Hear this tale on Episode 59 of our Podcast, the Japan Archives.

The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter

The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, in Japanese known as the Taketori Monogatari (竹取物語) is one of the famous folktales from Japan.

Synopsis

There was an old man and woman who had no child. He would go every day and cut bamboo and made a living by selling the wood.

One morning when he goes to the bamboo there is a bright light stemming from a single bamboo shoot. In the hollow of it he found a three inch tall girl and he thought she had been sent to be his child.

From that day he always found gold and precious gems in the bamboo and so he and his wife became wealthy. In only three months the girl had grown to normal height and they gave her the name of Kaguya Hime. For three days they celebrated her naming and stories of her beauty went far and wide and so many people came to try and be her suitor.

The girl never held audience with these suitors and many lost heart returning home. All except for five Samurai he continued to wait. Winter came, the suitors begged the old man to ask his daughter to allow them to see her. But as she was not truly his daughter he said he could not force her to do so and so the five Samurai returned home.

But they all returned as their heart desired her. They asked the old man to tell his daughter how they had waited out the harsh winter, waited without food, and all of the other challenges they had faced in the hopes of being allowed to see her. And so the old man agreed.

She eventually agreed to meet with them to please her father. She also decided to give each man a mission that if they could complete she would marry them.

The first mission was to bring the stone bowl that had been held by Buddha from India. The second to go to Mount Horai and bring a branch of the tree that grew on its summit. Third was to go to China and bring back the skin of the fire-rat. Fourth to find the dragon which upon its head was a stone that radiate five colours and bring her the stone. Fifth and finally was to find the swallow which carried a shell in its stomach and to bring her the shell.

The first man was too scared to go to India and so he collected a bowl from a temple in Kyoto, wrapped it in gold cloth and waited three years before returning. She thought it strange that he had returned from india so quickly and testing the bowl she discovered it to be fake.

The second man told his parents he would be travelling for his health. Eventually going somewhere where he built a house that could not be accessed from the outside. Inside resided him and six skilled jewellers which he instructed to make a silver and gold branch he thought would satisfy the requirements of the mission. When she is given the branch she again says it is strange he could return so quickly and have gotten the branch so easily and declares it a fake.

The man tried to defend himself, telling a fake tale of his journey to the mountain. However, the jewellers appears demanding they be paid and so his lie is revealed.

The third man had a friend in China and so he sent a letter asking him to send him the skin of the fire-rat. He paid his friend a lot of money and after recieving the item took it to Kaguya Hime. She tests the item, setting fire to it saying the real item would not burn. It burns infront of her and so she knows it is a fake.

The fourth man was lazy and sent all his retainers and servants to do his bidding. All of them thinking it an impossible task, merely had long holidays and made no attempt to find the item. After a year he grew desperate and taking two men hired a ship and made them set out in a storm. The storm caused the ship to crash into shore and so he returned home and made no more attempt to find the item.

The fifth man, is merely said to have failed in finding the swallow’s shell.

During all of this time stories of the girls beauty had reached the Emperor, and so he sends an Imperial messenger to see if she will come to court. She tells her father that is she is forced to do this then she will vanish from the earth. And so the Emperor decided to go and see her himself.

He enters and when she noticed the Emperor watching her she tries to hide her face. The Emperor falls in love with her immediately and asks her to come to Court. She says if she is forced to do so she will turn into a shadow and began to do so infront of the Emperor, and so he says if she stays in human form he will not force her to go.

As time passes she would spend nights watching the moon often weeping and that she was not of this Earth and perhaps would soon leave. The Emperor hearing about this sends 2,000 warriors to defend the home.

Night had almost passed and all thought the girl would stay until clouds formed around the moon and moved towards the house. A man comes forth from a chariot on a cloud saying it is time for her to return home, saying she had originally been sent to Earth as punishment.

She climbs into the chariot, her father not being allowed to join her. She is given an Elixir of Life and drinks most of it, and was about to give the rest to her father but is stopped. She asks to write to the Emperor one last time and places the remainder of the Elixir in the letter. And with that she leaves the Earth.

The Emperor receives the letter and Elixir and he sends the Elixir to Mount Fuji where it is burnt. And that is the reason why smoke rises from Mount Fuji.¹

Other Depictions in Art

Discovery of Kaguya-hime, late 17th century depiction	Heavenly beings descend, depiction c. 1650
Taketori no Okina takes Kaguya-hime to his home, painting c. 1650	Princess Kaguya returns to the Moon. 1888 print by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Footnotes

1. Ozaki, Y.T. (2015) “Japanese Fairy Tales” USA: Cavalier Classics.

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This page about Heaven serves to bring together information we have gathered relating to the various ‘Heaven’s’ from different religions in Japan. As we gather more information this page may be broken down into seperate pages.

Takamagahara – Shinto

Takamagahara (高天原) is the Shinto version of Heaven. Its origins say that it was once connected to Earth and that the kami Umashiashikabihikoji was born from a reed shoot which grew after Heaven and Earth had become separated. Some stories state that there is a ‘Ladder of Heaven’ which connects Heaven to Earth, Amaterasu uses this to ascend to Heaven after her birth.¹²

It is the home to the kami which came before Izanagi and Izanami (aside from a few which concealed themselves) and later the Sun kami Amaterasu.¹² Some tales say that her brother Tsukiyomi, the moon kami, was also sent to Heaven to rule it alongside his sister.¹

According to another alternative tale in the Nihongi, Izanagi went to dwell here in Takamagahara in the ‘Palace of a Prince’ after his work upon Earth was completed.¹ The Milky Way is also refered to being in Takamagahara, and is given the name Amenoyasunokawa (Heaven’s Tranquil Stream).²

