Ametsuchi no Motohashira

八紘之基柱 (Ametsuchi no motohashira), located in the Heiwadai Park (平和台公園), Miyazaki, is a monument to celebrate the enthronement of Emperor Jimmu (神武天皇).  Around 37-meter tall tower was founded in 1940 to proclaim the imperial edict "Hakkoh-ichiu (八紘一宇), inscribed in the facade of the tower in the 2600th anniversary (inscribed in the back of the tower, as well) of the triumph of Jimmu's Eastern Expedition (神武東征). 

The inscribed letters were calligraphed by Yasuhiro, Prince Chichibu,(秩父宮雍仁親王) a younger brother of then-Emperor Hirohito (昭和天皇).

2600 Anniversary in 1940

From the plaque in front of the tower, the tower is also called "Hakkoh-ichiu-no-toh (八紘一宇の塔)". The meaning of 八紘一宇 is translated into "the whole world to be a house" or "all the world under one roof (from English Wiki)", implying the whole nations and people are unified. The word was coined by former Buddhist Nichiren school monk and scholar, Chigaku Tanaka (田中 智學; 1861-1939) in 1903, according to the dictionary, ブリタニカ国際大百科事典-八紘一宇. 

From left to right; Prince Chichibu, Hirohito, Chigaku Tanaka, Fumimaro Konoe. All images from Wiki.

At age 10, he enrolled in Nichiren school as an apprentice to become a monk.  later on, he secularized and became a social and political activist for enlightening so-called "Nichirenism". Since I know very little about Buddhism, all I want to say here is former Buddhist monk coined the word from the article in Shinto Chronicles of Japan, Nihon shoki, complied in A.D. 720 in Nara period. Soon after Emperor Jimmu  subjected indigenous powers dominating Yamato province to Amatsukami's rules, he made a winning statement in the Kashihara. That said.

兼六合以開都，掩八紘而為宇

六合 is an ancient Chinese idiom, meaning a mass/sum (合) of six (六) directions (up and down in the vertical and north, south, east, and west in the horizontal). Collectively, it indicates the universe. Emperor Jimmu and his three older brothers made up their minds to go "East" (Eastern Expedition) from Miyazaki because Miyazaki is too outlying to reign the universe (entire ancient Japan) and Kashihara is the ideal place to be a capital due to geopolitical and agricultural points of view. When he was enthroned as the first Emperor in Kashihara, he proclaimed that Kashihara is the capital of the universe. That is the interpretation of the former part of the sentence, 兼六合以開都.

Inscription of 八紘一宇

In the Chronicle, 八紘而為宇 is the original. 八紘 means "towards the ends of eight (八) corners", indicating the entire world. Note that, as described above, the tower is called "ametsuchi no motohashira". 八紘 (hakkoh) is also pronounced Ametsuchi; Ame and tsuchi mean heaven and ground, respectively, again the combination of two signifies the universe. 為宇 means "regarded (為) as a house (宇)". Altogether, the latter part of the sentence denotes the whole world is regarded as a house. BTW, "而" means "therefore", I guess. Since Tanaka found 八紘為宇 too complicated to make out, he decided to coin the word, 八紘一宇, by changing "為" to "一". In 1903, he submitted an article to the newspaper (国柱新聞) issued by the political organization、Kokuchuhkai (国柱会) founded by Tanaka. In this article, he advocated the significance of the establishment of Japan (= Yamato dynasty) achieved by Emperor Jimmu as the ethical ruling of the universe but not by armed forces. All the existing races, nations, religions, cultures, and customs are to fulfill their own unique nature for harmony as a whole, Tanaka insisted. 

