One of the reasons why Hokura Shrine is not just an ancient shrine but has attracted spiritual attention nationwide is that it is the site where the Katakamuna documents were discovered. What is Katakamuna and why does it attract so many people? Let’s delve deeper into the mystery.
5.1 The Discovery of the Katakamuna Documents and Historical Background
The Katakamuna documents are said to have been discovered in 1949, shortly after the end of World War II, by a physicist named Narasaki Kougetsu in the mountains of Mount Kincho, which lies behind Hokura Shrine.
The documents, which he received from a local hunter, contained a mysterious circular drawing of letters, which would later be called the “Katakamuna script.”
While these characters resemble katakana, they are distinct from modern languages. They are believed to represent the language system of a super-ancient civilization, and many mysteries remain unsolved.
The documents also contain the names of gods that appear in the Kojiki and Japanese mythology, such as “Amanominakanushi” ,”Takamimusubi,” and “Kamumusubi” and are attracting attention as ancient scientific documents that show Japan’s oldest cosmology and natural philosophy.
5.2 Spiritualists Attracted to Katakamuna
The reason Katakamuna is so enthusiastically supported in spiritual circles is its profound philosophical depth.
The Katakamuna texts contain numerous concepts that overlap with modern spiritual theories, such as“Kotodama” ,“Hado” and “Attraction.” The following points in particular have attracted attention:
- The theory of “otodama,” which states that words create reality
- The Hado idea that the universe is a fluid of energy
- The contrast between the invisible and visible worlds, the “latent” and the “manifest”
These concepts are said to be relevant to current quantum theory and philosophy of consciousness, and many people are drawn to Katakamuna in search of inspiration for self-improvement and spiritual growth.
In particular, many people visit places associated with the texts, such as Hokura Shrine, in search of a sense of connection with the source of energy.
5.3 Mysteries and Legends Remaining Around the Shrine
The area around Hokura Shrine is home to numerous other mysterious legends and unexplored sites. Mt. Kincho, where the Katakamuna documents were discovered, and the megaliths (iwakura) scattered around the shrine are prime examples.
🔸Local legends:
・The story of Shiinetsuhiko: Said to have navigated Emperor Jimmu’s voyage across the sea on a blue turtle.
・“Nada no Hitotsubi”: A tradition of lighting stone lanterns and praying for safe maritime travel. These rituals served as ancient lighthouses.
・Iwakura: Megaliths believed to house gods are scattered throughout the shrine grounds, marking an ancient ritual site.
・Yayoi period artifacts: Numerous stone tools, pottery, and bronze artifacts have been excavated, providing evidence that rituals were being held there before the Common Era.
Not all of these stories have been scientifically proven, but that’s precisely why the “mystery” so captivates so many people.
In recent years, an increasing number of people have been holding copies of the Katakamuna documents and meditating by tracing the shapes written in the documents or reading them aloud, and there is no end to the number of modern-day worshippers who make pilgrimages in search of the ”energy they can feel on site.”