October in the Japanese lunar calendar (from 1 to 30 November 2024) is generally known as Kannazuki. However, in the Izumo region, it is called Kamiarizuki, or the month with deities. This term is used because, on the 10th of the lunar month, a Shinto welcoming ceremony is held at the Inasa-no-hama beach to greet the eight million gods from across Japan. These gods then spend a week at the Izumo Grand Shrine for the Kamiari Festival, where they gather to discuss important matters such as marriage and the harvest for the coming year. For the people of Izumo, Kamiarizuki is a special and sacred period, as the region hosts this divine assembly
Sumida Ward, Tokyo / Izumo, Shimane — A young girl from Tokyo undertook an extraordinary journey to deliver sacred food offerings to Izumo, Shimane Prefecture, for an annual banquet attended by Japan’s deities. This event, held during Kamiarizuki, marks a time when deities from across Japan convene in Izumo to discuss matters of fortune and matchmaking while the rest of the nation experiences Kannazuki (the Month without deities). The offerings symbolised this year’s harvest and were central to the summit’s festivities.
Kanna Hazuki, a 12-year-old elementary school student from Sumida Ward, inherited this mission from her late mother, who had previously served as the envoy. With the help of her mother’s magatama (a sacred bead that enabled travel on time flow for deities — where one day equalled ten minutes), Kanna began her journey at noon, aiming to arrive at Izumo Grand Shrine by 7:00 PM. Accompanying her was a white rabbit from the Inaba myth and a demon tasked with aiding her on this sacred quest.
Their route took them to several shrines across Japan, including Ushi-jima Shrine in Tokyo, Suwa Taisha in Nagano, Amanohashidate in Kyoto, and Miho Shrine in Shimane. At each location, they collected harvests to present at the gods’ banquet.
However, as they neared their destination, an unexpected encounter occurred in the Inome Cavern, a mythical boundary between the earthly realm and the afterlife. Kanna came face-to-face with her mother’s ghost, who sought to become a deity by consuming the sacred offerings. Though the ghost attempted to deceive and steal from her, Kanna managed to escape but was left demoralised and unable to continue.
With Kanna overcome by despair, the rabbit and the demon continued without her. Yet, as they approached Inasa Beach, just shy of Izumo Grand Shrine, the demon succumbed to injuries inflicted by the ghost during their earlier encounter. With the deadline passed and hope dwindling, Kanna found renewed resolve, recalling the importance of her mission. Drawing on her inner strength, she rejoined her companions and sprinted towards the shrine.
Although she arrived after the curfew, the head priest of Izumo Grand Shrine forgave the delay, recognising her extraordinary effort. The mission was successful, bringing harmony and prosperity to the Japanese archipelago. The deities’ blessings ensured good fortune for the nation, while Kanna’s story became a testament to perseverance and the enduring connection between Japan’s mythological past and its present.
(Words by Takahsi Saito)