From left to right; Ten cent bill, 10 cent and 4 cent stamps

Unfortunately, owing to Imperial Japan's conflicting circumstances with the world, 八紘一宇 was highjacked as a slogan to agitate for scurrying impetus to the foundation of the Greater East Asia Prosperity Sphere (大東亜共栄圏). It was 1937 when the 八紘一宇 was officially documented for the first time. On the 10th of December 1937, the first Konoe Administration issued the booklet entitled "The spirit of 八紘一宇". Since then the 八紘一宇 as a slogan became so rife that it appeared in 10-cent bills and commemorative stamps. Besides, 八紘一宇 appeared in the lyrics of the Patriotic March. 

往け八紘を宇となし

Onward, east, west, north, and south. Overland and main. Let us make the world our home

四海の人を導きて

Call to fellow men. Everywhere on the four seas

正しき平和を打ち建てん

Let us build the tower of just peace

理想は花と咲き薫る

Let our ideal bloom forth like a flower

Lyrics from Wiki

It is such an irony that Tanaka as a former Buddhist monk has always been against war and insisted on banning the death penalty! Nevertheless, his prudent elucidation of Emperor Jimmu's assertion was exploited by the military and administration of Japan Empire (1867-1947), which culminated in a mournful catastrophe in the sizzling summer of 1945...

To be continued...

Tengu Carving in Kushida Shrine

 Tengu carving in Kushida shrine (櫛田神社) in Hakata, Fukuoka city, my favorite town!

Haniwa Park in Miyazaki

 The story about Heiwadai Park in Miyazaki goes on.

I came across Chestnut tigers when rambling Haniwa Park within Heiwadai Park where around 400 replicas of ancient Japanese terracotta Earthenware figures called "Haniwa (埴輪)" were displayed.  Hani/埴 and wa/輪 mean clay and circle, respectively. 

The history of Haniwa, which belong to Haji pottery (土師器), is considered to originate from the base-shaped potteries (特殊器台・特殊壺). They were made in the latter Yayoi period (2nd century) and were discovered in Kibi province. As time went by, the shape of Haniwa turned into more complicated forms that mimicked their belongings (i.e. houses, animals, tools), habits, and spiritual beings. Along with Mounded Tombs of Ancient Japan, Haniwa production flourished in the 5th century.

Recently, man-shaped Haniwa were dug up from Mukadezuka of Nyutabaru Burial Mounds (新田原古墳群第58号墳 [百足塚古墳]) and house or boat-shaped Haniwa were at Saitobaru Burial Mounds (西都原古墳群). All of them are valuable in their quality and quantity.

To my surprise, around 400 Haniwa displayed in the park were made by a passionate woman, named Masa Honbu (本部マサ　1907-1991) in 1963. Yes, these Haniwa were made almost 60 years ago!!! Well, to be precise, she did not make 400 Haniwa all by herself. It was her company (see YouTube below). Either way, Ms. Honbu is considered the Godmother of Haniwa production in Japan.

Chestnut Tiger

Parantica sita (indicated with a red arrow and highlighted in a red square in the image below), belongs to an Old World genus of butterflies in the subfamily Danainae of family Nymphalidae. Since those that belong to the Parantica genius are collectively called tiger, Parantica sita has a common name "Chestnut Tiger". It has nothing to do with the big cat species.. Confusing isn't it???

Image from Wahlberg et al., (2009) doi:10.1098/rspb.2009.1303 with modification

Where does "Chestnut" come from then? Well, it is easier to guess than a tiger. It is due to the chestnut-like brownish color in the hindwings. In the forewings, the chestnut color is displaced by black distributing in streaks as well as the periphery of the forewing. In Japanese, it is called "Asagi madara (浅葱斑)". Asagi (浅葱) indicates faint (Asa/浅) indigo, whose color can be found in the translucent parts of their wings. Madara (斑) denotes "variegated", obviously it is due to the breathtaking circular patterns found at the bottom part of the wings. It is intriguing to note that the western common name came from brown pigments in the hindwing whereas the Japanese name is given by the "Asagi" color in the variegated patterns of translucent parts. Quite contrasting point of view!

Q: What is behind the beauty of butterfly wing colors?

