Our Kami
Enshrined Deities
At our shrine, we have humbly received the spirits of two deities from a historic shrine in Japan, whose names are recorded in the ancient myths of the "Kojiki" and "Nihon Shoki."
Furthermore, we have welcomed the "Ubusuna-gami" (guardian deity of the land) who cherishes this vast Canadian soil. By honoring these three deities together, we celebrate the bond between Japan and Canada.
Principal Diety
Futsunushi-no-Ōkami
(経津主大神)
The Deity of Divine Valor and Harmony, Pacifier of the Realm and Opener of Paths
Divine Virtues & Blessings
Victory & Fulfillment of Wishes:
Grants the strength to break through adversities and achieve one's highest goals.
Good Fortune & Opening of Paths:
Powerfully clears a way forward in new business ventures, challenges, and major turning points in life.
Protection against Misfortune & Evil Evasion:
Uses sharp, divine authority to sever bad fortune, negativity, and unexpected calamities.
Traffic & Travel Safety:
Having journeyed across the realm to bring peace to the land, he protects travelers and watches over daily commutes.
About the Deity
Futsunushi-no-Okami is the sovereign deity of Katori Jingu (Chiba Prefecture), the grand head shrine of all Katori shrines throughout Japan. Under the decree of the Sun Goddess Amaterasu-Omikami, he descended to earth alongside Takemikazuchi-no-Okami (the deity of Kashima Jingu) to successfully negotiate the peaceful transition of sovereignty of the land (known as "Kuni-yuzuri"). Since antiquity, he has been profoundly revered as a "guardian of the state and a symbol of martial virtue". Through his overwhelming spiritual authority and a philosophy of harmony, he pacified unruly deities and established the peaceful foundation of the nation. His name is said to derive from the sharp, resonant sound of a blade severing an object ("futsu"), symbolizing a powerful force that cuts away all stagnation and malevolence.
Associate Diety
Konohanasakuya-Hime-no-Mikoto
(木花開耶姫命)
The Goddess of Sacred Life and Safe Childbirth, Beautiful as Cherry Blossoms. Ruler of Flame.
Divine Virtues & Blessings
Safe Childbirth, Conception, & Child-rearing:
Owing to her safe delivery amidst fire, she is Japan's most renowned guardian deity for safe childbirth, fertility, and the healthy growth of children.
Matchmaking & Household Harmony:
Welcomes meaningful relationships, deepens marital bonds, and brings peace and prosperity to families.
Protection against Fire:
Having mastered and transcended the element of fire in her myth, she protects households from fire and sudden disasters.
Artistic Success & Preservation of Beauty:
As the archetype of divine beauty, she aids in refining inner and outer elegance, helping artistic and performing talents to blossom.
About the Deity
Enshrined deeply at Mount Fuji’s Asama shrines and long revered alongside Katori Shrine in Koshigaya, Konohanasakuya-Hime is celebrated in Japanese mythology as "the goddess of supreme grace and beauty". She became the consort of Ninigi-no-Mikoto, the heavenly grandson.
Her name beautifully translates to "the princess who blossoms as brilliantly as the cherry blossoms," and she is said to be the etymological origin of the word "Sakura" (cherry blossom), Japan's national flower. In mythology, to prove her fidelity, she set fire to her own parturition hut and safely gave birth to three divine children amidst the raging flames. She is thus revered not only for her unparalleled outer elegance, but for her "invincible life force and profound inner strength".
The Meaning of Enshrining Two Deities Together
The Harmony of Valor and Compassion
The co-enshrinement of Futsunushi-no-Okami, who embodies the quiet power of pacification and strength, and Konohanasakuya-Hime-no-Mikoto, who represents radiant life force and maternal compassion, carries a profound spiritual meaning. It represents the ultimate balance between the strength to overcome life trails and the gentleness to embrace people vulnerabilities. This serves as the guiding philosophy of Canada Katori Shrine—watching over the daily safety of the community in Canada, supporting new journeys, and walking closely alongside each individual life.
Associate Diety
Kaede-Sakitsu-Hime-no-Mikoto
(楓咲津比売命)
Nurturing the Life of Nature, Bringing Harmony to the Land of Maples: The Guardian Deity of Canada
Divine Virtues & Blessings
Protection of the Canadian Realm (Peace in the Homeland & Blessing of New Beginnings):
Regardless of which region across vast Canada one resides in, or whether one has newly migrated to this country, she embraces and protects their daily lives with the warmth of a local guardian deity.
Abundant Harvests & Prosperity (Protection of Daily Life & Success):
Just as the maple tree yields its rich syrup to the earth, she grants fulfilling outcomes to daily endeavors, guiding career, academics, and financial well-being toward prosperity.
