Shiomitsutama: The Legend of Japan’s Tide-Rising Jewel
Japan, an archipelago surrounded by the volatile beauty of the ocean, has a folklore deeply intertwined with the sea. Among the myriad of sacred treasures and mythical artifacts found in Shinto mythology, few are as captivating as the Shiomitsutama (潮盈珠), or the “Tide-Rising Jewel.” Often mentioned in tandem with its counterpart, the Shiohirutama (Tide-Ebbing Jewel), this artifact represents the divine power to control the oceans, influencing the tides and, by extension, the fate of the nation.
For cultural travelers and mythology enthusiasts, understanding the Shiomitsutama offers a fascinating glimpse into how ancient Japan viewed the forces of nature and the divine lineage of its Imperial family.
The Origins of the Tide Jewels
The story of the Shiomitsutama is primordial, dating back to the earliest written records of Japanese history. The jewel is not merely a gemstone; it is a divine tool of the Kami (spirits or gods). Its origins are firmly rooted in the underwater realm of Ryugu-jo, the Palace of the Dragon King.
In Japanese mythology, the ocean is ruled by Ryujin (also known as Watatsumi), a powerful dragon deity. The Shiomitsutama was one of the greatest treasures in his possession, granting the wielder the ability to summon the high tide at will, drowning enemies or revitalizing the land. Conversely, the Shiohirutama could make the tide recede.
These jewels are most famously described in the Kiki myths—a term referring collectively to Japan’s two oldest historical records: the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters) and the Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan). These texts use the jewels to explain the supremacy of the Imperial line over rival clans.
The Legend: Luck of the Sea and Luck of the Mountain
The most famous narrative involving the Shiomitsutama is the tale of two divine brothers: Hoori (also known as Yamasachi-hiko, the Luck of the Mountain) and Hoderi (Umisachi-hiko, the Luck of the Sea).
According to the legend, the brothers decided to swap roles one day. Hoori tried fishing but failed miserably, losing his brother’s prized fish hook in the process. Furious, Hoderi refused to accept any substitute. Despondent, Hoori sat by the shore until a deity guided him to the Dragon Palace under the sea to find the hook.
There, Hoori met and married Toyotama-hime, the daughter of the Sea God, Ryujin. After three years of living in the underwater paradise, Hoori found the hook but expressed a desire to return to the surface. To aid him against his aggressive brother, Ryujin gifted him two magical jewels:
- Shiomitsutama (Tide-Rising Jewel): To drown the brother if he attacked.
- Shiohirutama (Tide-Ebbing Jewel): To save the brother once he submitted.
Upon returning to the surface, Hoderi attacked Hoori. Hoori used the Shiomitsutama to raise the waters, nearly drowning Hoderi. When Hoderi begged for mercy and vowed servitude, Hoori used the Shiohirutama to lower the tides. This submission established the lineage that would eventually produce Japan’s first Emperor, Jimmu.
Modern Culture and Symbolism
While the Shiomitsutama is an ancient artifact, its legacy permeates modern Japanese culture. The duality of the jewels represents the balance of nature—the give and take of the ocean that has sustained Japan for millennia.
Pop Culture and Media
The concept of jewels controlling the elements appears frequently in Japanese role-playing games (RPGs) and anime. Franchises like Persona, Okami, and various Final Fantasy installments often feature items or spells named after these jewels, symbolizing ultimate control over water elements.
Festivals
In traditional performing arts, such as Noh and Kabuki, the story of the Dragon Palace and the jewels is a recurring theme. During the Gion Festival in Kyoto, some floats depict scenes from the legend of the Dragon God, paying homage to the power of the tides.
Traveler’s Tips: Tracing the Myth
For travelers wishing to walk the path of this legend, several locations in Japan are deeply connected to the myth of Hoori and the Shiomitsutama.
1. Udo Jingu (Miyazaki Prefecture)
Located on the Nichinan Coast, this stunning shrine is set inside a cave on a cliff overlooking the ocean. It is dedicated to the son of Hoori and Toyotama-hime. The crashing waves and dramatic scenery make it easy to imagine the power of the Tide-Rising Jewel.
2. Aoshima Shrine (Miyazaki Prefecture)
This shrine is located on a small island connected to the mainland by a bridge. It is said to be the location where Hoori returned from the Dragon Palace. The unique “Devil’s Washboard” rock formations surrounding the island look as if the tide was manipulated by the gods themselves.
3. Watatsumi Shrine (Tsushima, Nagasaki)
Dedicated to Hikohohodemi (Hoori) and Toyotama-hime, this shrine features torii gates that stand in the water, reminiscent of the entrance to the Dragon Palace. At high tide, the connection between the shrine and the sea legend is visually striking.
4. The Imperial Palace (Tokyo)
While not open for public viewing of artifacts, the lore of the jewels legitimizes the Imperial family’s history. Visiting the East Gardens gives one a sense of the history these myths support.
Sources & Further Reading
To dive deeper into the mythology of the Shiomitsutama, the following classical texts are essential reading:
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): Translated by Basil Hall Chamberlain or Donald L. Philippi. This text contains the raw, earthy version of the creation myths.
- The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): Translated by W.G. Aston. This text provides a more historical and formal account of the lineage of the gods.
- Japanese Mythology: A Guide to Gods, Heroes and Spirits by Jan Knappert.
The Shiomitsutama serves as a reminder of the ocean’s terrifying power and its life-giving benevolence, a duality that continues to define the Japanese cultural landscape.