Ame no Sakahoko: Japan’s Mythical Spear That Created a Nation—and Still Stands Today

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High atop the volcanic peak of Mount Takachiho, piercing the sky on the border of Miyazaki and Kagoshima prefectures, stands a mysterious and ancient weapon: the Ame no Sakahoko, the “Heavenly Inverted Spear.” For centuries, this enigmatic artifact has blurred the line between myth and reality. It is a divine tool said to have birthed the Japanese archipelago, a sacred relic sealed by the gods, and a real-world destination that has captivated everyone from ancient pilgrims to a legendary samurai on his honeymoon.

This is the story of a weapon that forged a nation and became one of Japan’s “Three Great Mysteries.”

The Spear of Creation: A Genesis Myth

The tale of the Ame no Sakahoko begins at the dawn of time, in the pages of Japan’s oldest chronicles, the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki. According to the myth, the world was a formless, chaotic sea until the celestial gods, Izanagi and Izanami, were given a divine jeweled spear. Standing on the Bridge of Heaven, they dipped the spear into the ocean below and stirred. As they lifted it, the salty drops that fell from its tip coagulated to form the first landmass: Onogoro Island, the birthplace of Japan.

This spear of creation was known as the Ame no Nuboko (“Heavenly Jeweled Spear”). But in later legends, it took on a new name and a new purpose. After the nation was formed, the sun goddess Amaterasu sent her grandson, Ninigi-no-Mikoto, to rule the earth. He descended from the heavens carrying the spear and, to symbolize the end of creation and the dawn of a peaceful reign, he plunged it upside-down into the summit of Mount Takachiho. By inverting it—sakahoko—he sealed its world-altering power, ensuring it would never be used again.

Over time, influenced by Buddhism, the spear also became associated with the vajra, a divine weapon that dispels evil, transforming it from a tool of creation into a guardian of peace.

The Real Spear on the Volcano: Fact and History

Unlike many mythological artifacts, the Ame no Sakahoko is something you can actually see. A real, physical spear stands on the 1,574-meter (5,164 ft) peak of Mount Takachiho, one of Japan’s most sacred mountains.

Historical records, such as the travelogue Shokoku Ichinomiya Junkeiki, confirm the spear’s existence on the mountain since at least 1675. Who placed it there remains a mystery. One theory suggests it was an offering made by yamabushi—ascetic mountain monks who trained in the region. Another, more compelling theory, points to the powerful Shimazu clan, who ruled the domain. It is believed that the great warlord Shimazu Yoshihisa may have commissioned the spear in the 16th century as a monumental display of his clan’s power and divine favor.

Over the centuries, the original spear has weathered volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. The blade eventually broke, and what stands today is a replica, though parts of the original shaft may still be buried beneath. The fabled blade itself was said to have been presented to the Shimazu clan, but after passing through many hands, its current whereabouts are unknown—a lost piece of a national legend.

A Samurai’s Honeymoon Adventure: The Ryōma Sakamoto Connection

The spear’s most famous historical anecdote involves one of Japan’s greatest heroes: Sakamoto Ryōma. In 1866, the revolutionary samurai and his wife, Oryō, traveled to Mount Takachiho for what is now considered Japan’s first honeymoon. Upon reaching the summit, the ever-audacious Ryōma did the unthinkable.

In a lively letter to his sister, complete with his own drawings, Ryōma wrote that he and Oryō grabbed the legendary spear and pulled it from the ground. “We plucked it out with a great heave-ho!” he boasted, describing how they laughed like mischievous spirits (tengu). True to his character, he also mentioned that they put it back exactly as they found it. This charming tale of a samurai’s adventurous spirit immortalized both Ryōma and the spear, connecting a modern hero to an ancient myth.

From Ancient Myth to Modern Pop Culture

Today, the Ame no Sakahoko continues to inspire awe and curiosity, its legend evolving in the modern era.

・A Cursed Artifact? Urban legends whisper that pulling the spear from the mountain will bring disaster, pointing to the volcanic eruption that broke the original blade sometime after Ryōma’s visit.

・The Jujutsu Kaisen Connection: The spear has gained international fame through the blockbuster anime and manga Jujutsu Kaisen. The “Inverted Spear of Heaven” appears as a powerful cursed tool capable of nullifying any Cursed Technique, directly inspired by the Ame no Sakahoko. This has turned the mountain into a pilgrimage site for fans from around the world.

・A Digital Phenomenon: On platforms like TikTok and YouTube, the spear is often featured as one of Japan’s greatest unsolved mysteries, fueling speculation about its origins and supernatural powers.

The Ame no Sakahoko is more than just a spear. It is a symbol of creation, a monument to peace, and a tangible link between Japan’s mythical age of gods and its recorded history of heroes. For those willing to make the hike to the top of Mount Takachiho, it offers a rare chance to stand in the presence of a legend and touch a piece of the story that created a nation.

References: Amanosakahoko – Wikipedia, Sakamoto Ryoma’s Letter – Aozora Bunko, Amanosakahoko – Takaharu Town Tourism Association (PDF)

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