Archive of Japanese Mythology Art

1) Izanagi and His Wife Izanami- Izanagi is one of the divine creators who, together with his wife Izanami, created the islands of Japan. Izanagi and his sister-wife Izanami are the seventh generation of Kamiyonanayo. They are the children of Omodaru and Kashiko-ne. Together, they created the islands of Japan by drawing them from the sea. This act is seen as giving birth to the islands, which are thought of as their offspring. He is the parent of Amaterasu. 

2) Izanami - Izanami is a prominent figure in Shinto mythology. She is often considered the primordial goddess and the wife of Izanagi, with whom she created the islands of Japan and gave birth to numerous deities and natural elements. She is tragically killed during childbirth, leading to her descent into the underworld. Her story symbolizes life, death, and the cycle of creation and destruction in the Shinto belief system .

3) Tsukuyomi - Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto, the Japanese god of the moon known for his beauty. He is the estranged husband of Amaterasu, the sun goddess, and they are believed to be siblings. It is uncertain whether Tsukuyomi fathered her children. He is beautiful and calm, and he strongly believes in maintaining order and etiquette. He enforces these ideals whenever possible, even if it means resorting to killing, which ironically goes against the etiquette of the heavenly court. Therefore, there is a contradiction in Tsukuyomi's strict adherence to etiquette: he is willing to break it in order to enforce it.

4) Amaterasu- Amaterasu is a Japanese goddess who holds significant importance in Shinto cosmogony and rituals of world maintenance. She is worshipped as the main deity of the Shinto religion and is considered the sun goddess . According to Shinto mythology, Amaterasu is believed to be responsible for the creation of the world and serves as a priestess in rituals that uphold the harmony and balance of the world . Amaterasu is known for her strength and power, as well as her role in providing light and life to the world. 

5)  Rajin- Rajin is a Japanese god of thunder and storms often depicted with his brother Fujin. The worship of Rajin is a part of the Shinto religion, which involves the veneration of various kami or divine spirits. Rajin is often depicted as a fierce deity with a drum, symbolizing the thunder that accompanies storms. Rajin is believed to terrorize and eat children , and is associated with chaotic, destructive forces of nature, and even death. Due to Rajin’s appears to have villainous traits, such as eating children, he is seen as a menacing deity and often feared.

6) Fujin- Fujin is a prominent god in Japanese mythology associated with wind, storms, and the season of autumn. According to Shinto beliefs, Fujin was created by Izanami and Izanagi, the divine couple who created the world. Fujin is often depicted as a fearsome deity, holding a bag or sack from which he releases the winds . Fujin's character is often described as unpredictable and powerful, capable of bringing both destruction and renewal.

7) Susanoo- Susanoo is a prominent deity in Japanese mythology associated with various aspects of nature, weather, and fertility. He is often depicted as a storm god and is associated with the sea and storms. According to legend, Susanoo was born from the nose of the primordial god Izanagi during his purification ritual after descending from the underworld. Susanoo is characterized as a powerful and sometimes reckless deity, known for his temperamental nature and impulsive actions. 

8) Kagutsuchi- Kagutsuchi is associated with fire, creation, and destruction. He is said to have been created when his mother, the goddess Izanami, gave birth to him and was fatally burned. Kagutsuchi's character and traits are often described as powerful, unpredictable, and fierce. He is worshipped by craftsmen, blacksmiths and those seeking protection from fire-related disasters.

9)  Ebisu - Ebisu is a beloved and prominent deity in Japanese folklore and mythology. He is associated with prosperity, abundance, luck, and the bountiful harvest of the sea. According to Shinto beliefs, Ebisu is one of the seven lucky gods known as Shichifukujin . Ebisu is often depicted as a jovial and smiling figure, with rosy cheeks and a fishing rod in hand . He is worshipped by fishermen, merchants, and those seeking good fortune in business and livelihood .It is believed he was one of the first kami created but was rejected due to lack of perfection. 

10)  Kannon - Kannon also known as Kanzeon or Kannon Bosatsu, is a prominent figure in Japanese Buddhism. She is known for her compassion and mercy towards all beings, and is often depicted with multiple arms and eyes to symbolize her ability to see and aid all those in need. According to Buddhist mythology, Kannon was created from the tears of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. Her character is often portrayed as gentle, compassionate, and caring. Kannon is highly revered and worshipped by both Buddhist monks and people in Japan. 

