The Revival of Japanese Myths: Ancient Gods in a Modern World
Japan is often viewed through a lens of dichotomy: a land where neon-lit skyscrapers sit comfortably beside moss-covered stone torii gates. While the world applauds Japan for its technological prowess, there has been a quiet but powerful cultural undercurrent surging through the nation in recent years: Nihon Shinwa no Fukkatsu, or the Revival of Japanese Myths.
This resurgence isn’t merely academic. Ancient deities are finding new life in contemporary pop culture, influencing tourism trends, and redefining national identity. For the modern traveler, understanding this mythological renaissance unlocks a deeper, more enchanting layer of the Japanese experience.
Origins: The Roots of Shinto
To understand the revival, one must first understand the source. Unlike monotheistic religions, the indigenous spirituality of Japan, Shinto, is polytheistic and animistic. It revolves around the concept of Yaoyorozu no Kami—literally “eight million gods.” These spirits inhabit everything from mountains and rivers to thunderstorms and ancient trees.
The foundational narratives of these gods were compiled in two primary historic texts dating back to the 8th century: the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters, 712 CE) and the Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan, 720 CE). Commissioned by the Imperial court to legitimize their rule through divine lineage, these texts describe the creation of the Japanese archipelago and the pantheon of kami that reside there. For centuries, these stories were treated as history, then relegated to folklore, and now, they are being celebrated once again as vital cultural heritage.
The Legend: Amaterasu and the Cave
Among the hundreds of tales, one legend stands paramount and perfectly illustrates the drama of Japanese mythology: the story of Amaterasu Omikami, the Sun Goddess.
According to the lore, Amaterasu was driven to despair by the violent antics of her brother, Susanoo, the Storm God. In her grief and fear, she hid herself inside the Amano-Iwato (Heavenly Rock Cave), plunging the world into eternal darkness and chaos. Evil spirits ran rampant, and crops failed.
Desperate to restore light, the other eight million gods gathered outside the cave to coax her out. They threw a raucous party, featuring a comical and slightly lewd dance by the goddess Ame-no-Uzume. Hearing the laughter outside, Amaterasu peeked out, curious as to how they could celebrate without the sun. The strong god Tajikarao pulled her out, and a sacred rope was tied across the entrance to prevent her return. Thus, light was restored to the world.
This myth is not just a story of the sun; it is a story of resilience, community, and the triumph of life over despair—themes that resonate deeply with modern Japanese society.
Modern Culture: Kami in the Digital Age
The “Revival of Japanese Myths” is perhaps most visible in Japan’s greatest soft power export: pop culture. The ancient gods have shed their archaic robes and donned the guise of superheroes and digital avatars.
Anime and Manga
Creators have mined the Kojiki for inspiration, introducing these figures to a global youth audience. In the global hit Naruto, powerful techniques are named after Shinto deities: Amaterasu (black flames), Tsukuyomi (illusion), and Susanoo (spectral avatar). The video game Okami allows players to control Amaterasu in the form of a white wolf, physically painting life back into a cursed world. The blockbuster film Your Name (Kimi no Na wa) heavily features Shinto rituals, shrine maidens (miko), and the concept of musubi (knotting/connection), revitalizing interest in traditional spirituality among teenagers.
The Goshuin Boom
In the physical world, the revival is driving a massive tourism trend known as the Goshuin boom. Goshuin are large, hand-calligraphed stamps collected in accordion-style books (goshuin-cho) at shrines and temples. Once a hobby for the elderly, lines at shrines are now filled with young people seeking to collect these stamps. It is a form of spiritual stamp-rallying that encourages travelers to visit lesser-known shrines connected to specific mythological figures.
Traveler’s Tips: Walking with the Gods
If you want to experience the revival of Japanese myths firsthand, steer your itinerary toward the “Power Spots” associated with these legends.
- Ise Jingu (Mie Prefecture): The most sacred shrine in Japan, dedicated to Amaterasu. It houses the Sacred Mirror, one of the three Imperial Regalia. The atmosphere here is one of solemn purity.
- Takachiho (Miyazaki Prefecture): The alleged setting of the Amano-Iwato myth. You can visit the Amano-Iwato Shrine and walk down to the river cave where the gods supposedly gathered. In the evenings, watch a Kagura performance at Takachiho Shrine, a theatrical dance retelling these ancient tales.
- Izumo Taisha (Shimane Prefecture): Dedicated to Okuninushi, the god of marriage and relationships. It is said that in October (the “Month of No Gods” elsewhere), all the gods of Japan gather here for a meeting.
Etiquette Note: When visiting these sites, respect the customs. Bow once at the torii gate before entering, walk on the sides of the path (the center is for the gods), and cleanse your hands and mouth at the temizuya water pavilion before approaching the main hall.
Sources & Further Reading
For those inspired to dig deeper into the texts that sparked this revival, the following historical records are essential:
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): The oldest extant chronicle in Japan. Basil Hall Chamberlain’s translation is a classic starting point.
- The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): More historical and political in nature than the Kojiki, offering alternative versions of the myths.
- The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter (Taketori Monogatari): While a folk tale rather than a myth, it shares the celestial themes prevalent in the mythology.
The revival of Japanese myths offers a bridge between the ancient and the avant-garde. By exploring these stories, travelers see Japan not just as a hub of technology, but as a land where the gods still walk among the people, hidden in plain sight within manga pages and mountain shrines.