Magatama Necklaces: Unlocking the Mystery of Japan’s Sacred Beads
If you have ever strolled through the historic streets of Kyoto or browsed the souvenir shops near Izumo Taisha, you have likely encountered a peculiar, comma-shaped bead. Smooth, curved, and often crafted from deep green jade or agate, this is the Magatama (勾玉).
While it makes for a beautiful necklace or keychain today, the Magatama is far more than a mere accessory. It is one of the oldest and most profound symbols in Japanese history, representing the soul, divine protection, and the authority of the Emperor himself. For travelers and culture enthusiasts, owning a Magatama necklace is like holding a piece of Japan’s spiritual DNA.
The Origins of the Curved Jewel
The history of the Magatama is as ancient as Japanese civilization itself. These beads first appeared during the Jomon Period (c. 14,000–300 BCE), initially crafted from animal teeth and bones. By the Kofun Period (c. 300–538 CE), craftsmanship had evolved significantly, and artisans began sculpting them from precious stones like jadeite, agate, quartz, and talc.
But why this specific shape? Historians and archaeologists have debated the symbolism of the Magatama’s curved tail and rounded head for nearly a century. There are three prevailing theories:
- The Fang Theory: The shape mimics the fang of a wild beast, worn by hunters to absorb the animal’s strength and intimidate enemies.
- The Fetal Theory: The shape resembles a human fetus, symbolizing fertility, growth, and the continuity of life.
- The Moon Theory: The curve represents the waxing crescent moon, linking the wearer to the celestial rhythms and the passage of time.
Regardless of which theory holds true, the Magatama quickly evolved from a decorative item into a ceremonial tool used by shamans and chieftains to communicate with the kami (spirits).
Legend and the Imperial Regalia
To understand the true weight of a Magatama necklace, one must look to Japanese mythology. In the Shinto tradition, the Magatama is one of the Three Sacred Treasures (Imperial Regalia of Japan), alongside the mirror (Yata no Kagami) and the sword (Kusanagi no Tsurugi).
According to the ancient chronicles, when the sun goddess Amaterasu hid herself in a cave, plunging the world into darkness, the other gods crafted a grand string of Magatama beads to lure her out. The jewels were hung on a sacred Sakaki tree outside her cave. Intrigued by the beauty of the jewels and her own reflection in the mirror, she emerged, restoring light to the universe.
This specific strand of beads, known as the Yasakani no Magatama, was eventually passed down to Amaterasu’s grandson, Ninigi-no-Mikoto, when he was sent to rule Japan. Today, the original Yasakani no Magatama is said to be enshrined within the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. It is so sacred that not even the Emperor is permitted to look upon it directly; it remains sealed in a box, symbolizing the virtue of benevolence.
Magatama in Modern Culture
While the Imperial Regalia remains hidden, the Magatama has found a vibrant second life in modern Japanese pop culture and fashion. The shape is instantly recognizable to younger generations through anime and video games.
For instance, in the popular Ace Attorney (Gyakuten Saiban) video game series, the ‘Psyche-Lock’ mechanic utilizes a Magatama to unlock the secrets of the human heart. In the global hit Naruto, the pattern appears in the Sharingan eyes and the Sage of Six Paths imagery. These pop-culture references keep the symbol alive, bridging the gap between ancient shamanism and modern storytelling.
Beyond entertainment, spiritual shops across Japan sell Magatama necklaces as power stones. Many Japanese people believe that different stones offer different benefits—rose quartz for love, tiger’s eye for wealth, and the traditional jade (hisui) for protection against evil spirits and bad luck.
Traveler’s Tips: Buying Your Own Magatama
If you are looking to purchase an authentic Magatama necklace during your travels, here is how to find a high-quality piece:
1. Visit the Spiritual Heartlands
The best place to buy Magatama is inside or near major Shinto shrines. Izumo Taisha in Shimane Prefecture is widely considered the spiritual home of the Magatama. The surrounding shops specialize in Izumo Menou (agate) and offer high-quality craftsmanship that you won’t find in a Tokyo department store. Nara Prefecture, being an ancient capital, is also excellent for finding traditional stone carvers.
2. Know Your Stones
Authentic Japanese Jade (Itoigawa Hisui) is rare and expensive. If you see a “jade” Magatama for 500 yen, it is likely glass or plastic. A genuine stone necklace will usually start around 3,000 to 5,000 yen ($20–$35 USD) and can go up to thousands of dollars for certified Itoigawa jade. Look for certification papers if you are making a significant investment.
3. Choose by Intuition
Shopkeepers often advise customers to choose the Magatama that “calls” to them. Whether it is the depth of the green in the jade or the clarity of the crystal, the connection you feel to the stone is considered part of its protective bond.
Sources & Further Reading
For those interested in diving deeper into the mythology and history of the Magatama, the following historical texts provide the foundational stories of Japanese civilization:
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): Japan’s oldest extant chronicle (c. 712 CE), detailing the age of the gods and the creation of the archipelago.
- The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): Completed in 720 CE, this text provides a more detailed historical account of the Imperial lineage and the significance of the Three Sacred Treasures.
- Archaeological Institute of Kashihara: Offers resources on Kofun period artifacts and excavation sites in Nara.