The Legend of Kintaro’s Axe (Masakari): Japan’s Symbol of Strength
If you wander through the souvenir shops of traditional Japanese towns or visit homes during May, you might encounter a doll of a chubby, fierce-looking boy clutching a massive axe. This is Kintaro (The Golden Boy), and his weapon, the Masakari, is one of the most enduring symbols of strength and bravery in Japanese folklore. But what is the story behind this oversized hatchet, and why does a child wield it?
While Kintaro is a beloved character in children’s stories, his legend is rooted in history, nature worship, and the samurai code. In this guide, we explore the cultural significance of Kintaro’s axe and where travelers can go to walk in the footsteps of this legendary hero.
The Origins: Myth Meets History
Kintaro is not merely a figment of imagination; the character is widely believed to be based on a real historical figure from the Heian period (794–1185) named Sakata no Kintoki.
Kintoki was a retainer for the famous warrior Minamoto no Yorimitsu. He was renowned for his martial prowess and served as one of Yorimitsu’s Shitenno (Four Guardian Kings). However, before he became a samurai, legends say he grew up in the untamed wilderness of Mount Ashigara (near modern-day Hakone and Kanagawa Prefecture).
The “Masakari” itself is a broad-axe, traditionally used for felling heavy timber. In the context of the legend, the axe serves a dual purpose: it grounds Kintaro as a figure of the mountains—a woodcutter at heart—while simultaneously exaggerating his supernatural strength. A normal child could not lift such a tool, yet Kintaro swings it with ease, symbolizing raw, uncorrupted power.
The Legend of the Golden Boy
According to folklore, Kintaro was raised in the deep forests of Mount Ashigara. There are varying accounts of his parentage; some say his mother was a frantic princess who fled the capital, while others claim he was the son of a Yama-uba (mountain witch) and the thunder god, Raijin.
The Boy Who Wrestled Bears
Kintaro did not play with other children. Instead, his companions were the animals of the mountain: rabbits, monkeys, and bears. The defining imagery of Kintaro involves him carrying his massive Masakari axe over his shoulder while riding a bear. He didn’t hunt these animals; he engaged them in Sumo wrestling matches.
The axe in these stories is rarely used for violence against his animal friends. Instead, it is a tool of utility and protection. In one famous tale, Kintaro uses his Masakari to chop down a giant tree instantly to build a bridge for his animal companions to cross a gorge. This act caught the eye of the passing samurai Minamoto no Yorimitsu, who was so impressed by the boy’s strength and kind heart that he recruited him to the capital.
Modern Culture and Symbolism
Today, Kintaro and his axe remain ubiquitous in Japanese culture, serving as the archetype for the “strong, healthy boy.”
Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi)
On May 5th, Japan celebrates Children’s Day (formerly Boys’ Day). It is customary for families with young sons to display Kintaro dolls (Gogatsu Ningyo). The dolls almost always depict him holding the Masakari. Parents display these in hopes that their sons will grow up to be as strong, kind, and brave as the Golden Boy.
Pop Culture and Anime
The image of the boy with the axe has permeated modern media.
- Kintaro-ame: A traditional cylindrical candy where, no matter where you slice it, Kintaro’s face appears inside.
- Anime/Manga: Characters referencing Kintaro appear in One Piece (Sentomaru), Gintama (Sakata Gintoki is loosely named after him), and Pokemon (Gold/Silver rival). The concept of a small character wielding a giant weapon is a direct nod to this folklore.
Traveler’s Tips: Walking the Path of Kintaro
For travelers interested in Japanese folklore, a trip to the Hakone and Ashigara region is essential. This area is the spiritual home of the Kintaro legend.
1. Kintoki Shrine (Kintoki-jinja)
Located at the base of Mt. Kintoki in Hakone, this shrine is dedicated to Sakata no Kintoki. It is a fantastic photo spot, featuring a large vermilion Masakari axe dedicated to the shrine. It is believed to bring good health and safety to children.
2. Hiking Mount Kintoki
For the adventurous, hiking to the summit of Mt. Kintoki offers stunning views of Mount Fuji. Along the trail, you will find the “Yadori-ishi,” a massive split rock where legend says Kintaro and his mother lived.
3. Souvenir Hunting
Look for Kintaro-ame candy or small wood-carved Masakari axes in local shops. They make excellent, lightweight gifts that carry a deep cultural meaning of protection and vigor.
Sources & Further Reading
To deepen your understanding of the era that birthed the Kintaro legend, the following historical and folkloric texts are recommended:
- Konjaku Monogatarishu (Anthology of Tales from the Past): A collection of Heian-period stories that details the lives of warriors and the supernatural.
- Otogizoshi: A collection of Muromachi-period narratives where many specific details of the Kintaro fairytale were solidified.
- Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): While Kintaro appears later than this text, understanding the imperial history and the role of the Yamato court provides context for the samurai class Kintaro eventually joined.