Kusanagi no Tsurugi: Japan’s Enigmatic Sword and Its Lessons for Modern Society
Hello everyone! Hope you’ve had a great week. Did you know there was once a sword closely associated with Japan that wasn't the katana?
Long before the katana became an iconic symbol of Japanese culture, Kusanagi no Tsurugi (Grass-Cutting Sword) had sparked interest and fascination among Japanese people. As one of the Three Imperial Regalia of Japan, it holds mythical and cultural significance that has lasted for centuries. The sword is a symbol of valor, divine authority, and decisive action — resonating with ideals central to traditional Japanese values. However, whilst inspecting the state of modern Japanese society, specifically in its perceived lack of proactiveness and boldness, Kusanagi’s story provides a lens to explore how ancient values can inspire contemporary challenges.
The Origins Behind Kusanagi no Tsurugi
Originally named Ame-no-Murakumo no Tsurugi (Sword of the Gathering Clouds of Heaven), it was later renamed to reflect its most famous deed: cutting grass to save a life. According to legend, the storm god, Susanoo-no-Mikoto slew the eight-headed serpent Yamata no Orochi and found the sword within its tail. Susanoo later presented the weapon as a gift to his sister, Amaterasu-ōmikami, the sun goddess.
Amaterasu passed down this sword as a part of the Imperial Regalia of Japan, representing the virtue of courage. Its current name comes from a tale involving Prince Yamato Takeru, who was betrayed. Surrounded by enemies who had set the grassy field ablaze to trap and kill him, he swung the blade, thus cutting the grass and redirecting the fire toward his assassins.
Where is Kusanagi no Tsurugi Today?
Kusanagi no Tsurugi is believed to reside at the Atsuta Shrine in Nagoya. However, it is not for public display, and its existence remains shrouded in mystery. Only high-ranking Shinto priests and members of the Japanese Imperial Family have access to the real sword, while a 12th-century replica is used during coronation ceremonies. Some historians question whether the original blade still exists, as records suggest it may have been lost at sea during the Battle of Dan-no-Ura in 1185.
Despite these doubts, the sword’s symbolic significance persists. It continues to represent divine authority and bravery, serving as a ceremonial object during key imperial rituals.
The Role of Valor in Traditional and Modern Japan
Traditional Japan: A Culture with Emphasis on Bravery
Historically, the key value represented by Kusanagi no Tsurugi was found within Japan’s samurai culture and the Bushido code — emphasizing bravery, loyalty, and honor. Courage within this context is often seen as decisive action and personal sacrifice for the greater good.
In the post-war era, Japan represented collective valor through the rebuilding of the nation after devastation, achieving an economic miracle via innovation and resilience. This period mimicked the proactive spirit symbolized by Kusanagi: bold decisions and the willingness to face challenges head-on.
Modern Japan: A Shift in Priorities
In recent decades, critics have argued that modern Japanese society lacks the same proactive courage seen in historical narratives. Several factors may contribute to this perception:
- Conformity and Social Harmony: Modern Japan places great emphasis on collectivism, often discouraging actions that may disrupt the societal balance. This mindset builds stability but stifles innovation and bold decision-making.
- Risk Aversion: Japan’s corporate and political systems are seen as slow to adapt to change. Issues like gender inequality, demographic decline, and global competitiveness require bold reforms and yet little to no progress has been made.
Modern Valor: New Interpretations of Courage
While modern Japanese society does lack the overt boldness associated with traditional ideals, valor is still seen in the current day, albeit in quieter, collective forms:
- Social Activism and Entrepreneurship: Movements advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, environmental sustainability, and workplace reforms have been slowly gaining traction — representing individuals stepping outside societal norms to enact change. Additionally, young entrepreneurs within the tech and creative industries are challenging traditional career paths.
- Resilience during Crisis: The response to disasters like the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami showcased remarkable collective bravery and unity, highlighting a different kind of valor rooted in perseverance and communal effort.
- Cultural Preservation Via Media: Anime and manga keep the legend of Kusanagi alive, introducing its themes of heroism and courage to international audiences. Through the interpretation of its story, creators are able to make their viewers reflect on the sword’s virtues in contemporary contexts.
Lessons From Kusanagi no Tsurugi
Kusanagi no Tsurugi’s legacy suggests several ways Japan could address its current-day challenges:
- Encouraging Bold Leadership: Fostering leaders who are willing to take calculated risks could help rejuvenate stagnating industries and governance, just like how Kusanagi portrays decisive action.
- Balancing Harmony and Individual Courage: Maintaining harmony is one of the pillars of current Japanese culture. However, leaving room for respectful dissent and innovative thinking stimulates societal progression.
- Modernizing the Narrative of Valor: By integrating proactiveness found in Kusanagi’s lore into education and culture, Japan could inspire individuals to approach challenges with creativity and bravery.
Conclusion
Kusanagi no Tsurugi remains a timeless symbol of courage, resourcefulness, and divine authority. Its myths celebrate a form of bravery that oversteps its time, from Prince Yamato’s grass-cutting heroics to its ceremonial role in the Imperial Regalia. Within present-day Japan, where societal norms favor caution over fearlessness, Kusanagi’s symbolism holds newfound relevance. By embracing the proactive spirit it embodies, Japan can navigate contemporary challenges with the same decisiveness that personifies Kusanagi no Tsurugi.
Thank you for reading, everyone. See you in the next article – otanoshimi ni!
Writer: DuckTape
Editor: Kamarel
References:
Kusanagi no Tsurugi:
Battle of Dan-no-ura:
Bushido code:
2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami:
Pictures: