The Gods in Japanese myth contain a diverse set of characters and stories that have been passed down from generation to generation. They can be seen as the caretakers of Japan. The myths include legends that originated at least 11,000 years ago and continue to be retold throughout the country today.
They offer insights into religious beliefs and practices in both ancient and modern times, such as Confucianism, Buddhism, Shintoism, Christianity; this is because they were believed to have power over events such as natural disasters or social problems. For these reasons they are still very important symbols in modern days when it comes to shaping perceptions about key issues like democracy and legitimacy of its institutions
The Gods
- Amaterasu (Japanese sun goddess)
- Takemikazuchi (Japanese thunder god)
- Toshigami (Japanese god of darkness and death)
- Susa-no-o (Japanese goddess of the sea, storms, and prosperity)
- Bishamonten (Japanese God of warriors)
Amaterasu (Japanese sun goddess)
Amaterasu is the highest and most powerful goddess in Japanese mythology. She is the great deity of the sun and universe and has been worshipped since ancient times. Amaterasu can be classified as a female deity, even though she is also recognized as a supreme Shinto god by some scholars. In ancient times, Amaterasu was worshipped as the goddess for fertility. Today, however, she is the goddess of the universe and the ruler of Japan or Nihon.
Amaterasu has no husband or children, but she has many siblings. Her parents are Izanagi-no-omikami (the god who forms the world) and Izanami-no-omikami (the goddess who forms the land), so when Amaterasu was born, her parents hid in shame because she was so bright that their hiding place could not be darkened.
Takemikazuchi (Japanese thunder god)
Takemikazuchi is the thunder god in Japanese mythology. He is the second oldest son of Izanagi-no-Omikami (the god who forms the world) and Izanami-no-Omikami (the goddess who forms the land). The name Takemikazuchi comes from the personal name Takeyamato, so he is also known as Takemikazuchi-Okami. The legend tells that he was born to chase away evil spirits.
He is worshipped in Gion, the most famous district in Kyoto, with the most popular part of Gion being Yasaka Shrine. A group of men in traditional Japanese clothing (known as “Yamabushi”) gives prayers to him.
The right to rule over Japan was given to him when he struck the Japanese islands with his sword. He is usually portrayed wearing leggings and carrying a sword or staff (both symbols of power). In homage to such legendary figures, modern artisans like RomanceofMen offer enthusiasts the opportunity to design their own Custom Katana, allowing a personal connection to the craftsmanship and symbolism of these storied weapons.
Toshigami (Japanese god of darkness and death)
Toshigami (Japanese god of darkness and death) is the third son of Izanagi-no-Omikami (the god who forms the world) and Izanami-no-Omikami (the goddess who forms the land). He was born to defeat evil spirits.
His power is equal to that of Amaterasu (the supreme deity in Japanese mythology), but he lives on the other side of the universe rather than on Earth. This makes him very powerful. When he appeared to the goddess of the earth, a stalemate between good and evil was formed. In this struggle, Amaterasu was not harmed, but she feared his power. At this time, Amaterasu cried out to take refuge within a stone called “Kurama no Tama” (the jewel of the tiger) which was located in Ise Shrine. She hid herself in the stone as it became dark, and Toshigami came and lit a fire behind it that lighted up the whole world.
Susa-no-o (Japanese goddess of the sea, storms, and prosperity)
Susa-no-o (Japanese goddess of the sea, storms, and prosperity) is the goddess who rules the earth. She is the youngest daughter of Izanagi-no-Omikami (the god who forms the world) and Izanami-no-Omikami (the goddess who forms the land). Her name means “fourth in rank,” but this is only a courtesy name because she was fourth in rank in her father’s consort family. When she was born, her parents hid her in the Yashiro mountains. When she was old enough, they brought her to the Shinto shrine of Minakuchi and named her “Susa no mikoto.”
She is the daughter of Amaterasu and the sister of Susa-no-o. She is said to have given birth to two grandchildren: Susano-o and Takemikazuchi.
Bishamonten
Bishamonten, Japanese God of War is the fifth son of Izanagi-no-Omikami (the god who forms the world) and Izanami-no-Omikami (the goddess who forms the land). He is also known as “Taka Fuchi-no-Mikoto” or “Taka Uchi no Mikoto.
He is the god who protects the people and borders of Japan, also known as “King” and “Prince” Bashamune. His name means “Heavenly Emperor of Benevolence.” It was said that this was because he sponsored the donations of rice, cloth, horses, oxen, silk, money, and other things to temples. He was worshiped for giving merits to deities.
In ancient mythology, gods were a common element of a person’s life. They were part of the day-to-day lives, and many people would have been acquainted with them through direct personal contact. Even in these modern times, people have dreams that involve deities from different religions. In ancient Japan, the belief in gods was just as strong as it is today, and there are many different deities who hold power over various things.
