The Three Wise Monkeys: Unlocking the Mystery of Nikko’s Guardians
When you open your smartphone’s emoji keyboard, you will inevitably scroll past three familiar faces: one covering its eyes, one covering its mouth, and one covering its ears. Known globally as the “Three Wise Monkeys,” these icons are more than just digital shorthand for “oops” or “I didn’t see that.” They represent a deep-rooted philosophical maxim that has traveled across centuries and continents.
In Japan, they are known as Mizaru, Iwazaru, and Kikazaru—the embodiment of the proverb “see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil.” While they have become pop culture icons, their spiritual home lies deep within the cedar forests of Tochigi Prefecture. For cultural travelers and history buffs alike, understanding these three simian guardians offers a fascinating window into Japanese folklore, linguistics, and religion.
Origins: A Linguistic Play on Words
The Three Wise Monkeys are intrinsically linked to the Japanese language itself. In Japanese, the proverb consists of three parts:
- Mizaru (見ざる): See not
- Iwazaru (言わざる): Say not
- Kikazaru (聞かざる): Hear not
The suffix -zaru is an archaic negative conjugation of verbs, roughly translating to “don’t” or “not.” However, -zaru is phonetically identical to a modified pronunciation of saru, the Japanese word for “monkey.” Thus, the maxim created a perfect visual pun: three monkeys enacting the prohibition of evil perceptions.
While the visual representation is famous in Japan, the philosophy itself likely arrived from China via the Silk Road. It reflects tenets of Confucianism—specifically the Analects of Confucius, which advise against looking at, listening to, speaking, or moving contrary to propriety. However, it was the Japanese propensity for visual storytelling and wordplay that solidified the monkeys as the primary symbol of this wisdom around the 8th to 16th centuries.
The Legend and Koshin Beliefs
To understand why these monkeys are revered, one must look at the Koshin faith, a folk religion combining Taoism, Buddhism, and Shinto.
According to Koshin belief, three spiritual worms known as the Sanshi live inside every human body. These worms keep a tally of the host’s good and bad deeds. Every 60 days, on the night of Koshin-Machi, it is believed that these worms leave the body while the host sleeps to ascend to the heavens and report the person’s sins to the heavenly god, Ten-tei.
To prevent this divine reporting, believers would stay awake all night to keep the worms trapped inside. The Three Wise Monkeys became associated with this ritual as guardians. Metaphorically, if one does not see, hear, or speak evil, the Sanshi worms have no sins to report. Consequently, stone statues of the three monkeys are frequently found on Koshin-to (stone monuments) throughout the Japanese countryside, acting as protective charms against divine retribution.
Modern Culture: From Shrine to Screen
Today, the meaning of the monkeys has shifted depending on where you are in the world. In Western culture, the phrase “see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil” is sometimes interpreted negatively, implying a refusal to acknowledge moral wrongdoing or “turning a blind eye” to injustice.
However, in the traditional Japanese context, the meaning remains proactive and prudent. It is about maintaining spiritual purity by refusing to let evil enter one’s mind through the senses. It is a discipline of character, not an act of ignorance.
Modern culture has embraced them wholeheartedly. Beyond emojis, they appear in art, literature, and movies. Mahatma Gandhi famously kept a small statue of the three monkeys, interpreting them as a reminder to keep the mind clean of negativity. In Japan, they remain cute mascots of tourism, particularly in the Nikko area, appearing on everything from keychains to cookies (crackers).
Traveler’s Tips: Visiting the Sacred Stable
If you want to see the most famous depiction of the Three Wise Monkeys, you must head to the Nikko Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Where to Look
Unlike the gilded grandeur of the Yomeimon Gate, the monkeys are carved into the unpainted wood of the Sacred Stable (Shinkyusha). In Japanese culture, monkeys were historically thought to protect horses from disease. Therefore, carved monkeys were placed on stables to guard the sacred horses residing within.
The Full Story
The famous trio is actually just one panel of eight carvings on the stable. These eight panels depict the entire life cycle of a monkey, serving as an allegory for human life. The “Three Wise Monkeys” panel represents childhood—a time when children should be protected from the bad influences of the world.
Best Time to Visit
Nikko is stunning year-round, but autumn (late October to early November) is spectacular due to the fiery red and orange momiji (maple) leaves surrounding the shrine complex. Arrive early (around 8:00 AM) to avoid the massive tour bus crowds and get a clear photo of the stable carvings.
Sources & Further Reading
For those interested in diving deeper into the history of animal symbolism and Japanese mythology, the following texts and contexts provide essential background:
- The Analects of Confucius: For the philosophical roots of the “Four Nots” which inspired the proverb.
- Koshin Faith Archives: Various local folk history museums in Japan preserve the Koshin-to stone markers.
- Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): While not referencing the three monkeys specifically, this classical text (along with the Kojiki) establishes the foundational myths of Shinto and the significance of animals as messengers of the gods in ancient Japan.
- Nikko Toshogu Shrine Guidebooks: Official literature from the shrine details the allegorical meaning of the eight panels of the Sacred Stable.