Masakaki (真榊) is an object used in Shinto rituals.[1][2][3] It is put on both sides of a table where the event takes place. Masakaki is made with branches of a tree called Sakaki. These branches are attached to the top of colorful cloth banners. The banners are in five colors - green, yellow, red, white, and blue.[1][3]
Special treasures are hung on these branches. On the left side, a sword is hung. On the right side, a mirror and a magatama are hung. The three of them symbolize the Imperial Regalia of Japan.[1] Sometimes, people call the whole setup with a special name, Masakaki-dai. A masakaki offering involves donating two such Masakaki to a shrine or construction ceremony with the three treasures.[2]
The five colors of the cloth stand for the five elements. These elements are wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. At funerals, Masakaki with yellow and white banners is used.[1]
In 2016, Shinzo Abe got controversy for making a Masakaki offering to Yasukuni Shrine.[4] It was incorrectly reported as being an entire tree by some sources.[2] In early 2023, Fumio Kishida ran into a similar controversy.[5][6][7]
