Ukanomitama/Lore

Official Profile[edit]

A deity that appears in Japan’s Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, born from the deification of the spirit of rice. Recorded under different kanji spellings but always read as “Ukanomitama,” this deity is described in the Kojiki as the child of Susanoo and Kamu-Oichihime, and in the Nihon Shoki as the child of Izanagi and Izanami. Originally a deity who presided over the five grains and food in general, Ukanomitama is now also believed to bring blessings of business prosperity and household safety. Many of the deities enshrined at Inari shrines throughout Japan are said to be this very Ukanomitama.