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Kaname-ishi (要石, kaname-ishi, perhaps "foundation stone" but maybe more aptly "cap stone") is a mythological rock that was believed to hold down the Japanese archipelago. It was believed that when it was jostled or disturbed, it caused earthquakes. It is located in Kashima, Ibaraki.
Many earthquakes were believed to have been caused by the catfish Namazu which dwelt near it. The catfish was later restrained by Takemikazuchi, protecting against earthquakes. When the Takemikazuchi lets his guard fall, Namazu thrashes about and agitates the stone, causing violent earthquakes
In the namazu-e or catfish prints of the Edo period, Takemikazuchi/Kashima is depicted attempting to subdue the catfish, protect the stone, and prevent earthquakes. The paintings are believed to give protection against earthquakes themselves, and had a massive increase in popularity.
References
- ^ Smits (2009), pp. 10–11.
- ^ Ouwehand (1964), pp. 67–72.
- "Untitled (Monster Catfish, Kashima Deity, and the Kaname-ishi Stone)". collections.rom.on.ca. Retrieved 2023-10-18.
- Ashkenazi, Michael (2003). Handbook of Japanese Mythology. ABC-CLIO. p. 266. ISBN 9781576074671.
- Ouwehand, Cornelis; Logunova, Vera Vasil'evna (1964). Namazu-e and Their Themes: An Interpretative Approach to Some Aspects of Japanese Folk Religion. Brill Archive. pp. 57–., gives sword as "Itsu-no-o habari"
- "［Catfish and the Keystone (Namazu to Kanameishi)］". www.library.metro.tokyo.lg.jp. Retrieved 2023-10-18.
Works cited
- Ouwehand, Cornells (1964). Namazu-e and Their Themes: An Interpretative Approach to Some Aspects of Japanese Folk Religion. Leiden: Brill.
- Smits, Gregory (2009). "Warding off Calamity in Japan: A Comparison of the 1855 Catfish Prints and the 1862 Measles Prints" (PDF). East Asian Science, Technology, and Medicine. 30: 9–31. doi:10.1163/26669323-03001003.
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