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The Rising and Setting Sun in Japan: Symbols, Meanings, and Legends

  • Writer: leilatokyotrip
    leilatokyotrip
  • 5 days ago
  • 4 min read

Japan, often referred to as the "Land of the Rising Sun," has a deep and symbolic relationship with the sun. Whether during the first light of dawn or as the sun disappears beyond the horizon, these moments hold unique cultural, spiritual, and poetic significance. Throughout history, sunrise and sunset have inspired legends, rituals, and artistic representations that are deeply embedded in Japan’s identity.


Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun: Origin and Meaning

The nickname "Land of the Rising Sun" (Nihon or Nippon, 日本) originates from the etymology of the kanji characters used to write Japan’s name: 日 (ni) for "sun" and 本 (hon) for "origin" or "root." Literally, Nihon means "origin of the sun" or "where the sun rises."

This expression is also tied to Japan’s geography. Situated at the easternmost end of Asia, the archipelago is one of the first places in the world to witness the sunrise each day. The term was popularized through diplomatic exchanges with China during the Tang dynasty (618–907), when the Japanese emperor used this term to refer to his country.

The sun is omnipresent in Japanese culture. It appears on the national flag, known as the "Hinomaru" (literally "circle of the sun"), which features a red disk on a white background, symbolizing the rising sun. This simple yet powerful symbol reflects the beauty, strength, and purity associated with the sun.

The rising sun is also linked to ideas of renewal, hope, and light, echoing the values of resilience and rebirth cherished by the Japanese people.


Legends Associated with the Sun in Japan

The most famous legend related to the sun is that of Amaterasu, the sun goddess in Shinto mythology. According to the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters), Amaterasu is one of the most important deities in the Shinto pantheon.

The story tells how Amaterasu, angered by her brother Susanoo’s violent behavior, hid inside a cave, depriving the world of her light. This act plunged the earth into darkness, causing chaos and despair. To lure her out, the other deities organized a festival at the cave entrance, where the goddess Ame-no-Uzume performed a joyful dance. Intrigued by the laughter and music, Amaterasu emerged from her hiding place, restoring light and life to the world.

This legend symbolizes the rebirth of day after night and the triumph of light over darkness. Amaterasu is also considered the direct ancestor of Japan’s imperial family, further reinforcing her cultural significance.


Mount Fuji, Japan’s sacred mountain, is closely associated with the rising sun. Climbing Mount Fuji to witness the sunrise, known as Goraiko (御来光), is a spiritual experience for many Japanese. Watching the sun emerge from the horizon at the summit of Fuji is seen as a communion with the deities and a moment of purification.

The majestic silhouette of Mount Fuji with a rising sun in the background is also a recurring motif in Japanese art, particularly in Katsushika Hokusai’s famous Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji series.


The Setting Sun: Ephemeral Beauty and Melancholy

If the rising sun represents renewal and hope, the setting sun evokes the transient beauty of life, a fundamental concept in Japanese culture known as mono no aware. This term, difficult to translate, refers to an appreciation of the fragile and fleeting beauty of things.

Sunset is often associated with melancholy, the end of a cycle, or the contemplation of time passing. In classical Japanese poetry, particularly haiku, twilight is a recurring theme that invites reflection and meditation.

For example, a famous haiku by Matsuo Basho expresses this idea:

The sun sets, Crows return home – The end of autumn.

Sunset is also perceived as a moment of tranquility and connection with nature, a pause in the fast-paced rhythm of daily life.


Among the iconic places to admire the sunset, the sacred island of Miyajima, with its famous floating torii gate, offers a breathtaking spectacle as the sun sets behind the Seto Inland Sea. The golden light enveloping the torii creates an almost divine image.

Located near Tokyo and Kamakura, Enoshima is a popular spot to watch the sun set behind Mount Fuji, especially during winter when the skies are clear.

The beaches of the Okinawa islands provide spectacular sunsets over turquoise waters, accompanied by the gentle sound of waves.


Festivals and Rituals Dedicated to the Sun

The rising and setting sun plays a role in many Shinto rituals and traditional festivals, such as Hatsuhinode, the first sunrise of the year, celebrated during Japanese New Year. The Japanese gather to observe this symbolic moment, praying for health and happiness.

The Otaue festival in June is an agricultural ritual dedicated to the sun and deities to ensure a good harvest, highlighting the sun’s importance in daily life.


Conclusion: An Eternal Symbol of Hope and Beauty

Sunrise and sunset hold a central place in Japanese culture and traditions. The rising sun embodies hope, renewal, and energy, while the setting sun symbolizes ephemeral beauty, melancholy, and reflection. From the legend of Amaterasu to the ascent of Mount Fuji to witness Goraiko, these natural phenomena transcend their visual aspect to become spiritual and poetic moments.

Watching a sunrise or sunset in Japan, whether from the mountains, the beaches of Okinawa, or in front of Miyajima’s torii gate, invites one to embrace this Japanese philosophy where nature, time, and fleeting beauty meet in perfect harmony. This deep respect and admiration for the sun serve as a timeless reminder of humanity’s profound connection with the environment


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