The first god of the universe
Ame-no-Minakanushi 天之御中主神
Also known as: Ame-no-Minakanushi-no-Kami
Element: Earth (土)
The myth
In the Kojiki, Ame-no-Minakanushi is the very first deity to appear when heaven and earth began, ruling the center of heaven, and then hiding away.
In later centuries he was linked with worship of the North Star.
What people pray to Ame-no-Minakanushi for
- Good fortune
- Children and safe childbirth
- Health and healing
Why: As the origin of everything, he is prayed to for overall good fortune and the ordering of all luck.
Where to meet Ame-no-Minakanushi
None of the shrines in our English guide enshrine this kami as a main deity yet.
The element shown is the one used by Kamimap's fun guardian-kami quiz, based on traditional five-element associations. It is not a religious teaching.