Kashima Shrine and Its Deity — Who Is Takemikazuchi?
Kashima Shrine is dedicated to Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto, the god of thunder and the sword. With approximately 600 shrines nationwide, the head shrine is Kashima Jingu in Ibaraki Prefecture, one of Japan’s oldest shrines. Takemikazuchi is revered as the guardian deity of martial arts, military fortune, and victory.
The Divine Nature of Takemikazuchi
According to the Kojiki, Takemikazuchi was born from the blood that dripped from the sword used by Izanagi to slay the fire god Kagutsuchi. This origin embodies the idea of the deity as the sword itself.
Mastery of martial arts and weapons
Celestial power and authority
Success in contests and negotiations
Why Kashima Shrines Spread Across Japan
The spread of Kashima shrines owes much to the Kuniyuzuri myth (the Transfer of the Land). Takemikazuchi was sent by Amaterasu to negotiate with Okuninushi-no-Mikoto, and his martial prowess secured the peaceful transfer of the land. Eastern warriors, including those who supported Minamoto no Yoritomo at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, devoted themselves to Kashima as their patron war deity. Kasuga Taisha in Nara was founded by the Fujiwara clan after they invited Takemikazuchi from Kashima, making Kasuga Taisha a key node in the nationwide spread of this deity.
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Walk along the cedar-lined approach, keeping to the sides (the center belongs to the deity)
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Purify hands at the temizuya before approaching the main hall
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Extend the visit to the inner shrine (Okumiya) for a deeper experience
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Blessings sought: martial arts, exam success, new ventures, disaster prevention