Ancient Japanese myths and history conceal profound stories that we don’t typically encounter in textbooks. Among these, the existence of Nigihayahi-no-Mikoto (饒速日命), a deity of “Tenson Kōrin” (Descent of the Heavenly Grandchild), is particularly noteworthy. There’s a theory that another Heavenly God descended to Earth even before Ninigi-no-Mikoto (瓊瓊杵尊), who is famously known as the grandchild of Amaterasu Omikami. And that god is the protagonist of this discussion: Nigihayahi.
- What is the “Tenson Clan”?
- On the Other Hand, What is the “Izumo Clan”?
- Who is Ninigi-no-Mikoto?
- “Another Tenson” Who Appeared Before Emperor Jimmu
- Tenson Clan vs. Izumo Clan: After the Conflict
- The Sealed Bloodline and the Disappearance of the Mononobe Clan
- …So, Who Exactly Was Nigihayahi-no-Mikoto?
- The True Identity of Nigihayahi-no-Mikoto
- Which is Correct: The Nihon Shoki or the Kojiki?
What is the “Tenson Clan”?
In mythology, “Tenson Kōrin” refers to the story of Amaterasu Omikami’s grandchild, Ninigi-no-Mikoto, descending from Heaven to Earth to rule Japan. This lineage is said to connect to Emperor Jimmu and eventually to the current Imperial Family.
This “Tenson Clan” was a ruling class that came from Takamagahara (the High Plain of Heaven), entrusted with the “mandate of Heaven” (Ama-no-Mikoto). They had the great mission of pacifying the earthly realm by divine command.
Though Amaterasu Omikami and Susanoo-no-Mikoto are Tenson clan deities, in Kiki Shinwa (the collective myths of the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki), Susanoo-no-Mikoto was the first to arrive in Izumo. The Hata clan were also immigrants, but Susanoo-no-Mikoto came to Japan even before them (before the common era). This “Ninigi” is thought to be from the Hebrew “Na-Nagi,” meaning “Beautiful Prince.”
“Takamagahara” is Takama-no-Hara in Japanese. It refers to Haran in the state of Tagama, the place where Jacob resided. “Ashihara-no-Nakatsukuni” (Reed Plain of Middle Land) has “Ashi” (reed) and “Hara” (plain) which are Hebrew words: Kanu-Nah, Canaan. “Takachiho” (高千穂) becomes Taka-Tzion, Mount Zion. Mount Zion is what is now Jerusalem.
In other words, the “Tenson Kōrin” myth is the story of the Beautiful Prince coming from Haran, where Jacob was, to the land of Canaan. (Note: This is just one theory.)
On the Other Hand, What is the “Izumo Clan”?
The Izumo clan is a power centered around Ōkuninushi-no-Kami (大国主命). They are gods who govern the fertility of the land and are said to be the indigenous deities who had long been rooted in the Japanese archipelago.
In myth, before the Tenson clan’s descent to Earth, Amaterasu Omikami commanded Ōkuninushi to “transfer the land” (Kuniyuzuri). This is not merely a myth but is also said to symbolize an actual change in political power—a shift in the power structure. In myth, Ōkuninushi is said to have “ceded the land” to Ninigi. However, in reality, the land was not ceded but was taken by Ninigi.
The Truth and Story of Ancient Mythology: Susanoo-no-Mikoto, a Foreign God — The History of Conflict Between Izumo and the Tenson Clan (This link from the original text directs to a blog post about Susanoo-no-Mikoto.)
Ōkuninushi’s army and Ninigi’s army fought, but Ōkuninushi’s army was easily defeated by Ninigi’s overwhelming forces. Ōkuninushi’s son is Kamo Taketsunumi (賀茂建角身), whose real name is Ajisukitakahikone (味耜高彦根). He is the enshrined deity of Kamo Shrine in Kyoto, and in fact, this Ajisukitakahikone is Yatagarasu (八咫烏). Ninigi-no-Mikoto, who ruled Ashihara-no-Nakatsukuni, even changed the existing gods.