A: The color is determined by the interaction between light and matter (See this for more in detail).

Schematic representation of blue color reflection

Probably almost nobody can get this Q and A, just like "Koan" in Buddhist Zen school. Dark colors such as black, brown, red, orange, etc come from different types of pigments, such as melanin, Ommochrome, and Pterin (see this for more info) whereas particular colors such as blue appear as a consequence of a phenomenon called "wave interference" We as human recognize blue color in butterfly's wing because the corresponding parts reflect blue color (relatively shorter wavelengths around 470±25 nm) only but absorb the rest of visible spectra. Recognizing the white color on the object means all visible spectra are reflected and the black denotes all visible spectra are absorbed. The reflection of particular spectra is determined by the nature of nanostructures on the surface of the object. This is called "Structural coloration". It is, indeed, prevalent in nature (i.e. iridescent colors of the peacock's tail feathers) and the industrial domain (i.e. the surface of CD). 

                                     

During evolution, mother nature evolved complex nanobiomolecule structures based on "chitin"- a long-chain polymer of N-acetylglucosamine, an amide derivative of glucose. It is a primary component of cell walls in fungi, whereas in insects, it is a building block constituting the exoskeletons of arthropods. 

For those who are curious about the fascinating colors and patterns prevailing in butterfly wings, please visit the following URLs. 
Why Do Butterflies Have Such Vibrant Colors and Patterns?
How butterflies get color patterns?
The genetics of butterfly colors
Why are butterflies colored? (Interference)

An additional reason why the butterfly is so colorful is the survival strategy. Similar to Homo sapiens, predators such as birds are inclined to avoid unnecessary colorful bugs as they tend to be poisonous. Chestnut tigers lay eggs on plants that belong to the Asclepiadoideae (Milkweeds), many of which accumulate poisonous alkaloid compounds. Chestnut tiger absorbs poisons only during the larval stage, yet, the poisonous molecules remain for the rest of their lives that are enough to cause predators horrible nausea and diarrhea when eaten.

Larval stage (Image from Wiki)

Once in a lifetime long-distance migration

The Chestnut tiger is well-known for being a long-distance migrator that the ever-documented longest distance attained over 2500 km, followed by Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus), the world's longest-distance migrator in the Lepidoptera family (= butterflies and moths).

Chestnut tigers are middle-sized (7-8 cm width) Asian butterflies distributed to Central-to-Eastern countries (Northern Pakistan, Kashmir, northern India, Sikkim, Tibet, China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Malaya, Ussuri, Sakhalin, Indochina). It is not clear why they don't settle in their birthplace, but instead, risk their lives by migrating long distances. You might think they are rich celebrities seeking a more pleasant environment to avoid sizzling summer and migrate up north or high latitude for their summer vacation and come back to their hometown in winter. 

However, this is not the case. Their life span during the adult phase is less than 6 months!! Those who flew to the north in Spring end their lives in their summertime house and their offspring who hatched in the summer spontaneously move south as if they were taught where and how to fly (come back?) by their parents. Yet, the question still remains whether the offsprings always head for the parents' birthplace.

Settling and spending their whole life in their birthplace makes a lot of sense to me, rather than taking a risk of long-distance migration and flying across the sea in some cases. How low (or high) is the success rate of flying over 2500 km??? Is their reckless long journey driven by their instinct? Is this instinct barcoded in their genome??? 

The secret behind the long-distance migration of the Chestnut Tiger is the translucent parts (asagi color) of their wings. Goodwyn et al., in 2009 reported that the translucent parts of their wings achieved to sustain two paradoxical and conflicting traits of (1) translucency and (2) superhydrophobicity. Rainfall during the flight is a fatal incident. They somewhat acquire accurate weather forecasts as well as superb rain jackets as if it is made of Gore-Tex fabrics!

