The Wisdom of the Fields: Unveiling the Myth of Kuebiko
When Western travelers think of scarecrows, they often recall the friendly but brainless character from The Wizard of Oz, longing for a mind to match his heart. However, in the lush, green rice paddies of Japan, the mythology surrounding the scarecrow takes a fascinatingly different turn. Far from being brainless, the Japanese scarecrow is the embodiment of wisdom and knowledge.
Known as Kuebiko (久延毘古), this deity is a central figure in Japanese folklore and Shinto tradition. He is the Lord of the Rice Paddies, a god who cannot walk but knows everything under the sun. For cultural travelers and mythology enthusiasts, understanding the legend of Kuebiko opens a window into Japan’s deep spiritual connection with agriculture and the land.
Origins of the Sacred Scarecrow
The word for scarecrow in Japanese is Kakashi. Linguistically, this term is believed to derive from Kagashi, which relates to the smell of burning things. In ancient times, farmers would burn animal hair or rags to produce a foul odor that kept pests and wild animals away from the crops. Over time, these olfactory deterrents evolved into the visual figures we recognize today, yet they retained a spiritual significance that transcends simple pest control.
In the Shinto pantheon, the scarecrow is not merely a tool; it is a vessel for Kuebiko, the Shinto deity of knowledge and agriculture. Because the scarecrow stands in the field all day, watching the world pass by from a single vantage point, it is believed to observe and absorb all information. It hears the whispers of the wind, the gossip of the villagers, and the secrets of the earth.
The Legend of Kuebiko in the Kojiki
The primary myth of Kuebiko is recorded in the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters), Japan’s oldest extant chronicle, dating back to the 8th century. The story takes place during the Age of the Gods, focusing on Okuninushi, the Great Land Master deity responsible for shaping the terrestrial world.
According to the legend, Okuninushi was standing on the Cape of Miho when he saw a tiny deity approaching across the ocean. This small god was riding inside a boat made from a decomposing Metaplexis pod (a type of plant) and was dressed in the skins of moth or goose feathers. Okuninushi asked the stranger for his name, but the tiny god remained silent. Okuninushi asked his entourage, but none of the other gods knew the identity of the visitor.
Just then, a toad intervened and suggested, “You should ask Kuebiko; he will surely know.” Okuninushi summoned Kuebiko, the crumbling prince—the scarecrow deity. True to his reputation, Kuebiko immediately identified the stranger as Sukunabikona, the child of the primal creator deity Kamimusubi.
This myth established Kuebiko’s status as a being of supreme intelligence. Despite lacking legs to travel, his stationary vigilance allowed him to know things that even the Great Land Master did not. It is a profound metaphor: physical mobility is not a prerequisite for intellectual reach.
From Myth to Modern Culture
While the ancient texts solidify Kuebiko’s divine status, his presence is still felt in modern Japan, evolving from religious icon to cultural symbol. Today, the Kakashi (scarecrow) is celebrated not just as a protector of rice but as a form of folk art.
Throughout rural Japan, particularly in autumn, you can find Kakashi Matsuri (Scarecrow Festivals). These events feature dozens, sometimes hundreds, of handmade scarecrows lining the roads and fields. Unlike the simple cross-and-straw figures of the West, Japanese scarecrows are often elaborate, life-sized dolls dressed in human clothing, posed in acts of daily village life—farming, fishing, or chatting on benches.
One of the most famous examples is the village of Nagoro in the Iyer Valley of Shikoku. Known as the “Valley of Dolls,” this village has a population of scarecrows that vastly outnumbers its human residents, creating a surreal, living museum that honors the spirit of the countryside.
Traveler’s Tips: Seeking the Scarecrow God
If you wish to pay respects to the deity of wisdom or experience the charm of Japanese scarecrows, here are a few recommendations for your itinerary:
- Visit Kuebiko Shrine (Nara Prefecture): Located within the precincts of the Omiwa Shrine in Sakurai City, this is one of the few shrines dedicated specifically to Kuebiko. Students preparing for entrance exams often visit here to pray for wisdom and academic success, honoring the god who knows all.
- Explore Asuka Village: Asuka is widely considered the cradle of Japanese civilization. Walking through the terraced rice fields here offers a glimpse into the ancient landscape that likely inspired the myths of the Kojiki.
- Attend the Asuka Scarecrow Road: Every autumn (usually September to October), the road leading to the Inabuchi Rice Terraces is lined with creative scarecrows made by locals. It is a photographer’s dream, blending vibrant red spider lilies with whimsical folk art.
Sources & Further Reading
For those interested in diving deeper into the mythology of Kuebiko and the foundations of Shinto, the following texts are essential:
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): Translated by Basil Hall Chamberlain or Donald L. Philippi. This text contains the original account of Okuninushi and the identification of the tiny god Sukunabikona.
- The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): Offers parallel myths and historical context for the deities of the land.
- Shinto: The Kami Way: By Sokyo Ono, for a broader understanding of how nature deities like Kuebiko fit into modern Japanese religion.