7. Izanaki in Yomi

”Kami” is a Japanese word referring to gods, spirits, and sacred presences in Japanese belief. The unit used to count Kami is “Hashira.”

A colorful manga page titled “Izanaki in Yomi,” depicting the emotional journey of Izanaki as he descends into the Land of the Dead to reunite with his beloved wife, Izanami.
In the first panel, Izanaki sits alone with tears streaming down his face, his shoulders slumped in grief, while a glowing image of Izanami appears in his thoughts, showing how deeply he longs to see her again.
In the next scene, he walks determinedly along a dark, eerie path toward Yomi no Kuni, marked by twisted trees, ghostly flames, and a sign pointing toward “DEATH,” yet his expression is hopeful and resolute.
Another panel shows the massive gates of Yomi, surrounded by ominous fire, as Izanaki stands small before them, emphasizing the gravity of crossing into the world of the dead.
Pressed against the doors, Izanaki calls out desperately, pleading with Izanami to return with him, saying that their work of creating the land is not yet finished.
From within the darkness, Izanami’s voice responds sadly, explaining that she has already eaten the food of Yomi and can no longer return freely, though she is moved by his devotion and promises to ask the deities of Yomi for permission.
She makes one crucial request: that Izanaki must not look at her while she is gone.
In the final panel, Izanaki agrees with bright, trusting eyes, replying confidently that he understands, unaware of the tragic consequences that this promise will soon bring.

Izanaki Pursues His Wife into the Land of Yomi

After losing his wife, Izanaki is overcome with grief. Longing to see Izanami again, he sets out for the Land of Yomi, taking the slope of Yomotsu Hirasaka — the path that links the living world and the land of the dead.

When Izanaki calls out, hoping to bring his beloved wife back with him, he hears Izanami’s voice from the darkness.

Izanami had become one of the dead, for she had eaten the food of the Land of Yomi and could no longer return to the living world.
Still, moved by the fact that Izanaki had come all the way to bring her home, she decided to speak with Kami of Yomi about it.

Before she went, she warned Izanaki not to look inside, no matter what happened.