Locations

Locations within this place include the Floating Bridge of Heaven which Izanagi and Izanagi stood upon looking on the empty world below. Takamagahara is also said to have heavenly rice fields which were first sown with the first rice after Amekumabito brings them to Heaven from the corpse of Ukemochi.¹² The Wevaing Hall os Heaven is located here, which links to the events leading to Amaterasu fleeing into the Rock Cave, which also resides here. One alternate tale from the Nihongi gives names to the rice fields. Amaterasu’s were fertile and called High Market Place. Easy Rice Field of Heaven, Level Rice Field of Heaven and Village Join Rice Field of Heaven. Her brothers field were infertile and called Pile-field of Heaven, River Border Field of Heaven and Mouth Sharp field of Heaven.¹

Associated Items

There are several items linked to this area, chiefly the Spear of Heaven and Pillar of Heaven. The spear used to create Japan and the Pillar acting as a symbolic ‘meeting point’ for Izanami and Izanagi, the kami which birthed Japan.¹²

Buddhism

Buddhism is a religion which believes in rebirth.

There was a man known as Fujiwara no Yoshitaka who was a devout Buddhist. Upon his death he wished to be reborn to continue to read the Lotus Sutra which he loved. However, he was cremated so could not be reborn. He came to earth as a ghost to demand to know why his mother had him cremated before returning to dwell eternally in this version of Heaven.³

Kōshin

Kōshin (庚申) is a religion finding its origins in the 9th century. They believed that worms reside within our bodies, recording both our good and bad deeds. Every 60 days they have to leave the body to report these deeds to Heaven. However, for them to do so, one must be asleep. A chant involving the word Shōkera (later turned into a Yōkai) is used to ensure they cannot leave your body on the day they wish to commune with heaven so the human they dwell within can sleep through the night and does not have to remain awake.⁴

Superstitions associated with Heaven

There is the belief that you should be sure to not kill a spider in the morning as it is the bringer of bad look and may be a messenger from Heaven. Conversely, a Spider at night may bring bad luck and can be killed, and may also be a messenger from Hell.⁵

Footnotes

1. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi Volume 1: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to AD697”. Tuttle Publishing.
2. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An Account of Ancient Matters”. New York: Columbia University Press.
3. MacMillan, P. (2018) ”One Hundred Poets, One Poem Each: A Treasury of Classical Japanese Verse”. St. Ives: Penguin Classics.
4. Yoda, H. and Alt, M. (2016) “Japandemonium: Illustrated: The Yokai Encyclopaedia of Toriyama Sekien.”. New York: over Publications, Inc.
5. Cummins, A. (2017) “The Dark Side of Japan: Ancient Black Magic, Folklore, Ritual.” Gloucestershire: Amberley Publishing.

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Hear about Amekumabito on Episode 12 of our Podcast, the Japan Archives.

Amekumabito

Amekumabito is a Shinto kami mentioned in the nihongi.

She is tasked with going to the body of Ukemochi, by Amaterasu, after Tsukiyomi has killed her.

Upon the body of Ukemochi she finds and brings back from her body ox, horse, millet, silkworm, panic, rice, wheat, large beans and smalls beans. Amaterasu rejoices and takes these declaring them to be what man eat to live. She then plants the rice in the fields of heaven and reels from the silkworm the silk with her tongue, thus beginning the art of silk rearing.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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Hear about Ukemochi on Episode 12 of our Podcast, the Japan Archives.

• • Affiliation: Shinto
  • Kami of:
  • Family: ???

Ukemochi

Ukemochi (保食神) was a Shinto kami, mentioned in the Nihongi, that dwelt upon Japan.

Amaterasu learns of her existence and so sends her brother Tsukiyomi to go and attend her.

Upon his arrival she turns her head towards the land causing boiled mouth to be produced from her mouth. Turning to the sea, creatures with fins appear from her mouth. In addition, turning to the mountains causing things of rough and soft hair to be created from her mouth.

She takes these creations to serve at a feast for Tsukiyomi’s arrival. Tsukiyomi angered he would have to eat food from this kami’s mouth kills her and returns to heaven to relay these events to his sister. His sister, angry with his actions sends him away.

Amaterasu then sends Amekumabito to the corpse of Ukemochi, bringing back from her body ox, horse, millet, silkworm, panic, rice, wheat, large beans and smalls beans. Amaterasu rejoices and takes these declaring them to be what man eat to live. She then plants the rice in the fields of heaven and reels from the silkworm the silk with her tongue, thus beginning the art of silk rearing.¹

This entire event is told rather differently in the Kojiki and is attributed to the kami called Ōgetsuhime, and also occours much later in the legendary narrative.

Footnotes

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

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Hear about Tsukiyomi on Episode 12 of our Podcast, the Japan Archives.

• Affiliation: Shinto
• Kami of: The Moon
• Family: Izanami? (mother) Izanagi (father) Susano-o (brother) Amaterasu (sister)

Tsukiyomi

Tsukiyomi (月読) is the moon kami in Shinto mythology, brother to Amaterasu and Susano-o.

Birth

According to both the Kojiki and the Nihongi this kami was born from Izanagi after cleansing himself from the defilement’s of Yomi in the Tachibana river. Tsukiyomi is created as he cleans his right eye. He is born after Amaterasu and before Susano-o.¹²

However this creation story (in the Nihongi) is included as an offshoot to the ‘main text.’ Within the main text he is born much early in the events surrounding the creation of Japan and is the son of both Izanagi and Izanami, born after his sister Amaterasu and the Leech Child, but before Susano-o.

A third version given in the Nihongi states this kami was born when Izanami held within his right hand a copper mirror.²

Dominion of Tsukiyomi

Depending on the source, Tsukiyomi comes to govern over different areas.

After his birth (in the main text of the Nihongi) he is sent up to Heaven to govern alongside his sister by Izanami and Izanagi.

