In Shinto, the deity traditionally regarded as a protector of warriors and Japan is Hachiman.
Hachiman is a major Japanese kami associated especially with warfare, archery, military protection, and the imperial state. He is commonly identified with Emperor Ōjin, while his religious identity also incorporates aspects of Shinto and Buddhist traditions. This combination made Hachiman an important figure in medieval Japan.
The Minamoto clan adopted Hachiman as its tutelary kami, helping spread his worship among samurai and military households. Tsurugaoka Hachimangū in Kamakura is one of the best-known shrines dedicated to him, and Usa Jingū in Ōita is traditionally regarded as the original center of Hachiman worship.
Hachiman is not simply a god of battle in every context. His worship also came to encompass protection, peace, agriculture, and the welfare of the nation. In Buddhist history, he was sometimes interpreted through the concept of a kami associated with a buddha.