Peace of Mind & Unity (Harmony of Multi-cultures):
Just as a single maple leaf on the Canadian flag unites a diverse people, she fosters a spirit of deep harmony, helping individuals of different backgrounds and cultures live together in mutual respect and peace.
Resilience & Renewal of Mind and Body (Rejuvenation & Longevity):
Drawing from the incredible vitality of the maple tree that survives the harsh winter to sprout renewed leaves, she bestows the strength to overcome adversities, healing from illnesses, and the grace of personal rebirth.
About the Deity
She is a spirit of natural harmony that has breathed since antiquity across the vast and majestic Canadian landscape, stretching from the Pacific to the Atlantic. She is enshrined in our shrine as the Ubusunagami (guardian deity of the land) of all Canada, watching gently and protectively over all who live here.
As a deity who weaves together diverse cultures and connections from all times and places, she guides all to live with vibrant, luminous spirits and presides over the maple, the very symbol of Canada. She embodies both the elegant beauty of autumn, when the entire continent is dyed in brilliant gold and crimson, and the overwhelming life force that patiently endures the bitter winter only to burst forth into lush, fresh green leaves upon the arrival of spring.
Born from the synthesis of the Japanese Shinto spirit—which finds a sacred breath in all things—and a profound reverence for Canada’s sublime wilderness, she is a compassionate goddess who governs the protection of the land, harvest, renewal, and harmony.
Origin of the Name
The name of our Ubusunagami (guardian deity) was granted to us by Professor Emeritus Nobutaka Inoue of Kokugakuin University, a renowned authority in religious studies and sociology of religion who is also deeply versed in Shinto research.
We humbly uphold the title "Kaede-Sakitsu-Hime-no-Mikoto," with the earnest wish that this small shrine, begun in this new land of Canada, may serve as a beacon for all who cherish Japanese culture, illuminating this land and the lives of its people for generations to come.
The name "Kaede-Sakitsu-hime-no-Mikoto," enshrined at our shrine, was bestowed with the profound kotodama (spiritual power of words) flowing from ancient Japan, imbued with new hope for this Canadian land.
On "Kaede" (The Maple)
"Kaede" refers to the maple, the iconic emblem of Canada. By incorporating this into the deity's name, we honor the spirit of this land. It symbolizes our commitment to rooting the ancient Japanese traditions deeply into Canadian soil, allowing our spiritual practices to grow in harmony with the natural beauty and environment of our new home.
On "Saki" (To Bloom / To Smile)
In archaic Japanese, the word "saku" (to bloom) transcends the simple act of flowers opening. It signifies the moment when the vitality of life bursts forth, manifesting in a tangible, radiant form. Furthermore, in ancient times, the character for "bloom" was used to write the word "warau" (to smile/laugh). As recorded in the Kojiki, where "the myriad gods laughed/bloomed together in unison," it represents the overflow of divine joy and brilliance. This name embodies our prayer that the lives of all who visit here will flourish, and that the smiles of the gods will be shared among us.
On "Tsu" (The Port / The Connector)
"Tsu" is a sacred sound deeply rooted in Shinto, famously appearing in Oyamato-toyo-akitsushima—a classical name for Japan—and in the Oharae no Kotoba (Great Purification Prayer) referring to the "Tsu-gami" (deities of the ports and waters). In classical Japanese, "tsu" serves as a possessive particle meaning "of," while simultaneously representing a "port" where people and cultures converge. Canada, as a nation that embraces diverse backgrounds, and Montreal, a city cradled by the water, mirror this concept perfectly. We have imbued this name with the hope that our shrine will serve as a sanctuary—a spiritual port where connections are woven across time and space, and where hearts find peace.
On "Hime-no-Mikoto" (The Noble Goddess)
"Hime-no-Mikoto" is a traditional honorific title used for divine beings of noble status. It signifies a protector and a guide who watches over the people.
The Harmonious Union of the Three Deities
At our shrine, the sacred fellowship is perfected by the co-enshrinement of "Futsunushi-no-Okami", who clears paths forward with an indomitable spirit (Strength); "Konohanasakuya-Hime-no-Mikoto", who blesses the dawn of new life (Compassion); and "Kaede-Sakitsu-Hime-no-Mikoto", who embraces this vast Canadian land (Land's Grace and Harmony).
The goddess of the cherry blossom, representing Japan, and the goddess of the maple, representing Canada, stand as a pair to gracefully support our primary deity. It is this perfect harmony of the three deities that defines the unique blessing of our shrine—a sanctuary that breathes the ancient traditions of Japan while deeply rooting itself in the magnificent land of Canada, standing ever close to the hearts of all who reside here.