Editing Iwate Prefecture (section)

== Name ==
There are several theories about the origin of the name "Iwate", but the most well known is the tale ''[[Oni (folklore)|Oni]] no tegata'', which is associated with the Mitsuishi or "Three Rocks" Shrine in Morioka. These rocks are said to have been thrown down into Morioka by an eruption of Mt. Iwate. According to the legend, there was once a devil who often tormented and harassed the local people. When the people prayed to the spirits of Mitsuishi for protection, the devil was immediately shackled to these rocks and forced to make a promise never to trouble the people again.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bunka.pref.iwate.jp/seikatsu/kotoba/minwa/oninotegata.html |title=【民話・昔話】鬼の手形 |publisher=Bunka.pref.iwate.jp |access-date=7 June 2013}}</ref> As a seal of his oath, the devil made a handprint on one of the rocks, giving rise to the name Iwate, its direct translation being "rock hand". Even now after a rainfall, it is said that the devil's hand print can still be seen there.