Japan Mythology

 

Creation of the World and Japan

The Japanese creation myth begins with a primordial, chaotic universe. From this chaos emerged several generations of kami, culminating in the birth of the two primary creator deities:

• Izanagi (He Who Invites) and Izanami (She Who Invites):
• These two deities are tasked by the older gods to create the Japanese islands. They stand on the Floating Bridge of Heaven (Ame-no-ukihashi) and use a jeweled spear to stir the ocean. As the spear drips salt water, it solidifies, forming the first island, Onogoro.
• After descending to Onogoro, Izanagi and Izanami marry and give birth to many islands and gods, including the islands of Japan. However, their relationship takes a tragic turn when Izanami dies while giving birth to the fire god, Kagutsuchi.
• Grief-stricken, Izanagi descends into the underworld, Yomi, to retrieve Izanami, but he is horrified to find her decayed form. He flees, sealing Yomi’s entrance, and this marks the separation of life and death.
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The Birth of Major Kami

After his escape from the underworld, Izanagi performs a purification ritual to cleanse himself from the impurities of death. During this process, three major deities are born from his body:

Amaterasu (Sun Goddess): Born from Izanagi’s left eye, Amaterasu is the goddess of the sun and the ruler of the heavens. She is one of the most important deities in Japanese mythology, believed to be the ancestor of the Japanese imperial family.

Tsukuyomi (Moon God): Born from Izanagi’s right eye, Tsukuyomi is the god of the moon and night. He becomes estranged from his sister Amaterasu after killing the goddess of food, Uke Mochi, over a misunderstanding.

Susanoo (Storm God): Born from Izanagi’s nose, Susanoo is the god of storms and the sea. He is a complex figure, known for both his destructive behavior and heroic acts.

The Myth of Amaterasu and the Cave

One of the most famous stories in Japanese mythology involves Amaterasu retreating into a cave, plunging the world into darkness:

• Susanoo, in his reckless behavior, offended Amaterasu by wreaking havoc in her domain, the heavens. His actions culminated in the desecration of her sacred weaving hall, causing her to hide in the Ama-no-Iwato (Heavenly Rock Cave).
• Without the sun, the world became cold and dark, and chaos spread. The other gods gathered and devised a plan to lure Amaterasu out of the cave. They held a grand celebration outside the cave, with the goddess Ame-no-Uzume performing a comical and lewd dance that caused the gods to laugh and cheer.
• Curious about the commotion, Amaterasu peeked out of the cave. The gods used a mirror (the sacred Yata no Kagami) to reflect her light and trick her into fully emerging. Once out of the cave, Amaterasu restored light to the world, and Susanoo was banished for his misdeeds.

Susanoo’s Heroic Feats

Though Susanoo is often portrayed as a troublemaker, he also plays a heroic role in some myths:

• The Slaying of the Yamata no Orochi: After being banished from the heavens, Susanoo descended to the earthly realm and came across a grieving family who had lost seven of their eight daughters to a giant eight-headed serpent called the Yamata no Orochi.
• Susanoo offered to slay the serpent in exchange for the hand of the last daughter, Kushinada-hime. He devised a plan to intoxicate the serpent with sake and then slew it while it was incapacitated. From the tail of the serpent, Susanoo discovered the legendary sword Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi (Grass-Cutting Sword), which he later gifted to Amaterasu as a peace offering.

The Descent of Ninigi and the Imperial Line

• Ninigi-no-Mikoto, the grandson of Amaterasu, was sent by her to rule over the earth, bringing the three sacred treasures: the Yata no Kagami (Mirror), the Yasakani no Magatama (Jewel), and the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi (Sword).
• Ninigi’s descent to earth is seen as the divine origin of the Japanese imperial family. His great-grandson, Jimmu, is traditionally considered the first emperor of Japan, and the imperial family is believed to be directly descended from Amaterasu.

Other Important Kami and Figures

Inari: The kami of rice, agriculture, and prosperity, often depicted with foxes (kitsune) as messengers. Inari is one of the most widely venerated deities in Japan, and thousands of shrines are dedicated to this kami.

Raijin and Fujin: The kami of thunder (Raijin) and wind (Fujin) are often depicted as fierce, drum-beating gods who control the elements.

Hachiman: The god of war and protector of Japan, Hachiman is often associated with the samurai class.

Tenjin: The deified form of Sugawara no Michizane, a scholar, poet, and politician. He became the kami of learning and education after his death.

The Afterlife

In Japanese mythology, the afterlife is often referred to as Yomi, a dark and polluted underworld where spirits of the dead reside. It is associated with death and decay, and it is separate from the world of the living. However, unlike in some traditions, the underworld is not a place of punishment but rather a shadowy realm where the deceased continue to exist.

Mythical Texts

• Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): Compiled in 712 CE, this is the oldest surviving chronicle of Japanese myths, legends, and early history.
• Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan): Written in 720 CE, this text provides a more elaborate and historically focused account of Japanese myths and early state formation.

Symbolism of the Three Sacred Treasures

The three sacred treasures – the mirror, the jewel, and the sword – are symbols of the imperial throne. These treasures are believed to be gifts from the gods and represent the emperor's divine right to rule. They continue to hold deep cultural and religious significance in Japan.

Festivals and Practices

Japanese mythology plays an important role in many traditional festivals (matsuri) and rituals. Festivals often involve processions, offerings, and ceremonies at Shinto shrines, celebrating the kami and seasonal changes, and ensuring prosperity and protection for the community.

Japanese mythology, with its blend of creation myths, heroic sagas, and stories of divine intervention, continues to shape the cultural and religious landscape of Japan. Through festivals, art, literature, and religious practices, these ancient stories remain an integral part of Japanese identity.