Definition

1. Proper Noun:
   • A legendary figure in Japanese mythology: Ninigi-no-Mikoto is the grandson of the sun goddess Amaterasu and is considered the divine ancestor of the Japanese imperial line. He is sent from the heavenly plain (Takamagahara) to rule the earthly land (Ashihara no Nakatsukuni), making him the first celestial ruler of Japan in myth.

Usage Examples

• Proper Noun:
  • According to the Kojiki, Ninigi-no-Mikoto descended to Mount Takachiho bearing the Three Sacred Treasures. (The Kojiki is an ancient Japanese chronicle of myths.)
  • The myth of Ninigi-no-Mikoto establishes the divine right of the Japanese emperors.

Advanced Usage

• "The descent of Ninigi-no-Mikoto" (天孫降臨, Tenson Kōrin): This is the central event in the myth, referring to his arrival on earth. It is a foundational narrative in Shinto.
  • The Tenson Kōrin, or descent of Ninigi-no-Mikoto, is a pivotal story in Japanese creation myths.

Variants and Related Words

• Ame-no-Nigishikuni-Nigishiamatsuhiko-Hikono-no-Ninigi-no-Mikoto (天之瓊瓊杵尊): This is the full, honorific name found in classical texts like the .
• Konohana-no-Sakuya-bime (木花之開耶姫): The princess of the mountain who becomes the wife of Ninigi-no-Mikoto.
• Hoori (火遠理命) / Hikohohodemi-no-Mikoto: The son of Ninigi-no-Mikoto and grandfather of Japan's first legendary emperor, Jimmu.

Synonyms

• Celestial Grandson: A direct translation of the meaning implied by his role and lineage.
• Heavenly Descendant: Refers to his divine origin and his mission to descend to earth.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Three Sacred Treasures (三種の神器, ): The mirror (Yata no Kagami), jewel (Yasakani no Magatama), and sword (Kusanagi no Tsurugi) that Ninigi-no-Mikoto brought from heaven, which became the imperial regalia.
• Divine Right: The political and religious concept that the authority of the Japanese emperor is derived from his direct descent from Ninigi-no-Mikoto and, by extension, Amaterasu.

Noun

1. grandson of Amaterasu and first ruler of Japan