The deity of Hinomiko-sha is Ame-no-Uzume, a god of performing arts. Here, we would like to introduce you to the legend of Amano-Iwato. It is a story written in the Kojiki, the oldest history book in Japan.
The sun goddess Amaterasu, also known as Amaterasu Ōmikami, got angry at the violent behavior of her younger brother Susanō, or Sonjōson, and locked herself in a cave. Darkness covered the entire world, and evil gods started causing disasters. When the other gods convened to share their wisdom on how to convince Amaterasu to come out, one god came up with a unique idea. He thought dancing and singing outside the cave would lure her out.
The gods immediately started plotting. They collected roosters and made them crow while the goddess of mirth and revelry, Ame-no-Uzume, danced to her heart’s content.
The laughter of gods reached the inside of the cave. The moment curious Amaterasu peeked through the entrance door, or “Iwato” in Japanese, the god who was waiting right by it yanked it open, tearing it away and throwing it into the distance so Amaterasu couldn’t lock herself up again. Light returned to the world, and the evil gods fled. They say the door to the cave flew through the air and landed somewhere in the middle of Japan.
In this folktale, the "middle of Japan" happens to be Togakushi. They say the entire Togakushi mountain is a large “door.” This is the story that forms the core of modern Togakushi beliefs.