What is Yatagarasu Onmyodo? (This link from the original text directs to a blog post about Yatagarasu.) ~Japan’s Shadow Power from Ancient Times~ Many people might associate “Yatagarasu” with the symbol of the Japan national football team. However, the true “Yatagarasu” is a mystical entity that has governed Japan’s hidden history from ancient times to the present day. What is the true identity of Yatagarasu?
Who is Ninigi-no-Mikoto?
Ninigi is a deity who descended from Takamagahara to Earth (present-day Miyazaki’s Takachiho) by Amaterasu Omikami’s command, and is considered the main character of “Tenson Kōrin.” He carried the Three Sacred Treasures (mirror, sword, jewel) and established the foundation for earthly rule as a legitimate king who received the “mandate of Heaven.”
Mythological Lineage
- Grandmother (not really, lol): Amaterasu Omikami
- Mother: Takuhata Chichihime-no-Mikoto
- Wife: Konohanasakuyahime
- Great-grandchild: Kamu-Yamato-Iwarehiko-no-Mikoto (First Emperor Jimmu)
Earthly Achievements
- Marriage with local influential clans (fusion of Tenson and Chigi – earthly deities).
- Spread of agricultural and ritual culture.
- Became the starting point of the Imperial Family’s lineage.
Ninigi is, so to speak, the “father of Japan’s founding myth.”
Konohanasakuyahime was Ninigi’s wife (he fell in love at first sight and proposed marriage). It is said that Konohanasakuyahime became pregnant on their wedding night, but Ninigi-no-Mikoto doubted if the child was his. To prove her purity, Konohanasakuyahime made a vow (ukei) that if the child was Ninigi-no-Mikoto’s, she could give birth safely in a burning birthing hut. She then set fire to the hut and safely gave birth to three children in the flames. This story exists. Whether it’s factual or not is uncertain, but it seems there were certainly issues with his character from the start.
“Another Tenson” Who Appeared Before Emperor Jimmu
Emperor Jimmu (Iwarebiko), considered the first emperor, is said to have been a descendant of Ninigi, who launched an eastern expedition from Kyushu and established a capital in Yamato (present-day Nara Prefecture).
However, before him, there was already a deity who had descended from heaven and ruled the Kinki region. That was Nigihayahi. This means that Tenson Kōrin happened not just once, but at least twice.
The Mystery and True Role of Nigihayahi-no-Mikoto
Now, enters the enigmatic deity, Nigihayahi-no-Mikoto (饒速日命). He is stated in the Kojiki and Sendai Kuji Hongi to be a Tenson who descended to Earth before Amaterasu Omikami.
Why was Nigihayahi erased?
Nigihayahi is said to have been dispatched from heaven, descended to Kawachi (present-day Osaka/Nara area), and became the ancestor of the local influential clan, the Mononobe. However, curiously, his achievements are rarely spoken of, and he seems to have been relegated behind “Ninigi-no-Mikoto.”
One theory suggests that Nigihayahi was the original legitimate Tenson. That is, Nigihayahi, not Ninigi, was the true successor to Amaterasu Omikami’s will. Nigihayahi is said to have descended to Earth on the Heavenly Rock Boat (Ama-no-Iwafune) by the command of Amaterasu Omikami or Takamimusubi-no-Kami, and established power in the Kawachi region. He married the sister of Nagasunehiko (長髄彦), a local powerful figure, and was welcomed into their clan. At this point, some view this as already achieving an alliance between the Tenson clan and the Chigi (earthly deities).
Tenson Clan vs. Izumo Clan: After the Conflict
In mythology, the Tenson clan, commanded by Amaterasu Omikami, demanded the “transfer of the land” from the Izumo clan, and Ōkuninushi-no-Mikoto complied. However, some scholars believe that actual military clashes and negotiations occurred behind this narrative. Furthermore, it is suggested that Nigihayahi, as a member of the Tenson clan, was already on Earth and had relations with earthly forces (Izumo lineage).
In reality, this was likely not a mere transfer but a complex transfer of power involving battles and strategic marriages. Ninigi and Nigihayahi were involved in this earthly rule in different ways. From this, it can be said that Nigihayahi was a “connector between Heaven and Earth,” or a bridge between the Tenson clan and the Izumo clan.
