Read, reflect, pray
Kojiki: The heavenly descendant and the kami who shows the way
Kojiki · Story 11 of 22
天孫降臨と、道を示す神
Parting the clouds toward Takachiho.
English translation of this site’s published story summary and reading notes. This is a selected reading guide, not a complete translation of the ancient chronicle.
Story summary
Hearing that the Central Land has been pacified, Amaterasu and the other deities order Amenooshihomimi to descend. He asks instead that his son Ninigi, born during the preparations, be sent. Thus the heavenly grandchild sets out for earth.
At a fork in the roads stands a deity illuminating heaven and earth. Questioned by Ame no Uzume, he names himself Sarutabiko and says he has come to lead the heavenly grandchild. Five companion deities—Amenokoyane, Futodama, Ame no Uzume, Ishikoridome, and Tamanooya—also accompany the descent.
Given the mirror, jewels, Kusanagi sword, and other things, Ninigi parts the clouds and descends to Takachiho in Himuka. The text instructs that the mirror be worshiped as Amaterasu’s spirit and records connections between accompanying deities and later clans.
Reading note
The names of the accompanying deities and the story’s explanations of rites and clan origins are distinguished from present-day shrine guidance.
Compare with the Nihon Shoki
Connected figures
Names and relationships in a chronicle may differ from later traditions. Each figure’s introduction identifies its sources.
Sources and edition (2)
English explanations on this page were prepared by Inori no Mori from the cited text and its Japanese explanations. They are not an official translation or a prescribed liturgy.