One of the oldest symbols in Japanese mythology is the 3-legged Crow called Yatagarasu.
The crow Yatagarasu (八咫烏) is a guiding god in Shinto. He is generally known for his three-legged figure and is often used to symbolize the will of Heaven or divine intervention in human affairs.
Yatagarasu as a crow-god is a symbol specifically of guidance. This great crow was sent from heaven by Takamimusubi as a guide for legendary Emperor Jimmu on his initial journey from the region which would become Kumano to what would become Yamato (Yoshino and then Kashihara).
