Volcanic Island Protected by the Gods - Izu Oshima - ② Miyake no Ki

Myth of the Izu Islands "Miyakeki" - The belief in the gods of eruptions and the deep layers of island culture

The Izu Islands are known as tourist destinations blessed with its scenic landscape and rich nature, but deep within its depths are filled with the faith and history of the islanders who have lived together with volcanic activity. Of particular note is the Miyake Ki, a myth passed down in the Izu Islands. This is a rare myth in Japan, strongly reflecting the belief in the "eruption island god," which deified the raging power of nature, and was seen as the power to create an island. This article focuses on the Miyake Ki, and examines the origins of volcanic beliefs in the Izu Islands, the structure of myths, and its significance in modern times.

Eruption Island God: The threat of nature and the source of creation

The Izu Islands are located at the boundary between the Pacific Plate and the Philippine Sea Plate, and have undergone repeated active volcanic activity. It is still fresh in our memory that Mt. Yuzan on Miyakejima was erupted in 2000, and Mt. Mihara on Oshima in 1986, forcing all the residents to evacuate outside the island. Such an eruption was a harsh reality for the islanders, which took homes and land, causing hunger and illness. However, at the same time, it was also the power to shape the island and create new earth.

The ancient people witnessed the natural phenomenon of eruptions, which transcended human intelligence, and were revered, and were strongly aware of the great invisible power behind them, namely the existence of divine spirits. This divine spirit is the "eruption island god." The islanders thought that volcanic bullets and lava would appear as deities, and worshiped them, and waited for their anger to subside.

The eruption island god is characterized by the fact that it is not merely a god of destruction, but also has the side to it as a creator god. The earth, destroyed by the eruption, becomes fertile soil over time and nurtures new life. Additionally, the new topography formed by the eruption creates a unique ecosystem and creates a rich natural landscape. The islanders view the destructive power and creativity of the eruption as one, and have worshiped the eruption-constructed island god with a sense of awe and gratitude.

Miyake Ki: The establishment and structure of myths

Among the myths of the Izu Islands, Miyake Ki occupies a particularly important position. Depending on where it is held, the Miyake Ki is called by various names, such as "Mishima Daimyojin Engi", "Miyakejima Yakushi Engi", and "Shirahama Daimyojin Engi". It is thought that its establishment began between the Kamakura period and the Muromachi period, and the story follows Yakushi Buddha transformed into Mishima god, creating the islands of Izu together with the gods, and then the islands were run by the family.

The structure of Miyake Ki is characterized by its complex intertwining of three elements: mythology, legend, and historical fact. The mythical section depicts the birth of islands and the activities of the gods, while the legendary section tells stories about specific places and figures. In the historical facts, descriptions of historical events and people can be seen.

Miyake Ki is thought to have been reconstructed as a new myth based on several myths and legends that originally existed. The reason behind this was that the rulers of each island had an intention to use the myths to solidify their ruling regimes and show off their power. Another factor in the establishment of Miyake Ki is that in groups on the islands, stories that reveal the status and relationships of the gods were needed in response to the gods positioned by the rulers.

The Mythology of Mishima God to Miyakeki: The Changes of Mythology

It is believed that the prototype of the Miyake Ki was the older "Mishima God Myth." Mishima God was a god worshipped in a wide range of areas, including the Izu Islands, and its origin dates back to ancient times. Mishima God was portrayed as an overwhelming divine figure, and people were awe-inspiring and obedient. This relationship between God and man was an example for the rulers of the times.

Furthermore, in order for people to live in harsh natural environments, it was essential to help each other. As a result, the guardian deities of the village, the "Hijigami," "Kansoujin," and "Sanso-god gods," appeared, and began to attract people's faith.

In the group of islands, stories were needed that revealed the status and relationships of the gods as a response to the gods positioned by the rulers. This became the prototype of the "Mishima God Myth," and it was later requested that the rulers of each island create new myths and legends that had been passed down in order to solidify their ruling regimes and wield power. As a result, the "Mishima God Myth" was altered and is believed to have been established as the "Miyake Ki."

The inheritance of Miyake Ki to the world and the present day

The world depicted in Miyake Ki still remains strongly in the modern Izu Islands. On Oshima, eruptions have been called "gojinka," and lava flows have been worshipped as "oflow," and craters have been called "mihora" in the past, and now "oana." This is proof that faith in the eruption island god has been passed down from ancient times to the present day.

In addition, there are many shrines around the Izu Islands that worship the gods that appear in Miyakeki. These shrines have served as a place for the hearts of the islanders and have strengthened the unity of the local community.

In recent years, volcanic activity has been re-energized in the Izu Islands, and the islanders are constantly under the threat of eruptions. However, on the other hand, new topography and ecosystems formed by the eruptions are increasing their value as tourist resources.

The islanders aim to cherish their faith in the eruption-constructed island gods, while living together with nature and building a sustainable society.

Mt. Mihara: Volcano as an object of faith

Mt. Mihara, the symbol of Oshima, has been worshiped as a symbol of the eruption island god. During the 1986 eruption, a large amount of lava was flowed out from the mountain peak, forcing the islanders to evacuate. However, this eruption also gave us an opportunity to once again confirm our belief in Mt. Mihara.

Rather than simply viewing the eruption as a disaster, the islanders took it as a wrath and warning of God, and prayed for the eruption to be calmed down through rituals and prayers. Additionally, the new topography formed by the eruption has increased its value as a tourist resource, and many tourists have come to visit.

The Obachi Meguri, which tours the area around the central crater of Mt. Mihara, is a popular course where you can view the crater up close. Walking this course will allow you to feel the heartbeat of the earth and feel awe of the gods of the eruption islands.

Summary: The spiritual climate of the Volcanic Islands

The belief in the eruption of the island gods in the Izu Islands has played an important role in shaping the spiritual climate of the volcanic archipelago. By deifying the raging power of nature, the eruption, and seeing it as a source of creation, the islanders have adapted to the harsh natural environment and cultivated their own culture.

Miyake Ki is a myth that depicts this belief, and has played an important role in shaping the identity of the islanders. Even in modern times, the world of Miyakeki continues to live, and the islanders are valuing their faith in the eruption-constructed island gods, while also aiming to live together with nature and build a sustainable society.

The volcanic beliefs in the Izu Islands provide hints for building a sustainable society without forgetting to be reverent of nature. It is important to continue to deepen our research into volcanic beliefs in the Izu Islands and spread the significance of its products widely.

Shokey Hayashi

Exorcist/Radionics Technique Researcher

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Born in Aomori Prefecture in 1965, he has been suffering from troubles, illnesses and injuries caused by spiritual phenomena since childhood. However, one day, when he was 20 years old, he attended an event, had a mysterious experience at the venue, and was hit by lightning energy from the heavens, as if piercing the spinal cord from his brain, and his psychic abilities blossomed. He then began studying psychology and psychiatry, and now he has combined psychiatry and consciousness engineering. Established "Radionics exorcism" using our own radionics techniques. "It's possible to treat your fortune" beyond exorcism, memorial service, and healing.