Kunitsukami (国つ神,[1] 国津神[2]) are the kami of the land[3] and live in tsuchi (earth).[4]
They were contrasted from the Amatsukami,[1] although modern Shinto no longer makes the distinction between Amatsukami and Kunitsukami.[5] According to Yijiang Zhong the distinction was made by the writers of the Nihon Shoki and the Kojiki to formulate a political discourse.[6]
Kunitsukami were often presented as tutelary deities. They were also associated with geographical areas along with their inhabitants. Non-royal families also viewed them as their ancestors.[7] They also were considered personifications of the land.[8]
The Three Pioneer Kami (開拓三神, Kaitaku Sanjin)Ōkunitama, Ōkuninushi, and Sukunahikona used in Japanese colonial shrines.[10]: 61 [11]: 53–54 They are all Kunitsukami or earthly kami representing the land.[11]: 53–54
Ogasawara Shozo [ja] proposed a system justifying Japanese Imperialism where Japanese people in the colonies were seen as Amatsukami and natives were seen as Kunitsukami,[12] however he was later censored as his position was considered too supportive of the rights of colonized peoples.[12]