The White Hare of Inaba: A Timeless Japanese Legend of Trickery and Compassion
What would you do if a clever little rabbit were crying in pain?
In Japanese mythology, there is a story about a rabbit like this — a rabbit who is mocked by some and saved by another.
This is the tale of The White Hare of Inaba.
Why was the rabbit hurt in the first place?
And what kind of endings awaited those who laughed at its suffering, and the one who chose kindness instead?
Let us step into the world of The White Hare of Inaba together, and explore the lessons it teaches—along with the timeless questions it asks of us today.
The White Hare of Inaba: The Story
Let us begin with the story itself.
A Journey Begins for the Gods
Long ago, the Eighty Deities set out on a journey to seek the hand of Princess Yagami of Inaba.
Proud and full of self-confidence, they were certain that one of them would win her heart.
Walking behind them was their youngest brother, Ōnamuchi — the god who would later be known as Ōkuninushi.
Despised by his elder brothers, he traveled with them as a mere bearer of their luggage, obeying their commands and enduring their laughter in silence.
To the Eighty Deities, he was nothing more than a servant.
But as the journey continued, it would slowly reveal a very different truth.
A Rabbit Who Wanted to Cross the Sea
Meanwhile, on a distant island, there lived a small white rabbit.
He longed to reach the land of Inaba, but the wide sea stood in his way, and he had no means to cross it.
Staring out at the rolling waves, the rabbit sighed.
“How can someone as small as me ever cross this sea?”
Just then, a clever idea came to him.
In the waters below swam powerful crocodile-sharks of the sea.
With confidence in his voice, the rabbit called out to them.
“Shall we have a contest?” the rabbit said.
“Let us see which is greater in number — your clan, or the rabbits of my land.”
Curiosity and pride drew the sharks closer.
“Line up from this island to the shore,” the rabbit proposed.
“I will count you one by one.”
The sharks agreed.
And so the rabbit hopped across their backs, step by step, drawing nearer to the shore.
But when he reached the final shark, the rabbit laughed.
“You have been tricked! I only wished to cross the sea!”
Furious at the deception, the sharks attacked.
They tore away the rabbit’s fur, leaving his body raw and exposed.
Unable to bear the pain, the rabbit collapsed on the shore.
His brief moment of success had turned into deep regret.
Mockery on the Road to Inaba
As the rabbit cried out in pain, footsteps could be heard in the distance.
The Eighty Deities, traveling on their way to Princess Yagami, soon came upon him.
Seeing the wounded rabbit, they laughed.
“If you wish to be healed,” they said with scorn,
“bathe yourself in the salty sea, and then let the wind dry your body.”
Trusting their words, the rabbit obeyed.
But the salt burned his wounds even more, and the pain became unbearable.
The gods watched and laughed, then walked away.
The One Who Stopped
As the rabbit continued to weep, another figure approached.
It was Ōkuninushi, walking slowly with heavy bags on his back.
When he saw the wounded rabbit, he stopped.
“What happened to you?” he asked gently.
The rabbit spoke honestly.
He told of his wish to cross the sea, of the lie he had told the sharks, and of his pride and regret over his mistake.
Ōkuninushi listened in silence.
There was no anger in his face, and no trace of contempt.
“First, wash your body in fresh water,” he said.
“Then rest upon the soft pollen of the cattail reeds.”
The rabbit followed his words.
Slowly, the pain faded.
His fur returned, and his body was made whole once more.
A Quiet Prophecy
The rabbit bowed deeply in gratitude.
“The Eighty Deities treated me with cruelty,” he said,
“but you showed me kindness.”
“For that reason, I will tell you the truth,” the rabbit continued.
“Princess Yagami will choose you as her husband.”
With those words, the rabbit revealed his prophecy.
Ōkuninushi resumed his journey.
Just as the rabbit had foretold, the Eighty Deities gained nothing but empty pride.
Their attempts to win Princess Yagami’s hand ended in failure.
Ōkuninushi, however, gained something far greater — a destiny shaped by trust, respect, and compassion.
In time, he won Princess Yagami’s heart.
What This Story Teaches Us
What did you think of The White Hare of Inaba?
At first glance, it may seem like a gentle story about a white rabbit and a kind-hearted god.
Yet hidden within this ancient tale are lessons that still speak to our everyday lives.
Let us now take a closer look at what this story is truly trying to tell us.
Karma as Cause and Consequence
The White Hare of Inaba clearly conveys the idea of karma.
Karma is the principle that what we do to others eventually returns to us.
Our actions — whether kind or cruel — shape the consequences we face in the end.
For example:
- When we act with selfishness or cruelty, painful outcomes often follow.
- When we act with kindness and compassion, we open the way to a better future.
What makes The White Hare of Inaba especially powerful is that it presents this principle through two parallel stories of karma, allowing us to see clearly how different choices lead to very different destinies.
The Rabbit and the Price of Deception
Let us first look at the first pattern of karma in this story — the one seen through the experience of the white rabbit.
The rabbit attempts to cross the sea by deceiving the sharks.
For a brief moment, his clever plan succeeds.
