Painting of people praying at the rock for protection from earthquakes.

Kaname-ishi (要石, kaname-ishi, perhaps "foundation stone" but maybe more aptly "cap stone")[1][2] is a mythological rock that was believed to hold down the Japanese archipelago. It was believed that when it was jostled or disturbed, it caused earthquakes. It is located in Kashima, Ibaraki.[1]

Many earthquakes were believed to have been caused by the catfish Namazu which dwelt near it. The catfish was later restrained by Takemikazuchi, protecting against earthquakes.[1][2] When the Takemikazuchi lets his guard fall, Namazu thrashes about and agitates the stone, causing violent earthquakes[3]

In the namazu-e or catfish prints of the Edo period, Takemikazuchi/Kashima is depicted attempting to subdue the catfish, protect the stone, and prevent earthquakes.[4][5] The paintings are believed to give protection against earthquakes themselves, and had a massive increase in popularity.[6]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Smits (2009), pp. 10–11.
  2. 1 2 Ouwehand (1964), pp. 67–72.
  3. ↑ "Untitled (Monster Catfish, Kashima Deity, and the Kaname-ishi Stone)". collections.rom.on.ca. Retrieved 2023-10-18.
  4. ↑ Ashkenazi, Michael (2003). Handbook of Japanese Mythology. ABC-CLIO. p. 266. ISBN 9781576074671.
  5. ↑ Ouwehand, Cornelis; Logunova, Vera Vasil'evna (1964). Namazu-e and Their Themes: An Interpretative Approach to Some Aspects of Japanese Folk Religion. Brill Archive. pp. 57–., gives sword as "Itsu-no-o habari"
  6. ↑ "［Catfish and the Keystone (Namazu to Kanameishi)］". www.library.metro.tokyo.lg.jp. Retrieved 2023-10-18.

Works cited



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