Dōsojin

thumb|Dōsojin represented as a human couple. thumb|250x250px|The Dōsojin is on the left Dōsojin (道祖神) are a class of protective Shinto deities (kami) commonly venerated in eastern Japan, particularly in the Kantō, Chūbu, and Tōhoku regions. They are associated with liminal spaces such as village boundaries, crossroads, and mountain passes, and are believed to ward off evil spirits, epidemics, and other harmful influences that threaten individuals or communities during transitional stages of life.2 The worship of Dōsojin reflects a blend of ancient animistic beliefs, local folk customs, and elements of Buddhist and Shinto syncretism. As part of the broader tradition of folk religion in Japan, they are integral to rural ritual life, often honored during seasonal festivals and agricultural celebrations to ensure protection, fertility, and social harmony. In some regions, Dōsojin are also linked to ancestral spirits, acting as guardians who protect the living from malevolent forces that traverse boundaries between the physical and spiritual realms. is a generic name for a type of Shinto kami popularly worshipped in Kantō and neighboring areas in Japan where, as tutelary deities of borders and paths, they are believed to protect travellers, pilgrims, villages, and individuals in "transitional stages" from epidemics and evil spirits. Also called , or . Dōsojin are often represented as a human couple, carved male or female genitals, large stones or statues, or even tall poles along a road.

Dōsojin are sometimes housed in small roadside Shinto shrines called hokora.'' In rural areas Dōsojin can be found at village boundaries, in mountain passes, or along byways, and in urban areas they can be seen at street corners or near bridges. When shaped like a phallus, they are associated with birth, procreation, and marital harmony. When represented as a human couple, Dōsojin are revered as deities of boundaries, roads, travellers, villagers, marriage, fertility, health, agriculture, harvest, procreation, health, guardianship, defense and protection.