But when the sharks realize they have been tricked, their anger turns into violence.
The rabbit loses his fur and collapses in unbearable pain.
By deceiving others for his own benefit, he brings suffering upon himself.
This is karma in its most direct form.
Yet the story does not end there.
The rabbit does not make excuses for his actions.
He speaks honestly about his mistake, admitting his pride and wrongdoing to both the Eighty Deities and Ōkuninushi.
Because he faces his failure openly, he becomes able to receive true help.
It is through this honesty and reflection that the rabbit is finally healed by the kindness of Ōkuninushi.
In the rabbit’s story, karma unfolds more than once.
A selfish act brings pain — but reflection and honesty lead to healing.
Through this repeated cycle, the story shows how facing one’s mistakes can transform even suffering into a better outcome.
Two Gods, Two Very Different Outcomes
Let us now look at a second pattern of karma in the story — the contrast between the Eighty Deities and Ōkuninushi.
When the Eighty Deities encounter the wounded rabbit, they choose mockery.
They deceive him once again, offering false advice and laughing at his pain.
In that moment, their inner character is revealed.
By adding cruelty to suffering, they create their own consequence.
Princess Yagami sees through their intentions, and none of them is chosen as her husband.
The story shows that harming those who are already in pain does not go unnoticed.
Such actions naturally return as loss and rejection.
Ōkuninushi responds in a very different way.
He stops.
He listens to the rabbit’s story.
He does not blame or ridicule him, but offers sincere help without expecting anything in return.
Because of this compassion, Ōkuninushi gains the rabbit’s trust and receives a precious prophecy.
Just as foretold, he later earns the respect and trust of Princess Yagami and becomes her chosen partner.
Through these two paths, the story teaches us that how we treat those who have made mistakes matters deeply.
Responding with cruelty leads to emptiness, while meeting others with kindness and understanding shapes a future filled with trust and connection.
The Meaning of Karma in This Story
Through these contrasts, the story offers a clear and powerful message.
- When we deceive or harm others, pain and suffering return to us.
- When we act with kindness and compassion, trust and connection grow in return.
The White Hare of Inaba is not only a story about gods and animals — it reflects our own daily lives.
It quietly asks us how we choose to treat the people around us.
Do we seek personal gain, or do we act with care for others?
Do we leave responsibility to someone else, or do we choose to step forward and help?
The story reminds us that true kindness is not about rewards or recognition.
It is about choosing to act with empathy, even when others turn away.
In the end, The White Hare of Inaba teaches that who we become is shaped not by our status or cleverness, but by the choices we make when faced with the suffering of others.
Symbols in the Story: The Rabbit, the Sea and the Sharks, and the Cattail Reeds
The White Hare of Inaba is a story filled not only with lessons, but also with meaningful symbols.
Here, we will explore what these symbols represent and how they express the deeper ideas within the story.
The Rabbit: Mistake, Honesty, and Growth
Let us begin with the white rabbit.
He is not a perfect being.
The rabbit is clever and even deceitful at times, using selfish tactics to achieve his goal.
As a result, he suffers greatly and learns a painful lesson.
It is this imperfection that makes the rabbit feel deeply human and relatable.
He becomes a metaphor for all people who make mistakes.
What matters most, however, is not the mistake itself — but what the rabbit does afterward.
He reflects on his actions, admits his wrongdoing, and chooses to speak honestly to others.
In this moment, we see his growth born from remorse and self-reflection.
Because of this change, he is able to receive true help from Ōkuninushi, and his story moves toward a better ending.
In this way, the rabbit symbolizes growth through reflection and the possibility of healing that comes from facing one’s own faults with honesty.
We, too, are not perfect.
Like the rabbit, we make many mistakes throughout our lives.
What defines us is not the mistake itself, but how we respond afterward — whether we choose to reflect, take responsibility, and face our shortcomings with honesty.
The Sea and the Sharks: Obstacles and the Consequences of Deception
Next, let us look at the sea and the sharks.
The white rabbit wishes to reach the land across the sea, but the wide ocean stands in his way.
This sea represents the obstacles and challenges we face in life — situations that cannot be crossed easily.
In order to overcome this barrier, the rabbit chooses deception.
He cleverly manipulates the sharks and uses them as a means to reach his goal.
When the sharks realize they have been used, they respond with anger and violence.
This reaction is not shown as pure cruelty, but as a reminder that some obstacles cannot be overcome by clever schemes alone.
In this story, the sharks also represent others who are treated as tools for personal gain.
By using them only for his own benefit, the rabbit creates the very suffering that returns to him.
The message here extends beyond the myth.
In our own lives, facing difficulties is unavoidable.
However, when we choose to deceive or exploit others in order to succeed, we damage trust and invite negative consequences.
Such actions may bring temporary advantage, but they rarely lead to lasting success.
In the end, using others for selfish gain often results in pain returning to oneself.
The Cattail Reeds: Gentle Wisdom and True Healing
This story also carries rich symbolism in the cattail reeds.
When Ōkuninushi chooses how to heal the wounded rabbit, he does not rely on magic or force.
Instead, he turns to the cattail reeds.
