The Japanese Myths: A Guide to Gods, Heroes and Spirits

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Japanese ghosts and monsters (yokai) are more popular than ever, and there are some fantastic books to read if you’re a fan of the huge and terrifying world of Japanese mythology. In the book, you come across interesting Shinto and Buddhist myths. And you get a vivid understanding of a great many historical figures, icons, rituals, and events in core Japanese mythology. Frydman goes on to introduce the last generation of the gods of creation, Izanagi and Izanami. Followed by Amaterasu, the sun goddess who ruled heaven, Tsukuyomi, the moon god who ruled night and Susanowo who was associated with the sea. The author points out they’re all mythical ancestors of the imperial line and important representations of natural forces in early Japan. We then come to Jinmu, the first of fifteen legendary emperors, who dominated the land and the sea. Jinmu is a mortal man, but his existence is often questioned as he has no tomb.

What is good is that it does not overload you with too much information. Instead, it makes everything interesting to read and easier to process. It deserves to be on this list for giving extensive yet vivid accounts of several mind-blowing Japanese myths and legends. Ugetsu Monogatari is the title of one story from the book which talks about a being that is said to appear only on rainy and cloudy nights as it brings a lot of mysteries with it. Shiramine is another tale from inside the book, it talks about the ghost of a former emperor called Sutoku who seeks vengeance. Dreams and Reality

And there you have it! The 25 best mythology books! What are your favorite myths?

Japanese literature buffs and romanticists will enjoy the chapter on ‘Angelic Beings and Astral Romances’. Frydman tells the story of The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl which is associated with the Tanabata holiday celebrated in Japan on the 7 th of July. He also recounts The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter. They both have moral implications which are still relevant today.

Where the Wild Ladies Areoffers sixteen incredibly human stories about the lives of modern-day Japanese women and men. Studying mythology provides insights into Japanese cultural identity and the values and traditions behind it. Comprised of oral folk tales, Shinto stories and Buddhist parables, these myths have their roots in Japan, China and India. Mythology often serves as a source of sharing universal truths about morality, psychology and spirituality. By exploring myth, we not only gain a deeper appreciation for the past but also foster cross-cultural understanding and preserve cultural heritage for younger generations.My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Amber Books for an advanced copy of this book on the lore, gods and goddesses and creatures of ancient Japan, and their continuing influences today.

Like the others above, it has unique and fascinating characters in each of the short stories, never before seen events and adventures, and unique content allowing the biggest of Japanese folklore enthusiasts and people who love reading about Japanese culture to add another one of these books to their collection. Amazing Illustrations Here comes a different story than the ones above, a fiction one in which you get a feel of what the best book on Japanese mythology looks like. Anyone with an interest in folklore or fairy tales will have a great time burning through these stories. It will feel similar to paging through a selection of Grimm’s Fairytales or revisiting Alice in Wonderland. From there it introduces a ghostly presence or a transformative power to befriend, overcome, or embrace. The stories are short, and you might want to hear more about them, but it’s still a book that will never let you feel bored as it’s fairly easy to read and the variety of short stories makes it pretty addicting as well. There’s not much to say, maybe just that it is one of the must-read mythology books from Japan.

But what, exactly, are their stories? Where do they come from and what do they do with their lives? These are the books on mythology that explore those stories. Kojiki is the oldest book recording legends from Japanese mythology. The origin of Japan’s imperial ancestors and the Japanese kami is depicted in the Kojiki, also known as Furukotofumi. The myths in the Kojiki are responsible for many Japanese traditions, rituals, and practices: even the Shinto culture emulates them. The Kojiki consists of semi-historical and genealogical accounts of the Japanese imperial line.

The bone-chilling ritual of Harakiri is also depicted in the book. The Harakiri ceremony mentioned in the book is believed to be a first-hand account of someone who witnessed the entire ritual happen in front of them. Japanese Myths is a beautifully illustrated reference guide which covers the beliefs, customs and historical events that form the basis of Japanese society, and this is what makes it worth purchasing beyond a separate collection of translated myths. Due to its lovely presentation, this book would make a lovely gift for someone with a developing interest in Japan. In addition to outlining the overarching mythology collected in official chronicles, this guide also summarises notable deities, ghosts, creatures, parables, legends and folk tales. Each section succinctly provides cultural context and their significance today. The publishing space for Japanese short stories, myths and tales is crowded with previously published collections, but this book by Clegg is a fine contribution. What sets this book apart is Clegg's ability to blend scholarly research, travel writing and sociological analysis into one accessible and charming guide. Her summaries reflect her expertise and experiences of living in Japan, offering readers a glimpse into the nuances of Japanese culture without overstepping into personal narrative. The book attempts to capture multiple themes on both sides of the spectrum, such as great acts of devotion, love, and chivalry. And cold-blooded acts showing no mercy.

If your child is a fan of Greek mythology but doesn’t want to read the stories by themselves, this series is a great alternative. Mythology is a very important part of any land’s culture, there are some of the best Japanese folklore stories that have been told by countless generations. Japan is our specialty and our passion. We spend most of our time exploring Japanese literature, food, language, history, art, and so on. And we’ve noticed that Japanese mythology is becoming more and more popular in the west, thanks to video games and anime. There’s something satisfying about including a book about Norse Mythology by a Japanese author on a list that also includes Japanese mythology.