Japan’s mythology, rooted in Shinto, centers on kami—spirits inhabiting natural elements like mountains and rivers. A key myth is that of Izanagi and Izanami, the divine couple who created Japan and birthed gods like Amaterasu, the sun goddess and principal deity, symbolizing Japan’s connection to nature and divine emperors.
In the Heian period (794-1185 CE), Buddhism merged with Shinto, blending beliefs where kami were seen as Buddhist manifestations. Mythical creatures like yokai (spirits or demons) also emerged, reflecting Japan’s enduring fascination with the supernatural.