Takemikazuchi

Takemikazuchi is a hardliner Heavenly Kami. If Amaterasu has an unpleasant job that needs being done, Takemikazuchi volunteers, especially if he gets to stick it to the Earthly Kami. He was the Heavenly Kami that came down when the Earthly Kami supported the unaligned clans against the Emperor. He challenged Ōkuninushi’s sons, the leaders of the rebellion, to a fight and beat them all. The first several he beat with his unparalleled swordsmanship, so the last one challenged him to a battle of pure physical might. Takemikazuchi won, and from that single bout sumō wrestling was born.

However, his most notable job is keeping the Titan Namazu from destroying Japan. Namazu, who is a giant catfish that lives in the mud in the waters deep below Japan and would love nothing more than to shake until all the land had sunk into the oceans and become mud for him to lie in. Takemikazuchi battles Namazu, his shouts, the thunder in the sky, his sword and sumō skill all that keep Japan from falling into the sea.

Throughout the ages and into modern day he’s appeared as an advisor who will drive his charges to unimagined heights no matter the cost. Unenlightened people believe that sumō wrestlers can just eat, get fat, and train a bit at hugging and the bigger guy wins, but those that understand sumō realize it is an austere path of punishing work and perseverance. Self-sacrifice is the watchword for Scions of Takemikazuchi, and the cry of “Banzai!” has been heard on many of their lips just before they died. Many Scions of other Kami will whisper about the methods of Takemikazuchi, but all will be happy to have one at their side come a hard fight.