Chestnut Tigers introduced in this entry were photographed in November at Heiwadai Park (平和台公園) in Miyazaki Prefecture. The encounter with these stunning gems was just pure luck! I was not there to shoot them. They were taking a rest and charging energy there when I happened to be there.

Keeping my fingers crossed for a safe journey!

P.S. Actually, this was my second time meeting them. I posted the entry about butterflies earlier...

Kanazawa Station

 Kanazawa station is a gateway to the capital city of around 460 K inhabitants, Kanazawa city, of Ishikawa Prefecture. In 2011, the station was listed as one of the world's most beautiful stations in the US Travel+Leisure magazine. 

Tsuzumimon gate (鼓門), located at the East entrance of the station, was inspired by the Tsuzumi (= drum/鼓) of Noh (能), This eye-catching architecture was founded in 2005 and became a symbol of the station. 

In the same year, the dome-shaped roof made of glass that covers the underground square (called motenashi-dome/もてなしドーム) was inaugurated. 

Have a wonderful weekend.

Suitengu

Suitengu (水天宮) in Tokyo represents characteristics discerned in most of the shrines in Tokyo. Due to its sky-high value in the price of real estate in metropolis Tokyo, the precinct of shrines there is quite compact. I also noticed that they are fairly neat, well-maintained, and the buildings are modern. They also provide more than one goshuin/御朱印 (= a seal stamp) that is pricier than those in rural shrines. 

Needless to say, the shrine is surrounded by tall buildings. 

Suitengu shrine is located adjacent to the Tokyo metro Suitengu-mae station of Hanzohmon line. Obviously, the metro station is named after the shrine. 

Entrance

The history of Suitengu dated from 1818 when Yorinori Arima (有馬頼徳), the 9th Lord in Kurume domain (久留米藩), transferred the deity spirits from the Kurume Suitengu (水天宮), a well-known headquarter of shrines called Suitengu. Suitengu shrines have been worshipped by those wishing for conceiving a child, safe delivery, safe sailing and prosperous fish industries that are related to water in general. 

A wooden statue of the lord Arima?

To celebrate its 200 year anniversary, the current building was built by installing the base isolation system, the state-of-the-art device to protect a building against earthquake. 

Image from Suitengu official site

Suitengu literally means the palace (gu/宮) of "Suiten (水天)". Suiten is a term found in Buddhism, depicting the deity of water (水) who is one of twelve Devas (supernatural beings). Suiten (note it's a Japanese pronunciation) corresponds to Varuna in a Vedic deity. He (Varuna is a male deity) was initially associated with the sky, later on also with the seas as well as Ṛta (justice) and Satya (truth). To make the story more complicated, he is also found in the oldest layer of Vedic literature of Hinduism. He is also mentioned in the Tamil grammar work Tolkāppiyam (ancient poem), as the god of sea and rain. At last, he is also found in Jainism. Hinduism and Jainism are utterly beyond my comprehension, hence I would briefly describe him based on Buddhism in Japan, which is again quite unfamiliar to me...

Image of Suiten from Wiki

In Buddhism, the Pali Canon of the Theravada school, the oldest extant school, recognizes Varuṇa as a king of the devas, who is considered to live in the west (called Aparagodānīyadvīpa) of Mt. Meru (須弥山) as a guardian of the West.

In the vista of the universe of Buddhism, Varuna lives in Aparagodānīyadvīpa, whereas humans reside in the south, Jambudvīpa

Buddhism was introduced into Japan (仏教伝来) in the 6th century and was syncretized with local animism, Shinto. During syncretization (shinbutsu shuhgo/神仏習合), Varuna was assigned to Amenominakanushi (アメノミナカヌシ), the first Shinto deity to appear in Kojiki. Amenominakanushi is a hitorigami (ヒトリガミ), a genderless deity being recognized as "an absolute or the supreme" god. Despite the fact that Amenominakanushi is at the highest rank among myriads of Shinto deities, no attainments of Amenominakanushi were described in Japanese mythologies. In Engishiki Jinmeicho (延喜式神名帳) that lists all the then-existed shrines in the 10th Century (compiled in A.D. 903), there was not a single shrine enshrining Amenominakanushi. Shrines worshipping Amenominakanushi are classified into three types.
(A) Shrines or former temples based on the Myohken worshipping (妙見信仰)- Buddhism
(B) Shrines that are founded by the Imperial rescript issued under the name of Emperor Meiji - such as Tokyo Daijingu (東京大神宮) and Yohashira Jinja (四柱神社). 
(C) Suitengu shrines.

