Miko Culture and Kingly Hegemony in Ancient Japan

What Amaterasu’s History Reveals

In this article, I will introduce an important tale from the Nihon Shoki about a crucial emperor, which explains why the deity Amaterasu (天照大御神) was relocated to the current site of the Inner Shrine of Ise Jingu (伊勢神宮内宮). I will also suggest the presence of a significant cultural rift between the Yayoi and Kofun periods, related to this relocation. Since the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki texts may be unfamiliar to readers, Shitsurae has previously offered only partial hints. However, in this series, the discussion will unfold gradually across multiple articles, enhancing readers’ understanding step by step.

First, the Inner Shrine of Ise Jingu, renowned for worshiping Amaterasu, is called “Kotai Jingu” (皇大神宮). Although Kotai Jingu is now recognized as Japan’s shrine of highest divine status, originally Amaterasu was not worshiped at this location. Influenced significantly by complex historical events, including the Meiji-era State Shinto policies, only the Inner Shrine of Ise Jingu came to be simply called “Jingu” (神宮), positioned as the apex of the Shrine-Shinto system. However, this spiritual hegemony has begun to crumble, quietly giving rise to various divine genealogies across different regions. Though not visibly obvious, when viewing Japanese history from a spiritual perspective, this movement emerges as a future trend. My primary research theme is to discern the future of Japan by examining this invisible movement. Contemporary Japanese spirituality has become severely weakened yet remains profoundly rooted beneath the surface. Likely, Japan will soon experience a major spiritual movement.