What is the name of the sacred mirror, one of the Three Sacred Treasures?

The sacred mirror, one of Japan’s Three Sacred Treasures, is Yata no Kagami.

In Shinto mythology, the mirror was crafted by the kami Ishikoridome and used to lure Amaterasu out of the Heavenly Rock Cave after she withdrew from the world. Along with the sword Kusanagi and the jewel Yasakani no Magatama, it was later presented to Ninigi-no-Mikoto, Amaterasu’s grandson, before his descent to Japan.

The mirror symbolizes wisdom, truth, or honesty because a mirror reflects what stands before it. Its name is commonly explained as meaning “Eight-Span Mirror,” though the precise interpretation of yata is debated. Yata no Kagami is traditionally associated with Ise Grand Shrine, while a replica is kept in the Imperial Palace’s Three Palace Sanctuaries.

A common mix-up is confusing the mirror with Yasakani no Magatama, which is the sacred jewel, or with Kusanagi, the sacred sword. The imperial regalia are not normally displayed publicly, so details about the original mirror remain partly traditional and unverified.