nigi-mitama

Japanese religion

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July 1, 2026

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In Japanese religion, tama refers to a soul or a divine spirit. Within Shinto and folk religions, several mitama are recognized, each representing different aspects or powers of a spirit. These include the ara-mitama (ruling power), kushi-mitama (transforming power), nigi-mitama (unifying or harmonizing power), and saki-mitama (blessing power). The nigi-mitama, specifically, is associated with unifying and harmonizing. Shrines may honor particular mitama of a deity, such as separate shrines dedicated to the ara-mitama and nigi-mitama of the sun goddess Amaterasu. Kami are the objects of worship in Shinto and other indigenous Japanese religions, encompassing deities, nature forces, ancestors, and even objects like plants and rocks.12

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tama
…the power of transforming), the nigi-mitama (with the power of unifying, or harmonizing), and the saki-mitama (with the power of blessing). Some shrines pay homage to a particular mitama of a deity, such as the separate shrines dedicated to the ara-mitama and the nigi-mitama of the goddess Amaterasu.
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…the power of transforming), the nigi-mitama (with the power of unifying, or harmonizing), and the saki-mitama (with the power of blessing). Some shrines pay homage to a particular mitama of a deity, such as the separate shrines dedicated to the ara-mitama and the nigi-mitama of the goddess Amaterasu.
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