Japanese Myths: Captivating Myths, Legends, and Tales from Japan

by Matt Clayton

Did you know that, according to Japanese mythology, there are said to be an infinite number of kami that inhabit every part of nature?

Japanese mythology offers a fascinating lens from which to gaze upon the natural world. Through tales of heroic samurai, creepy vengeful ghosts, and deities that wield the mighty powers of nature, these stories and mythical figures emphasize the importance of humans living harmoniously with their surroundings.

It is often said that in order to understand a country’s culture and history, one needs to simply look at the stories they tell about the world around them. By learning about different kami and yokai, by examining the role both Shintoism and Buddhism have played in the shaping of myths, and by simply reading folktales and ghost stories, one can gain an appreciation for modern Japanese society.

While it would be impossible to gather all the different Japanese myths with all their local variations into a single book, this introductory guide provides the interested reader with a nice, if somewhat modest, collection of stories to get them started on this fantastical journey.

Some of the topics you’ll discover by reading this book mythical creation of JapanThe legendary origins of Japan’s imperial familyInteresting facts about the different kami and yokaiThe fascinating intersection between Shintoism and Buddhism in Japanese mythologyChilling Japanese ghost storiesHeroic tales about a pearl diver and a man born from a peachA story about literal star-crossed lovers that inspired the Tanabata festival, which is celebrated to this very dayAnd much more!
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Genres: Mythology

106 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 11, 2022

Reviews

[Marichus Real · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always liked myths, legends and tales since I was a teenager and I have read a lot of them, but I don’t remember having read any from Japan.
I loved to have some new ones to read but I have to say that the names were a bit nightmarish, so difficult to read and let alone remember them.
In spite of my liking for this kind of story, I never liked how envy and jealousy caused so much violence and hatred.
I don’t know too much about Japan and I am happy to have learnt something about its folklore and religion through this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kendra Lawrence · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have an interest in Japan, and this is a decent overview for people who are looking for an introduction, but it had some inaccuraries--or some gaps. It mentioned Yomi and that this was the underworld where all souls went, but failed to mentioned ano ko or Toyoko, which is also where souls went. Saying souls went to Yomi prior to Buddhism and not touching on the other Shinto aspects of the afterlife (though it is true that Shinto does not dwell on the afterlife as much), doesn't do the lore justice.

There are better books on Japanese mythology. I ended up skimming it when I realized it wasn't going to tell me anything new.

[John Fetzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brief, but well put together and thorough (for its length) overview of Sinto and Bhuddist mythologies - and how the latter influence the former. It also has a nice section on some of the more well-known (in Japan) folktales.

[Brian Pangburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting

A nice condensed book about Japanese myths and culture. For a non Japanese its a nice insight into their culture.