However an alternate version in the Nihongi states Izanami sends him to rule over the oceans.²

In the Kojiki it states he is sent to rule over the realm of night.¹

Day and Night

Tsukiyomi is sent down to Japan to wait upon the kami known as Ukemochi by his sister. Upon his arrival she prepares from him a feast from various food expelled from her mouth. Tsukiyomi, offended by the fact he would have to eat such food kills her and returns to heaven to tell his sister of what has occurred. Angered by his actions, she calls him wicked and sends him away, and so they become separated leading to the cycle of day and night to begin.² This tale occours differently in the Kojiki and instead involves Ōgetsuhime and Susano-o.

Footnotes

1. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An Account of Ancient Matters”. New York: Columbia University Press.
2. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi Volume 1: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to AD697”. Tuttle Publishing.

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• • Affiliation: Shinto
  • Kami of: Wealth and Prosperity
  • Family: Izanami (mother) Izanagi (father)

Ebisu

Ebisu (恵比寿), also known as the Leech Child (蛭子, Hiru-ko) was according to the kojiki the first child of Izanami and Izanagi. He was a limbless child and so they placed him in a reed boat and cast him out to sea as they did not want him.¹

The nihongi agrees with this account but adds that the reed boat was the kami Torinoiwakusufune. The nihongi also gives a second version in which the Leech Child is their second child born after Ahaji no Shima. A third version states he was placed in the boat as he reached the age of three and could still not walk, and that the reason he was born deformed was due to the fact that Izanami spoke before her husband after they had walked around the Pillar of Heaven. There is even a fourth version which goes on to state Ebisu was born after the Sun kami Amaterasu and before the Moon kami Tsukiyomi.²

It wasn’t until later, in modern Japan he became known as Ebisu, associated with wealth and prosperity.¹

Footnotes

1. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An Account of Ancient Matters”. New York: Columbia University Press.
2. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi Volume 1: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to AD697”. Tuttle Publishing.

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Hear about Izanagi on Episodes 1, 3 and 12 of our Podcast, the Japan Archives.

• • Affiliation: Shinto
  • Kami of: Japan
  • Family: Izanami (sister/wife) Awokashikine (mother) Aha Nagi (father) Children (numerous – see below)

Izanagi

Izanagi (伊邪那岐 or 伊弉諾, He Who Beckons²) was the brother and husband of Izanami, born as the 7th Generation of kami. Through sexual congress, the two of them gave birth to Japan, the seas, mountains, rivers and trees. He has numerous children, but there is one alternative verion of the Nihongi where a child listed nowhere else as his is mentioned, this is the kami Amenoakarudama.¹

He and his sister appear to have originally been worshipped in the area of Awaji Shima.

She and her brother appear to have originally been worshipped in the area of Awaji Shima.²

Ancestry

One version of the Nihongi gives the ancestry of Izanagi, listing a group of kami descended from Kunitokotachi. None of these kami are mentioned elsewhere, their names being (in generation order). Kunitokotachi, Ame Kagami, Ame Yorodzu, Aha Nagi and then Izanagi. One version states Izanami and Izanagi are the children of Awokashikine. Another version says Izanami and Izanagi are the 4th Generation of kami, in a list with only 4 Generations.¹

Birthing of Japan

According to the Kojiki, his and his wife were commanded by the kami of Heaven to create land, giving to them the Jewelled Spear of Heaven. On the Floating Bridge of Heaven they lowered the Spear churning the sea, and lifting the Spear the salt which fell from it created land, which became called Onogoroshima; and so they descended to dwell upon it². One version of the Nihongi states when they thrust down the spear they discovered Onogoroshima.¹

The Kogo Shūi states he is the first kami to appear in the world.

Upon the island they found a large hall and a Mighty Pillar of Heaven. Here they agreed to create the land through sexual congress, and walked around the pillar to ‘meet’ for the first time. Izanami spoke first. Izanagi chastises her for this, saying nothing good will come of a woman speaking first. The first child born they called the Leech Child and abandoned it, next creating Awashima. Again they discard the child. Together they return to Heaven to ask about their misfortune, being told that it was because Izanami spoke first. So they return to the Pillar, walk around it and Izanami this time speaks.

This appears to end their misfortune and together they create the first eight islands of Japan (Ōyashimanokuni), these in order being Awaji Shima, Iyo, Okigashima, Tsukushi, Ikinoshima, Tsushima, Sado Island and Yamato².

Differences in the Nihongi

The Nihongi’s version of this part of creation differs slightly. In the Nihongi they hold their own counsel and are not command by Heaven to create land and upon the bridge of Heaven cast down the Jewelled Spear and create Onogoroshima. Like the Kojiki Izanami speaks first, however, Izanami displeased at this has them walk around the pillar again, this time he speaking first. After this, they together create the first eight islands, after giving birth to Ahaji no Shima, which they discard as they are displeased with it. They do not conceive the Leech Child at this early point in time.

The Nihongi gives a different list of children birthed by these kami. Izanami being the mother of (in order of birth), Ohoyamatonotoyoakitsushima, Iyo, Tsukushi, Oki and Sado Island, Koshi, Ohoshima, Kibi no Ko, Tsushima and Iki.¹

The next Islands and Kami

Finally, after all of this, they gave birth to six more islands (related in the Kojiki), these named, Kibinokojima, Azukishima, Ōshima, Himejima, Chikanoshima and Futagonoshima. After finishing creating these places, they went on to create more kami, these being Ōkotooshio, Iwatsuchibiko, Iwasuhime, Ōtohiwake, Amenofukio, Ōyabiko, Kazamotsuwakenooshio, Ōwatatsumi, Hayaakitsuhiko, Hayaakitsuhime².

