Japanese Mythology (Japan) Japanese mythology, codified in the 8th-century Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, blends indigenous Shinto beliefs with Buddhist and Chinese influences. It begins with primordial chaos giving birth to kami (spirits/gods), including Izanagi and Izanami, who create Japan’s islands. Their daughter Amaterasu, sun goddess, becomes imperial ancestor—linking myth to political legitimacy. Storm god Susanoo slays an eight-headed serpent, yielding the sacred sword Kusanagi. Myths explain natural features, rituals, and social order. Unlike punitive deities, kami embody awe-inspiring forces—mountains, rivers, wind—requiring respect, not fear. Shinto shrines honor local kami, emphasizing purity and harmony. Later, Buddhist cosmology introduced concepts like karma and hell realms, creating syncretic practices. Folklore adds yokai (supernatural creatures) and hero tales like Momotaro. Japanese mythology remains culturally vital: New Year rites, sumo ceremonies, and anime draw from its symbols. It reflects a worldview where the divine is immanent—not distant—and daily life can be sacred when lived in mindful alignment with nature’s rhythms.
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