Introduction
To under stand Japanese culture and its inheritance without the knowledge of Japanese mythology. I’ll write a series of 5 posts on the important myths. In this post, let us see how the ancestor of Japanese emperor arrived at Japan and the first emperor acceded the throne. 合掌
Tenson Korin: The ancestor of Japanese Emperor reached Japan
Amaterasu sent Ninigi to Ashihara Nakatsukuni
As stated in the previous post, Okuninushi gave up Ashihara Nakatsu Kuni to Amaterasu’s delegate and the universe is under the rule of her.? She sent Hono Ninigi no Mikoto (番能瓊瓊杵尊), her grand son, to Ashihara Nakatsukuni as its ruler.
Hono Ninigi no Mikoto, of course Amaterasu, are the ancestors of emperor of Japan.
When he left Takama no Hara, she gave him the Imperial Regalia: Yatano Kagami (八咫鏡), Yasaka Ni no Magatama (八尺瓊勾玉), and Kusanagi no Tsurugi (草薙剣).
Yatano Kagami, Yasaka Ni no Magatama are used to take her out of Ame no Iwato cave (See mythology 2) and Kusanagi no Tsurugi was dedicated to her by Susanoh (See mytholgy 3).
In 2019, Emperor Naruhito acceded the throne, he inherited them from his father, Akihito.
Ninigi brought rive cultivating to Ashihara Nakatsukuni
Ninigi took over the important work of Amaterasu did: Rice cultivating. Actually, Hono Ninigi means “Fertility of (ear of) Rice.” Her intention is to make a prosperous country with rice, our diet.
It mean lot to us. Amaterasu’s rice cultivating is described as a precious deed. And the ancestor of Japanese emperor took it over. In addition to it, we make the same crop. Rice cultivation makes a triad and we are not separated from Amaterasu and emperor.
Kamu Yamato Iwarebiko acceded as the first emperor
Ninigi descended to Himuka in Ashihara Nakatsu Kuni to settle down. Kamu Yamato Iwarebiko, his great grand son, headed for the East capturing many regions. Finally, he acceded as the first emperor at Kashihara no Miya palace on February 11, 660 B.C.
Kashihara Jingu shrine is located in the place where the palace used to be. The day is National Foundation day and many people celebrated the foundation of our country.
Summery
In the series of five post, I described the myths in Japanese mythology. As stated in the 1st post, our mythology was compiled to legitimize the rule of the Imperial court. Some story imply what actually happened. For example, the story of Okuni Nushi suggests how the Imperial court captured Izumo or other region.
I chose the important story as basic knowledge to enjoy Japan, especially Kyoto. I hope you enjoyed them. Thanks for reading. 合掌