The Nihongi does not give a name to these islands or kami, simply stating `Izanami and Izanami then produced the sea, the rivers, and then the mountains,` after the Eightfold Isles.¹

Afterwards more kami are born to her and Izanagi these being, as related in the Kojiki, Shinatsuhiko, Kukunochi, Ōyamatsumi, Kayanohime, Torinoiwakusufune, Ōgetsuhime and finally Kagutsuchi. In the Nihongi, only the kami Kukunochi, Kayanohime and Kagutsuchi are mentioned.² The other kami mentioned in the Kojiki having already been born much earlier within the narrative of the Nihongi.¹

Birth of Amaterasu Pt.1

According to the Nihongi, she and her husband then came together and created Amaterasu, Tsukiyomi and Susano-o. Both decided Amaterasu and Tsukiyomi should rule Heaven and so sent them there. Susano-o because of his violent nature they sent to Yomi.¹

On the other hand, as the Nihongi includes alternate versions of story which begin with ‘In one writing it is said…’ there are versions where these three kami were created after the death of Izanami, and so are the creation of Izanagi alone.¹ The Kojiki agrees with this version of events.²

Death of his Wife

When his wife gives birth to Kagutsuchi (the kami of Fire) she is burnt and ultimately dies from her injuries. This is related in the Nihongi.¹

It should be noted that, her death does not occur in the ‘main text’ of the Nihongi but in one of there entries beginning, ‘In one writing it is said…’, however, later Susano-o does state in the ‘main text’ he wishes to join his mother in Yomi; therefore showing she did die at some point.¹

Izanagi falls into grief, this tears falling and becoming the kami Nakisahame. He then takes up his sword, called Itsunoohabari, and kills Kagutsuchi. The kami body and blood becoming multiple new kami.¹². The Nihongi gives several different versions of this, one where he cuts Kagutsuchi into three pieces, with kami born from these pieces as well as from his blood. Another version states he cuts the body into five pieces, with no kami born from the blood of his body.¹

Wishing his wife to return to him he descends into the land of Yomi to find her.¹²

In the Land of Yomi

After they are reunited he begs her to return with him and the land of the living. Unfortunately she cannot return as she has already eaten at the hearth of the Underworld and cannot leave, however, she asks him to not look at her as she goes to talk to the kami of Yomi (thus implying she could convince them to leave to allow her to leave?). This is told in the Kojiki.²

In the Nihongi she merely states that she is going to rest and Izanagi is not look upon her.¹

He of course ignores her, and looks at her, and seeing her rotten body he flees.¹²

Izanami is enraged at her husband fleeing from her rotten body and so sends the Shikome after him and so Izanagi throws down a vine binding his hair which turns into mountain grapes to stall the Shikome, they eat them and continue pursuit. Next he throws down his comb which becomes bamboo, again they eat them and continue pursuit. The Eight Thunder kami then join in pursuit with an army of 1500 (the Nihongi excludes the army of 1500 and Thunder kami pursuing).¹²

In one version of the Nihongi it says Izanagi made water against a tree, making a river which the Shikome had to cross, but while they were preparing to do so he had blocked the entrance to Yomi with the boulder Chigaeshinoōkami.¹

The Kojiki relates that he scares away the Thunder kami and Shikome by holding up three peaches and striking a threatening pose at the place known as Hirasaka. In thanks he gives them the name Ōkamizumi.²

His wife eventually catches up with him, finding her way out of Yomi blocked by the giant boulder now there. And so they declare themselves divorced, with Izanami swearing to kill 1000 people everyday, so in answer Izanagi says he will create 1500 people.¹²

In addition to everything stated above, the Nihongi has alternative versions of this story all beginning with ‘in one writing it is said…’

In one version Izanagi visits his wife in Yomi. However she turns invisible after asking him not to look at her. He ignores her and lights a torch and so sees her rotting body; her body covered in the Thunder kami. He then flees and the Thunder kami pursue him. Reaching a peach tree he throws one to the floor causing the Thunders to flee and then throws down his staff Funadonokami.¹

In yet another version, Izanami says to not look at her, however, Izanagi refuses to stop. Angered by this she says if he is to look upon her naked form, she will do the same. In their anger they divorce in Yomi. Izanagi spits on the floor creating the kami Hayatamanoo and then purifies himself creating the kami Yomotsukotosakanoo. At the Even Pass of Yomi, Izanagi says he was weak to mourn over the ending of a relationship. He is then visited by the Road Wardens of Yomi who give him a message from Izanami saying that together they will no longer create islands together. Apparently then the kami called Kukurihime appears and says something enjoyable to Izanagi and disappears.¹

Cleansing after Yomi

Izanagi now feeling defiled after his journey through Yomi goes to the mouth of the Tachibana River in Tsukushi to cleanse himself.¹²

Here he throws down his clothes and staff, each one becoming a new kami.² The Nihongi differs in that Izanagi takes off his clothes after decreeing at the entrance to Yomi that Izanami can come no further.¹

The amount of kami differs between the Kojiki and Nihongi.

The Nihongi gives five kami, these being Funadonokami (Staff), Nagachiha (Girdle), Wadzurahi (Upper Garments), Akigui (Trousers) and Chishiki (Shoes).¹

The Kojiki gives 12 kami, these being Tsukitatsufunato (Staff), Michinonagachiha (Sash), Tokihakashi (Satchel), Wazurainoushi (Mantle), Chimata (Trousers), Akiguinoushi (Hat). Okizakaru, Okitsunagisabiko, and Okitsukaibera (Left Arm Band). Hezakaru, Hetsunagisabiko and Hetsukaibera (Right Arm Band).²

Entering the river he washes in the middle, finding the upper stream to fast and the lower one too slow. Washing away the impurities of Yomi causes the kami Yasomagatsuhi to be born. Next whilst remedying the evil of Yomi, the kami Kaminaobi and Ōnaobi are born.¹ The Kojiki differs slightly, giving Ōmagatsuhi in addition to Yasomagatsubi and Izunome as an additional Sprit from Izanagi’s remedying the evils of Yomi.²

Sinking to the bottom of the river to clean he creates Sokotsuwatatsumi and Sokotsutsuo, from cleaning in the middle he creates Nakatsuwatatsumi and Nakatsutsuo; finally from floating upon the waters surface to clean he creates Uhatsuwatasumi and Uhatsutsuo.¹²

Birth of Amaterasu Pt.2

Izanami then goes to clean his eyes. From the washing of his left eye comes Amaterasu, from his right Tsukiyomi, and from his nose Susano-o.

