Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi: The Legend of Japan’s Sacred Sword

Japan is a land where history and mythology are inextricably woven together, creating a tapestry of culture that fascinates travelers from around the globe. Among its most enduring mysteries is the concept of the Houken (宝剣), or “Sacred Sword.” While the samurai katana is the most recognizable symbol of Japanese martial history, there is one sword that stands above all others: the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi. As one of the Three Sacred Treasures of the Imperial Regalia, this legendary blade embodies the soul of the nation, yet it remains hidden from the public eye, shrouded in divine secrecy.

The Origins of the Divine Blade

The Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, originally known as the Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi (Sword of the Gathering Clouds of Heaven), is more than a weapon; it is a symbol of authority, valor, and the divine right of the Japanese Emperor. Alongside the mirror (Yata-no-Kagami) and the jewel (Yasakani-no-Magatama), the sword makes up the Sanshu no Jingi, or the Imperial Regalia of Japan.

According to ancient records, these items were brought to earth by Ninigi-no-Mikoto, the grandson of the sun goddess Amaterasu, when he descended to rule Japan. While the mirror represents wisdom and the jewel represents benevolence, the sacred sword represents the virtue of valor. Unlike the curved steel katana developed in the feudal era, the Kusanagi is believed to be a double-edged straight sword (tsurugi), likely dating back to the Bronze Age, bridging the gap between human history and the age of the gods.

The Legend: Susanoo and the Eight-Headed Serpent

The story of the sacred sword’s discovery is one of the most famous tales in Japanese folklore. As recorded in the 8th-century chronicles, the sword was not forged by human hands but was found inside a monster.

The storm god Susanoo, brother of the sun goddess Amaterasu, was exiled from the heavens. Upon arriving in the province of Izumo, he encountered an elderly couple weeping because the fearsome Yamata-no-Orochi—an eight-headed, eight-tailed dragon—had devoured seven of their daughters and was coming for the eighth, the princess Kushinada-hime.

Susanoo struck a deal to save the princess in exchange for her hand in marriage. He set a trap using eight vats of strong sake. When the dragon drank the alcohol and fell into a drunken stupor, Susanoo drew his own sword and chopped the beast into pieces. When he attempted to cut the dragon’s tail, his blade chipped. Investigating the tail, he discovered a magnificent sword hidden inside: the Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi.

Generations later, the sword was gifted to the great warrior Yamato Takeru. During an ambush where his enemies attempted to burn him alive in a field, he used the sword to cut the burning grass and direct the flames away. From that day forward, the blade was renamed Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi—the “Grass-Cutting Sword.”

Modern Culture and Significance

Today, the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi remains a potent symbol in Japanese culture, bridging ancient Shinto practices with modern national identity. It gained renewed global attention during the enthronement of Emperor Naruhito in 2019. During the ceremony, the sacred sword (or a replica representing it) was presented to the new Emperor wrapped in cloth, never to be seen by the public—or arguably, even the Emperor himself.

The sword’s influence extends deeply into pop culture. It appears in countless anime, manga, and video games, from Naruto to Final Fantasy, often depicted as the ultimate weapon capable of manipulating wind or cutting through anything. This pop-cultural ubiquity ensures that the legend of the Houken remains relevant to younger generations, keeping the ancient myth alive in the digital age.

Traveler’s Tips: Experiencing the Legend

For travelers hoping to see the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, there is a catch: the actual sword is never on display. It is considered so sacred that it must remain hidden to preserve its purity. However, you can still immerse yourself in its history and spiritual power.

Atsuta Jingu (Nagoya)

The sword is believed to be enshrined at Atsuta Jingu in Nagoya. This is one of Shinto’s most significant shrines, second only to Ise Jingu.

• The Experience: Wander through the ancient forest surrounding the shrine. The atmosphere is solemn and thick with history. Visit the Nobunaga-Bei (a wall donated by warlord Oda Nobunaga) and offer a prayer at the main hall.
• Museum: Visit the Treasure Hall (Bunkaden) within the shrine complex. While the Kusanagi is not there, the museum houses over 4,000 other swords and historical artifacts, offering a glimpse into the craftsmanship of sacred weaponry.

The Imperial Palace (Tokyo)

A replica of the sword (used for ceremonies) resides at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. While you cannot enter the inner sanctums, the East Gardens are open to the public and offer a connection to the Imperial history.

Note on Etiquette: When visiting Atsuta Jingu, show respect by bowing at the torii gates and cleansing your hands at the temizuya (water pavilion) before approaching the main hall.

Sources & Further Reading

To deepen your understanding of the Houken and Japanese mythology, the following historical texts are essential reading:

• The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): Japan’s oldest extant chronicle (c. 711-712 AD), detailing the myths of the gods and the creation of the Japanese islands.
• The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): Finished in 720 AD, this text provides a more historical approach to the same myths and offers alternative versions of the Susanoo legend.
• The Tale of the Heike (Heike Monogatari): An epic account of the Genpei War, which includes the tragic legend of the sacred sword being lost at sea during the Battle of Dan-no-ura in 1185 (though priests claim the sword at Atsuta is the original returned to land).