Name
- Ōkuninushi no Kami (大国主神)
Identity
Ōkuninushi no Kami is a major deity associated with the land, the building of the country, and the prosperity of communities. Strongly rooted in the traditions of Izumo, he is often described as a great “lord” of the terrestrial world, connected with foundation, territorial organization, and the well-being of people. He is also widely known as a kami of human relationships, which explains his great popularity in prayers related to love and personal bonds.
Mythological role
Ōkuninushi plays a central role in the myths of kunitsukuri (“the making of the land”). He embodies the ability to transform space into a livable world: to organize, protect, and bring prosperity. He is also associated with healing and protection, and in modern popular practice with en-musubi—the binding of destinies— a concept that goes far beyond romance to include relationships, encounters, and opportunities.
Famous myth
One of the most famous episodes involving him is the story of the White Hare of Inaba (Inaba no Shirousagi). Ōkuninushi, at that time mistreated by his brothers, encounters a hare that has been injured and deceived. While others give cruel or harmful advice, Ōkuninushi shows compassion and tells the hare how to heal properly. In return, the hare prophesies that Ōkuninushi will achieve what he seeks, while his brothers will fail.
This myth highlights his kindness and healing nature, and conveys the idea that prosperity also arises from righteous and compassionate behavior toward others.
Worship
Ōkuninushi is especially venerated in the Izumo region, most notably at the grand shrine Izumo Taisha. He is commonly prayed to for:
prosperity and stability (home, community, projects);
healing and protection;
relationships and encounters (en-musubi);
success in long-term endeavors (building, organization, continuity).
Some traditions also speak of a great gathering of kami at Izumo during specific periods, reinforcing its image as a place deeply connected with destiny and human bonds.
Symbolism
Ōkuninushi symbolizes land made livable: prosperity, organization, and protection. He is a deity of “construction” in the broadest sense— building a country, building a life, and building relationships. The story of the White Hare emphasizes his compassion and healing nature, which explains why he is often perceived as a kami close to humans, one to whom people readily entrust very concrete wishes related to love, health, stability, and the future.