Demon’s Hand Prints in the Rocks in Morioka, Japan

Iwate Prefecture in Japan's Tōhoku region is known for its legends and folk tales, including the origin of its name, which means "rock-hand". The answer to this mysterious name can be found in the capital city of Morioka, at Mitsuishi Shrine in the Nasukawa-chō neighborhood. The shrine features three large granite rocks tied with sacred ropes and iron chains, which were once a single boulder that split into three. The rocks are said to have "Demon's Hand Prints" on their surface, although they have faded over time. According to legend, a demon named Rasetsu harassed villagers and travelers until they prayed to the God of the Three Stones, who punished the demon by chaining him to the rocks. The demon apologized, left his handprints, and promised never to return, fleeing to Mount Nansho. This tale explains the origin of Iwate's name and Morioka's earlier name, Kozukata, or "place of non-coming". The villagers celebrated the demon's departure by dancing around the rocks, a tradition that continues today as the annual Sansa-odori festival. Although the original handprints are gone, copies are displayed on a plate at the shrine, looking rusty and spooky. The legend has been preserved and is still celebrated in the region.