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The Imperial Regalia, or Three Sacred Treasures, are three sacred objects associated with the sun goddess [[Amaterasu]] and with the [[Imperial family]], which were used in Imperial accession ceremonies since ancient times. They consist of the Sacred Sword ''[[Kusanagi no tsurugi]]'', the Sacred Mirror ''[[Yata no kagami]]'', and the Sacred Jewel ''[[Yasakani no magatama]]''. Since ancient times, the Sword has been held at [[Atsuta Shrine]] in [[Nagoya]],<ref>It is widely suggested that the sword was lost in the [[1185]] [[Battle of Dan-no-ura]], or at some other point, and has been merely a replica ever since then.</ref> the Mirror at [[Ise Shrine]], and the Jewel at the [[Imperial Palace]].

The Imperial Regalia, or Three Sacred Treasures, are three sacred objects associated with the sun goddess [[Amaterasu]] and with the [[Imperial family]], which were used in Imperial accession ceremonies since ancient times. They consist of the Sacred Sword ''[[Kusanagi no tsurugi]]'', the Sacred Mirror ''[[Yata no kagami]]'', and the Sacred Jewel ''[[Yasakani no magatama]]''. Since ancient times, the Sword has been held at [[Atsuta Shrine]] in [[Nagoya]],<ref>It is widely suggested that the sword was lost in the [[1185]] [[Battle of Dan-no-ura]], or at some other point, and has been merely a replica ever since then. The [[Imperial Household Agency]] has never confirmed these rumors, however.</ref> the Mirror at [[Ise Shrine]], and the Jewel at the [[Imperial Palace]].

The Sword is believed to have been the earliest to be associated with the legitimacy of rulership, and to be used in imperial accession ceremonies, as early as the 6th century, if not earlier. Sixth century records of imperial accession ceremonies mention the Mirror as well. Both of these, but not the Sacred Jewel, appear in descriptions of accession ceremonies in the [[Taiho Code|Taihô Code]] of [[703]]; the Jewel does appear, however, in the ''[[Kojiki]]'', which dates to [[712]]. It has been suggested that this was due to opposition up through 703 by the [[Inbe clan]] or another clan of ritual specialists, and the rise of power of the [[Nakatomi clan]] in the 700s or 710s, who then altered the rituals to include the Jewel.  

The Sword is believed to have been the earliest to be associated with the legitimacy of rulership, and to be used in imperial accession ceremonies, as early as the 6th century, if not earlier. Sixth century records of imperial accession ceremonies mention the Mirror as well. Both of these, but not the Sacred Jewel, appear in descriptions of accession ceremonies in the [[Taiho Code|Taihô Code]] of [[703]]; the Jewel does appear, however, in the ''[[Kojiki]]'', which dates to [[712]]. It has been suggested that this was due to opposition up through 703 by the [[Inbe clan]] or another clan of ritual specialists, and the rise of power of the [[Nakatomi clan]] in the 700s or 710s, who then altered the rituals to include the Jewel.