The Three Sacred Treasures of Japan: Symbols of Imperial Power and Myth

A mirror that reflects the soul of a goddess. A sword forged in mythic battle. A jewel pulsing with ancient power.

These are the Three Sacred Treasures of Japan—the mirror, sword, and jewel—shrouded in mystery and revered as symbols of divine authority. Known as the Sanshu no Jingi, these legendary artifacts were said to be gifted by the sun goddess Amaterasu to her grandson Ninigi-no-Mikoto, marking the heavenly origin of Japan’s imperial line.

Far more than ancient relics, the Imperial Regalia of Japan remain vital symbols of imperial legitimacy, spiritual virtue, and cultural identity. In this article, we explore the legends, meanings, and modern significance of these hidden treasures that still lie at the heart of Japan’s sacred tradition.

What Are the Three Sacred Treasures?

The Three Sacred Treasures (Sanshu no Jingi) of Japan refer to:

Yata no Kagami (The Mirror)
Kusanagi no Tsurugi (The Sword)
Yasakani no Magatama (The Jewel)

Originally, in Japanese mythology, these three items were sacred treasures bestowed by the sun goddess Amaterasu to her grandson Ninigi-no-Mikoto during the event known as Tenson Kōrin (The Descent of the Heavenly Grandson). They served as symbols of divine authority, marking the heavenly origin of Japan’s imperial line.

At the same time, in the real world, these treasures have been handed down from emperor to emperor as Imperial Regalia. Since ancient times, they have played an essential role in signifying imperial legitimacy and authority in Japan’s history.

Each item represents essential virtues:

The Mirror stands for wisdom and honesty, reflecting truth both literally and metaphorically.
The Sword embodies valor and strength, representing the ability to protect and lead.
The Jewel symbolizes benevolence and harmony, highlighting the importance of maintaining peaceful and just governance.

Their dual origin as both mythological gifts and historical regalia makes them unique among the world’s royal treasures.

The Connection with Japanese Mythology

In Japan's oldest texts, the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, these treasures appear as divine gifts from the gods. Below is a closer look at each item.

Yata no Kagami (The Mirror)

Yata no Kagami was used to coax the sun goddess Amaterasu out of hiding when she secluded herself in the heavenly rock cave( Amano-Iwato Legend, plunging the world into darkness. The mirror's ability to reveal the true nature of things made it a divine tool.

Physical Characteristics:
In the real world, Yata no Kagami is generally considered to be a large copper mirror, though some theories suggest it may have been made of iron according to ancient texts. There are two known forms: the original mirror enshrined at Ise Grand Shrine, and a replica stored within the Imperial Palace. Neither is displayed publicly. Estimated size ranges from 40–50 cm to as large as 80 cm in diameter according to various historical accounts.

Kusanagi no Tsurugi (The Sword)

Kusanagi no Tsurugi was discovered inside the tail of the eight-headed serpent Yamata-no-Orochi after it was slain by Susanoo, the storm god. Originally named Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi, the sword earned the name Kusanagi when it was later used to cut away grass and save a life.

Physical Characteristics:
Descriptions suggest the sword is approximately 85 cm in length, resembling a double-edged straight sword. Some reports mention it being white or blue-black, possibly indicating bronze rather than iron construction. The real sword is enshrined at Atsuta Shrine, but its exact form remains secret.

Yasakani no Magatama (The Jewel)

Yasakani no Magatama is a curved bead made from jade or similar stone, a sacred item since ancient times in Japan. It was part of the offerings presented to Amaterasu to appease and invite her presence.

Physical Characteristics:
The term Yasakani suggests a large or long magatama, possibly over 140 cm in length if including attached strings. Materials are believed to be jade or agate, with colors ranging from red to greenish-blue based on literary references. Like the mirror and sword, it is kept out of public view.

