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Children of Ōyamatsumi and the parents of Kushinadahime, whom Susanoo saved from the Yamata-no-Orochi and later married. They are the grandparents of Yashimajinumi , which makes them ancestors of Ōkuninushi .
Jan 2, 2024 · There are literally hundreds (and counting) of yokai monsters that are known across Japanese folklore. Let’s get to know some of the most popular ones now. The 20 Most Popular Yokai in Japan 1. Tengu. Tengu is a legendary yokai that you’d likely have come across whilst exploring Japan.
- Shikigami. The term shikigami is prominent in many manga and anime. A shikigami (or shiki-no-kami) is a fantastical creature who's magically summoned or conjured to serve a master.
- Kitsune. The kitsune (or fox spirit) is the most common Japanese mythological creature. Like the aforementioned bake-danuki, it's also a shapeshifter.
- Seiryu. The seiryu is the Japanese version of China's Azure Dragon. Seiryu is easily distinguished from other classic dragons from other (Western) cultures with its long, serpentine, wingless body.
- Tengu. The tengu is a supernatural being, initially described as a bird-man—the body of a human with the beaks and wings of a bird. It's also been described as a winged man with a red face and long nose.
Mythological Texts. The Kojiki, dating back to 712 CE, is Japan’s oldest written document. It details the creation myth and features deities like Izanagi and Izanami, who gave birth to the islands of Japan. The Nihon Shoki, written in 720 CE, expands on these myths with extra context and commentary.
- Origins of Japanese Mythology. Japanese mythology is a rich combination of Shinto and Buddhist beliefs, as well as ancient legends and folklore. The mythology of Japan is rooted in the country’s history, culture, and geography.
- Major Deities. Amaterasu. Amaterasu is the goddess of the sun and the most important deity in the Shinto religion. She is considered the ancestor of the Japanese imperial family.
- Famous Creatures. Japanese mythology is known for its vast collection of interesting and unique creatures, each with its own story and characteristics. Here are some of the most famous creatures in Japanese mythology
- Iconic Heroes and Figures. Momotaro. Momotaro is a popular hero in Japanese folklore. He is known as the Peach Boy, and his story is one of the most well-known tales in Japan.
Dec 5, 2022 · Take, for example, Naruto and the nine-tailed fox (called 狐, kitsune) or Bleach’s Hollows which are a kind of Japanese ghost called youkai. Many legendary Pokemon are based on Japanese folklore creatures, too. Even Sailor Moon has loose inspirations from Kaguya-hime – a story you’ll learn about below!
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Nov 26, 2023 · Explore captivating stories around Japanese Mythical Creatures, their meanings and impacts on Japan's rich cultural tapestry in our latest blog post!
