Kakemaku mo kashikoki sumiyoshi no ōkamiwatatsumi no ōkaminomimae ni tsutsushimi uyamahi kashikomi kashikomi mo mōsaku掛巻も畏き住吉大神・海童大神の御前に、慎み敬ひ畏み畏みも白さく
Kefu no ikuhi no taruhi ni nanimuranani ga shigafunadeshite nanikunina ni tokoroniomomukamutosu今日の生日の足日に、何村何某が船出して何国何地に赴かむとす
A prayer for the voyage and return
Mikokoro mo akiraka ni shiroshimeshi unabara no shiho no yahoahi mo namikazetatazu tairaka ni御心も明らかに所知食し、海原の潮の八百会も波風立たず平穏に
Izanahi michibiki mashite hayakeku ko no minato ni kaheri tsukashime tamae to iyajiro no mitegura o tatematsuri kashikomi kashikomi mo mōsu誘ひ導き坐して、速けく此の湊に帰り着かしめ給へと、礼代の幣帛を奉り畏み畏みも白す
TranslationAnnouncing the departure
Includes interpretation
Before Sumiyoshi Ōkami and Watatsumi Ōkami, whose names are spoken with reverence, we humbly declare: on this auspicious day, a named person of a named village is setting out by ship for a named land and destination.
Editorial note
The village, person, country, and destination are variable places in the historical formula and should be replaced to suit the voyage being announced.
Includes interpretation
Know clearly the circumstances of this departure. Across the wide sea where many tides meet, let no rough wind or wave arise; guide the vessel on a tranquil course and bring it swiftly back to this harbor. In gratitude and reverence, offerings are presented.
Editorial note
This page preserves a historical prayer for maritime safety. It does not guarantee a safe voyage and is not a substitute for navigation, weather, or safety procedures.
Beginning
Announcing the departure1 / 2
Auto-scroll is unavailable because reduced motion is enabled on this device.