These three items were handed down to Ninigi-no-Mikoto when he descended from the heavens, establishing the divine authority of the Japanese imperial family. In the present day, they continue to serve as tangible symbols of that sacred origin.

Role in Imperial Ceremonies and Japanese Tradition

During the enthronement ceremonies of a new emperor, the sword and jewel—known collectively as the Kenji (sword and seal, with the jewel functioning as the symbolic seal)—are ceremoniously presented to symbolize the transfer of sacred power. The mirror remains permanently enshrined at Ise, highlighting its spiritual significance.

These treasures are never displayed publicly and remain hidden from view, preserved in sacred wrappings. Their secrecy adds to their mystique and reinforces their sacred status in Shinto tradition.

The Role of the Three Treasures

From Sacred Objects to Imperial Symbols

Throughout history, possession of the Three Sacred Treasures has symbolized the right to rule Japan. While they were originally revered as sacred objects within the Shinto faith, their role gradually evolved into formal symbols of imperial legitimacy. This transition was officially recorded in the Shoku Nihongi, which notes that in the year 690, Empress Jitō received the sword and mirror as part of her enthronement ceremony, marking one of the earliest documented instances of the regalia being used in imperial succession rituals.

Symbols Beyond the Imperial Family

Interestingly, historical records such as the Nihon Shoki suggest that the combination of mirror, sword, and jewel was not originally exclusive to the imperial family. In ancient Japan, powerful regional rulers also presented or possessed these three items as symbols of their authority. Examples include accounts where local leaders offered mirrors, swords, and jewels to emperors as tokens of allegiance.

Archaeological findings support this idea. From Kofun period burial sites, as well as from earlier Yayoi period sites such as Yoshitake-Takagi Site in Fukuoka City, and Shichigase Site in Saga City, sets of mirrors, swords, and magatama beads have been unearthed. These discoveries reinforce the notion that this triad of objects represented general rulership and spiritual authority in ancient Japanese society, long before becoming exclusive imperial regalia.

Codified Meanings in Imperial Tradition

Under the influence of Chinese Confucian philosophy, their meanings were further codified:

Mirror: Wisdom
Sword: Valor
Jewel: Benevolence

When a new emperor ascends to the throne, receiving these treasures during the enthronement ceremony is crucial. This tradition underscores not only political succession but also spiritual and moral continuity.

Even in modern times, this practice continues. On May 1, 2019, during the Ceremony for Inheriting the Imperial Regalia and Seals (Kenji-to-Shokei-no-gi) held at the Matsu-no-Ma hall of the Imperial Palace, the current emperor officially inherited the sacred treasures as part of his accession to the throne. This symbolizes that the Three Sacred Treasures remain an enduring part of Japan’s imperial tradition today.

History of the Treasures

Throughout Japanese history, the Three Sacred Treasures have faced repeated threats of loss, theft, and disappearance. Despite these crises, they have been carefully preserved and passed down to each new emperor, maintaining their role as vital symbols of Japan’s imperial tradition. Below are some of the key historical incidents.

The Battle of Dan-no-ura (1185)

During this famous naval battle at the end of the Genpei War, the child emperor Antoku and members of the Taira clan attempted to flee with the treasures. According to legend, as defeat became inevitable, the sword was thrown into the sea along with the emperor. While some believe the sword was later recovered, others suggest that a replica was created to replace it.

The Nanboku-chō Period (1336–1392)

During the era of the Northern and Southern Courts, Japan was divided between two rival imperial lines, each claiming possession of the true imperial regalia. This led to long-standing disputes over which emperor was the legitimate ruler, with arguments often centering on the location of the Three Sacred Treasures.

In the Meiji period, Emperor Meiji officially recognized the Southern Court as the legitimate imperial line, partly because the Southern Court had retained possession of the regalia.

The Kinketsu Incident (1443)

In this lesser-known but significant event during the Muromachi period, loyalists of the former Southern Court broke into the Imperial Palace in Kyoto and managed to steal the sword and jewel—two of the Three Sacred Treasures. This incident, known as the Kinketsu Incident, shocked the court and reignited debates about the authenticity and continuity of the regalia.

