The First Story: Unveiling Japan’s Myth of Creation

Every culture has a beginning—a moment where chaos coalesces into order. In the context of Japanese history and folklore, the “First Story” (or Ichiwame) refers to the genesis of the archipelago itself. Before the samurai, before the tea ceremonies, and before the rise of the emperors, there was the age of the gods.

For travelers seeking to understand the spiritual heart of Japan, looking at its modern skyscrapers is not enough. You must look back to the swirling primordial mists described in the nation’s oldest chronicles. This is the story of how Japan was churned into existence from the ocean, a tale that continues to shape the country’s geography and cultural identity today.

Origins: The Ancient Chronicles

To understand the “First Story,” we must turn to two primary historical texts: the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters), compiled in 712 AD, and the Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan), finished in 720 AD. These texts were commissioned by the Imperial Court not just to record history, but to legitimize the Emperor’s rule by tracing the lineage back to the divine.

While the Nihon Shoki is more historical in tone, the Kojiki is a collection of myths, legends, and oral traditions. It is here that the First Story is told with the most poetic vibrancy. It describes a time when heaven and earth were not yet fully separated, and the land drifted like jellyfish in oil. From this void, the first generations of deities (Kami) emerged, culminating in the appearance of the divine couple who would shape the physical world.

The Legend: The Floating Bridge of Heaven

The narrative centers on two deities: the male Izanagi and the female Izanami. Standing upon the Ame-no-ukihashi (the Floating Bridge of Heaven), they looked down into the murky, chaotic sea below. They were entrusted with a jeweled spear called Amenonuhoko and commanded to “complete and solidify this drifting land.”

The Birth of Onokoro

Izanagi lowered the spear into the ocean and stirred. As he lifted the spear, salty water dripped from the tip. These droplets coagulated to form the very first island, known as Onokoro-shima (Self-Forming Island). The couple descended onto this island to make their home.

The Wedding Ritual

To populate the world, the deities erected a heavenly pillar and performed a marriage rite. They circled the pillar in opposite directions. When they met, Izanami spoke first, exclaiming her joy at meeting a handsome male. However, because the female spoke first—violating the perceived natural order of the time—their first offspring was deformed (the leech-child, Hiruko), and they set it adrift.

After consulting the elder gods, they repeated the ritual. This time, Izanagi spoke first. The union was successful, and Izanami gave birth to the Oyashima (the Great Eight Islands) that make up the Japanese archipelago. According to the legend, Awaji Island was the first to be born, followed by Shikoku, Kyushu, and eventually Honshu.

Modern Culture: Echoes of the Genesis

The “First Story” is not merely a dusty fairytale; it is the bedrock of Shinto, Japan’s indigenous spirituality. The reverence for nature found in Japanese culture—where mountains, waterfalls, and rocks are seen as inhabited by spirits—stems from this idea that the land itself is the offspring of the gods.

Furthermore, this myth established the divine ancestry of the Imperial family. Amaterasu (the Sun Goddess), who was born later from Izanagi’s left eye, is the direct ancestor of the Japanese Imperial line. This connection was a central pillar of the Japanese state until the end of World War II.

Today, the story influences everything from marriage customs (referencing the union of Izanagi and Izanami) to sumo wrestling (which has roots in agricultural rituals connected to these ancient myths).

Traveler’s Tips: Visiting the Land of Myths

If you want to walk in the footsteps of the gods, your destination is Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture. As the first island born in the myth, it is rich with sites dedicated to the First Story.

1. Izanagi Jingu Shrine

This is the oldest shrine in Japan dedicated to Izanagi and Izanami. It is said that after his divine work was done, Izanagi retired to this spot. The shrine grounds feature a 900-year-old camphor tree, known as the Meoto-no-okusu, which grew from two trunks into one, symbolizing a happy marriage.

2. Onokoro Island Shrine

Located on a small hill that legend claims is the original sacred ground of Onokoro, this shrine features a massive red Torii gate—one of the largest in Japan. It is a popular power spot for couples seeking harmony.

3. Eshima Island

Located at the northern tip of Awaji, this small rock formation is geologically fascinating and is often associated with the original droplets that fell from the heavenly spear. It offers stunning views of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge.

Travel Logistics: Awaji Island is easily accessible by bus from Kobe or Osaka, crossing the spectacular Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. Renting a car is highly recommended to reach the scattered spiritual sites.

Sources & Further Reading

For those wishing to delve deeper into the textual history of Japan’s First Story, the following English translations and analyses are recommended:

• The Kojiki: An Account of Ancient Matters – Translated by Gustav Heldt. This provides a modern, readable translation of the mythology.
• Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan) – Various academic translations exist, focusing on the historical timeline alongside the myths.
• Shinto: The Kami Way by Sokyo Ono – An excellent primer on how these myths translate into modern religious practice.