Tenjin

Tenjin is a kami in Japanese Shinto belief, venerated as the deity of learning, scholarship, and culture. Tenjin is the deified form of Sugawara no Michizane (845–903), a Heian-period scholar, poet, and statesman. After his death, he was worshipped as a powerful spiritual figure, and over time his image became closely associated with academic success and artistic achievement.

Shrines dedicated to Tenjin, known as Tenmangū or Tenjin shrines, are found throughout Japan, with Kitano Tenmangū in Kyoto regarded as the head shrine. Today, Tenjin remains one of Japan’s most widely revered kami, especially among students praying for success in examinations.