The Sealed Bloodline and the Disappearance of the Mononobe Clan
The descendants of Nigihayahi are said to be the Mononobe clan (物部氏), who were once powerful clans within the Yamato court. They played a central role in the Yamato administration, particularly excelling in military affairs, rituals, and sorcery. They were an important lineage serving the emperor, responsible for military and divine matters. However, during the Asuka period, they were defeated in a conflict with the Soga clan and disappeared from the public stage.
Prince Shotoku, the Ura-Tenno (Hidden Emperor), the Bloodline of Jesus, and the Future of the Coming “Yamato Republic” (This link from the original text directs to a blog post about Prince Shotoku.) “Japan’s Roots” We Don’t Know: History is said to be written by the victors. But hasn’t the truly important truth sometimes been “hidden”? This time, from Prince Shotoku, the relationship between Japan and Judaism, extraterrestrial spiritual beings, and…
There is a theory that this, too, was part of a sealing process to erase the bloodline of the legitimate Tenson. This is because the spread of Nigihayahi’s bloodline could shake the authority of the emperor who legitimizes Ninigi.
…So, Who Exactly Was Nigihayahi-no-Mikoto?
There is a theory that Amaterasu Omikami in ancient times was worshipped as a male deity. In fact, he was a male deity. Descriptions of gender become clear in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki much later, and in earlier traditions, it was globally common for the sun god to be male.
Reasons for Gender Change (Various Theories)
- For the legitimization of the Yamato sovereignty: By making the imperial lineage leading from Ninigi to Jimmu the “grandchild” of a female deity, Amaterasu Omikami, the bloodline’s authority was strengthened.
- To hide Nigihayahi’s legitimacy: If Amaterasu = Nigihayahi, then Nigihayahi was the legitimate ruling deity. Therefore, Amaterasu Omikami was changed to a female deity to concentrate legitimacy on the Ninigi lineage.
Thus, a view emerges that Nigihayahi = Amaterasu Omikami was sealed, and Ninigi was made the “visible sun.” The sun god is “yang” and inherently more fitting for a male. The sun god in Greek mythology is also male. It’s famous that the Amaterasu Omikami doll adorned on the Gion Festival floats has a bushy beard, and Amaterasu Omikami in the Koyasan Mandala was also an old man.
Amaterasu Omikami was changed into a goddess, and deities like his wife Seoritsuhime (瀬織津姫), Kushinadahime (櫛名田比売), Tsukuyomi (月読/つきよみ), and Konohanasakuyahime (木花咲耶姫) were erased from history. Amaterasu Omikami’s full divine name is Amaterukunituruhikoame-no-hoakari-kushitama-Nigihayahi (天照国照彦天火明櫛玉饒速日).
The True Identity of Nigihayahi-no-Mikoto
Nigihayahi is considered the most excellent and strongest man. He actually descended from Takamagahara, leading 32 deities, and defeated Nagasunehiko (長髄彦), who was the strongest in Kinki. Nagasunehiko, known as the General of Hinomoto, surrendered to Nigihayahi. Nigihayahi possessed an overwhelmingly powerful battleship called the Heavenly Bird Ship (Ama-no-Torifune). Ama-no-Torifune means a ship that flies as fast as a bird.
When Emperor Jimmu tried to enter Yamato, Nagasunehiko questioned Jimmu’s legitimacy, stating, “We already serve the Tenson, Lord Nigihayahi.” However, when Jimmu showed the bow and arrow (Ten Sacred Treasures, tokusa no kandakara) given to him by Amaterasu Omikami, Nigihayahi recognized it as proof of the Tenson clan and ordered Nagasunehiko to cease resistance.
The descendants of this Nigihayahi are the Mononobe clan (物部氏/もののべし) mentioned earlier.
