Sarutahiko Okami

The monkey and monkey deities have long been part of Japanese culture, religion and way of life. The animal was in the 8th century regarded as a mediator between humans and gods. The term “monkey” later alluded to “unscrupulous people”.

Ancient chronicles in 712 AD and 720 AD recorded the worship of Sarutahiko Okami, a Shinto deity who is revered as the god of the crossroads between heaven and earth, having a monkey-like appearance. The word “saru” refers to “simian” or “monkey”, his physical characteristics.

Sarutahiko Okami is still venerated today at one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines – the Tsubaki Grand Shrine in Mie Prefecture and Oasahiko Shrine in Tokushima. Being a messenger to Sanno, the mountain king, was not the only duty allotted to the Shinto Sarugami or “monkey god”, for female monkeys were believed to promote marital bliss and safe childbirth at the Hie Jinja Shrine in Tokyo. Visitors will easily spot the monkey stone statue sporting a Shinto priest’s pointed cap and draped in a red cape.

Perhaps the most popular monkey gods are the sanzuru or Three Wise Monkeys, known as mizaru, kikazaru and iwazaru (“not seeing”, “not hearing”, “not speaking”). They are carved and displayed at the stables of Toshogu Shrine in Nikko. These three friends are also representative of the Koshin faith which incorporates Taoist beliefs at the Yasaka Koshin-do Temple in Kyoto where “monkey baby” amulets are sold for good luck.

The Japanese military commander, or shogun actually designated the monkey as a deity during the appointment of Tokugawa Ieyasu (1542–1616), the founder of the last shogunate in Japan. Monkeys were bequeathed as “Guardians of Peace” in the nation, and they were also guardians of horses, kept in stables for this purpose. Amazingly, they didn’t disappoint their masters, unlike the experience of a certain Jade Emperor!