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Bridge to the Gods: Tales from Kyushu

Herman Mitchell

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The Kyushu region of Japan is home to a rich history and culture, with many stories and legends passed down through generations. One of the most famous tales is that of the Bridge to the Gods, a mythical bridge said to have connected the islands of Kyushu and Shikoku. This bridge is said to have been built by the gods in order to allow them to travel between the two islands, and it is said to have been so long and wide that it could be seen from miles away.

Bridge to the Gods: Tales from Kyushu

by Alec Potrero

4.5 out of 5

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The Legend of the Bridge to the Gods

The legend of the Bridge to the Gods is first mentioned in the Nihon Shoki, the oldest known history of Japan, which was compiled in the 8th century AD. According to the Nihon Shoki, the bridge was built by the god Ninigi-no-Mikoto, the grandson of the sun goddess Amaterasu. Ninigi-no-Mikoto is said to have descended from heaven to Kyushu, and he is said to have built the bridge in order to allow him to travel to Shikoku.

The Nihon Shoki also states that the bridge was so long and wide that it could be seen from miles away. It is said that the bridge was made of stone, and that it was so strong that it could withstand even the strongest storms. However, the bridge is said to have been destroyed by a great earthquake in the 8th century AD, and it has never been rebuilt.

The Search for the Bridge to the Gods

For centuries, people have searched for the remains of the Bridge to the Gods. However, no definitive evidence of the bridge has ever been found. Some people believe that the bridge was completely destroyed by the earthquake, while others believe that it still exists, hidden beneath the waters of the Kanmon Strait.

In 1999, a team of researchers from Kyushu University conducted a sonar survey of the Kanmon Strait. The survey revealed a number of large underwater structures, which some people believe could be the remains of the Bridge to the Gods. However, other researchers are more skeptical, and they say that more evidence is needed before any definitive s can be drawn.

The Bridge to the Gods in Popular Culture

The legend of the Bridge to the Gods has been a popular subject of art, literature, and music. The bridge has been depicted in paintings, sculptures, and films, and it has been the subject of numerous songs and poems. The bridge is also a popular tourist destination, and many people visit Kyushu each year in the hopes of seeing the remains of the bridge.

The Bridge to the Gods is a fascinating legend that has been passed down through generations. The story of the bridge is a reminder of the rich history and culture of the Kyushu region of Japan, and it continues to inspire people today.

Bridge to the Gods: Tales from Kyushu

by Alec Potrero

4.5 out of 5