In Japanese culture, crows have two very different images. On one hand, ordinary crows are often viewed as nuisance birds in modern cities. On the other hand, the legendary Yatagarasu (the Three-Legged Crow) is one of the most sacred symbols in Japanese mythology.
According to the
Kojiki and the
Nihon Shoki, Yatagarasu was sent by the sun goddess Amaterasu to guide Emperor Jimmu, the legendary first Emperor of Japan, from Kumano to Yamato. Because of this, Yatagarasu symbolizes:
Divine guidance
Wisdom and insight
Victory and success
The will of the gods
Even today, Yatagarasu remains an important symbol in Japan. It is closely associated with the Kumano Shrines and is also featured in the emblem of the Japan Football Association (JFA), representing guidance toward victory.
However, this sacred image should not be confused with people's perception of ordinary crows.
In modern Japan, many people dislike crows because they:
Tear open garbage bags and scatter trash.
Can become aggressive during the nesting season to protect their chicks.
Make loud calls, especially early in the morning.
These practical issues have given crows a negative reputation in everyday life.
Despite this, crows are highly intelligent birds. Scientists have shown that they can recognize human faces, use tools, solve complex problems, and even communicate information about dangerous people to other crows. They also play an important ecological role by eating insects, rodents, and animal carcasses.
In short, Japan has two distinct views of crows:
In mythology and religion: The Yatagarasu is a sacred messenger of the gods and a symbol of divine guidance.
In everyday urban life: Ordinary crows are often regarded as troublesome because of the problems they can cause.
These two perspectives coexist in Japanese culture, reflecting the difference between the symbolic role of the mythical Yatagarasu and the behavior of real crows in modern society.