Cattails were known in ancient times for their soft texture, gentle on the skin and unlikely to cause further pain.
This reflects traditional folk wisdom — the understanding that nature itself can offer care and healing.
In the story, the cattail reeds come to symbolize kindness, compassion, and restoration.
They suggest a belief that gentle things have the power to heal deep wounds.
Even today, this symbolism remains meaningful.
In the language of flowers, cattails are associated with qualities such as compassion, sincerity, and care — all values closely connected to healing and support.
Through the cattail reeds, The White Hare of Inaba reminds us that true healing often comes from gentle wisdom and thoughtful care.
A Story Told Through Symbols
Through simple images and gentle storytelling, The White Hare of Inaba invites us to reflect on three important choices we face in our own lives:
- Do we have the courage to admit our mistakes and grow from them, as the rabbit does?
- When facing obstacles, do we seek temporary gain by using others, or choose a path built on trust?
- Do we value gentle wisdom — kindness, care, and the healing power found in nature and compassion?
These quiet choices, repeated day by day, shape who we become and the path we walk in life.
Places and Sweets Inspired by The White Hare of Inaba
You may think that The White Hare of Inaba exists only in the world of myth.
Yet traces of the story can still be found in real places today.
Here are a few special locations and treats inspired by the legend.
Hakuto Shrine: A Shrine Dedicated to the White Hare
Hakuto Shrine is a sacred place where the White Hare is enshrined as a divine being. Because the hare was healed using cattail reeds in the legend, the shrine is often regarded as the birthplace of Japanese medicine and healing traditions.
The shrine is also closely associated with matchmaking and meaningful relationships.
After all, it was the White Hare who foretold the union between Ōkuninushi and Princess Yagami.
For this reason, many visitors come here seeking good fortune in love and human connections.
Charms and fortune slips at the shrine often feature adorable rabbit designs inspired by the legend, adding a gentle and welcoming touch to the experience.
People visit Hakuto Shrine to pray for recovery from illness, compassion toward others, and deeper, more meaningful bonds in their lives.
The quiet and serene atmosphere invites visitors to slow down and reflect — much like Ōkuninushi did when he stopped to help the wounded rabbit.
Learn more about Hakuto Shrine: Hakuto Shrine
Hakuto Coast: The Shore Where the Legend Unfolds
Hakuto Coast is believed to be the place where the White Hare crossed the sea.
Along the shore, rock formations resemble the backs of sharks, echoing the scene from the legend.
The gently curving coastline is strikingly beautiful, and the clear water reveals grains of sand beneath the surface.
Sunrise and sunset at Hakuto Coast are especially breathtaking, as the sky and sea change color in quiet harmony.
Standing here, it is easy to imagine the rabbit’s journey.
The vast ocean symbolizes the challenges we face in life, as well as the courage required to confront them.
The natural beauty of the coast adds depth to the story, linking an ancient myth with the timeless presence of nature and allowing visitors to feel the legend come alive before their eyes.
Learn more about Hakuto Coast: Hakuto Coast
A Sweet Inspired by the Legend
The story of The White Hare of Inaba has also inspired a beloved local confection.
Inaba no Shiro Usagi is a small, palm-sized sweet shaped like a white rabbit, with distinctive red eyes that make it instantly recognizable.
The soft dough is made with butter, and inside is a gentle egg-yolk bean paste, creating a mild and comforting flavor.
For many years, this sweet has been created and enjoyed with the wish that happiness and good relationships may come into one’s life, reflecting the gentle spirit of the White Hare’s story.
Tasting this confection is another way to experience how the story of the White Hare continues to be shared and treasured in everyday life — not only through words and places, but through flavors passed down across generations.
Official website of Inaba no Shiro Usagi: Inaba no Shiro Usagi
(Please note: this page is available in Japanese only)
From sacred shrines and coastal landscapes to local sweets, The White Hare of Inaba remains a living story — one that can be walked, seen, and tasted.
By visiting these places or enjoying these traditions, the legend becomes more than a story from the past—it becomes part of a personal journey, shaped by memory and experience.
Conclusion: A Story That Still Walks Beside Us
The White Hare of Inaba is not merely an ancient myth.
It is a story that walks quietly beside us, gently asking questions that truly matter.
It reminds us that we are clever yet imperfect beings — capable of making mistakes, feeling regret, and growing beyond them.
It shows us that when we face obstacles in life, choosing shortcuts built on deception often leads to lost trust and rarely brings a good ending.
And it teaches that wisdom born from genuine kindness and compassion has the power to heal wounds and earn true trust and respect.
Perhaps the most powerful moment in this story is not the trick, the punishment, or even the prophecy.
It is the moment when someone chooses to stop and face another with sincerity.
Ōkuninushi stops.
He listens.
He helps — guided by genuine kindness, without hesitation and without expecting anything in return.
This story does not tell us what we must do.
Instead, it invites us to choose.
Who we become is shaped not by our cleverness or strength, but by how we face suffering—both in others and within ourselves.
When someone is hurting, what will you do?
Will you laugh, look away, or remain silent?
Or will you stop, listen, and choose kindness?