In almost all cases described above, `````Amenominakanushi was either introduced as a new enshrined deity or the supplanter uprooting Buddhist guardian as a consequence of the Acts promulgated from the Meiji government in 1868, pursuing sequestering Shinto from Buddhist practices, called "Shinbutsu bunri (神仏分離)". As denoted in Japanese mythologies, Amenominakanushi being a supreme deity, Amenominakanushi has not been worshipped until the Meiji restoration. Very mysterious deity, isn't it?

P.S. All photos were taken before the COVID-19 pandemic.

`

 

Kashima Jingu Part Two

This is a part two entry of Kashima Jingu. For those who missed the first entry, please visit this.

The enshrined deity of Kashima Jingu and Nakatomi clan

In part one entry, I described that "Takemikazuchi (タケミカヅチ) is commonly regarded as the enshrined deity of Kashima Jingu." whereas Kashima Jingu, of course, officially declares that the enshrined chief deity is Takemikazuchi. It is, however, not crystal clear because Kashima Jingu was not depicted in two Japan chronicles (Kojiki and Nihon Shoki). 
On the other hand, in Hitachi Fudoki (= Chronography in Hitachi province/常陸国風土記) compiled in A.D. 713, the name of the enshrined deity of Kashima Jingu is outlined "Kashima no Amano Ohkami (香島の天の大神= Eminent deity of Kashima)", who descended from the heaven (= territory reigned by Amaterasu called Takamagahara) earlier than the grandson of Amaterasu, Ninigi (ニニギ), did (tenson kohrin/天孫降臨). After all, Hitachi Fudoki did not annotate "Kashima no Amano Ohkami" to be identical to Takemikazuchi.

The first official articles describing the Takemikazuchi being the enshrined deity of Kashima Jingu are Kogo Shui (古語拾遺) compiled in A.D. 807 and Kasugasai norito (春日祭祝詞) in Engishiki-jinmeicho (延喜式神名帳). Kasugasai norito (春日祭祝詞) was said to be compiled when Kasuga taisha (春日大社) was founded in A.D. 768 (older than Kogo Shui). I will elaborate on it below.

How come Takemikazuchi has become an official enshrined chief deity of Kashima Jingu???

The rise of the Nakatomi clan (中臣氏) probably could account for this. Let me briefly review who Nakatomi clan was. 
Along with Inbe clan (忌部氏), Nakatomi clan was responsible for conducting the national rites. The clan claims themselves to be the descendants of Amenokoyane (アメノコヤネ), a deity who was the first to send "norito (祝詞)" when Ameterasu hid herself away behind Amano Iwato (Heavenly door made of rock). For those who are interested in this incident, please visit Amanoyasugawara entry. It is also presumed that Amenokoyane is the offspring of Takemikazuchi because his alternative name, Amatariwake (天足別命), is identical to that of Takemikazuchi's son. 

During Emperor Sujin's reign (B.C. 97- B.C 30), Kashima deity bestowed the divine message to Kamukikikatsu Ohnakatomi (大中臣神聞勝命), who soon advocated Emperor Sujin to donate Kashima Jingu armed weapons. The additional divine message was delivered to Ominosayama Nakatomi (中臣臣狭山命) during Emperor Keikoh (景行天皇)'s reign (A.D. 71-130), who donated Kashima Jingu three ships. The Mifune festival (御船祭) that still takes place every 12 years (on the 2nd of September) even in the 21st century delineates the process of welcoming the messengers sent from Emperor Keikoh.

