kuninushi

Kuninushi, also known as Okuninushi no Mikoto, is a major kami in Shinto religion, revered as a ruler of the earthly realm and as a god of nation-building, agriculture, medicine, prosperity, and social harmony. He is especially associated with the Izumo region, where he is often identified with the guardian deity of the land and with the famous Izumo Taisha (Izumo Grand Shrine), one of Japan’s oldest and most important shrines.

In the mythic literature of Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, Okuninushi appears as a prominent figure in the Izumo cycle. He is portrayed as a benevolent and cunning ruler who governs the land and fosters its growth. He is aided by Sukunabikona no Mikoto in establishing order and cultivating the country. A central theme in these narratives is the transfer of the land from the earthly realm to the heavenly deities, a process known as kuniyuzuri, in which Ninigi no Mikoto ultimately receives rulership of the land.

Despite yielding the land to the heavenly line, Okuninushi remains a central object of worship. He is regarded as a protector of the people, a source of healing and medicine, and a deity who blesses relationships and marriages, making him a prominent figure in matchmaking rituals and prayers for social harmony.

Iconography and worship practices vary by region, but Okuninushi is commonly honored as the god of agriculture, healing, prosperity, and human connections. In modern practice, he continues to be venerated for blessings related to marriage, travel, business, and community welfare.