The Tip of Totsuka Sword: Tracing the Edge of Japanese Mythology
Japan is often called the land of eight million gods, a place where the line between the spiritual and the physical is famously thin. Among the myriad artifacts found in Shinto lore, few weapons hold as much weight as the Totsuka no Tsurugi. Often translated as the “Sword of Ten Hand-Breadths,” this legendary blade is not merely a weapon of war but a divine instrument of creation and destruction.
For the cultural traveler, searching for the “tip” of this sword is a metaphorical and literal journey into the heart of ancient Yamato. It leads one away from the neon lights of Tokyo to the moss-covered stones of Nara and the misty gorges of Miyazaki. Here is everything you need to know about the Totsuka Sword, from its bloody origins to the shrines that house its spirit today.
Origins: Deconstructing the Divine Blade
To understand the Totsuka no Tsurugi, one must first understand its name. In ancient Japanese, totsuka refers to a unit of length—specifically, ten breadths of a hand (roughly 80-90 cm). Therefore, the term was originally a classification for long swords rather than a unique proper noun.
However, in the context of mythology, it almost exclusively refers to the sword wielded by the storm god, Susanoo-no-Mikoto. This specific blade is also known by other formidable names, such as Ame-no-Ohabari (Heavenly Pointed Blade). Unlike the katana familiar to modern audiences, this sword was likely a tsurugi—a double-edged, straight blade based on ancient Chinese designs, symbolizing authority and divine judgment.
The Legend: Slaying the Eight-Headed Dragon
The most famous legend of the Totsuka Sword is recorded in Japan’s oldest historical chronicles, the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki. The story takes place in the province of Izumo.
After being banished from the heavens, the storm god Susanoo encountered an elderly couple weeping over their last daughter, Kushinada-hime. They explained that the Yamata no Orochi, a terrifying eight-headed, eight-tailed dragon, had devoured their other seven daughters and was coming for the last one.
Susanoo struck a deal: he would slay the beast in exchange for the maiden’s hand in marriage. He transformed the girl into a comb to protect her and set out eight vats of strong sake. When the dragon drank the alcohol and fell into a stupor, Susanoo drew his Totsuka Sword.
In a violent fury, he chopped the dragon into pieces. The myth says his blade was so sharp it severed the monster’s heads and tails with ease. However, when he struck the middle of the fourth tail, the tip of his Totsuka Sword chipped. Prying open the flesh, he discovered a second sword hidden inside the dragon—the Kusanagi no Tsurugi. This second sword would go on to become one of the three Imperial Regalia of Japan, while the Totsuka Sword remained the weapon of the god-slayer.
Modern Culture: The Blade in Pop Media
The legacy of the Totsuka Sword extends far beyond ancient scrolls. For modern fans of Japanese pop culture, the name is likely familiar through anime and video games.
Perhaps the most famous reference is in the series Naruto, where the character Itachi Uchiha summons a spectral warrior (Susanoo) that wields the Totsuka Blade. In the show, the sword has the power to seal away souls for eternity. Similarly, the Persona video game series and various other RPGs feature the weapon as a high-tier item. These modern interpretations keep the name alive, bridging the gap between Gen Z travelers and Shinto priests who have guarded the lore for centuries.
Traveler’s Tips: Where to Find the Sword
While you cannot wield the sword yourself, you can visit the locations deeply connected to its legend. The “tip” of the sword metaphorically rests in the Kansai region.
Isonokami Jingu Shrine (Nara Prefecture)
This is the most critical site for mythology enthusiasts. Located in the foothills of Tenri, Nara, Isonokami Jingu is one of the oldest shrines in Japan. It is unique because it does not enshrine a humanoid god, but rather the spirit of the sword itself.
The deity worshiped here is Futsunomitama-no-Okami, the spirit of the sword that helped the first Emperor, Jinmu, pacify the land. Historical records suggest the actual Totsuka Sword used by Susanoo was eventually brought here. The atmosphere is ancient and solemn, famous for the sacred roosters that roam freely on the grounds.
Visitor Tips:
- Access: Take the JR Sakurai Line to Tenri Station. From there, it is a 30-minute walk or a short taxi ride.
- Best Time: Visit in the early morning to hear the crowing of the sacred roosters and experience the mist rolling off the cedar trees.
- Etiquette: This is a powerful spiritual “power spot.” Bow at the Torii gate, wash your hands at the purification fountain, and maintain a hushed respectful tone.
Takachiho (Miyazaki Prefecture)
While the sword is enshrined in Nara, the events of the myth took place in the Izumo and Takachiho regions. Takachiho offers the Ama-no-Iwato shrine and the dramatic scenery that matches the epic scale of the dragon-slaying legend.
Sources & Further Reading
For those wishing to delve deeper into the primary texts that describe the Totsuka Sword and the age of the gods, the following historical records are essential:
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): The oldest chronicle in Japan, dating back to 711-712 AD.
- The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): Completed in 720 AD, offering a more detailed historical perspective.
- Isonokami Jingu Chronicles: Shrine records detailing the enshrinement of the sword deity.