Japan’s Mythical Revival: Ancient Gods in the Modern World
Japan is often viewed through the lens of its technological prowess—a land of neon lights, high-speed trains, and robotics. However, beneath the futuristic surface lies a spiritual bedrock that is currently experiencing a profound resurgence. This phenomenon is often referred to as “Shinwa no Fukken” or the Revival of Myths. It represents a cultural shift where ancient stories, once relegated to history books, are being rediscovered, reimagined, and embraced by a new generation seeking connection and identity.
From blockbuster anime to the booming popularity of “power spots,” the gods of old are walking among the living once more. This article explores how Japan’s mythology is not just surviving but thriving in the 21st century.
Origins: The Roots of the Kami
To understand the revival, one must first understand the foundation. Japanese mythology is primarily rooted in Shinto, the indigenous spirituality of Japan. Unlike monotheistic religions, Shinto is animistic, believing that spirits, or Kami, inhabit all things—from mountains and rivers to trees and thunder. This worldview created a tapestry of lore where the boundary between the human and the divine is porous.
The codified origins of these myths are found in two distinct 8th-century texts: the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters) and the Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan). Commissioned by the Imperial court to legitimize their rule, these texts chronicle the creation of the Japanese archipelago by the primal couple, Izanagi and Izanami, and the subsequent lineage of gods that descended to rule the land. While these texts are ancient, the concept of Yaoyorozu no Kami (Eight Million Gods) suggests an infinite number of deities, allowing the mythology to remain flexible and expansive even today.
Legend: The Cave and the Return of Light
Among the hundreds of tales in the Japanese canon, one stands out as a metaphor for the “Revival of Myths” itself: the story of Amaterasu Omikami and the Ama-no-Iwato (Heavenly Rock Cave).
According to the legend, Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess and supreme deity of the Shinto pantheon, became distraught by the violent antics of her brother, Susano-o (the Storm God). In her grief and fear, she fled into a cave and sealed the entrance with a massive rock, plunging the world into eternal darkness and chaos. Crops failed, and evil spirits ran rampant.
Desperate to restore light, the other Kami gathered outside the cave to devise a plan. They threw a raucous party, featuring a comical and erotic dance by the goddess Ame-no-Uzume. The gods roared with laughter, sparking Amaterasu’s curiosity. When she peeked out to see the source of the joy, a strong god pulled the stone away, and she was drawn out by her own reflection in a mirror. Light returned to the world, symbolizing order and life. This legend is not just a story of the sun; it is a story of resilience, community, and the return of vitality after a period of darkness.
Modern Culture: Myths in the Digital Age
The “Revival of Myths” is most visible in how these ancient archetypes permeate modern Japanese pop culture. The rigid reverence of the past has evolved into an affectionate familiarity.
Anime and Manga
Creators like Hayao Miyazaki have played a pivotal role in this revival. The Academy Award-winning film Spirited Away is a masterclass in modern Shinto imagery, depicting a bathhouse visited by weary Kami. Similarly, the hit film Your Name (Kimi no Na wa) revolves heavily around shrine maidens (miko), spiritual threads (musubi), and ancient comets, bringing Shinto cosmology to a global youth audience.
Gaming
Video games such as Okami, Persona, and Shin Megami Tensei allow players to interact directly with figures from the Kojiki. By gamifying these myths, developers keep the names and attributes of the gods alive in the collective consciousness of the digital generation.
The “Power Spot” Boom
Perhaps the most tangible aspect of the revival is the tourism trend known as the “Power Spot” boom. Young Japanese people, seeking respite from the high-stress corporate world, are flocking to ancient shrines believed to house strong spiritual energy. Visiting these sites is no longer just for the elderly; it is a trendy, revitalizing activity for the youth, often accompanied by the collection of Goshuin (calligraphic shrine stamps).
Traveler’s Tips: Experiencing the Mythical Landscape
If you want to experience the Revival of Myths firsthand, here is how to navigate the spiritual side of Japan:
- Visit the Source: Travel to Takachiho in Miyazaki Prefecture. This is the legendary location of the Ama-no-Iwato cave. In the evenings, you can watch Kagura (sacred Shinto theatrical dance) performed at the local shrine, a tradition kept alive for centuries.
- The Gathering of Gods: Visit Izumo Taisha in Shimane Prefecture. It is said that in October (called Kannazuki or “Month without Gods” elsewhere in Japan), all the Kami gather here for a divine conference. In Izumo, the month is called Kamiarizuki (“Month with Gods”).
- Collect Goshuin: Purchase a Goshuin-cho (stamp book) at any major shrine. Collecting these beautiful, hand-written stamps is a fantastic way to connect with the history of each location and serves as a unique souvenir of your pilgrimage.
- Respect the Etiquette: When entering a shrine, bow at the Torii gate, walk on the side of the path (the center is for the gods), and cleanse your hands and mouth at the Temizuya water pavilion before praying.
Sources & Further Reading
For those interested in delving deeper into the texts that sparked the revival, the following resources are essential:
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): Translated by Basil Hall Chamberlain or Donald L. Philippi. The oldest chronicle of myths.
- The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): Translated by W.G. Aston. Focuses more on history and imperial lineage.
- Kwaidan: By Lafcadio Hearn. A classic collection of ghost stories and folklore that bridges the gap between Western and Japanese understanding of the supernatural.
- Shinto: The Kami Way: By Sokyo Ono. A concise guide to the beliefs and practices of Shinto.