Sakitama: The Japanese Spirit of Harmony and Prosperity
When travelers think of Japan, images of neon-lit Tokyo streets or the serene peak of Mount Fuji often come to mind. However, to truly understand the cultural heartbeat of this nation, one must delve into the invisible world of Shinto spirituality. One of the most fascinating, yet often overlooked, concepts in Japanese mythology is Sakitama (often read as Sachimitama in standard theology), written with the characters for “Happiness,” “Honorable,” and “Soul.”
Representing the spirit of blessing, love, and preservation, Sakitama is a concept that explains how the Japanese view fortune and human connection. Whether you are a spiritual seeker or a history buff, understanding Sakitama unlocks a deeper appreciation of Japanese culture.
Introduction to the Soul
In the West, the soul is often viewed as a singular entity. In Shinto cosmology, however, the human spirit is far more complex. This concept is known as Ichirei Shikon (One Spirit, Four Souls). The human spirit consists of four distinct aspects, each governing different emotions and functions:
- Aramitama: The wild, courageous soul (associated with battle and transformation).
- Nigimitama: The peaceful, harmonious soul.
Within the peaceful Nigimitama, there are two subdivisions: Kushimitama (the soul of wisdom and mysterious transformations) and our topic of focus, Sakitama (the soul of blessing and love). Sakitama is the aspect of the soul dedicated to giving, loving, and preserving life. It is the force that nurtures crops, fosters relationships, and brings about prosperity.
Origins of the Concept
The term Sakitama (or Sachimitama) is deeply rooted in archaic Japanese linguistics. “Saki” or “Sachi” implies happiness, luck, or blooming (like a flower), while “Tama” refers to the spirit or soul.
Theologically, this spirit is considered the functional aspect of a deity that provides for humanity. While a god’s Aramitama might cause a storm or a flood to reshape the land, their Sakitama is what causes the rice to grow and communities to thrive in harmony. It is the gentle, provider side of divinity.
Interestingly, this spiritual term is also the etymological origin of Saitama Prefecture. The name is derived from the Sakitama Shrine (Sakitama-jinja) in Gyoda City, which has enshrined these benevolent spirits for over a millennium.
The Legend of Okuninushi
The most famous appearance of the Sakitama spirit occurs in Japan’s oldest chronicles regarding the deity Okuninushi, the Great Land Master.
According to legend, Okuninushi was struggling to complete the monumental task of building the land of Japan. Standing on the seashore, perplexed and overwhelmed, a glowing deity approached him from across the waves. This mysterious figure revealed himself not as a separate god, but as Okuninushi’s own Sakitama and Kushimitama (his souls of blessing and wisdom).
The spirit told Okuninushi that the land could not be finished without his assistance. This mythological event highlights a profound Shinto philosophy: one cannot achieve greatness through raw power (Aramitama) alone; one requires the cultivation of love, preservation, and wisdom to truly build a nation. This spirit was subsequently enshrined at Mount Miwa, becoming the great deity Omiwa, emphasizing that the power to bless and the power to rule are two sides of the same coin.
Modern Culture and Significance
In contemporary Japan, the concept of Sakitama has evolved but remains present in the cultural subconscious. It is most visible in the practice of En-musubi (tying the knot). Because Sakitama is the soul of love and preservation, shrines dedicated to this spirit are popular destinations for young people seeking romantic partners or couples wishing for a happy marriage.
Furthermore, the “Power Spot” boom in Japan—where travelers visit specific locations to absorb spiritual energy—often centers around shrines housing the Sakitama spirit. It represents a move away from the aggressive pursuit of success toward a desire for holistic well-being, gratitude, and communal harmony.
Traveler’s Tips: Experiencing Sakitama
If you wish to connect with this ancient energy, a trip to the Saitama region is essential. Here is how you can experience the legacy of Sakitama:
1. Visit Sakitama Shrine (Gyoda City)
This is the birthplace of the prefecture’s name. It is an ancient shrine located within the massive Sakitama Kofun Park. The atmosphere is distinct from the tourist-heavy shrines of Kyoto. Here, you can pray specifically for the well-being of your loved ones.
2. Explore the Ancient Burial Mounds (Kofun)
Adjacent to the shrine are nine large keyhole-shaped burial mounds from the 5th to 7th centuries. Walking among these grassy giants connects you to the ancient chieftains who believed their spirits would protect the land—a physical manifestation of the Sakitama concept.
3. Shrine Etiquette
When visiting, remember that you are entering the dwelling of a peaceful spirit.
- Bow once at the Torii gate.
- Wash your hands at the purification fountain (temizuya).
- Offer a coin (5-yen coins are lucky) gently into the box.
- Bow twice, clap twice, pray, and bow once more.
Sources & Further Reading
For those interested in the textual history of these concepts, the following classical texts provide the foundation for the mythology of Sakitama:
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): Look for the chapters concerning Okuninushi and the pacification of the land.
- The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): Provides alternative versions of the myth where the distinction between the rough and gentle souls is detailed.
- Shinto: The Kami Way by Sokyo Ono: An excellent primer for understanding the structure of the soul in Shinto belief.