The Stone with a Handprint and the Heart of Northern Japan
Iwate Prefecture is famous for wild mountains, ancient temples, and magical tales just like in The Tales of Tono. But have you ever wondered why it’s called “Iwate”? The name isn’t just pretty, it’s packed with mystery, mythology, and even a giant demon’s footprint!
Let’s take a stroll through the legend behind the name Iwate (岩手), and explore how a single stone and a sacred promise shaped the identity of this beautiful corner of Japan.
Breaking It Down: What Does “Iwate” Mean?
The word “Iwate” (岩手) is made of two kanji:
岩 (iwa) = rock or stone
手 (te) = hand
Put them together, and you get “rock hand” or “stone hand.”
Sounds a bit mysterious already, right? So… where’s the hand? And what does a rock have to do with anything?
The Legend of the Demon’s Promise
Long ago in what’s now Morioka City (Iwate’s capital), the people were tormented by a fearsome oni (a kind of demon or ogre) named Rasetsu. He caused chaos, destroyed crops, and made life miserable for the villagers.
One day, the desperate townspeople prayed at the local shrine, begging the gods for help. Their prayers were answered when a white horse appeared, which was considered a sacred animal. With divine power, the horse chased Rasetsu away and cornered him near a giant stone.
To save himself, Rasetsu made a deal:
“I swear I will never harm the people again. To prove it, I’ll leave my handprint on this stone.”
And so, with a mighty slap, Rasetsu left a burned handprint on the rock.
This stone became sacred and was called the Iwate-ishi (Rock of the Hand). The place was named Iwate, and the name stuck.
The Rock Still Exists!
This isn’t just a bedtime story, the actual Iwate-ishi (岩手石) can still be seen today at Mitsuwari Shrine (三ツ割神社) in Morioka.
Locals say you can still see the handprint embedded in the stone. Some even claim they can feel a strange energy coming from it, almost like it’s a seal keeping the demon’s promise alive to this day. The shrine is peaceful, surrounded by nature, and feels like a place where the boundary between our world and the spirit world is a little thinner.
What the Name Symbolizes
While the story of Rasetsu is a folktale, the name “Iwate” has taken on deeper meanings over the years. It represents:
– Strength and resilience – like the rock that stood firm.
– Divine protection – symbolized by the sacred horse and shrine.
– Community spirit – where people came together to face danger.
Even in modern times, Iwate’s people take pride in this origin story. It gives the prefecture a powerful symbol of peace, perseverance, and protection.
A Name Rooted in Myth and Nature
What makes Iwate’s name so special is how it blends myth with landscape. Unlike place names that come from politics or borders, Iwate’s name springs directly from a story, a place, and a promise. It ties together a rock, a god, a demon, and a community. To me, that’s just cool!
Iwate Today: More Than Just a Name
Today, Iwate is a place where history, nature, and legend still live side by side. You can:
– Visit Mitsuwari Shrine and the sacred rock.
– Explore Hiraizumi, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with ancient temples.
– Hike through the Kitakami Mountains, where spirits might still roam.
– Enjoy festivals, hot springs, and that special northern hospitality.
And wherever you go, you’ll see traces of that iwa and te, not just in names, but in the strong hearts of the people who call Iwate home.
Final Thoughts: A Name to Remember
So next time someone asks you where Iwate got its name, you can smile and say:
“It means rock hand, because a demon made a promise on a sacred stone, and he kept it.”
And if you’re ever in Morioka, don’t forget to bow politely to the stone. Just in case Rasetsu is still listening.
