Myth of Love and Farewell - The Tale of "Yomi no Kuni"
The story of *Yomi no Kuni*, the land of the dead, is a tale from Japanese mythology. It is recorded in Japan's oldest texts, *Kojiki* and *Nihon Shoki*.
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1. The Death of Izanami
Izanagi (the male deity) and Izanami (the female deity) created the Japanese archipelago and the gods of nature.
However, Izanami died while giving birth to the fire god (*Hinokagutsuchi no Kami*), suffering fatal burns.
Grieving the loss of his beloved wife, Izanagi resolved to follow her to the land of the dead, *Yomi no Kuni*.
*Yomotsuhirasaka* in Higashiizumo Town, Matsue City, is said to mark the boundary between the world of the living and *Yomi no Kuni*.
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2. Reunion in Yomi no Kuni
Upon entering *Yomi no Kuni*, Izanagi reunited with Izanami in the darkness.
Izanami told him, "I cannot return because I have eaten the food of *Yomi no Kuni*."
However, moved by Izanagi’s desperate pleas, she agreed to consult with the gods of *Yomi*, asking him to wait and promising not to look at her in the meantime.
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3. Izanagi Breaks His Promise
Impatient, Izanagi broke a tooth from the comb in his hair, lit it as a torch, and looked at Izanami.
To his horror, her body had decayed and transformed into a monstrous state.
Terrified, Izanagi fled.
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4. Izanami Gives Chase
Enraged, Izanami sent the hideous *shikome* (foul women) and the forces of *Yomi* to chase Izanagi.
During his escape, Izanagi blocked the entrance with the *Chibiki no Iwa* (a large boulder), separating *Yomi no Kuni* from the world of the living.
This act permanently severed their connection.
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5. Izanami’s Curse and Izanagi’s Purification
From behind the boulder, Izanami cursed Izanagi, saying, "I will kill 1,000 people every day."
Izanagi responded, "Then I will give life to 1,500 people each day."
This exchange symbolizes the cycle of life and death (births and deaths).
After returning from *Yomi no Kuni*, Izanagi performed a purification ritual (*misogi*) to cleanse himself of the defilement from the underworld.
During this ritual, three significant deities were born:
- *Amaterasu* (the sun goddess),
- *Tsukuyomi* (the moon god), and
- *Susanoo* (the storm god).
These three deities are considered especially noble and are known as the *Mikashigami* (Three Noble Children).
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6. The Meaning of Yomi no Kuni
In Japanese mythology, *Yomi no Kuni* represents the world of the dead and is a symbol of defilement and sorrow.
This story conveys themes of "life and death," "light and darkness," and "purity and impurity," illustrating opposing concepts.
The story of *Yomi no Kuni* is one of the most dramatic in Japanese mythology, portraying human fears of death and attachment to loved ones.
It also emphasizes purification through *misogi* and the birth of important deities, reflecting Shinto teachings and deeply influencing Japanese culture.