Kunitsukami (国つ神,[1] 国津神[2]) are the kami of the land[3] and live in tsuchi (earth).[4]
They were contrasted from the Amatsukami,[1] although modern Shinto no longer makes the distinction between Amatsukami and Kunitsukami.[5] According to Yijiang Zhong the distinction was made by the writers of the Nihon Shoki and the Kojiki to formulate a political discourse.[6]
Kunitsukami were often presented as tutelary deities. They were also associated with geographical areas along with their inhabitants. Non-royal families also viewed them as their ancestors.[7] They also were considered personifications of the land.[8]
According to Ernest Mason Satow and Karl Florenz , kunitsukami might have been deified chiefs who migrated to Japan.[9]
The Three Pioneer Kami (開拓三神, Kaitaku Sanjin) Ōkunitama, Ōkuninushi, and Sukunahikona used in Japanese colonial shrines.[10]: 61 [11]: 53–54 They are all Kunitsukami or earthly kami representing the land.[11]: 53–54
Ogasawara ShozoJapanese Imperialism where Japanese people in the colonies were seen as Amatsukami and natives were seen as Kunitsukami,[12] however he was later censored as his position was considered too supportive of the rights of colonized peoples.[12]
proposed a system justifyingMany myths in the Nihon Shoki and the Kojiki are about the conflict between the Kunitsukami and the Amatsukami.[8]
This list is incomplete; you can help by adding missing items. (November 2021) |