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Three Imperial Regalia
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Three Imperial Regalia

Japanese history
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Quick Summary

The Three Imperial Regalia of Japan are sacred objects that symbolize the emperor's legitimacy and divine connection. These treasures are the sword Kusanagi, the jeweled necklace Yasakani no Magatama, and the mirror Yata no Kagami.

According to mythology, the sword Kusanagi was found by the god Susanoo in the body of an eight-headed dragon and later given to his sister, the sun goddess Amaterasu. She, in turn, presented it to her grandson Ninigi when he descended to rule Japan, establishing a divine link between the imperial family and the sun. The mirror is also associated with Amaterasu, and the jewel is a symbol of her divine spirit. These objects are central to Japanese mythology and imperial tradition.12

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5 Britannica Sources
  1. Kusanagi
  2. magatama
  3. sokutai
  4. shintai
  5. metalwork - Bronze and other metals

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