“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 “Kunitsuka...