Japanese Mythology

The kami gods of Shintoism are often born in strange ways and from objects and Takemikazuchi is a fine example of that. A god of storms and military conquest, this Japanese kami was born from a bloody sword. #shintoism #japanese #mythology #religion #symbolsage

The bakeneko (monster cat or changed cat) are often viewed as Shinto yokai or spirits, however, many view them as something more than that. In essence, the bakeneko are older but still live cats that have grown into something more than your normal household feline. When a cat gets older and turns into a bakeneko it starts developing supernatural abilities. #japanese #mythology #shintoism #cats #symbolsage

Susanoo is one of the most famous deities in Japanese Shintoism. As the god of the sea and of storms, he had great importance for the island nation. Unlike most sea deities in other religions, however, Susanoo is quite a complex and morally ambiguous character. With a story that has many rises and falls, Susanoo has even left some physical artifacts and relics that are still preserved in Shinto temples across Japan today. #japanese #mythology #sea #storms #symbolsage

In Japan, also known as The Land of the Rising Sun, the Sun Goddess Amaterasu is regarded as the Supreme Deity in Shintoism. Viewed as the mother of the royal bloodline of Japan’s emperors, she’s also worshipped as a kami goddess of creation. #japanese #mythology #sun #goddess #symbolsage

Hachiman is one of the most beloved Japanese kami deities as well as a prime example of how Japanese culture has combined elements from the many different religions that are popular in the island nation. Believed to be the divine personification of the legendary Japanese Emperor Ōjin, Hachiman is a kami of war, archery, noble warriors and samurai. #japanese #culture #war #archery #symbolsage

Fujin is the Japanese god of wind, worshipped in Shintoism, Buddhism, and Daoism alike. Like most wind deities in other religions, Fujin isn’t the most famous god in the pantheons of these religions. However, he plays an important role and was highly revered. A true elder god, he’s one of the several children of the Father and Mother deities of Shintoism – Izanami and Izanagi. #japanese #mythology #religion #wind #symbolsage

Izanami and Izanagi are two of the most important gods in the Japanese pantheon. Not only did these primordial gods give birth to several other gods and Kami, and make the earth suitable for living, but they also created the islands of Japan. As such, they’re at the very heart of Japanese mythology. #japanese #mythology #religion #creator #symbolsage

The Shinto kami god Tsukuyomi, also called Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto, is one of the very few male moon deities in the world. What sets Tsukuyomi apart, however, is that he’s the only male moon god to also be a prominent figure in his religion’s pantheon, as he was the former consort-king of Heaven in Shintoism. #japanese #mythology #religion #moon #symbolsage

At face value, Ebisu seems like an ordinary luck deity – he roams the land and the seas and people pray to him for good fortune. He’s also the patron kami of fisherman, a profession highly dependent on luck in the first place. In fact, while his most common form is that of a human, when he swims, he often transforms into a fish or a whale. What makes Ebisu truly special, however, is his birth and parentage. #japanese #god #luck #deity #symbolsage

Most prominent Japanese deities associated with wars, conquests and warriors are Hachiman, Takemikazuchi, Bishamon, Futsunushi, Sarutahiko Ōkami, and Takeminakata. #japanese #mythology #religion #war #symbolsage

Bishamonten’s role as protector of Buddhism and his links to wealth, war and warriors makes him an imposing and highly respected figure in Japanese mythology. #japanese #mythology #religion #wealth #symbolsage