He charges Amaterasu with the governing of Heaven, Tsukoyomi the Oceans (realm of Night in the Kojiki) and Susano-o the Earth (realm of the Sea in the Kojiki. However, neglecting his duties upon Earth, Susano-o is sent to Yomi by Izanagi after the child states he wishes to be with his mother.¹² In the Kojiki version he bestows Amaterasu with a necklace; the necjlace being the kami Mikuratana.²

Retirement

After he has cleansed himself and given birth to these new kami he decides his work is completed. In the events recorded in the Kojiki it says he retires to Taga in Ōmi². However, the Nihongi gives two different accounts. In one he retires to the island of Awaji and there dwells in silence and concealment, and in the second it states he ascended to Heaven to dwell there in the ‘palace of a Prince.’¹

Footnotes

1. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi Volume 1: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to AD697”. Tuttle Publishing.
2. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An Account of Ancient Matters”. New York: Columbia University Press.

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Hear about Susano-o on Episode 21 and 44 of our Podcast, the Japan Archives.

• • Affiliation: Shinto
  • Kami of: Yomi
  • Family: Amaterasu (sister) Tsukiyomi (brother) Ōkuninushi (son) Takiribime (daughter) Ichikishimahime (daughter) Takitsuhime (daughter) Ōkuninushi (descendant) Numerous other decendants

Susano-o

Susano-o (須佐之男), also called Hayasusano-o², is known to be the father of Ōkuninushi and brother to the Sun Amaterasu and Moon Tsukiyomi. He rules over Yomi (the Underworld) and is said to be the kami of storms.¹²

Birth

According to the narrative of the Kojiki and Nihongi they state Susano-o was born from the nose of his father Izanagi after washing it in the Tachibana River. This is due to the fact Izanagi is trying to rid cleanse himself of the evils and filth from Yomi.¹²

However, alternate versions of the Nihongi give differing origins to this kami. In one version it states he is the third child born of both Izanagi and Izanami, with another stating he was born whilst Izanagi was holding two copper mirrors and happened to look ‘askance.’²

After his birth he is tasked to rule over the earth in the Nihongi², but the oceans in the Kojiki¹ and one alternative version of the Nihongi.²

Condemnation

Both the Kojiki and Nihongi agree that after his birth he was prone to burst of anger and rage, causing the world around him to wither and die and so he is eventually condemned to Yomi.¹²

It is interesting to note that in some versions of the Nihongi, where he is born solely from Izanagi and asked why he is so full of anger and rage; it is because he wishes to join his mother (Izanami) in Yomi. It is interesting due to the fact that, at least according to the text, he only has a father and no mother.²

Rock Cave and Exile

Before leaving for Yomi he wished to speak to his sister one last time and so ascends to Heaven. He says he comes with no ill intent and so Amaterasu asks for them to make a pledge together and create children.¹²

Amaterasu makes him hand over his ten span sword, cleaning it and chewing it in her mouth she spits forth three female kami, these daughters being called Takiribime, Ichikishimahime and Takitsuhime.¹² According to the Kojiki these daughters born from his sword show Susano-o had no ill intent and so in triumph he runs amok in Heaven destroying rice fields.¹ The main text of the Nihongi differs where it says should he have daughters then he has ill intent.²

Before running amok in Heaven he asks for the Jewels from Amaterasu’s hair, and chewing them he spits forth five children, these being Amenooshihomimi, Amenohohi, Amatsuhikone, Ikutsuhikone and Kumanokusubi.¹²

There are several alternative versions of this particular event within the Nihongi. In one, Susano-o doesn’t chew the sword of her sister, but instead chews his own jewels creating the five sons. (Presumably then in this context, these females are daughters of Amaterasu, and the males are sons of Susano-o).

Another version says that before ascending to Heaven to see his sister Susano-o is visited by a kami known as Haakarutama who gives magatama beads which he then plans to gift to his sister. In this version Amaterasu says if he births daughter he is here with ill intent, and after swapping items Susano-o is shown to have three daughters.

A third and final version, says if he produces sons then he has no ill intent. In this version again, they use their own items. Amaterasu uses her sword and Susano-o his jewels. This version includes new sons and he does not chews and spit out the jewels. He places them on parts of his body. The left hand produces Amenooshihomimi, and right hand Amenohohi. His left forearm makes Amatsuhikone and his right Ikutsuhikone. From his right leg comes Kumanokusubi and from his left foot comes Hinohayahi.¹

His final act whilst running amok in Heaven (in the Kojiki) was to drop a pie-bald colt which had been skinned backwards from its tail into the sacred weaving hall where Amaterasu and Amenohatorime were. The colt causes Amenohatorime to be startled and so she accidently kills herself by slamming her weaving shuttle into her privates. Amaterasu frightened by all this flee into the Sacred Rock cave and so night falls eternally.¹ In the main text of the Nihongi, Amenohatorihime is not mentioned and Amaterasu injures herself in fear before fleeing to the rock cave.²

When he sister is finally coaxed out of the Sacred Rock cave a large fine of 1000 tables of food offerings is placed upon him and he is then exiled from Heaven.¹² In the Nihongi it states he also had his hair pulled out with an alternate version of the Nihongi adding that his toenails were pulled out.² With the Kokiji stating his beard, fingernails and toenails were cut off.¹

As he now need to give up offering of food, he beseeches Ōgetsuhime for her help. She does so by providing food from her various orifices, and Susano-o considering this food digusting and defiled kills Ogetsuhime before leaving Heaven.¹ This tale is told differently in the Nihongi and relates to the kami Tsukiyomi and Ukemochi.

