The tiger imagery is often used to ward off evil spirits, bad luck and disease. The tiger is a symbol for both the west and autumn. They are said to control the wind and they are one of the four sacred beasts.
The castle tower of Osaka Castle is decorated with reliefs of eight tigers, two on each of the top four black walls. A tiger has such a strong life force that it is said to "go a thousand miles and return a thousand miles in one day," and it is said to ward off evil and bring prosperity to the family. It is also described as a charm against evil because of its strong gaze on foreign enemies.
