Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi is a legendary Japanese sword and one of three Imperial Regalia of Japan. It was originally called Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi , but its name was later changed to the more popular Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi. In folklore, the sword represents the virtue of valor.
Susanoo slays the eight-headed beast Yamata-no-Orochi
Atsuta Shrine in Nagoya dates back to 100 CE during the reign of Emperor Keikō and houses the Kusanagi sword.
Imperial Regalia of Japan
The Three Sacred Treasures are the imperial regalia of Japan and consist of the sword Kusanagi no Tsurugi (草薙劍), the mirror Yata no Kagami (八咫鏡), and the jewel Yasakani no Magatama (八尺瓊勾玉). They represent the three primary virtues: valour, wisdom, and benevolence. The actual historical status of these legendary treasures is unknown as they are intentionally kept from public view to symbolize authority.
Presentation of the sword Kusanagi no Tsurugi and the Yasakani no Magatama at the enthronement of Emperor Akihito, 1989