Japanese mythology
Japanese mythology is a system of beliefs that includes Shinto and Buddhist traditions. The Shinto religion alone has many kami (Japanese for "gods" or "spirits").
Most Japanese myths, as generally known today, are based on the Kojiki, Nihonshoki and some other books. The Kojiki or "Record of Ancient Things" is the oldest known book of myths, legends, and history of Japan. The Shintoshu explains origins of Japanese gods and goddesses from a Buddhist point of view while the Hotsuma Tsutae has a very different version of mythology.
One notable thing of Japanese mythology is that it explains birth of Amaterasu, the origin of the Imperial family, and assigned them divinity. The Japanese word for the Emperor of Japan, tennō (天皇), means "heavenly emperor".
Japanese Mythology Media
The Ōyashima, or the eight great islands of Japan, are the children of Izanami and Izanagi according to the Shokiji.
Amaterasu emerges from the cave.
Detail of Emperor Jinmu - Stories from "Nihonki" (Chronicles of Japan), by Ginko Adachi. Woodblock print depicting legendary first emperor Jimmu, who saw a sacred bird flying away while he was in the expedition of the eastern section of Japan.
Ninigi otokawa, great-grandfather of Jimmu Tennō
Ryujin: Ruler of Seas and Tides LACMA M.91.250.287
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Related pages
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Mythic Texts and Folktales:
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