• 
  ON THE TRIP

  An audio guide app that enhances your travel experience

  Similar to a museum audio guide, ON THE TRIP provides on-the-spot audio guidance at shrines, temples, spectacular views, and various sightseeing spots at any travel destination. Download the app and turn your smartphone into your own personal travel guide!

Audio Time Travel is an article that allows you to enjoy your trip to Osaka while listening to a guide. In this article, you can enjoy a portion of the audio guide. You can experience the entire audio on the ON THE TRIP app.

05｜Billiken

The Beginning of Character Business

Billiken is characterized by his pointed head and bulging eyes, presenting a unique expression that leaves one wondering whether he is smiling or not. Are you familiar with "Billiken"?

A statue of Billiken stands at Tsutenkaku, a popular tourist attraction that symbolizes Osaka, making him a well-known figure in the city. Interestingly, Billiken was originally conceived in America by a female illustrator who dreamt of him as a god of good fortune. According to legend, then US President William Taft received good fortune from Billiken. During his presidential election campaign, Taft selected Billiken as his mascot to rival Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt, who used a teddy bear as his campaign symbol. The catchy name "Billiken" is said to have been derived from Taft’s nickname, “Billy.”

Billiken's rising popularity caught the attention of Tamura Komajiro, who founded a textile company in Ikeda City. Komajiro was known for his industrious and innovative spirit; he successfully ran a wholesale business for Western fabrics and quickly established a design department to create original textiles.

By registering the Billiken trademark and using it as a promotional character, Komajiro essentially pioneered the modern character merchandise business. Around the same time, Luna Park—then the largest theme park in the Orient—opened in Osaka, where a Billiken statue became a notable landmark. Today, the third Billiken statue is located on the fifth floor of Tsutenkaku Tower, where it’s enshrined along with the Seven Gods of Fortune as the newest addition.

There’s also a Billiken statue near the Gofukuza Theater, a site associated with Komajiro. It’s believed that if you stroke the soles of Billiken's feet, your wishes will come true. Perhaps doing so will inspire an original idea like Komajiro.

This guide was created based on documents and interviews and includes some interpretation done by us at ON THE TRIP. Theories differ between experts, so try to find out what really happened on your travels!

*The information listed is current as of February 2025. Please check the website of each store or facility for the latest opening hours.