Kamatari shrine located in the middle of the residential area

In the 7th century when Kamatari Nakatomi (中臣鎌足) who grabbed political influence after Taika reform (大化の改新) at 645, a new family name, Fujiwara (the most distinguished clan in ancient Japan), was granted from the Emperor Tenji to Kamatari when he passed away in A. D. 669. 

It should be noted that the project of compiling Japan chronicles (Kojiki and Nihon Shoki) was initiated by Emperor Tenmu (天武天皇)'s order. Kamatari's son, Fuhito Fujiwara (藤原不比等), had a great influence upon the project because his oldest daughter, Miyako Fujiwara (藤原宮子), is the wife (= Empress) of Emperor Tenmu. She delivered a son, who later on became the Emperor Shohmu (聖武天皇). The meaning of "Fuhito" is "incomparative=invincible! Yeah, his first name explicates his personality and the power he'd grasped. The more political power Fujiwara clan won, the higher divinity Kashima Jingu rose. Well, to be more precise, Fuhito was allegedly able to implement to bestow Takemikazuchi a more prestige in chronicles. History is recorded based on the winner's point of view, you know.  

Kamatari shrine enshrining Kamatari Nakatomi

I repeat. Kashima Jingu was the one out of only three shines called "Jingu".  Even in Fuhito's era, Kashima Jingu was an ancient, distinguished and honored shrine for enshrined deity's military attainments of conquering the new territories (northern part of Japan). It is not surprising to suspect that Fuhito made some cosmetic changes in official chronicles that Fujiwara clan was descendent from Amenokoyane, who is presumed to be a son of Takemikazuchi. Kamatari was rumored to be originated from Hitachi province (sort of hearsay evidence though). In a local newspaper in Hitachi Province (Hitachi fudoki issued in A.D. 713) in which Fuhito had no influence on editing, the chief deity of the prestigious Kashima Jingu was not Takemikazuchi but "Kashima no Amano Ohkami (Eminent deity of Kashima)". In 768, Kasugasai norito (春日祭祝詞) was released from Kasuga shrine that is owned by Fujiwara clan, stating that Takemikazuchi was the enshrined chief deity of Kashima Jingu. It took them 53 years to identify Takemikazuchi the ideal deity enshrined in Kashima Jingu. 

That way, the formula "Kashima no Amano Ohkami=Takemikazuchi" was established.


From Isle of redolence (香島) to the isle of deer (鹿島)- Kashima

In 768, Fujiwara clan founded Kasuga Taisha (春日大社) in Nara by carrying the spirit of Takemikazuchi on white deer's back. Besides, Futsunushi, Amenokoyane and Himegami (Koyane's wife) were enshrined there, too. The four deities are collectively called "Kasuga deity (春日神)"

Image from Wiki

That feat took almost a year and the offsprings of the holy white deer flourished. Yes, deer you can meet, touch and give snacks at Nara park originated from Kashima. Unlike their cousins in Nara, deer settling in Kashima Jingu are not free to roam around. Around 30 deer are tamed in the garden.



After the success of the long journey of transferring the spirit of Takemikazuchi, deer is considered to be a holy animal (subordinate to the high-ranking divine spirits) in Kashima Jingu. In the 5th century, Kashima was originally described in Kanji as "香島 (Isle of redolence)". Later on, the kanji was changed to 鹿島 (isle of deer).

