Kami Takada

In the bustling heart of Tokyo, Kami Takada awaits. Kami Takada is more than just a place. It’s a whisper of ancient legends, woven into the modern tapestry of Tokyo. Kami Takada’s Wikipedia entry mentions the god Takeminakata, also known as Suwa Myōjin. He was worshipped at Suwa Grand Shrine in Nagano. He is a god of wind, water, hunting, and warfare. Interestingly, the name Takeminakata is debated by scholars. Some believe it refers to his strength, others to a place name, and yet others to his association with metalworking or water. Even the name Suwa Myōjin has alternative explanations, sometimes combined with epithets like Nangū and Hossho, hinting at the god’s various aspects and the shrine’s location. Takeminakata plays a significant role in the story of Ōkuninushi’s transfer of the land to the Amatsukami. He challenged Takemikazuchi to a test of strength, but was ultimately defeated and fled to Lake Suwa. This tale, however, is presented differently in the Suwa Daimyōjin Ekotoba. This version omits Takeminakata’s defeat, possibly to enhance his image as a powerful warrior god. Local Suwa myths offer further perspectives. One tells of a tug-of-war between Suwa Myōjin and the local god Moriya. Suwa Myōjin, using a wisteria hook, wins. This establishes him as the dominant deity of the area. Another myth connects Suwa Myōjin to a king from India who achieved enlightenment. This king is said to have traveled to Japan and chosen Suwa as his dwelling place. This tale, combined with the story of the god choosing an eight-year-old boy as his first priest, adds layers of intrigue to Suwa Myōjin’s character. The association of Suwa Myōjin with snakes and dragons is also fascinating. This might stem from his role as a deity of wind and water. The ice cracks that form on Lake Suwa during winter are seen as his path. He traverses the frozen lake to meet his wife, Yasakatome, the goddess of the Lower Shrine. Kami Takada, while geographically separate from Suwa, echoes these fascinating stories. It serves as a reminder of the rich tapestry of Japanese mythology and its enduring presence in modern Japan.