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The Three Sacred Treasures of the Founding of Japan

From InuYasha

== Sacred Treasures of Japan or

[edit] The Imperial Regalia of Japan

Historical Note:

The Imperial Regalia of Japan (Sanshu no Jingi), aka Three Sacred Treasures are

  • Kusanagi (ancient style straight, double edged broadsword)
  • Yasakani no Magatama (jewel or necklace of jewels)
  • Yata no Kagami (mirror)

Also known as the Three Sacred Treasures of Japan, they represent the three primary virtues:

  • valor (the sword),
  • wisdom (the mirror),
  • benevolence (the jewel)

The sword is located at Atsuta Shrine in Nagoya, the mirror is located in the Grand Shrine of Ise in Mie prefecture, and the jewel is located at Kokyo in Tokyo.

Another Important treasure is the Amanonuhoko (Heavenly Spear). This spear according to Shinto tradition was used to form the islands of Japan. The gods Izanagi and Izanami were responsible for creating the first land: as they stood on a heavenly bridge, they stirred the oceans below with the jewel-studded Amenonuhoko. When the spear was pulled from the water, the drops that fell back formed the Japanese Islands.



The Three Sacred Treasures of the Founding of Japan

These three items form the focus of a sacred ceremony performed to officially present them to the Emporer when he is enthroned. The ceremony is private, and there are no known drawings, paintings, or photographs. These sacred items represent the three primary virtues: valor (the sword), wisdom (the mirror), and benevolence (the jewel).

  • the sacred sword Kusanagi-no-tsurugi, (草薙剣)

sometimes called Ame no Murakumo no Tsurug ("Sword of the heaven of the clustering clouds"). The name Kusanagi literally means "grasscutter" due to it's use by Yamato Takeru to escape a fire trap laid for him in a huge field of very tall grass. This sword of mythical proportions is central to the Creation story of Japan, and is as important to Japan as Excaliber is to Old England.

It is alternately claimed to be held at the Atsuta-Daijingu Shrine in Owari or lost at sea in 1168 A.D. at the Battle of Dan-no-Ura (considered the last battle of the Heike Wars). The question revolves around the following: "Emperor Sujin had copies of The Mirror and The Sword made to enshrine their spirits while the originals might accompany the sovereign. The Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi or Kusanagi Sword and its spirit is installed and revered at the great Atsuta-Daijingu Shrine in Owari. Susano-O "God of the Sea" reclaimed the original along with the spirit of little Antoku (the heir) from the folly of Dan-no-Ura."

At the height of the fighting it became clear they were going to lose the battle. Taira Shigehira's wife grabbed Antoku along with the sword and the mirror and leapt into the sea to avoid being captured. Somehow, an arrow tethered the robes of Taira Shigehira's wife, saving the Sacred Mirror.

There is further discussion that the sword was recovered from the sea by either divers or using supernatural methods.


  • the sacred mirror Yata no kagami (八咫鏡).

In Japanese myth this mirror was hung outside a tree to lure out Amaterasu from a cave. Per Shinto tradition, the mirror reflecting everything properly is a symbol for Honesty, and Wisdom. Shinto tradition teaches that the spirit of Amaterasu Omikami resides in this mirror.

The mirror is currently housed in the Grand Shrine of Ise in Mie prefecture

  • the sacred jewel Yasakani no Magatama

The Yasakani no Magatama stands for benevolence, and is one of the three items used in the ceremony of imperial ascension. In Japanese mythology, the jewels, along with the mirror, were hung on the tree outside of the cave where Amaterasu had hidden) to lure her out. It is believed to be a necklace composed of jade magatama stones instead of a solitary gem as depicted in popular culture. It is believed to be enshrined in Kokyo, the Japanese Imperial Palace.


Clearly the influence of the Sacred Sword, Magatama, and Mirror can be seen in the Inuyasha story line as similar but lesser items are used by various characters ...

side notes:

In The third movie, Grandpa has possesion of the evil sword Sou'unga but believes it to be the Kusanagi, and he discusses the history of the Kusangi.

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