Stories of Japanese Mythology

The Kojiki and Nihon Shoki record many stories, from the birth of the world to the adventures of heroes. Kamitype explains the major myths simply, with links to the gods who appear in them — and to the test that mirrors you.

The White Hare of InabaThe White Hare of Inaba is a myth from the Kojiki. The young god Okuninushi heals a skinned hare and is foretold his marriage to Yakamihime. A tale of the land-making god.

Ama-no-Iwato (The Heavenly Rock Cave)Ama-no-Iwato is the Japanese myth in which Amaterasu, hurt by Susanoo's outrages, hides in the Heavenly Rock Cave and the world falls into darkness. A look at Omoikane's plan, Ame-no-Uzume's dance, and Tajikarao opening the door, following the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki.

Kuniumi & Kamiumi — The Birth of the Land and the GodsKuniumi & Kamiumi is the creation myth in which Izanagi and Izanami bear the islands of Japan with the heavenly spear and give birth to many gods, up to Izanami's death bearing the fire god Kagutsuchi.

Kuniyuzuri — The Transfer of the LandKuniyuzuri is the Japanese myth in which Amaterasu of Takamagahara seeks rule over the earthly realm, sends Takemikazuchi, and Okuninushi cedes the land before settling at Izumo Taisha. An encyclopedic guide to the story, deities, and the differences between the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki.

Tenson Korin — The Heavenly DescentTenson Korin is the Japanese myth in which Ninigi, grandson of Amaterasu, descends from heaven to earth with the Three Sacred Treasures. A look at Sarutahiko, Ame-no-Uzume, and Konohanasakuya from the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki.

Umisachi and YamasachiUmisachi and Yamasachi: the Japanese myth in which a younger brother seeks a lost fishhook at the sea god's palace, gains tide-controlling jewels, and subdues his elder brother. A neutral retelling from the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki.

The Slaying of Yamata-no-OrochiBanished from the heavens, Susanoo slays the eight-headed serpent Yamata-no-Orochi in Izumo to save Kushinada, then offers the Kusanagi sword found in its tail to Amaterasu.

Yomi — The Land of the Dead (Izanagi's Descent to Yomi)Yomi is the underworld of the dead in Japanese mythology. An encyclopedic account of Izanagi's descent to Yomi, his flight from his transformed wife Izanami, and the birth of the Three Noble Children.