Shinto god of war, also worshipped by peasants and fishermen as the god of agriculture and fishery. Hachiman is identified with 3rd-4th century Emperor Ojin (応神).
The kanji for Hachiman (八幡) can also be read Yawata meaning "eight banderoles". Hachiman shrines (八幡宮) are quite common in Japan. The largest in Tokyo is Tomioka Hachiamgu and the largest in Kanto is Tsuruoka Hachimangu in Kamakura.
