I have read Japanese mythology to incorporate its worldview into my artistic activities. Here is a brief overview of its contents.

Japanese mythology is a grand narrative that depicts the creation of the world and the actions of gods. These stories are mainly recorded in the Kojiki (712) and the Nihon Shoki (720), and they have profoundly influenced Japan’s culture, traditions, and values. From visits to shrines, festivals, and the imperial system to even modern pop culture, Japanese mythology remains strongly present in contemporary Japanese society.

1. The Beginning of Heaven and Earth: Creation Myth and Nature Worship

Long ago, the world was in chaos, but eventually, heaven and earth separated, giving birth to Takamagahara (the realm of the gods). Among the first gods to appear, Izanagi and Izanami created the islands of Japan.

The Japanese people’s reverence for nature is deeply rooted in this myth. The belief that gods inhabit natural elements like mountains, rivers, and the sea influences practices like shrine worship and the reverence for sacred mountains such as Mt. Fuji. Additionally, this reverence for nature is reflected in environmental awareness and traditions like bonsai and Japanese garden culture.

2. The Birth of Japan and the Gods

Izanagi and Izanami created the islands of Japan and gave birth to many gods. However, after giving birth to the fire god Kagutsuchi, Izanami was fatally burned and died. Angered, Izanagi killed Kagutsuchi, and from his blood, new gods were born.

Later, Izanagi traveled to the land of the dead (Yomi) to retrieve Izanami, but upon seeing her decayed form, he fled. During his purification, three important gods were born:

• Amaterasu (the Sun Goddess) – The supreme goddess who governs the sun and is considered the ancestor of the Japanese imperial family.

• Tsukuyomi (the Moon God) – The god of the moon, a mysterious and somewhat detached deity.

• Susanoo (the Storm God) – The god of storms and the sea, known for his rough temper but also heroic deeds.

The fire god Kagutsuchi is connected to hearths and kitchen deities in modern Japan, reflecting the longstanding importance of fire safety in households. The purification rituals (misogi) have also survived in practices such as water purification at shrines, and even in public baths like onsen.

3. The Story of Amaterasu and Susanoo

Susanoo, grieving the loss of his mother Izanami, became violent, destroying fields, disturbing ceremonies, and even throwing a horse into Amaterasu’s temple. Enraged, Amaterasu retreated into the Ama-no-Iwato (heavenly cave), plunging the world into darkness. The gods, desperate, performed a dance outside the cave to lure her out. As a result, Susanoo was exiled from Takamagahara (the heavenly realm).

This myth is the origin of many traditional Japanese festivals and performances, particularly Kagura (sacred dance), which continues to be performed at hshrines today. The practice of communal dancing seen in events like Bon Odori and New Year’s celebrations can also be traced back to this myth.

4. The Yamata-no-Orochi and the Sword Myth

Exiled, Susanoo wandered to the land of Izumo, where he encountered an elderly couple suffering from the giant eight-headed serpent, Yamata-no-Orochi. To save their daughter, Kushinada-hime, Susanoo vowed to slay the serpent. Using cleverness, Susanoo made the serpent drunk on sake and defeated it. From the serpent’s tail, he obtained the sacred sword, Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, which later became one of the Three Sacred Treasures of Japan.

The Kusanagi sword is one of the Three Sacred Treasures of Japan and remains a symbol of the imperial family and the legitimacy of the Japanese throne. The sword also influences Japanese martial culture and appears in various modern anime and games, such as those featuring legendary weapons.

5. The Descent of the Divine Grandchild (Tenson Korin) and the Imperial Family’s Origins

Though the land was ruled by the god Ōkuninushi, Amaterasu decided that the descendants of the heavenly gods should rule over the earth. She ordered Ōkuninushi to hand over the land to her grandchild, Ninigi. Carrying the Three Sacred Treasures (the sword, the mirror, and the jewel), Ninigi descended to rule over the land.

This myth is the foundation of the Japanese imperial family’s legitimacy. The ceremonies of the imperial family, such as the enthronement, are deeply influenced by this myth. Additionally, February 11 is celebrated as National Foundation Day, commemorating the divine descent of Ninigi.

Japanese mythology is more than just ancient tales. It continues to influence modern Japanese society, from shrines and festivals to the imperial family and popular culture. Understanding the stories of the gods provides a deeper appreciation of the cultural and traditional roots of Japan.