However, the sword was recovered the very next day, and the jewel was eventually retrieved in 1458 after being held by the Southern Court loyalists for several years. Despite this temporary loss, the treasures were safely returned, and the tradition of their inheritance by successive emperors continued unbroken.

Despite such dramatic episodes, the Three Sacred Treasures have survived through the centuries. Their continued inheritance during enthronement ceremonies today serves as a testament to Japan’s enduring respect for tradition and history.

Current Status in the Real World

The Three Sacred Treasures exist physically today, yet they are never publicly displayed. Their locations and conditions are as follows:

Yata no Kagami (Mirror): Enshrined at the Inner Shrine of Ise Grand Shrine. Treated as the soul of Amaterasu, it remains perpetually hidden from public view. Even shrine priests are not permitted to see it directly.
Kusanagi no Tsurugi (Sword): Enshrined at Atsuta Shrine in Nagoya. The version used in imperial ceremonies is believed to be a replica, while the true sword is kept hidden within the shrine’s innermost sanctum.
Yasakani no Magatama (Jewel): Stored within the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. It is visible only to a select group of officials during highly restricted imperial ceremonies, such as the emperor’s enthronement.

The treasures are wrapped in layers of sacred cloth and stored in specially prepared containers, highlighting their revered status. Their concealment is not simply for protection but reflects their spiritual significance—they are considered not merely objects, but living symbols of the divine.

Despite public fascination and scholarly interest, no official photographs or detailed descriptions of the treasures are available. Their exact form and condition remain a closely guarded mystery, maintaining an aura of sacred secrecy that endures into the present day.

Why They Remain So Important Today

Even in modern Japan, where the emperor holds a primarily symbolic role under the constitution, the Three Sacred Treasures continue to hold profound cultural and spiritual meaning. Far beyond ancient relics, they represent values and history that remain relevant today.

Connection to Myth and History

The treasures serve as a living link between Japan’s mythological origins and its present-day imperial institution. They remind people that Japan’s traditions stretch back unbroken for over a millennium, connecting past legends with present reality.

Moral Virtues as a Timeless Model

By embodying wisdom, courage, and benevolence, the regalia offer a timeless model for leadership and character. These virtues are admired not only within the imperial family but also as ideals upheld by Japanese society as a whole.

Cultural Continuity and Public Awareness

Although hidden from public view, the Three Sacred Treasures frequently appear in national consciousness through events such as the 2019 enthronement ceremony of the current emperor. These highly publicized rituals highlight the treasures’ enduring relevance and cultural significance.

Global Cultural Identity

For many around the world, the regalia symbolize the uniqueness of Japan’s cultural heritage—an ancient monarchy that continues to respect its mythological roots while functioning as a modern constitutional state. They stand as a quiet yet powerful symbol of Japan’s distinct place in the global community.

Through these roles, the Three Sacred Treasures continue to quietly shape Japan’s national identity, spiritual heritage, and enduring traditions, bridging the gap between the past and the present.

Conclusion: More Than Just Hidden Relics

The Three Sacred Treasures of Japan—the mirror, the sword, and the jewel—are far more than ancient artifacts locked away from public view. They embody the spirit of a nation, carrying with them over a millennium of mythology, history, and cultural identity.

From their divine origins in Shinto mythology to their enduring presence in modern imperial ceremonies, these treasures symbolize the unbroken thread that connects Japan’s past to its present. They remind both Japanese people and the world that some traditions are not meant to fade—they are meant to be honored, protected, and quietly carried forward.

Though few may ever see them, their power lies not in physical form, but in the values and stories they continue to inspire:
Wisdom. Valor. Benevolence.

The Three Sacred Treasures endure—silent, hidden, yet ever-present at the heart of Japan.