In Japanese mythology and folklore, Somin Shōrai was a poor man who gave food and shelter to a certain god in the guise of a traveler who was looking for a place to stay. As a reward, the god provided Somin Shōrai's family a means to save themselves from an oncoming pestilence that eventually claimed the lives of those who had turned him away earlier. The story of Somin Shōrai is the basis for the Shinto custom of walking through a large ring of twisted miscanthus reeds during the beginning of summer at many Shinto shrines across Japan. Talismans bearing Somin Shōrai's name are also popularly held to ward off disease and misfortune.
Mutō-no-Kami (武塔神) or Mutō Tenjin (武塔天神), the god who received hospitality from Somin Shōrai, is identified with Susanoo (pictured)
Gozu Tennō, a syncretic deity associated with plague and disease historically conflated with Susanoo and Mutō-no-Kami
A chi-no-wa erected in front of a Shinto shrine
Wooden charm with Somin Shōrai's name
Omamori are Japanese amulets commonly sold at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, dedicated to particular Shinto kami as well as Buddhist figures, and are said to provide various forms of luck and protection.
A study-dedicated omamori. The logo above denotes a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Tenjin.
An omamori-style gohonzon distributed by Soka Gakkai for members during travels away from home.
An omamori from a shrine in Kumamoto. This item claims to "grant protection" to the user. The logo above denotes the shrine Fujisaki Hachimangū.
