Japanese Myths

Melanie Clegg holds a BA (Hons) in Japanese Studies from the University of Oxford. After almost a decade spent in Japan, she now resides in the UK where she works as a freelance Japanese to English translator of video games and other entertainment media. She lives with her husband and their two one-eyed cats.

Contents to include:

Introduction: Sources Two important sources for Japanese myths as they are recognized today are the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki. The Kojiki, or “Record of Ancient Matters,” is the oldest surviving account of Japan’s myths, legends, and history. Additionally, the Shintōshū describes the origins of Japanese deities from a Buddhist perspective



Creation Myths & Cosmology According to this legend, after the creation of Heaven and Earth, the gods Izanagi and Izanami were given the task of forming a series of islands that would become what is now Japan. In Japanese mythology, these islands make up the known world. The creation of Japan is followed by the creation of the gods (kamiumi). The origins of the Sun and the Moon are accounted for in Japanese mythology through the myth of Izanagi's return from Yomi. After spending so much time in Yomi, Izanagi cleansed himself with a purification ceremony. As Izanagi cleansed himself, the water and robes that fell from his body created many more gods.


Kami - Other Spirits and Deities Amaterasu (天照) is the Japanese sun goddess, daughter of creator deities Izanagi and Izanami, and central to the Shinto religion. Ame-no-Uzume is the Japanese goddess of the dawn, known for her merriment and humor. Benzaiten is a joyous Japanese goddess, dispenser of luck and wisdom. Daikokuten (大黒天) is the Japanese god of luck and fortune-seeking, who favors the bold. Hoderi is the Japanese kami of the sea, whose magical fish hook gave him power over all the ocean’s bounty. Inari (稲荷) is one of the most popular Japanese deities, a kami with influence over rice, tea, general prosperity, smithing, and foxes. Kichijoten (吉祥天) is Japanese Buddhism’s version of the Indian goddess Lakshmi. FEATURE: The Seven Lucky Gods


Heroes & Legends The tale of first Emperor Jimmu is considered the origin of the Imperial family. Emperor Jimmu is considered to be the human descendant of Amaterasu the Sun goddess. His ascension to the throne marked the ‘Transition from Age of the Gods to Human Age’. There are many Japanese heroes that are associated with specific locations in Japan, and others that are more well-known across the archipelago. Some heroes are thought to have been real people, such as the Forty-seven rōnin, but their legacy has been transformed into great folktales that depict the historical figures as more gifted, powerful, or knowledgeable than the average person. The heroic adventures of these heroes range from acts of kindness and devotion, such as the myth of Shita-kiri Suzume, to battling frightful enemies, as in the tale of Momotaro.


Mythological Creatures & Objects These four creatures are also referred to by a variety of other names, including "Four Guardians", "Four Gods", and "Four Auspicious Beasts". They are the Azure Dragon of the East, the Vermilion Bird of the South, the White Tiger of the West, and the Black Tortoise (also called "Black Warrior") of the North. Kirin were originally introduced to Japan via Chinese myths and legend, where they are known as qilin. Over time, the Chinese and Japanese version diverged into slightly different creatures. In Japan, the kirin is considered to be the most powerful and sacred beast of all, surpassing the hō-ō and tatsu in power.


Ghosts and Urban Legends In addition to the most powerful gods and goddesses, there are also millions of kami, or “holy powers,” associated with forces of nature, geographical features, and the spirits of the venerated dead. Yōkai (妖怪, "strange apparition") are a class of supernatural entities and spirits in Japanese folk-lore. Their behavior can range from malevolent or mischievous to benevolent (friendly, fortuitous, or helpful) to humans. FEATURE: Ebisu is one of Japanese mythology’s Seven Lucky Gods, the kami of luck, wealth, and prosperity. Jovial and generous, he is the patron of fishermen and also very popular with corporations and restaurants.



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