According to ancient Japanese folklore, one of the seven lucky gods.
   
Hotei is known as a symbol of happiness, luck, generosity and prosperity, on his back he carries 
a huge linen bag containing precious things and gifts of good fortune.
   
In recent times, Hotei is also referred to as the patron saint of restaurateurs and bartenders.
When one over eats and over drinks, one may sometimes jokingly attribute it to Hotei's influence
   
   
According to legend, Hotei is also a fortuneteller whose predictions always come true.
The only catch is that he will not tell the future to any person who does not sincerely affirm a
desire to know the complete truth.