The Iwato-yama float of the Saki Matsuri is a profound architectural representation of the foundational legends of Japan. This particular yama float is unique because it is constructed in the hikiyama style, resembling the massive decorative wagons of the Gion Festival, yet it is dedicated to the core deities of Japanese creation mythology.
The name Iwato refers to the heavenly rock cave incident, one of the most significant episodes in Shinto lore. According to ancient texts, Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess, once hid herself within a cave, plunging the world into total darkness. The float depicts the moment of her emergence, which restored light and life to the universe. As the supreme deity of the Shinto pantheon, Amaterasu Omikami the sun goddess remains a symbol of purity, light, and the imperial lineage.
In addition to the sun goddess Amaterasu, the float honors Izanagi no Mikoto, the primordial father figure in Japanese mythology. According to the creation myths, Izanagi and his consort Izanami formed the islands of Japan and gave birth to various deities. The presence of Izanagi no Mikoto on the float underscores the deep historical and spiritual roots of the festival.
Visitors to the Iwato-yama can admire the intricate craftsmanship and the sacred statues housed within. By celebrating the Japanese sun god and the origins of the land, this float serves as a bridge between the modern city of Kyoto and the timeless world of Japanese creation mythology. It is a reminder of the enduring cultural legacy of the sun goddess and the divine origins of the Japanese people.
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