From the Birth of a Nation to an Undying Vow

Let’s continue with the topic of myths for a bit longer, shall we?

Izanagi and Izanami stirred the oceans with the celestial jeweled spear Amenonuboko, and when they pulled it out, an island called Onogoro emerged where the ocean drippings fell from the spear’s tip. The pair then descended on the island and wed before creating the archipelago of Japan. Awaji Island was the first island the pair birthed, followed in succession by Shikoku, the Oki Islands, Kyushu, the Iki Islands, Tsushima, Sado Island, and lastly, Honshu. This is how Japan was born according to the Kojiki, as well as Japan’s second oldest history book, the Nihon Shoki.

The two gods also gave birth to many other deities. However, Izanami sustained severe burns while birthing the fire god Kagutsuchi and died. After his bride’s death, Izanagi dedicated himself to shaping the earth further, and eventually entrusted Japan to Amaterasu-Ōmikami, goddess of the Sun. In the end, he returned to Awaji, the first of the Japanese islands, to build his residence and live out the rest of his years in seclusion. He was enshrined there, at the Izanagi Shrine we know today.

According to the Shinto priesthood of Izanagi Shrine, it has endured for thousands of years since the age of myths as a temple of peace, asking visitors to consider the birth of Japan as they pay their respects. Her islands, her trees, and every stone under every foot - all of it was born of the gods. It is not about who made the land; it is about co-existence and the embodiment of shared harmony between humans and the nature outside of them. A shrine isn’t a place for simple wishmaking. It is a nexus where you can commune with the gods and pledge your own contribution to that grand harmony.

The Myōto Camphor is a rare bifurcated tree which is around 900 years old that grows within the grounds from a single stump and reaches to the wide open sky. As the final resting place of Izanagi and Izanami’s spirit, it draws in many crowds to pray for happy, harmonious marriages and safe childbirth. To change perspectives, the lifespan of a camphor tree is about 2000 years, meaning that the Myōto Camphor will live on for another 1100 years. How will you contribute to its long life? Imagine the far future, long after the end of your own life; what would you pledge today?