Unveiling Ashihara no Nakatsukuni: The Central Land of Reed Plains
When travelers look at the lush, green landscapes of Japan, they are seeing a country steeped in history. However, looking deeper into the spiritual fabric of the nation reveals a realm known as Ashihara no Nakatsukuni (葦原中国). Translated as the “Central Land of Reed Plains,” this is the mythological name for Japan itself—a concept that bridges the gap between the divine heavens and the shadowy underworld.
For cultural enthusiasts and history buffs, understanding Ashihara no Nakatsukuni is essential to grasping the Shinto worldview. It is not just a poetic name; it is the setting for the most dramatic events in Japanese mythology, explaining how the land was tamed, governed, and eventually passed down to the Imperial line.
Origins of the Name
To understand the term, we must look at the linguistics and the ancient geography of the Japanese archipelago. The name consists of several parts: Ashihara (Reed Plain), Nakatsu (Middle/Central), and Kuni (Land/Country).
In the primordial era described in ancient texts, Japan was not the concrete jungle of Tokyo or the manicured gardens of Kyoto. It was a wild, marshy expanse. The lowlands were dominated by hearty reeds growing in the wetlands. To the ancient inhabitants, the world was literally a “plain of reeds.”
The “Middle” or “Central” aspect refers to Shinto cosmology. The universe is divided vertically into three planes:
- Takamagahara: The High Plain of Heaven, home to the Amatsukami (heavenly gods).
- Ashihara no Nakatsukuni: The Earthly realm, inhabited by earthly gods (Kunitsukami) and humans.
- Yomi-no-Kuni: The Land of Darkness or the Underworld.
Ashihara no Nakatsukuni is the physical plane where we exist, suspended between the divine and the dead.
The Legend: The Transfer of the Land
The most significant narrative involving Ashihara no Nakatsukuni is the Kuniyuzuri, or the “Transfer of the Land.” According to the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, the earthly realm was originally ruled by Okuninushi-no-Mikoto, a powerful earthly deity based in Izumo. He worked tirelessly to shape the land and teach medicine and agriculture to the people.
However, Amaterasu Omikami, the Sun Goddess ruling the High Plain of Heaven, decided that the chaotic earth should be governed by her own descendants to bring about true order. She sent several envoys to negotiate with Okuninushi. The first few envoys were either seduced by the land’s beauty or failed their missions.
Finally, the thunder god Takemikazuchi was sent. He descended to the beach of Inasa in Izumo, planted his sword in the surf, and sat cross-legged upon its tip—a display of martial prowess. After a series of negotiations (and a test of strength with Okuninushi’s son), Okuninushi agreed to abdicate his rule over the visible world. In exchange, he was granted rule over the invisible world of spirits and magic, and a grand shrine was built in his honor.
Following this transfer, Amaterasu’s grandson, Ninigi-no-Mikoto, descended from the heavens to rule Ashihara no Nakatsukuni, establishing the lineage of the Japanese Imperial family.
Modern Culture and Significance
While the phrase “Ashihara no Nakatsukuni” is archaic, its legacy is omnipresent in modern Japan. It represents the profound connection Japanese culture has with nature—the idea that the land itself is alive and spirited.
This concept appears frequently in pop culture, including anime and manga that draw upon Shinto lore. Series like Noragami or Kamisama Kiss often reference the hierarchy of the heavens and the earth. Furthermore, the agricultural roots of the “Reed Plains” are celebrated in Shinto rituals, particularly those involving rice cultivation, which are still performed by the Emperor today to ensure a bountiful harvest for the nation.
Traveler’s Tips: Walking the Mythical Lands
If you want to experience the atmosphere of Ashihara no Nakatsukuni, you must venture beyond the major cities.
1. Izumo Taisha (Shimane Prefecture)
This is the most critical stop. The Grand Shrine of Izumo is dedicated to Okuninushi. Every October (or Kannazuki in the old calendar), it is believed that all the gods of Japan gather here for a divine meeting. Visit the Inasa-no-Hama Beach nearby, the legendary location where the negotiations for the land took place.
2. Takachiho (Miyazaki Prefecture)
To see the other side of the story, visit Takachiho Gorge. This is the legendary site where Ninigi-no-Mikoto descended from heaven to claim the Ashihara no Nakatsukuni. The area is stunningly beautiful, featuring waterfalls and jagged cliffs that feel truly otherworldly.
3. Ise Jingu (Mie Prefecture)
While Izumo represents the earthly gods who gave up the land, Ise Jingu is dedicated to Amaterasu, the heavenly goddess who received it. Visiting both Izumo and Ise provides a complete spiritual pilgrimage of the myth.
Sources & Further Reading
For those wishing to delve deeper into the primary sources of these legends, the following ancient texts are essential reading:
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): The oldest extant chronicle in Japan (712 AD), detailing the creation myths and the genealogy of the gods.
- The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): Completed in 720 AD, this text provides a more formal history and alternative versions of the myths.
Exploring Ashihara no Nakatsukuni is more than a history lesson; it is a journey into the spiritual heart of Japan, offering a glimpse of a time when gods walked among the reeds.