Sukunabikona

• Affiliation: Shinto
• Kami of:
• Family: Takamimusuhi (father)

Sukunabikona

Sukunabikona (少彦名神) is a Shinto kami seen in two differing narratives inside of the Nihongi.

In the first version he works with Ōkuninushi to make the ‘sub-celestial world,’ during this time they determine how to heal the diseases of men, and prtoects against calamities caused by bird, beast and creeping things. After they finish, Ōkuninushi asks if their task is complete with Sukunabikona stating that there are areas of Japan that are not yet finished. This kami then goes to Cape Kumano and departs to Tokoyo.

Another version of this states he climbed a millet stalk inside, was ‘jerked off’ and then departed to Tokoyo.

A final version states how Ōkuninushi was pacifying the land in Obama in Isasa, Izumo Province. Here he came across a dwarf who came from the sea dressed in wren feathers. Ōkuninushi takes the small kami into his hand only to see them jump up to bite him on the cheek. He goes up to Heaven to ask about this event, Takamimusuhi saying this kami was Sukunabikona; his wicked child who would not follow instructions.¹

Footnotes

1. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi Volume 1: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to AD697”. Tuttle Publishing.

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