Japanese mythology, deeply intertwined with Shinto religion, forms the backbone of ancient Japanese culture. It explains the creation of the world, the origins of deities, and the structure of the spiritual realm, shaping Japanese beliefs and practices for centuries.
The myths of Izanagi and Izanami, the divine couple who created Japan, and the birth of major deities like Amaterasu, the sun goddess, are central to Shinto. These stories influence rituals, social norms, and even politics in Japan.
Izanagi and Izanami: The Japanese Creation Myth
Divine Couple and World Creation
- Japanese creation myth centers around divine couple Izanagi and Izanami tasked with creating the world by primordial deities
- Izanagi and Izanami use jeweled spear Ame-no-nuboko to stir primordial ocean creating first landmass called Onogoro-shima
- Divine couple performs marriage ritual by circling celestial pillar
- First attempt results in malformed children due to Izanami speaking first
- Second attempt succeeds with Izanagi speaking first, creating Japanese islands and deities associated with natural phenomena (Mount Fuji, rivers, forests)
Underworld Journey and Deity Birth
- Myth explains Izanami's death during childbirth and Izanagi's journey to underworld Yomi
- Izanagi attempts to retrieve Izanami establishing concept of death and impurity in Japanese mythology
- Izanagi's failed rescue results in permanent separation of life and death realms
- Izanagi's purification ritual after returning from Yomi results in birth of important deities
- Amaterasu (sun goddess) born from left eye
- Tsukuyomi (moon god) born from right eye
- Susanoo (storm god) born from nose
- Purification ritual establishes importance of cleansing in Shinto practices
Mythology and Shinto Religion
Foundation and Beliefs
- Shinto means "the way of the kami" Japan's indigenous religion intertwined with Japanese mythology and folklore
- Japanese mythology serves as foundation for Shinto beliefs explaining
- Natural phenomena (earthquakes, volcanic eruptions)
- Origins of deities (birth of Amaterasu from Izanagi's eye)
- Structure of spiritual world (division between mortal realm and Takamagahara, the celestial plain)
- Concept of kami (sacred spirits or phenomena) derived from deities and supernatural beings in Japanese mythological texts
- Kami range from major deities (Amaterasu) to local spirits of trees, rocks, or rivers
Rituals and Practices
- Shinto rituals and practices often reenact or commemorate events from Japanese mythology
- Kagura dances performed at shrines depict mythological stories
- New Year's rituals symbolize renewal mirroring creation myths
- Shinto shrines dedicated to specific kami or mythological figures
- Ise Grand Shrine dedicated to Amaterasu
- Izumo Taisha associated with ลkuninushi, kami of nation-building and relationships
- Cyclical nature of purification and pollution in Shinto practice rooted in mythological stories
- Misogi water purification ritual inspired by Izanagi's cleansing after visiting Yomi
Political and Social Connections
- Imperial family of Japan traces lineage to sun goddess Amaterasu as described in mythological texts
- Establishes divine right to rule connecting mythology to political legitimacy
- Emperor performs rituals as descendant of Amaterasu maintaining cosmic order
- Shinto mythology influences social structure and values
- Emphasis on harmony (wa) derived from mythological balance between kami
- Concept of matsuri (festivals) rooted in mythological celebrations of kami
Major Shinto Deities
Celestial Deities
- Amaterasu sun goddess considered most important deity in Shinto pantheon
- Direct ancestor of Japanese imperial family
- Associated with agriculture, weaving, and cosmic order
- Tsukuyomi moon god completes celestial triad with Amaterasu and Susanoo
- Represents night sky and lunar cycles
- Often depicted in conflict with Amaterasu explaining separation of day and night
- Susanoo storm god and brother of Amaterasu associated with sea and storms
- Known for tumultuous relationship with Amaterasu in mythological narratives
- Slayer of the eight-headed serpent Yamata no Orochi
Terrestrial and Functional Deities
- Inari kami of fertility, rice, agriculture, and industry
- One of most widely worshipped deities in Japan
- Often depicted with foxes as messengers
- Shrines characterized by red torii gates
- Hachiman originally local deity became associated with archery and war
- Venerated as protector of Japan and its people
- Syncretized with Buddhist figure Ojin Emperor
- Ebisu one of Seven Gods of Fortune associated with fishermen, merchants, and prosperity
- Often depicted holding fishing rod and large red sea bream
- Believed to bring good luck in business ventures
- Tenjin deified spirit of scholar Sugawara no Michizane worshipped as kami of learning, scholarship, and calligraphy
- Shrines frequented by students before exams
- Associated with plum blossoms symbolizing perseverance
Japanese Mythology: Cultural Influence
Arts and Aesthetics
- Japanese mythology significantly shaped country's cultural identity influencing
- Art (ukiyo-e prints depicting mythological scenes)
- Literature (The Tale of Genji incorporating mythological motifs)
- Traditional performing arts (Noh and Kabuki theater portraying mythological stories)
- Concept of harmony with nature central to Japanese mythology influenced
- Japanese aesthetics (wabi-sabi appreciation of imperfection)
- Architecture (torii gates marking transition to sacred spaces)
- Garden design (zen gardens representing mythological landscapes)
Values and Social Norms
- Mythological narratives contributed to development of Japanese moral and ethical values emphasizing
- Loyalty (chugi) inspired by devotion of kami to their roles
- Filial piety (ko) reflected in mythological family relationships
- Importance of purification (kiyome) derived from myths like Izanagi's cleansing
- Japanese festivals (matsuri) often have roots in mythological events
- Gion Matsuri in Kyoto honoring protective kami
- Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka celebrating deified spirit of Sugawara no Michizane
- Influence of mythology on Japanese naming conventions
- Use of kanji characters associated with mythological concepts or deities in personal names (Akira meaning "bright" associated with Amaterasu)
- Place names reflecting mythological events or kami (Izumo referencing myths of ลkuninushi)
Modern Interpretations and Environmental Impact
- Japanese popular culture frequently draws inspiration from mythological stories and characters
- Anime (Noragami featuring modernized kami)
- Manga (Inuyasha incorporating various yokai and mythological beings)
- Video games (Okami based on tale of Amaterasu)
- Concept of kami influenced Japanese attitudes towards nature and environment
- Contributing to conservation efforts (protection of sacred groves around shrines)
- Preservation of sacred natural sites (Mount Fuji as object of worship)
- Shinto-inspired environmental movements promoting harmony with nature