statue then know that if you buy it you will have good luck, but if you buy it and give it to someone you will have greater luck.