Fukurokuju

[1] It has been theorized that he is a Japanese assimilation of the Chinese Three Star Gods (Fu Lu Shou) embodied in one deity.

[2] According to some, before attaining divinity, he was a Chinese hermit of the Song dynasty and a reincarnation of the Taoist Deity, Xuantian Shangdi.

In China, this hermit (also known as Jurōjin) was thought to embody the celestial powers of the south polar star.

[1] He is said to be an incarnation of the "Southern Polestar" (南极老人, literally Old Man of the South Pole), also known as the star Canopus outside of Asia.

The sacred book tied to his staff either contains the lifespan of every person on earth or a magical scripture.