Welcome to Amako, a unique project based in Osaka dedicated to unveiling Japan’s rich cultural heritage. We explore the Kojiki, an ancient collection of Japanese myths and legends that provide deep insights into Japan’s complex culture and traditions. Our mission is to make these profound stories accessible and to highlight the subtle, enduring aspects of Japanese life that are often overlooked.
Japanese Mythology
Every culture has its own mythology, which preserves the spiritual beliefs of ancient peoples. In Japan, the Kojiki, written in 712 A.D., is the oldest existing literary work. It describes the creation of the universe and the emergence of various deities, or kami, from chaos. According to the Kojiki, the first kami, a male and female pair, created the Japanese islands and the natural world, as well as other kami who are considered ancestors of the Japanese people.
In Japanese belief, kami are spiritual forces present in nature—such as rain, wind, mountains, the sea, and thunder. They impact daily life and can be both benevolent and harsh. For example, the sun can cause droughts, oceans can create tidal waves, and even small animals can bring trouble. To seek blessings and calm the kami, Japanese people perform rituals called “matsuri.”
Shinto, Japan’s native religion, does not worship a single creator but acknowledges many kami, each with its own role. This reflects Japan’s values of harmony and cooperation.
The Stories
Pt.1
Creation of Japan
The male and female decendants of the first kami that gave shape and form to nothingness, created the island of Japan and gave birth to al the nature Kami’s.
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Pt.2
Visit to the Underworld
After giving birth to the fire kami, the female Kami Izami died from her burns. Her consort Izanagi traveled to the underworld to rescue his wife.
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Pt.3
The Cave and the kami’s
The sun Kami, Amaterasu, hid herself in a cave because her younger brother, the storm kami Susanoo was destroying her realm.
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Pt.4
Defeating the Orochi
Susanoo gets banished from the realm of the gods and gets sent down to Ashihara kingdom. He saves a princess from an 8 headed dragon and becomes a hero.
Story Origin
Pt.5
The white rabbit of Ibana
The white rabbit of Ibana, tricked a shark and got itself skinned. But eventually recovered from the help of the kami, Ookuninushi.
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Pt.6
Forfeiting the Kingdom
Ookuninushi ruled the earthly realms of ancinet Japan, but ended up handing over the kingdom to Amaterasu.
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Pt.7
Kami’s Decent to Earthly Realms
Amaterasu’s descendants make their way down from the heavens to the earthen realms and bring with them the knowledge of rice planting.
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Pt.8
Mountain Kami and Sea Kami Brothers
The two brothers have a falling out, and the younger of the two goes to the sea kingdom but eventually reconciles with his brother the mountain kami.
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Pt.9
The First Emperors Pilgramage to Yamato
This story is the journey of Jimmu tenno from a kami to an emperor. He travels across Japan and finally settles in yamato, which is modern day Nara.
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Visit places related to the mythology that are scattered across Japan
Often these spots are more rural than urban areas. Exploring such places and emerging yourself in the mysteries of the legends will be a different experience than just sightseeing. Our tourism partner ‘Omoshiro Travel’ can plan and arrange the tour for you.
Slip away from your busy schedule and delve into the world of legends and mythology.