The statue of deer

Emperor Jimmu and Futsumitama sword

As described in part one entry, Takemikazuchi appears in Japan chronicles three times. When the Emperor Jimmu made up his mind leaving Himuka (current Miyazaki Prefecture) and headed for the eastern part of Japan, Nara, to conquer (called "Jimmu Tohsei (神武東征)"), his troops faced big trouble after trouble. When they were stuck at Yoshino (southern part of Nara prefecture), Takemikazuchi gave Takakuraji (高倉下) a command to deliver a holy sword called "Futsumitama (フツミタマ)" to Jimmu, which resulted in the triumph of Jimmu's troops. Out of Emperor Jimmu's gratitude to the support from Takemikazuchi, Kashima Jingu was founded on the first year of Jimmu's reign (B.C. 660). 

Futsumitama, originally owned by Takemikazuchi, is dedicated at Isonokami Jingu (石上神宮). It was never returned to Kashima Jingu after all. 

Image from Kashima digital museum

As an alternative,  the gigantic 2.71 meter-long holy blade named "Futsunomitamano tsurugi (韴霊剣)", registered as National treasure, used to be preserved in the main hall of Kashima Jingu. In fact, Kashima Jingu was the place to worship a holy sword.

The layout of the main hall

Toward where does the deity look?

Once again let's ponder at where the enshrined deity is gazing. By looking at the layout of the main hall and the orientation of the sanctum, it appears that the enshrine deity looks toward the Okunomiya (= inner shrine/奥宮) where the fierce spirit, aratama (荒魂) of Takemikazuchi, was worshipped (whereas merciful spirit/nigitama is enshrined in the sanctum of the main hall).

Okunomiya

In appears to me, just by looking at the layout of Kashima Jingu, that Okunomiya is a gatekeeper for safeguarding the "Kaname-ishi (pinning stone/要石).

it is commonly regarded that, back in olden days, people presumed that the earthquake struck when the catfish living underground made moves. To prevent earthquakes, the whim of that underground beast must have been subdued. That's what the Kaname-ishi is all about; to pin the monster underground. The concave-shaped boulder looks like a pebble, however, only the tip of rock-berg is surfaced. Nobody knows the actual size. 

Around Edo period, it was believed that underground catfish causing the earthquake became docile thanks to Takemikazuchi and Futsunushi's divinity. But this narrative sounds quite poetic to me, which made me feel like exploring what truth was behind it...

Kaname-ishi

According to the Nihon Shoki, Takemikazuchi descended to the Hitachi province that had been the hostile ground under the sway of the local power organized by Kagaseo (香香背男). BTW, is it just a coincidence that two "Ka/ga (香)" of "Kashima" are on his name??? It seems to me that his name implies that he is the bloke (o=男) living and/or born in ka (=香; abbreviation of Kashima???), who is against (se=背) the Amaterasu administration.
According to the Kashima Jingu's article, Takemikazuchi descended onto the Iwakura (sacred stone/磐座). He and Futsunushi dispatched Takehazuchi (建葉槌命) to exterminate Kagaseo. BTW, Takehazuchi is enshrined at Takafusa shrine (高房社) located just in front of the main hall of Kashima Jingu and traditionally back in olden days visitors were told to pray at Takefusa shrine first, then the main hall. There must be a reason (i.e. Takehazuchi is more prestigious than Takemikazuchi?) but it was lost in translation...

Takafusa shrine (right), enshrining Takehazuchi (建葉槌命) and Kari-den (left)

Later on, the commentaries of that war to eradicate Kagaseo's municipal power turned into the legend that Takemikazuchi and Futsunushi pinned the misbehaved catfish (a symbol of Kagaseo?) with kaname-ishi. The word earthquake might insinuate the Kagaseo's rampage??? 

All in all, it can be interpreted that Takemikazuchi, as skilled Admiral, sent troops to Kashima by a battleship, settled the general headquarter to the place where Kaname-ishi is embedded and pitched the military base camp on the place where Jingu's main hall is currently built. His division eventually wiped out the local opponents. Mission complete.

That being said, it seems to me that Kashima district was the battlefront like wall-street in Manhattan and the Kashima Jingu was built to commemorate the triumph of the Admiral "Kashima no Amano Ohkami".

Thank you for reading to the end.

Fin