The chrysanthemum emblem unfurls as the melody unfolds, unveiling the primordial deities Izanagi and Izanami upon the Ama no Ukihashi, the celestial bridge. They drive the Ama no Nuboko, the divine spear, into the ocean; droplets from its tip coalesce into Japan"s islands. Owing to her brother Susanoo"s violent deeds, the sun goddess Amaterasu withdraws and seals herself within the Ama no Iwato, the heavenly cavern. The deities encircle the cave while Ame no Uzume performs a dance before it. When Amaterasu peers out to witness the spectacle, the god Tajikarao forces open the stone gate, restoring radiant heavenly light. A golden kite alights atop the celestial bow that rises from the clouds; its glow drives away Japan"s malevolent spirits. At last, the trio of sacred treasures—the sword, jewel, and mirror—emerge.
