Inviting a friend over for dinner and short on time? You have two options: hit up your local fast food joint and disguise their burgers as your own “steamed hams”, or pray to Kojin. Sometimes called Kamado-gami, Kojin is literally the god of the cooking stove - so he might be your best bet.

Don’t be put off by the three heads, flaming hair and spiky teeth: this deity embodies controlled fire, which helps to burn away impurities. That’s why people place his effigies in the kitchen while cooking. As well as blessing you with fire to cook your food, Kojin can double up as a neighbourhood watchman, watching over your household and reporting any misdeeds to the Shinto gods (kami) of the village.