The Legend of Okuninushi: The Great Land Master of Japan
Japan is often referred to as the land of eight million gods, or Yaoyorozu no Kami. Among this vast pantheon, few deities are as beloved, complex, or culturally significant as Okuninushi no Mikoto (Great Land Master). Known primarily today as the god of matchmaking (en-musubi) and agriculture, his mythology is a fascinating tapestry of kindness, trials, and the eventual unification of ancient Japan.
For travelers visiting the spiritual heartland of the Shimane Prefecture, understanding the story of Okuninushi is essential to appreciating the grandeur of Izumo Taisha, one of Japan’s oldest and most important shrines.
Origins: The Earthly Deity
Okuninushi belongs to the lineage of Kunitsukami (gods of the land), distinct from the Amatsukami (gods of heaven). According to ancient texts, he is a descendant (or son, depending on the interpretation) of the storm god Susanoo, the brother of the sun goddess Amaterasu.
Historically, Okuninushi is a composite figure, likely representing the consolidation of various local tribal deities into a single powerful entity who ruled the land of Izumo before the imperial ancestors descended from the heavens. He is known by many names, including Onamuchi, reflecting his multifaceted nature as a creator, a healer, and a ruler.
The Legend: The White Hare and the Transfer of Power
Two specific legends define Okuninushi’s character: his compassion and his sacrifice.
The White Hare of Inaba
Perhaps the most famous folktale associated with Okuninushi is the story of the White Hare of Inaba. As the story goes, Okuninushi had eighty brothers, all of whom were vying for the hand of the beautiful Princess Yakami of Inaba. The brothers were cruel and arrogant, forcing Okuninushi to carry their heavy luggage like a servant.
On their journey, the brothers encountered a flayed hare, crying in pain after being skinned by sharks (or wani). The brothers cruelly tricked the hare, telling it to bathe in saltwater, which only increased its agony. Okuninushi, lagging behind, found the suffering creature. He advised the hare to wash in fresh water and roll in the pollen of cattails.
The hare healed instantly and made a prophecy: “Your brothers shall never marry the princess. It is you, the kind-hearted one, who shall win her heart.” The prophecy came true, cementing Okuninushi as a deity of compassion and medicine.
Kuni-yuzuri (The Transfer of the Land)
While the hare story highlights his kindness, the Kuni-yuzuri myth explains his political status. After Okuninushi spent eons building and cultivating the land of Japan (Ashihara no Nakatsukuni), the heavenly gods sent messengers demanding he cede control to the descendants of Amaterasu.
After negotiations and conflicts involving his sons, Okuninushi agreed to abdicate his temporal rule over the physical world. In exchange, he was granted rule over the unseen world of spirits, magic, and human relationships. A massive palace was built for him to reside in forever—which is the origin of the Grand Shrine of Izumo.
Modern Culture: The God of En-Musubi
Today, Okuninushi is revered principally as the god of En-musubi. While this is often translated as “matchmaking” in a romantic sense, the concept is far broader. It encompasses all human connections, including friendships, business partnerships, and general good fortune.
Every year, during the 10th month of the lunar calendar (usually October or November), it is believed that all the gods of Japan leave their local shrines to gather at Izumo Taisha for a divine summit. In the rest of Japan, this month is called Kannazuki (Month of No Gods), but in Izumo, it is called Kamiarizuki (Month of Present Gods). During this time, Okuninushi presides over the meeting where the gods tie the threads of fate for humanity for the coming year.
Traveler’s Tips: Visiting Izumo Taisha
If you are inspired to visit the home of Okuninushi, here is how to make the most of your pilgrimage to the Shimane Prefecture.
1. The Shimenawa
When entering the Kaguraden (Hall of Sacred Dance) at Izumo Taisha, look up. You will see the massive shimenawa (sacred straw rope), which weighs several tons. It represents the boundary between the sacred and the profane.
2. Unique Prayer Etiquette
At most Shinto shrines in Japan, the custom is “two bows, two claps, one bow.” However, Izumo Taisha has a unique tradition: “Two bows, four claps, one bow.” The four claps are said to represent the four seasons or the wish for happiness (shi in Japanese can mean four or happiness/fortune).
3. Statues of the Hare
As you wander the shrine grounds, look for the various bronze statues of rabbits. Many are posed in prayer or holding cattails, paying homage to the myth of the White Hare of Inaba.
4. Culinary Delights
After paying your respects, try Izumo Soba. Unlike standard soba, these buckwheat noodles are ground with the husk on, resulting in a darker color and stronger aroma. It is traditionally served in three stacked lacquer ware bowls.
Sources & Further Reading
For those interested in the primary texts where these myths were first recorded, consult the following historical chronicles:
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): Japan’s oldest extant chronicle (712 AD), which details the lineage of the gods and the White Hare legend.
- The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): Completed in 720 AD, offering a slightly different historical perspective on the transfer of the land.
- Izumo no Kuni Fudoki: An ancient record specifically detailing the geography and culture of the Izumo province.