Legend of Kumano Shrine (Izu, Japan)

A long long time ago, Oshizu, the daughter of a village chief, and Kokichi, a lowly fisherman who lived in a village nearby, fell in love with each other without the permission of their elders.

The couple were forced to split up by the elders due to differences in their social class, and Kokichi was exiled to the distant island of Mikomoto off the shores of Cape Irozaki.

Oshizu and Kokichi were inseparable and could never forget their love for each other. So, Oshizu and Kokichi lit fires every night from atop the cliffs above the sea to signal to each other that they were safe and sound, and to symbolize their unfettering love for each other.

One night, Oshizu’s heart sunk after not seeing the Kokichi’s fire on Mikomoto Island. With worry and panic setting in, Oshizu secretly set out on a small boat for the island and prayed to the gods with all her heart that she would be guided to Mikomoto Island. After drifting all night under a full moon, Oshizu drifted onto the shores of Mikomoto Island where Kokichi soon found her.

Upon hearing this story, Oshizu’s parents forgave her and Kokichi and they were married wherein they lived happily ever after.

A small shrine was built on the site of Oshizu’s nightly fires, and a deity was enshrined. Since then, the deity became known as the god of marriage among the villagers and following generations.

A long long time ago, Oshizu, the daughter of a village chief, and Kokichi, a lowly fisherman who lived in a village nearby, fell in love with each other without the permission of their elders.

The couple were forced to split up by the elders due to differences in their social class, and Kokichi was exiled to the distant island of Mikomoto off the shores of Cape Irozaki.

Oshizu and Kokichi were inseparable and could never forget their love for each other. So, Oshizu and Kokichi lit fires every night from atop the cliffs above the sea to signal to each other that they were safe and sound, and to symbolize their unfettering love for each other.

One night, Oshizu’s heart sunk after not seeing the Kokichi’s fire on Mikomoto Island. With worry and panic setting in, Oshizu secretly set out on a small boat for the island and prayed to the gods with all her heart that she would be guided to Mikomoto Island. After drifting all night under a full moon, Oshizu drifted onto the shores of Mikomoto Island where Kokichi soon found her.

Upon hearing this story, Oshizu’s parents forgave her and Kokichi and they were married wherein they lived happily ever after.

A small shrine was built on the site of Oshizu’s nightly fires, and a deity was enshrined. Since then, the deity became known as the god of marriage among the villagers and following generations.