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All Japan Kaname-ishi
AO Edited

Kaname-ishi

At this shrine, a sacred stone is said to keep a sea monster at bay.

Kashima, Japan

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AdOYo
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Kaname-ishi in Kashima Jingu.   Mr Montarou / CC BY 3.0
Kaname-ishi in Kashima Jingu.   Mr Montarou / CC BY 3.0
Kaname-ishi in Kashima Jingu.   Saigen Jiro / CC0 1.0
An 1855 woodblock print depicting the legend and Kaname-ishi.   Public Domain
Kaname-ishi from afar.   Saigen Jiro / CC0 1.0
Kaname-ishi in Kashima Jingu.   そらみみ / CC BY-SA 3.0
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About

According to legend, beneath Kashima Jingu lies a mythical being of earth-shattering proportions. Japanese mythology tells that this colossal catfish causes earthquakes with its restless thrashing. Kashima Jingu is said to be key in keeping the sea monster, known as Namazu, from wreaking havoc.

The shrine contains a single sacred stone: Kaname-ishi. It is is said to have been set in place by Takemikazuchi-no-Okami, the shrine's main deity. According to Japanese mythology, the powerful god of thunder and swords wrestled the unruly Namazu into submission, ultimately pinning its huge head beneath Kaname-ishi. 

While Kaname-ishi may appear modest from above, its legend states that the small stone is merely the exposed tip of a much larger monolith. It is said that the stone extends deep underground, anchoring Namazu firmly in place to this day.

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Sea Monsters Mythology

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The shrine is a 10-minute walk from Kashima-Jingu station.

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Published

March 12, 2025

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  • https://kashima-ibaraki.mypl.net/filedownload/?fd=67edf63dbd6aa863fac06e1cec83fddd676a79a2_cms_pdf.pdf&pk=s3-img-origin02
  • https://www.tokyo2020chiba.com/post/what-s-kanameishi
  • https://ikidane-nippon.com/en/spots/kashima-jingu
Kaname-ishi
Kashima, 314-0031
Japan
35.968698, 140.636257

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