Okuninushi: The Benevolent Shinto God of Love and Land
In the pantheon of Japanese mythology, few deities are as beloved, complex, or culturally significant as Okuninushi no Mikoto. Unlike the fierce warrior gods or the distant celestial beings, Okuninushi is viewed as a benevolent, earthly figure. Known primarily as the god of en-musubi (marriage and matchmaking) and the original ruler of the terrestrial world, his presence is woven deeply into the spiritual fabric of Western Japan.
For travelers venturing beyond the neon lights of Tokyo to the ancient San’in region, understanding Okuninushi is the key to unlocking the secrets of Izumo Taisha, one of Japan’s oldest and most sacred shrines.
Origins and Identity
Okuninushi (大国主), whose name translates roughly to “Master of the Great Land,” is a central figure in the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters) and the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan). He is a descendant—or in some versions, the son—of the storm god Susanoo, the brother of the sun goddess Amaterasu.
While Amaterasu ruled the High Plain of Heaven (Takamagahara), Okuninushi was the ruler of the Central Land of Reed Plains (Ashihara no Nakatsukuni), which corresponds to the physical land of Japan. He is credited with “nation-building” (kuni-zukuri), shaping the land and teaching humans the arts of agriculture and medicine.
One of the most pivotal moments in Shinto mythology is the Kuni-yuzuri (Transfer of the Land). According to the myths, the heavenly gods demanded that Okuninushi cede his rule over the earth to the descendants of Amaterasu (the Imperial line). Okuninushi agreed, on the condition that a magnificent palace be built for him where he could reside and govern spiritual matters. This palace became the Grand Shrine of Izumo.
The Legend: The White Hare of Inaba
While his political history sets the stage for the Imperial lineage, it is a story of kindness that endeared Okuninushi to the Japanese people. The tale of the “White Hare of Inaba” is perhaps his most famous legend.
As the story goes, Okuninushi had eighty brothers, all of whom were vying for the hand of Princess Yakami of Inaba. The brothers were cruel and arrogant, forcing Okuninushi to carry their heavy luggage as an attendant. On their journey, the brothers encountered a skinned, crying rabbit lying on the beach. As a cruel prank, the brothers told the hare to wash in saltwater and dry off in the wind, which only caused the creature agonizing pain.
Okuninushi, trailing behind, found the suffering hare. Moved by pity, he instructed the animal to wash in fresh water and roll in the pollen of cattails to heal its skin. The recovered hare, who was actually a minor deity, predicted that Okuninushi—not his cruel brothers—would win the heart of Princess Yakami. The prophecy came true, establishing Okuninushi as a deity who triumphs through compassion rather than brute force.
Modern Culture and Worship
Today, Okuninushi is worshipped as the god of en-musubi. While this is often translated as “matchmaking” for romance, the concept is broader. It encompasses the tying together of all human relationships, including business partnerships, friendships, and general good fortune.
His cultural epicenter is Shimane Prefecture. During the tenth month of the lunar calendar (usually November), it is said that all eight million gods (yaoyorozu no kami) of Japan leave their local shrines to gather at Izumo Taisha for a divine conference. While the rest of Japan calls this month Kannazuki (The Month Without Gods), in Izumo, it is called Kamiarizuki (The Month of the Gods). They gather to discuss the destiny of human relationships for the coming year, presided over by their host, Okuninushi.
Traveler’s Tips: Visiting Izumo Taisha
If you plan to pay respects to the Great Land Master, a trip to Izumo Taisha in Shimane Prefecture is essential. Here is how to make the most of your pilgrimage:
- The Shimenawa: Look for the massive sacred straw rope (shimenawa) adorning the Kaguraden (worship hall). Weighing several tons, it is one of the largest in Japan and signifies the boundary between the spiritual and physical worlds.
- The Clapping Ritual: At most Shinto shrines, the prayer etiquette is “two bows, two claps, one bow.” However, Izumo Taisha is unique. The custom here is “two bows, four claps, one bow.” The four claps (shi-awase) sound like the Japanese word for “happiness,” symbolizing a prayer for good fortune.
- Statues: Keep an eye out for the charming statues throughout the shrine grounds depicting Okuninushi and the White Hare. They make for excellent photography subjects.
- Local Cuisine: After visiting the shrine, try Izumo Soba. These buckwheat noodles are served in three stacked lacquerware discs, a style unique to this region.
Sources & Further Reading
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): Translated by Basil Hall Chamberlain or Donald L. Philippi. This text contains the earliest accounts of the creation of Japan and Okuninushi’s lineage.
- The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): Offers alternative versions of the Kuni-yuzuri myth.
- Lafcadio Hearn: For a Western perspective on the atmosphere of Izumo during the Meiji era, Hearn’s writings on “Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan” are indispensable.