Shinto mythology is a fundamental aspect of Shinto, Japan’s indigenous spiritual tradition. Deeply intertwined with the Japanese culture, the mythology has been an essential part of Japan’s history, society, and identity since ancient times. It informs the Japanese worldview, moral system, and cultural practices, combining animism, ancestor worship, and a reverence for nature and the divine forces that inhabit it. Unlike many other world religions, Shinto has no central texts, no fixed theology, and no singular deity. Instead, it is based on a collection of oral traditions, folk beliefs, and myths that have evolved over centuries.
One of the defining aspects of Shinto is its focus on kami, spiritual entities or deities that inhabit all things in nature and life. The word “kami” can be translated as “god,” “spirit,” or “divine being,” but the concept is far broader than these English terms suggest. Kami are not omnipotent or omniscient beings in the sense that deities in other religions might be; instead, they are seen as forces or spirits that exist in various forms, ranging from natural elements like rivers and mountains to ancestors and cultural heroes. There is a sense that kami exist in everything, and by venerating these forces, people seek to live in harmony with the world around them.
Shinto mythology primarily revolves around a pantheon of kami, many of whom are associated with natural phenomena or aspects of the human experience. The most important of these is Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess, who is considered the chief deity in the Shinto pantheon and is believed to be the progenitor of the Japanese imperial family. According to the mythological history of Japan, the first emperor of Japan, Emperor Jimmu, was a direct descendant of Amaterasu, thus establishing a divine connection between the Japanese rulers and the kami. This belief system has long been a foundation for the political and religious legitimacy of the imperial family in Japan.
The creation myth of Japan is a central story in Shinto mythology and explains the origins of the islands and the gods who inhabit them. According to this myth, the universe was once a chaotic mass of elements. From this chaos emerged several primordial deities, among whom were the kami Izanagi and Izanami. These two deities were tasked with creating the world, and they began their work by stirring the ocean with a jeweled spear. As they lifted the spear, drops of brine fell back into the sea and solidified into the first island of Japan. Izanagi and Izanami descended to this island, and through their union, they gave birth to other islands of Japan, as well as a variety of deities, including gods of the sea, wind, and fire.
However, tragedy struck when Izanami gave birth to the fire god Kagutsuchi, and in the process, she was fatally burned. Heartbroken by her death, Izanagi descended into Yomi, the land of the dead, to try to bring her back. But when he found her, she had already become part of the underworld, decayed and rotting. Disgusted and horrified, Izanagi fled from Yomi, sealing the entrance behind him with a large boulder. His journey to the underworld left him impure, and so he underwent a purification ritual by washing himself in a river. During this purification, several new deities were born from his actions. Most notably, as he washed his left eye, the Sun Goddess Amaterasu was born, and as he washed his right eye, the Moon God Tsukuyomi came into being. Lastly, from his nose emerged Susanoo, the Storm God.
This trio of deities – Amaterasu, Tsukuyomi, and Susanoo – are some of the most important figures in Shinto mythology. Amaterasu, as the Sun Goddess, is revered for bringing light and order to the world. Tsukuyomi, the Moon God, is associated with the night and the cycles of time, although his role is less prominent compared to his sister Amaterasu. Susanoo, the Storm God, is a more complex figure, often seen as both a troublemaker and a hero. He is known for his volatile temperament and his clashes with his sister Amaterasu, which culminated in a famous episode where Susanoo caused such havoc that Amaterasu retreated into a cave, plunging the world into darkness. The other gods had to devise a plan to lure her out, eventually succeeding by performing a humorous dance outside the cave that caused Amaterasu to peek out in curiosity. When she did, the world was once again bathed in sunlight, and order was restored.
Susanoo’s actions may seem chaotic, but they also underscore the Shinto belief in the balance of forces – light and dark, order and chaos, creation and destruction. This balance is reflected in many other aspects of Shinto, including its rituals and practices. Shinto does not focus on sin and redemption in the way some other religions do; instead, it emphasizes purity, cleanliness, and living in harmony with the kami and the natural world. Impurity, or “kegare,” can come from death, disease, or moral corruption, and it is believed to disrupt the balance between humans and kami. Purification rituals, known as “misogi” or “harae,” are an essential part of Shinto practice, allowing individuals to cleanse themselves of impurities and restore harmony with the divine.
One of the most iconic forms of misogi is the practice of ritual bathing in rivers, waterfalls, or the ocean. This act of purification is both physical and spiritual, symbolizing the removal of impurities and the renewal of one’s connection with the kami. Another common form of purification is the use of salt, which is believed to have purifying properties and is often sprinkled before entering sacred spaces or after a funeral. Additionally, offerings of food, drink, or symbolic objects are made to the kami at shrines in an effort to maintain a respectful and harmonious relationship with these spiritual beings.
Shinto shrines, or “jinja,” are the primary places of worship for those who follow Shinto practices. These shrines are usually located in places of natural beauty, such as mountains, forests, or near bodies of water, reflecting the deep connection between Shinto and the natural world. Each shrine is dedicated to a particular kami, and people visit these shrines to pay their respects, make offerings, and seek blessings for various aspects of their lives, such as health, prosperity, or protection. Shinto shrines are also the centers of community festivals, known as “matsuri,” which are held to honor the kami and celebrate the changing seasons.
Matsuri are joyous occasions that involve processions, music, dance, and the offering of food and sake to the kami. These festivals often reflect the agricultural roots of Shinto, with many matsuri centered around the planting and harvesting of rice, a crop that has long been considered sacred in Japan. During these festivals, it is believed that the kami descend from their realm to partake in the celebrations and bless the community with their presence. This interaction between the human and divine worlds is a central theme in Shinto, emphasizing the interdependence of humans, nature, and the kami.
While Shinto mythology is deeply rooted in Japan’s ancient past, it has continued to evolve over time, incorporating elements from other religions and adapting to changing societal needs. One of the most significant influences on Shinto has been Buddhism, which was introduced to Japan from China and Korea in the 6th century. Initially, there was some tension between the two religions, but over time they became intertwined, with many Shinto shrines housing Buddhist images and vice versa. This blending of beliefs is known as “shinbutsu shūgō,” or the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism. Although the Meiji government sought to separate Shinto from Buddhism in the late 19th century in an effort to promote State Shinto as the official ideology, the two religions remain closely linked in the daily lives of many Japanese people.
Another significant aspect of Shinto mythology is its role in shaping the Japanese concept of identity and nationhood. Shinto has long been associated with the idea of Japan as a “sacred land” with a divine origin. This notion was particularly emphasized during the Meiji Restoration, when Shinto was co-opted by the state to promote nationalism and loyalty to the emperor. During this time, the emperor was portrayed as a living deity, a direct descendant of Amaterasu, and Shinto was used to justify Japan’s imperial expansion. However, after World War II, the emperor renounced his divine status, and State Shinto was disbanded. Today, Shinto is practiced more as a cultural tradition than a formal religion, but it continues to play a vital role in Japanese life, particularly in the rituals and festivals that mark important life events and seasonal changes.
Shinto mythology is not just a collection of stories about gods and creation; it is a living tradition that influences how the Japanese people view the world and their place in it. The reverence for nature, the focus on purification and harmony, and the belief in the presence of kami in all things have shaped Japan’s cultural practices, aesthetics, and moral values for centuries. Even in modern times, when fewer people may consider themselves strictly religious, Shinto’s influence can still be seen in everything from Japan’s festivals and holidays to its art, architecture, and relationship with the environment.