There are further alternative versions of the tale in the Nihongi which go as follows. In one he startles Wakahirume with the colt causing her death, making Amaterasu flee into the Rock Cave. Another says he kept destroying his sisters field, but she continued to forgive him. Eventually he defecated under her chair causing her to be outraged and so she entered into the Rock Cave. After her return in this verison Susano-o is fined and gives soft white offerings from his spit, and soft blue offerings from his mucus.

A finaly version states he was jealous of his sisters fields as his were barren and so kept destroying them, at first she forgave him but eventually had had enough of this and entered the Rock Cave. After being coaxed out he was sent into exile causing much rain as he left. However, he wanted to see his sister one last time, and so returning to Heaven, his sister was warned of his arrival by Ameno Uzume and so the Sun kami dressed in warrior garb. It is here in the narrative that the kami Amenooshihomimi, Amenohohi, Amatsuhikone, Ikutsuhikone and Kumanokusubi are born from Susano-o instead of earlier in the main text of the narritive. After this he departs heaven.²

Yamata no Orochi

After his exile and departure he would eventually discover the sword Kusanagi inside the Dragon Yamata no Orochi.³

This part of his tale, varies wildly between the Kojiki and Nihongi, and inside of the Nihongi there are many alternative version for this part of his story.

One version of the Nihongi states he heads to the source of the River Hi in Idzumo Province, there he hears weeping and goes to find the source of it. Eventually he comes across Ashinadzuchi, Tenadzuchi and their daughter Kushinadahime. He discovers they cry as every year the dragon Yamato no Orochi comes to eat one of their children. Susano-o says he can save their daughter if they can be wed and so the father agrees. He turns Kushinadahime into a comb which he places in his hair before asking her parents to brew eight barrels of sake. When the eight-headed dragon appears it drinks up all the sake and falls asleep, Susano-o then using this opportunity to cut up the beast.

His sword gets stuck in its tail, and so opening it up he finds the sword Kusanagi inside. After deciding to give the sword to Heaven as a gift he goes with his wife to a place they name Suga, meaning refreshed as that was how they felt when they arrived. Here they marry and have a son called Ōkuninushi, and after wards he makes Ashinadzuchi and Tenadzuchi, Inada no Miyanushi (Shrine/Palace masters), before descending to Yomi.²

One alternative writing states he composed a poem here², this is also included in the Kojiki.¹

Another version omits all of the above, saying he went to the River Hi where he finds Inadahime, a daughter of Susa-no-yatsu-mimi (Title for Tenadzuchi?). Together they had a child by the name of Suga-no-yu-yama-nushi Mitsu-na-saro-hiko-yamaa-shino.²

The next version returns to Yamato no Orochi. Susano-o comes to the River Ye, in Aki Province. Here he meet Ashi-nadzu-te-nadzu and his wife Inada no Miya-nushi Susa no yatsu-mimi. They are both filled with sorrow as the kami is pregnant and soon Yamato no Orochi will come for it. Susano-o makes them brew sake, which again the dragon drinks and then falls asleep after Susano-o calls the dragon an awful kami and offers to serve him. When he cuts up the Dragon the sword in this version is given a name, Orochi no Aramasa. When he cuts the Dragons tail, he finds inside of it Kusanagi.²

Another version states he wanted to marry Kushinadahime, but could only do so if he slew the dragon. In this version, the sword he uses to kill Yamato no Orochi is called Orochi no Karasabi, and again he finds Kusanagi in the dragons tail. After this, it is said the sword Orochi no Karasabi is given into the care of the Kambe of Kibi Province.²

Moving to the next version, it says that after his exile he ventures to Silla with his son Isotakeru. Annd here they settle in Soshimori. Susano-o does not like it here and so fashions a boat of clay to sail eastwards to Mount Torikamu no Take, located upstream on the River Hi. He then learn of the Dragon and fells it with the sword known as Ama no Hayekiri. Again he finds the sword Kusanagi in the creatures tail and asks his 5th generational descendant Ama no Fukine to give this item to Heaven.²

The final version told in the Nihongi states that at this time Susano-o knew the land of Han to be full of riches, and wanting the same for Japan his plucked hairs from all over his body to turn them into a myraid of tree so the people may have wood. His three children, here called Isotakeru, Ōyatsuhime and Tsumatsuhime dispersed the seeds of the trees and then went to dwell in Kii. Susano-o then goes to dwell upon the summit of Mount Kumanari (likely Mount Kumano in Izumo), and eventually he went to dwell in the Nether World.²

Turning now to the story as it relates in the Kojiki, it says Susano-o went to Torikami, located in the upper sections of the River Hi. Here he sees a chopstick floating down river and so decides to investigate. He finds a weeping elderly couple with Kushinadahime between them. When asking why they cry, he is told how the dragon comes every year for one of their children, and this girl is the only one they have left. He asks that Kushinadahime be given over to him, and then asks the mother and father to brew sake.

He turns Kushinadahime in a comb which he places in his hair and once the dragon is drunk from the sake he cuts it up with the River Hi filling with blood. After finding the sword Kusanagi in the creatures tail, he takes it to his sister personally and tells he the story of the Dragon. After this Susano-o and Kushinadahime marry and the poem, mentioned above, is recited.

