“The Spirit of ‘Ohomitakara’: The Ancient Roots of the Emperor’s Prayer”

The Roots of Our Prayer: The Myth of "Kuni-yuzuri" and the Peaceful Legacy of the Jomon People

“Ohomitakara ni itaru made, Kashikomi kashikomi mousu.”

The word “Ohomitakara” refers to us—the people. It is a term used by the Emperor of Japan in his daily prayers to the deities. Within these words lies a profound and sincere wish: that every single citizen may live a life of peace, abundance, and tranquility. This is a sacred “Kotodama” (the spirit within words).

But why does the Emperor pray so fervently for the happiness of the people? I believe the origin of this prayer can be found in the Japanese myth of “Kuni-yuzuri” (The Transfer of the Land). Today, I would like to explore our roots through the lens of this ancient story.

1. The Jomon People: A Peaceful People Who Bore No Weapons

According to mythology, this land was once called Toyoashihara no Mizuho no Kuni—the Land of Abundant Reed Plains and Rich Rice Fields. It was inhabited by the descendants of the “Kunitsukami” (Earthly Deities), who lived together in harmony.

These people believed that divinity resided in all things and worshipped nature itself. I believe these descendants were the Jomon people, our distant ancestors. The Jomon civilization is one of the longest-lasting peaceful eras in human history, spanning over 10,000 years. Remarkably, archaeological sites across Japan have yielded virtually no weapons designed for killing fellow humans. They were a people who practiced “eco-friendly” wisdom—taking only what was necessary and never depleting the earth—and they harbored a deep-seated aversion to conflict.

2. The "Third Promise" Hidden in Myth

When the “Amatsukami” (Heavenly Deities) descended to ask for the transfer of the land, the Kunitsukami set several conditions. Two are widely known:

1. To build a grand shrine to honor the Earthly Deities (Izumo Taisha).

2. For the descendants of the Heavenly Deities to continue worshipping the Earthly Deities with utmost sincerity for all eternity.

However, I believe there was a vital “Third Condition.” It was a promise to “respect and protect the spirit of the 'Okura' (The Divine Storehouse), which the people of the land held most dear.”

3. The "Eternal Prayer" Preserved at Ise Grand Shrine

I believe this third promise is reflected in the very architecture of the Ise Grand Shrine. When Emperor Tenmu and Empress Jito established the shrine’s style, they modeled the main sanctuary after a “Takayuka-shiki Soko” (a raised-floor granary).

This was likely intended to preserve for posterity the ancient gratitude for the "harvest of life" that had continued since the Jomon period. When we visit Ise Grand Shrine, we are unconsciously touching an "eternal prayer" that has flowed through our DNA for millennia. This spirit has been inherited by successive Emperors and remains unbroken even today in the Reiwa era.

4. Our Responsibility to Pass Down History

Today, Japanese mythology is rarely taught in schools. From a global perspective, it is a great misfortune for a people to be unable to speak of their own national myths. While some international observers may criticize Japanese people for not knowing their own traditions, I believe this is not the fault of the students, but rather the “responsibility of the tellers.”

As the Yayoi period began and conflict was introduced, the Jomon people moved northward (toward the Kimon or northeast) as if fleeing from strife. Perhaps now is the time for us to remember the "humility toward nature" and the "sanctity of life" that they so deeply revered.

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Note: Except for established mythological elements, the interpretations within this text are my personal reflections and do not possess academic or historical substantiation. I would be honored if you would accept this as my personal "journey of the heart" as a Japanese individual.

(To be continued)

From this land of prayer, I, Asahi Hanasaki, am introducing the "Harmony of Wa" to the whole world. 

I am a delivery driver in Japan who also helps protect and maintain a traditional Shinto shrine and Buddhist temple. Balancing these two worlds gives me a unique perspective on modern society. Through my writing, I aim to share the warmth of mutual aid and help readers find the courage to live another day.