Masakaki

Masakaki (真榊) is an object used in Shinto rituals. It is put on both sides of a table where the event takes place. Masakaki is made with branches of a tree called Sakaki. These branches are attached to the top of colorful cloth banners. The banners are in five colors - green, yellow, red, white, and blue.

They were mentioned in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki as implements used to get Amaterasu to leave the cave.

Special treasures are hung on these branches. On the left side, a sword is hung. On the right side, a mirror and a magatama are hung. The three of them symbolize the Imperial Regalia of Japan. Sometimes, people call the whole setup with a special name, Masakaki-dai. A masakaki offering involves donating two such Masakaki to a shrine or construction ceremony with the three treasures.

The five colors of the cloth stand for the five elements. These elements are wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. At funerals, Masakaki with yellow and white banners is used.

In 2016, Shinzo Abe got controversy for making a Masakaki offering to Yasukuni Shrine. It was incorrectly reported as being an entire tree by some sources. In early 2023, Fumio Kishida ran into a similar controversy.

Other websites

 * Image of Masasaki
 * Masakaki
 * Masakaki installation example