To finish it off, he makes Tenadzuchi the Head of his mighty halls, giving him the titles Master of the Halls of Inada, and Master of Suga. Together Susano-o and Kushinadahime then have the kami Yashimajinumi. Shortly after Susano-o then takes another wife known as Kamu Ōichihime and together then have the children Ōtoshi and Ukanomitama.¹

Yōkai connections

Susano-o is also cited as the father of the yōkai Amanozako, who he birthed from his chest after it filled with rage and he expelled it.⁴

Footnotes

1. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An Account of Ancient Matters”. New York: Columbia University Press.
2. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi Volume 1: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to AD697”. Tuttle Publishing.
3. Littleton. C.S. (1995) “Yamato-takeru: An Arthurian Hero in Japanese Tradition”. Asian Folklore Studies, Vol. 54, No.2, pp.259-274.
4. Yoda, H. and Alt, M. (2016) “Japandemonium: Illustrated: The Yokai Encyclopaedia of Toriyama Sekien.”. New York: over Publications, Inc.

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Shinto

Shinto (神道) is one of the main relgions of Japan and is native to the country.

Founding Mythology

Founding Kami

See also: List of Shinto Kami.

The original three kami of Shinto which appeared when Heaven and Earth formed, as related in the Kojiki were known as follows:¹

• • Amenominakanushi – (天御中主, Master Mighty Center of Heaven). Ancestor of The Intercessors.
  • Kamimusuhi – (神産巣日神, Sacred Growth). She is stated as the kami of fertility, motherhood and healing, as well as being one of the eight tutelary kami of the Royal Clan.
  • Takamimusuhi – (高御産巣日神, Lofty Growth). The Engi Rites include him as one of the 8 tutelary kami of the Royal Clan, invoked at winter solstice rites and harvest festival.

After these kami came seven generations of kami that formed. These all in the table below. The Kojiki and Nihongi differ slightly in the order of kami that formed.

Creation of Japan

Izanami and Izanagi were brother and sister, but also husband and wife. Together the two of them set about creating the Great Eight Isles, thereby creating the country of Japan. The very first island was created by the Jewelled Spear of Heaven.¹²

The Sun, Moon and Storm Kami

After the death of Izanami, we see the birth of the three children known as Amaterasu, Tsukiyomi and Susano-o. Amaterasu was the kami of the sun, Tsukiyomi of the moon and Susano-o the storms.

Susano-o was an angry and raging kami and wishing to live with his departed mother Izanami he readies himself to descend to the realm of Yomi. Amaterasu and Tsukiyomi have a disagreement after another Shinto kami is killed (this being Ukemochi or Ōgetsuhime depending on the text read) and so Amaterasu sends him away causing day and night to become seperated.

Before Susano-o descends into Yomi he wishes to see his sister one last time and after a few exchanges, Susano injures his sister (or Amenohatorime or Wakahirume depending on the text) and this causes his sister to flee into Ama no Iwato plunging the world into darkness. Eventually she is coaxed out by many other Shinto kami.

Susano-o now leaves for Yomi and comes across a weeping couple who say their daughter is soon to be eaten by the dragon Yamata no Orochi. After felling the dragon and finding the Sacred Sword inside of it he marries the woman he saved (Kushinadahime) and together they have many descendants, one of them eventually giving birth to Ōkuninushi, a man who would rule over all of Japan for some time.

To Be Completed: Okuninushi.

Department of the Jingikan

The Jingikan (神祇官) was a department of Shinto Worship established in the 7th century under the rule of Emperor Kōtoku. It was governed over by the Imbe Clan, Urabe Clan and Nakatomi Clan.³

The first 10 books of the Engi Shiki cover the ceremonies and festivals of the Jingikan.⁴

 Footnotes

1. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An Account of Ancient Matters”. New York: Columbia University Press.
2. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi Volume 1: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to AD697″. Tuttle Publishing.
3. Martin, P. (1997) ”The Chrysanthemum Throne”. Gloucestershire: Sutton Publishing Limited.
4. Kodansha. (1993) ”Japan: An Illustrated Encyclopedia”. Tokyo: Kodansha Ltd.

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Hear about Izanami on Episodes 1 and 3 of our Podcast, the Japan Archives.

• Affiliation: Shinto
• Kami of: Japan
• Family: Izanagi (brother/husband) Awokashikine (mother) Numerous children (see below)

Izanami

Izanami (伊弉冉尊 or 伊邪那美命, She Who Beckons²) was the sister and wife of Izanagi, born as the 7th Generation of kami. Through sexual congress, the two of them gave birth to Japan, the seas, mountains, rivers and trees.

Ancestry

The main text of the nihongi states they were the 7th Generation of kami to come into existence, however, some other versions states otherwise.

One version states Izanami and Izanagi are the children of Awokashikine. Another version says Izanami and Izanagi are the 4th Generation of kami, in a list with only 4 Generations.¹

Birthing of Japan

According to the kojiki, she and her husband were commanded by the kami of Heaven to create land, giving to them the Jewelled Spear of Heaven. On the Floating Bridge of Heaven they lowered the Spear churning the sea, and lifting the Spear the salt which fell from it created land, which became called Onogoroshima; and so they descended to dwell upon it². One version of the nihongi states when they thrust down the spear they discovered Onogoroshima.¹

Upon the island they found a large hall and a Mighty Pillar of Heaven. Here they agreed to create the land through sexual congress, and walked around the pillar to ‘meet’ for the first time. Izanami spoke first. Izanagi chastises her for this, saying nothing good will come of a woman speaking first. The first child born they called the Leech Child and abandoned it, next creating Awashima. Again they discard the child. Together they return to Heaven to ask about their misfortune, being told that it was because Izanami spoke first. So they return to the Pillar, walk around it and Izanami this time speaks.

