Member-only story
The Three Sacred Treasures Of Japan
Sacred relics that may or may not exist
Japan is home to the oldest unbroken monarchy in the world. The Japanese imperial throne, history, and traditions are steeped in centuries of mythology and tradition. The monarchy was so important to Japan that they fought to the bitter end during World War II to ensure that the emperor escaped prosecution and remained enthroned for the Japanese people.
One part of the Japanese monarchy that is still shrouded in mystery is the three sacred treasures. For hundreds of years, these mystical objects have been a part of the Japanese imperial tradition. They are stored in secret locations at major shrines across the country. During a new ascension ceremony, when a new emperor is crowned, the relics are brought together in secrecy to be present. The relics are never visible to the public, which has caused some to believe that they do not exist at all.
These are the three sacred relics of Japan. They are secret, ancient, mystical, and powerful.
The Legendary Sword Kusanagi no Tsurugi
The sword Kusanagi no Tsurugi represents the virtue of valor. The sword is ancient and a part of numerous Japanese myths. According to legend, the sword was cut out of the tail of an eight-headed beast that was terrorizing the countryside. The sword was owned by the goddess Amaterasu and was given to the legendary warrior Yamato Takeru.
Kusanagi no Tsurugi means “grass-cutting sword,” but the sword’s original name used to be Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi or Heavenly Sword of Gathering Clouds. The newer name came from a myth surrounding Yamato Takeru.
In the legend, a warlord attempted to trap and kill Takeru in a field of grass by burning the field with flaming arrows. Takeru used the sword to cut the grass. The blade was so sharp that it cut the grass like a scythe. Takeru also learned that the blade could control the wind when he swung it to cut the grass.
Today, the sword is a part of the official imperial regalia of Japan.
