Discover Toraijin: Myths of Japan’s Ancient Settlers
When travelers think of Japanese mythology, images of Amaterasu emerging from a cave or Susanoo battling an eight-headed dragon often come to mind. These indigenous stories form the backbone of Shinto. However, there is another, equally vital layer to Japan’s spiritual history: the myths of the Toraijin (渡来人). These were the “people who crossed over”—ancient immigrants from the Korean Peninsula and China whose arrival brought not only advanced technology but also new gods, legends, and bloodlines that permanently altered the cultural DNA of Japan.
The Origins: Who Were the Toraijin?
The term Toraijin refers to immigrants who settled in Japan primarily between the 4th and 7th centuries. While Japan is often viewed historically as an isolated island nation, the ancient period was an era of dynamic exchange. Political turmoil in East Asia, particularly the fall of the Han dynasty in China and the constant warring of the Three Kingdoms of Korea (Baekje, Silla, and Goguryeo), prompted waves of refugees and artisans to seek safety across the sea in the Yamato court.
These were not ordinary migrants; they were elites, scholars, and skilled craftsmen. They brought with them the secrets of sericulture (silk farming), ironware, wetland rice cultivation, the Chinese writing system (Kanji), and, perhaps most significantly, Buddhism. But alongside these tangible tools, they carried their folklore and deities, which eventually merged with native Japanese beliefs to create a syncretic mythology.
Legend: The Prince Who Chased a Jewel
One of the most enduring myths recorded in the ancient chronicles concerns Amenohiboko, a legendary prince from Silla (ancient Korea). According to the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, his story is one of divine pursuit.
The legend says that a poor woman in Silla gave birth to a red jewel after being impregnated by the sun. The jewel was eventually acquired by Amenohiboko. The jewel transformed into a beautiful maiden who became the prince’s wife. However, after a dispute, she fled across the ocean to Japan, returning to her ancestral land. Heartbroken and determined, Amenohiboko chased her across the sea, landing in Tajima Province (modern-day Hyogo Prefecture).
Amenohiboko never reclaimed his wife, who had enshrined herself as a local deity. Instead, he settled in Japan, bringing with him sacred treasures: a wave-calming scarf, a wave-raising scarf, and a wave-calming mirror. He became a powerful local god himself, credited with civilizing the region and serving as the ancestor of the Tajima clan. This myth serves as a metaphorical retelling of iron-working clans migrating to Japan and the integration of foreign nobility into the Yamato lineage.
The Hata Clan and the Fox Spirits
Another pivotal legend involves the Hata clan, one of the most powerful immigrant families. Originally claiming descent from the First Emperor of Qin (China) and arriving via Baekje, the Hata were masters of finance and silk. They are inextricably linked to Inari, the god of rice and prosperity. It is said that Irogu no Hata no Kimi, a wealthy leader, used a rice cake (mochi) for archery target practice. The mochi turned into a white bird and flew away, landing on a mountain peak where rice grew miraculously. This became the site of Fushimi Inari Taisha. Today, the thousands of vermilion torii gates in Kyoto stand as a testament to the wealth and spiritual influence of these ancient settlers.
Modern Culture: A Living Legacy
The legacy of the Toraijin is not confined to dusty history books; it is alive in modern Japanese culture. Many common Japanese surnames have roots in these immigrant clans. Furthermore, the very structure of the Japanese state—modeled after Chinese bureaucracy—was implemented by descendants of these families.
Culturally, the impact is visible in traditional arts. Noh theater and Kabuki owe a debt to the musical and performative traditions brought from the continent, such as Gigaku. Even the Sake industry has its roots here; the Hata clan founded Matsunoo Taisha, a shrine dedicated to the gods of sake brewing, which is still revered by brewers across Japan today.
Traveler’s Tips: Tracing the Path of the Immigrants
For the culture-focused traveler, exploring Toraijin history offers a deeper look into the Kansai region. Here are three must-visit locations:
- Fushimi Inari Taisha (Kyoto): While famous for its Instagrammable gates, remember its origins. As you hike Mount Inari, reflect on the Hata clan who established this sanctuary for the god of rice and commerce.
- Izushi Shrine (Hyogo): This shrine in Toyooka City is dedicated to Amenohiboko. It is a spiritual home for the legend of the prince from Silla and offers a quieter, more ancient atmosphere than the bustle of Kyoto.
- Matsunoo Taisha (Kyoto): Located in Arashiyama, this is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto. Founded by Hata no Toki, it is the premier shrine for sake. Visit the museum on-site to see ancient statues that clearly depict deities with continental (Korean/Chinese) court attire rather than traditional Japanese dress.
Sources & Further Reading
To dive deeper into the mythology of the Toraijin, the following classical texts are essential:
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): Japan’s oldest chronicle preserves the myths of the gods and the early imperial lineage, including stories of deities crossing the sea.
- The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): This text provides more historical detail and specific dates regarding the arrival of clans like the Hata and the Aya, as well as the legend of Amenohiboko.
- Koma Shrine (Saitama): For those near Tokyo, this shrine is dedicated to refugees from the Goguryeo kingdom and holds distinct historical records of Japan’s acceptance of ancient immigrants.