KAMIYO Episode 15: Otonoji-no-Kami — Establishment of Masculinity

Prologue: The Will-less Paradise

Through the work of Tsunoguhi and Ikuguhi, the world was wrapped in the joy of life.

Greenery flourished, flowers bloomed in profusion, and the wind carried sweet scents.

It was truly a "Paradise" lacking nothing.

However, that beauty harbored a certain precariousness.

Plants stretched their branches at will, encroaching on each other's territories. Rivers had no fixed banks and overflowed capriciously.

There was no "Master" there.

It was a chaotic pastoral scene where nature simply circulated without discipline.

Freedom without the guideline of "how things should be" would eventually lead to disorderly diffusion.

At that moment, the eastern horizon burst into flame.

From the direction of the rising sun, a heavy, linear golden light—different in quality from the lights of the gods heretofore—streamed in.

It was the light of reason, drawing lines in the ambiguous world.

Chapter 1: The Manifestation of Otonoji

"The world is beautiful. But it lacks discipline."

The voice echoing from within the light was low, filled with a dignity that resonated in the pit of the stomach.

The golden light converged, and from it, a single male god stood up.

The Fifth Generation of the Kamiyo-nanayo (The Seven Divine Generations).

His name is Otonoji-no-Kami.

Unlike the active attire of Kariginu or Hitatare worn by previous gods, he was clad in a gold-threaded Sokutai (court attire), symbolizing authority.

On his chest and back, embroideries of the Sun and the Phoenix shone brilliantly.

With his hair tied up and holding a straight staff like a scepter (Shaku), his figure drifted with the aura of a "King" from birth.

His gaze was sharp, staring into the distance.

It was not a viewpoint that fluctuated with the phenomena before his eyes, but the viewpoint of a ruler surveying the entire structure of the world.

"I am Otonoji. I shall bring true order and guidance to this beautiful world."

With his appearance, the concepts of mature masculinity—"Leadership" and "Responsibility"—were brought to the world for the first time.

Chapter 2: Discovery of Boundaries

Otonoji surveyed the overgrown forests and the shapeless rivers.

In his eyes, the world appeared as "lines."

"Everything has a 'Boundary' (Sakai)."

The god waved his staff, drawing a line in the air.

"Mountain and River are different. Forest and Grassland are different. Inside and Outside are different... If these remain mixed, they cannot fulfill their respective roles."

He found clear divisions within the chaotic landscape.

Boundaries are not divisions.

By defining "From here on is mountain" and "Up to here is river," existence is established for the first time.

He realized that boundary lines are the skeleton that shapes the world.

"Distinguish them. Then, order shall be born."

Chapter 3: Creation of the Gate

"Because there are boundaries, connections are born. I shall become the 'Gate' (To) of this world."

The "To" in Otonoji's name connects to "Door" and "Gate."

When he spread his arms, majestic glowing pillars appeared on boundary lines all over the world.

In some places, massive stone gates; in others, vermilion gates resembling Torii.

They towered as nodes (interfaces) connecting different realms.

"Inside here is sanctuary."

"Outside here is the mundane world."

With the installation of gates, meaning was born in space.

A mere open space became a "Garden," and a mere hole became a "Dwelling."

He created every entrance and exit in the world, giving space the concepts of "Inside" (Uchi) and "Outside" (Soto).

It was the establishment of territory, and the manifestation of fatherhood trying to protect something.

Chapter 4: Order and Path, The Responsibility of the Guide

"A path is not merely a passage. It is the Will itself that guides to 'the place one should be'."

When Otonoji thrust his staff into the earth, paths of golden light ran to connect the gates.

The winding animal trails were organized, and rivers gained the framework of banks and began to flow.

Animals began to proceed without hesitation, following those paths.

Needless conflicts decreased, and a disciplined, beautiful flow was born throughout the world.

The god watched over this, standing like a Deva king.

"I am the Decider, the Guide."

Strength is not suppressing others with force.

It is showing the guideline "Proceed this way" and taking responsibility for the result.

Showing the path to the lost and making decisions to maintain the harmony of the whole.

Otonoji showed the essence of "Masculinity"—that is, leadership as a king—to the world with his back.

Chapter 5: Longing for the Counterpart's Warmth

Perfect order was established.

The world was organized and began to function beautifully.

Otonoji stood before the sturdy gate he had built and nodded with satisfaction.

However, a faint shadow crossed his expression.

The gate is magnificent. The path is straight.

But that scene, too orderly, was somewhat cold and lonely.

"The gate is done. Inside and Outside are divided... But this 'House' still lacks the warmth to welcome one in."

He looked up at the overly strict gate and moved his gaze as if searching the beyond of the sky.

The framework (hardware) was complete. But it needed a soul (software) to fill it.

For a "Gate" to be a place to return to, there must be someone there to say "Welcome home."

"Otonobe. My counterpart."

The male god's voice changed from the severity of a guardian of order to the gentleness of a husband waiting for his family.

"I await your benevolence. Transform this sturdy fortress into a dwelling of peace."

The gate built by the male god would change from a mere passing point to a "Place to Return" with the arrival of the goddess who would come soon.

The dignified King quietly waited for the arrival of the Queen who should sit next to his throne.