11) Benzaiten - Benzaiten is a Japanese goddess who is associated with various aspects such as water, music, arts, and knowledge. She is often depicted as a beautiful woman playing a musical instrument, usually a biwa (a traditional Japanese lute). She is one of the Seven Lucky Gods in Japanese mythology and is worshipped by many in Japan, particularly those who seek success in the arts, academics, and business. 

12) Ninigi - Ninigi is a Japanese god associated with agriculture, harvest, and prosperity. He is said to be the grandchild of the sun goddess Amaterasu, and he was sent down from heaven to bring abundance and prosperity to the earth. Ninigi is often depicted as a young man wearing traditional Japanese attire and carrying a harvester's sickle. He is worshipped by followers of Shinto, the indigenous religion of Japan often farmers. 

13) Ame no Uzume - Ame-no-Uzume is a Japanese goddess who is associated with various aspects in Shinto mythology. She is known as the goddess of dawn and mirth, as well as the deity of performing arts, specifically dance and music. According to Japanese mythology, Ame-no-Uzume was created by the goddess Amaterasu when she retreated into a cave and caused darkness and chaos among the other gods and goddesses. Ame-no-Uzume is known for her lively and mischievous character. She is often depicted as a beautiful and exuberant goddess who uses her charm and humor to bring light and joy back into the world. Ame-no-Uzume is worshipped by various groups in Japanese culture, including performers, dancers, and those who seek the blessings of joy. 

14) Kichijoten - Kichijoten is a Japanese goddess who is associated with beauty, abundance, and good fortune. She is often depicted as a beautiful woman adorned with flowing robes and holding a lotus flower or a peacock feather fan. Kichijoten is believed to bring prosperity, love, and happiness to those who worship her. 

15) Bishamonten - Bishamonten, also known as Vaisravana, is a deity in Japanese Buddhism and one of the Seven Lucky Gods. He is believed to be the god of wealth, fortune, and warriors. Bishamonten is often depicted as a fierce and armored figure, carrying a pagoda in one hand and a treasure mace in the other. He is highly worshipped by people seeking protection, prosperity, and success in their endeavors. 

16) Jizo - Jizo is one of the most beloved and revered deities in Japan. Characterized as a Bodhisattva, Jizo is associated with compassion and is often depicted as a robed monk with a shaven head. Jizo is believed to have taken a vow to help all sentient beings, particularly those who are suffering, including the souls of deceased children . He is known as the protector of travelers, pregnant women, and children . 

17) Kitsune - Kitsune, also known as foxes, are mythical creatures in Japanese folklore. They are believed to possess magical and shape-shifting abilities, often taking the form of a beautiful woman. Kitsune are typically depicted with nine tails, symbolizing their age and wisdom. They are created in Japanese folklore through various means. They can be born as kitsune, but they can also be humans who acquire fox-like characteristics through a process of transformation. Kitsune are known to be mischievous and cunning creatures, often playing tricks on humans or causing mischief. 

18) Oni - Oni are mythical creatures that play a significant role in Japanese folklore. They are often depicted as large, ogre-like beings with horns, sharp teeth, and wild hair. They are wicked and inflict suffering. Oni are created when an evil person dies or a person is wronged in their previous life. Bad people often transform into demon like oni which is why the oni are feared and even believed to eat people. 

19) Jorogume - Jorogume is a mythical creature known for its ability to shape-shift into a seductive woman who lures men to their demise by ensnaring them in her web and feeding on their life force. They are created through a variety of legends and stories, and are often portrayed as dangerous and deceitful beings. They are feared for their cunning and their ability to manipulate men, leading them to certain ruin. 

20) Hachiman - In Japanese mythology, Hachiman is a significant deity who holds various roles and responsibilities. He is considered the divine protector of warriors and is often associated with warfare, archery, and martial arts. Hachiman is also revered as a guardian of Japan, protecting the nation and its people from harm. He is depicted as a powerful and fierce deity, often portrayed riding a white horse with a bow and arrow. 

sources:

Mythopedia – Encyclopedia of Mythology. (n.d.). Mythopedia. https://mythopedia.com/

Allan, T., Phillips, C., & Kerrigan, M. (2000). Realm of the Rising Sun. Time Life Medical.

Ernst, D. (2019, September 26). Essential Guide to Japanese Monsters. Bokksu. https://www.bokksu.com/blogs/news/essential-guide-to-japanese-monsters

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