Japanese mythology is a collection of traditional stories, folktales, and beliefs that emerged in the islands of the Japanese archipelago. Shinto traditions are the cornerstones of Japanese mythology.^[1] The history of thousands of years of contact with Chinese and various Indian myths (such as Buddhist and Hindu mythology) are also key influences in Japanese religious belief.^[1][2][3] Additionally, Korean, Ainu, and Ryukyuan traditions have contributed to the broader tapestry of Japanese myth.

Japanese myths are tied to the topography of the archipelago as well as agriculturally based folk religion, and the Shinto pantheon holds uncountable kami ("god(s)" or "spirits").^[1]

Two important sources for Japanese myths as they are recognized today are the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki.^[4] The Kojiki, or "Record of Ancient Matters," is the oldest surviving account of Japan's myths, legends, and history.^[5] Additionally, the Shintōshū describes the origins of Japanese deities from a Buddhist perspective.^[6]

One notable feature of Japanese mythology is its explanation of the origin of the Imperial Family, which has been used historically to assign divinity to the imperial line.^[4]

The three primordial deities who came into being at the creation of the universe, known collectively as the 造化三神(ぞうかさんしん):

• Ame-no-Minakanushi — the central deity of heaven
• Takamimusubi — the "high producing" deity
• Kamimusubi — the "divine producing" deity

• Amaterasu — sun goddess and chief deity of the Shinto pantheon
• Susanoo — storm god
• Tsukuyomi — moon god
• Izanagi and Izanami — the creator couple
• Kagutsuchi — fire god
• Uzume — goddess of dawn and revelry
• Sarutahiko — deity of earthly passage
• Omoikane — deity of wisdom
• Sukunabikona — deity of medicine and agriculture
• Ōkuninushi — deity of nation-building

Indo-Aryan influence

A number of figures in Japanese mythology have parallels or direct origins in the Hindu and broader Indo-European religious traditions, often transmitted through the channel of Buddhism.

<a class="new" href="/template/Japanese%20mythology%20Template" title="Japanese mythology Template">Japanese mythology Template</a>

1. Cite book
2. Cite journal
3. Cite journal
4. Cite journal
5. Cite journal
6. Cite journal