Read, reflect, pray
Eightfold clouds rise: waka
八雲立つ
Susanoo, in the Kojiki
Poem and reading aid
八雲立つ
yakumo tatsu
出雲八重垣
izumo yahegaki
妻籠みに
tsumagomini
八重垣作る
yahegaki tsukuru
その八重垣を
sono yahegakiwo
How to use the Roman letters
Roman letters follow the kana displayed in this site’s Japanese reader; some readings are editorial additions documented on the Japanese page. These are a reading aid, not restored Sanskrit or a recording of a temple’s chanting. Historical spellings (such as wo, wi, we and ha used as a particle) are kept. Double vowels and repeated vowels mark the written kana; rhythm and pronunciation can differ by tradition.
You can simply read the meaning or sit quietly. No recitation is required. For a temple or shrine’s own recitation, follow that tradition’s published guidance.
Meaning in English
In Izumo, where clouds rise in many layers, I build many-layered fences to shelter my wife: those many-layered fences.
Background and attribution
The Kojiki tells how Susanoo, after defeating the eight-headed serpent, settles at Suga with Kushinadahime. Clouds rise as he builds their palace, and he sings to celebrate the new home.
The English meaning and explanation are this site’s own rendering. The poem’s speaker, author and object of devotion are not necessarily the same.
Connected figures
Sources and edition (1)
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.