Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto: The Mysterious Moon God of Japanese Mythology

Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto is the revered moon god in Japanese mythology, and a key figure among the Three Noble Children, born from the purification ritual of the creator deity Izanagi. Alongside his celestial siblings—Amaterasu, the sun goddess, and Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the god of storms—Tsukuyomi holds a significant place in the divine pantheon of Japan.

The name “Tsukuyomi” can be translated as “moon-reader” or “moon-watcher,” highlighting his connection with the lunar calendar, agriculture, and nighttime rituals—all vital elements in ancient Japanese life.

Major Myths and Symbolic Roles of Tsukuyomi

1. Birth from Izanagi’s Ritual Purification

Following the death of the goddess Izanami, Izanagi descended into Yomi (the underworld) to retrieve her. After his failed attempt, he returned to the earthly realm and performed a purification rite to cleanse himself of the impurities from the underworld.

During this sacred act, Tsukuyomi was born from Izanagi’s right eye. His sister Amaterasu emerged from the left eye, and Susanoo from the nose. These three deities were entrusted with governing heaven and earth, becoming the foundation of Japan’s divine lineage.

2. Tsukuyomi as the God of the Moon and Night

Tsukuyomi is closely tied to the moon, the night sky, and the passage of time. However, compared to his siblings, fewer stories exist about him, enhancing his reputation as a mysterious and reserved deity.

One of the few myths featuring Tsukuyomi appears in the Nihon Shoki. In this tale, Tsukuyomi is sent to represent the heavenly gods and visit Uke Mochi, the goddess of food. Disgusted by her method of creating food, he slays her, an act that angers Amaterasu and causes her to distance herself from him—resulting in the eternal separation of day and night.

This myth reflects the cosmic balance between sun and moon, order and mystery, light and darkness.

3. Shrines and Worship of Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto

Although not as widely venerated as Amaterasu or Susanoo, Tsukuyomi is still honored in several significant shrines:

Tsukuyomi Shrines (located in Kyoto, Osaka, Nagasaki, and other regions)

These shrines worship Tsukuyomi as the deity of the moon, night, water, and calendrical time.
Tsukiyomi-no-Miya at the Ise Grand Shrine, Mie Prefecture

A revered auxiliary shrine within Ise Jingu, dedicated to Tsukuyomi’s divine spirit and his role in regulating the lunar cycle and sacred time.

Symbolism and Legacy of Tsukuyomi

Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto represents tranquility, reflection, and the cyclical nature of time. His divine presence is often associated with agricultural rhythms, tide movements, and ritual calendars based on lunar phases.

Interestingly, Tsukuyomi’s gender is not explicitly defined in ancient texts, though he is commonly depicted as male. This ambiguity contributes to his enigmatic aura and invites multiple interpretations.

As the guardian of night and the moon, Tsukuyomi continues to be a symbol of sacred mystery in Japanese spirituality, embodying the stillness of the night and the powerful influence of the moon on life and nature.