Introducing the coolest Japanese phrases, as chosen by the Japanese people themselves.
This time, it’s the three-letter word edition.
Two-Character Edition is here
韋駄天(idaten)
■The Meaning of “韋駄天(idaten)”
A metaphor for someone with incredibly fast legs or nimble movements.
By extension, it also symbolizes
“agility,” “quick judgment,” and “lightning-fast action.”
It’s even become the idiom “Idatten-style running.”
■The Origin of “韋駄天(idaten)”
● From the Buddhist deity “Skanda”
Skanda is a Buddhist guardian deity, considered a phonetic translation of the Sanskrit name Skanda.
Originally a war god in Indian mythology, he also symbolized battle and breakthrough power.
As Buddhism spread to Japan,
the image of him as “the god who runs faster than anyone”
grew stronger,
and he became synonymous with swiftness.
● The Legend of Guarding the Buddha’s Remains
An episode recounts that after the Buddha passed away and his remains were laid to rest,
demons attempted to steal his bones.
It is said that at that moment,
Skanda rushed forth faster than anyone else
and drove the demons away.
This is where the image of “unmatched speed = Skanda” spread.