Many people may not know the names Nigihayahi and Seoritsuhime, but they are often remembered by their aliases: Orihime and Hikoboshi. By the way, the Ghibli movie Spirited Away features a boy named Haku. Like Chihiro, Haku had his name stolen and couldn’t remember it. At the end of the movie, Haku finally remembers his true name and says, “My true name is Nigihayami Kohakunushi!” And when Haku remembers his true name, he returns to his original form as a Dragon God (Ryūjin, dragon body). This refers to “Amateru… Nigihayahi.” Nigihayahi was, in fact, a “dragon body.” The true identities of the Tenson clan “Amateru… Nigihayahi” and “Susanoo-no-Mikoto” are Dragon Gods. This Ghibli movie conveys a part of the mythological truth. (As expected from Hayao Miyazaki!)
The descendant of his sibling Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto is Urashima Taro, and the “ura” in Urashima Taro is “ura →裏 (back/hidden)” and “ura →占 (divination).” Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto is the god of divination, the god of the hidden world/otherworld.
Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto and the Memory of the Universe (This link from the original text directs to a blog post about Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto and Urashima Taro.)
Urashima Taro and Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto are enshrined together at Urashima Shrine in Ine Town, Kyoto Prefecture. Ninigi imprisoned Amaterasu Omikami in a cave. Then, he introduced a new goddess, Amaterasu Omikami, as the god of Ashihara-no-Nakatsukuni. The content of this story was completely changed and became the “Ama-no-Iwato Legend.” Also, Emperor Jimmu existed, but Ninigi took his name and called himself “Emperor Jimmu,” who would become the first emperor. This Emperor Jimmu would be considered the first emperor, and the Imperial Family would continue to this day. It was not a peaceful transfer of land in Izumo, but after fierce battles, Nagasunehiko’s army was defeated by Ninigi’s army, and the land was seized. Finally, Nigihayahi intervened to end the war, and the land was ceded to Ninigi. Jimmu, who descended as a Tenson, is Ninigi’s great-grandchild.
…Therefore, Amaterasu and Nigihayahi are almost the same person, and they are Dragon People with roots in the Sirius star system. Nigihayahi is either an ancestor of Jesus Christ or a blood relative.
Which is Correct: The Nihon Shoki or the Kojiki?
It’s not that one is definitively correct. As you delve deeper into history, points connect, and the truth becomes visible. The Kojiki is written in code, while the Nihon Shoki was compiled for foreign audiences, specifically China, and does not contain the full truth to prevent the real Japan from being known. Moreover, both the Kiki (Kojiki and Nihon Shoki) were compiled by Fujiwara no Fuhito, and anything inconvenient for the Emperor or the Fujiwara family was not recorded. That’s why only a very small amount is written about Nigihayahi-no-Mikoto.
The truth lies within books considered “false documents.” The Kojiki is a book compiled during the Nara period, and its content was altered by Fujiwara no Fuhito, using Hieda no Are, to be convenient for the Emperor and the Fujiwara family. Therefore, important parts are missing, and the true parts are written using code. The true Kojiki is transmitted orally within the Takeuchi family. To decipher the code, one must refer to those oral traditions.
Even Japan’s symbolic “Mount Fuji” is not mentioned at all. Why is that? Because there was a “dynasty centered on Fuji.” Knowing this was also inconvenient for the Emperor and the Fujiwara family. It is also not recorded that there was a dynasty by Nigihayahi before Ninigi’s Tenson Kōrin. That information is found in ancient histories and traditions like the Sendai Kuji Hongi and Hotsuma Tsutae.
| Deity Name | Genealogy/Relationship | Role/Significance | Related Location |
| Amaterasu Omikami | From Takamagahara | Sun Goddess, Imperial Ancestor | Ise Grand Shrine |
| Ninigi-no-Mikoto | Grandchild of Amaterasu | Main character of Tenson Kōrin | Takachiho, Kirishima Shrine |
| Nigihayahi-no-Mikoto | Child of Takamimusubi-no-Kami (alternative theory) | Preceding Tenson, Ancestor of Mononobe clan | Kawachi, Isonokami Shrine |
| Ōkuninushi-no-Mikoto | Izumo clan | God of earthly rule | Izumo Taisha |
| Kamu-Yamato-Iwarehiko | Great-grandchild of Ninigi | First Emperor Jimmu | Yamato region |
Thank you for reading this far.
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