This appears to end their misfortune and together they create the first eight islands of Japan (Ōyashimanokuni), these in order being Awaji Shima, Iyo, Okigashima, Tsukushi, Ikinoshima, Tsushima, Sado Island and Yamato².

Differences in the Nihongi

The nihongi’s version of this part of creation differs slightly. In the nihongi they hold their own counsel and are not command by Heaven to create land and upon the bridge of Heaven cast down the Jewelled Spear and create Onogoroshima. Like the kojiki Izanami speaks first, however, Izanami displeased at this has them walk around the pillar again, this time he speaking first. After this, they together create the first eight islands, after giving birth to Ahaji no Shima, which they discard as they are displeased with it. They do not conceive the Leech Child at this early point in time.

The nihongi gives a different list of children birthed by these kami. Izanami being the mother of (in order of birth), Ohoyamatonotoyoakitsushima, Iyo, Tsukushi, Oki and Sado Island, Koshi, Ohoshima, Kibi no Ko, Tsushima and Iki.¹

The next Islands and Kami

Finally, after all of this, they gave birth to six more islands (related in the kojiki), these named, Kibinokojima, Azukishima, Ōshima, Himejima, Chikanoshima and Futagonoshima. After finishing creating these places, they went on to create more kami, these being Ōkotooshio, Iwatsuchibiko, Iwasuhime, Ōtohiwake, Amenofukio, Ōyabiko, Kazamotsuwakenooshio, Ōwatatsumi, Hayaakitsuhiko, Hayaakitsuhime².

The nihongi does not give a name to these islands or kami, simply stating `Izanami and Izanami then produced the sea, the rivers, and then the mountains,` after the Eightfold Isles.¹

Afterwards more kami are born to her and Izanagi these being, as related in the kojiki, Shinatsuhiko, Kukunochi, Ōyamatsumi, Kayanohime, Torinoiwakusufune, Ōgetsuhime and finally Kagutsuchi. In the nihongi, only the kami Kukunochi, Kayanohime and Kagutsuchi are mentioned.² The other kami mentioned in the kojiki having already been born much earlier within the narrative of the nihongi.¹

Birth of Amaterasu

According to the nihongi, she and her husband then came together and created Amaterasu, Tsukiyomi and Susano-o. Both decided Amaterasu and Tsukiyomi should rule Heaven and so sent them there. Susano-o because of his violent nature they sent to Yomi.¹

On the other hand, as the nihongi includes alternate versions of story which begin with ‘In one writing it is said…’ there are versions where these three kami were created after the death of Izanami, and so are the creation of Izanagi alone.¹ The kojiki agrees with this version of events. However, in these other versions, Susano-o at least still calls Izanami his mother despite her playing no part in his birth.²¹

Death

When Izanami gave birth to Kagutsuchi (the kami of Fire) she is burnt and ultimately dies from her injuries. During this time, in her death throws, she gives birth to three final kami, Kanayamabiko, Mizuhanome and Haniyamahime. This is related in the nihongi.¹ The kojiki, does agree with this, however, gives each of the three mentioned kami a sibling, these being Kanayamahime, Wakumusubi and Haniyasubiko.²

It should be noted that, her death does not occur in the ‘main text’ of the nihongi but in one of there entries beginning, ‘In one writing it is said…’, however, later Susano-o does state in the ‘main text’ he wishes to join his mother in Yomi; therefore showing she did die at some point.¹

Her body is lain to rest in Hibayama according to the kojiki.² In the nihongi she is said to have been buried in the village of Arima, Kii Province.¹

In the Land of Yomi

After her death and departure into the land of Yomi she is visited by Izanagi, who begs her to return with him and the land of the living. Unfortunately she cannot return as she has already eaten at the hearth of the Underworld and cannot leave, however, she asks him to not look at her as she goes to talk to the kami of Yomi (thus implying she could convince them to leave to allow her to leave?). This is told in the kojiki.²

In the main text of the nihongi she merely states that she is going to rest and Izanagi is not look upon her.¹

He of course ignores her, and looks at her, and seeing her rotten body he flees.¹ In the kojiki it also states her body was covered with The Eight Thunder kami.²

Izanami is enraged and so sends the Shikome after her husband, who, ultimately flee from him in terror and so she is forced to pursue him herself. However, her way out of Yomi is now blocked by the boulder Chigaeshinoōkami which Izanagi has placed across the entrance.¹²

The kojiki also adds that Izanami also sent the Eight Thunder kami and a force of 1500 warriors in pursuit of him and that they fled back to Yomi after Izanagi struck a threatening pose.²

It is here they declare themselves divorced, with Izanami swearing to kill 1000 people everyday, so in answer Izanagi says he will create 1500 people.¹²

In addition to everything stated above, the nihongi has alternative versions of this story all beginning with ‘in one writing it is said…’

In one version Izanagi visits his wife in Yomi. However she turns invisible after asking him not to look at her. He ignores her and lights a torch and so sees her rotting body; her body covered in the Thunder kami. He then flees and the Thunder kami pursue him. Reaching a peach tree he throws one to the floor causing the Thunders to flee and then throws down his staff Funadonokami.¹

In yet another version, Izanami says to not look at her, however, Izanagi refuses to stop. Angered by this she says if he is to look upon her naked form, she will do the same. In their anger they divorce in Yomi. Izanagi spits on the floor creating the kami Hayatamanoo and then purifies himself creating the kami Yomotsukotosakanoo. At the Even Pass of Yomi, Izanagi says he was weak to mourn over the ending of a relationship. He is then visited by the Road Wardens of Yomi who give him a message from Izanami saying that together they will no longer create islands together. Apparently then the kami called Kukurihime appears and says something enjoyable to Izanagi and disappears.¹

Footnotes

1. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi Volume 1: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to AD697”. Tuttle Publishing.
2. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An Account of Ancient Matters”. New York: Columbia University Press.

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