Amaterasu Ōmikami, the goddess of the sun, is one of the most important deities in Shinto, the indigenous religion of Japan. She is revered as the ruler of Takamagahara, the celestial realm, and is considered the direct ancestor of Japan’s Imperial family. Her myths, found in ancient Japanese texts such as the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters) and Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan), shape the spiritual and cultural foundation of Japan.
Origins and Mythology
Amaterasu’s story is primarily recorded in the Kojiki (compiled in 712 CE) and the Nihon Shoki (compiled in 720 CE), which are among Japan's oldest historical texts. According to these texts, she was born when Izanagi, one of the creator deities, purified himself after visiting the underworld (Yomi). As he washed his left eye, Amaterasu emerged, while her siblings, Tsukuyomi (the moon god) and Susanoo (the storm god), were also born from other parts of his body.
One of the most famous myths involving Amaterasu tells of her retreat into a cave (Ama-no-Iwato) after a conflict with her brother Susanoo. Enraged by his destructive behavior, she hid away, plunging the world into darkness. The other gods, recognizing the importance of her light, devised a plan to lure her out. They staged a grand festival outside the cave, featuring a dance by the goddess Ame-no-Uzume. The gods’ laughter and joy intrigued Amaterasu, leading her to peek out. When she did, the god Tajikarao pulled her out, restoring light to the world. This myth emphasizes the themes of renewal, order, and the balance of cosmic forces.
Amaterasu and the Imperial Lineage
Amaterasu is deeply connected to Japan’s Imperial family. According to legend, she entrusted her grandson, Ninigi-no-Mikoto, with ruling the earth, bestowing upon him the Three Sacred Treasures (Sanshu no Jingi): the mirror (Yata no Kagami), the sword (Kusanagi no Tsurugi), and the jewel (Yasakani no Magatama). These symbols remain part of Japan’s imperial regalia, linking the emperor directly to divine authority.
Jimmu, recognized as Japan's first emperor, is said to be a direct descendant of Amaterasu, reinforcing the idea that the Japanese rulers are divine. This belief played a crucial role in legitimizing the imperial system throughout history.
Amaterasu in Shinto Worship
Amaterasu is primarily worshiped at the Ise Grand Shrine (Ise Jingu), one of Japan’s most sacred Shinto shrines. The shrine, located in Mie Prefecture, is said to house the sacred mirror given to Ninigi. Every twenty years, the shrine undergoes a ritual rebuilding (Shikinen Sengu), a tradition that has been maintained for over a thousand years, symbolizing renewal and the eternal presence of Amaterasu.
Devotion to Amaterasu is also observed in various Shinto festivals, prayers, and rituals. She represents harmony, fertility, and the life-giving force of the sun, reinforcing her role as a deity of prosperity and protection.
Amaterasu’s Influence on Japanese Culture and Identity
Amaterasu’s legacy extends beyond mythology into Japanese art, literature, and national identity. She is often depicted in paintings, poetry, and even modern pop culture, symbolizing light, justice, and benevolence. The national flag of Japan, with its iconic sun motif, reflects her enduring presence in the country’s heritage.
During World War II, Japan’s imperial ideology emphasized Amaterasu’s divine lineage to justify national unity and expansionist policies. However, after Japan’s defeat, Emperor Hirohito publicly renounced his divine status in 1946. Despite this, Amaterasu remains a central figure in Japanese religious and cultural consciousness.
Amaterasu’s mythology encapsulates fundamental aspects of Japanese culture—harmony, renewal, and divine authority. As the celestial sun goddess, she continues to illuminate Japan’s spiritual landscape, influencing religious practices, national symbolism, and cultural identity. Whether in ancient texts, imperial traditions, or modern festivals, Amaterasu’s presence endures, reflecting the timeless reverence the Japanese people have for their divine ancestors.
Bibliography
Aston, William G. (translator). Nihongi: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to A.D. 697. Tuttle Publishing, 2005. ISBN: 978-0804836747.
Philippi, Donald L. (translator). Kojiki: An Account of Ancient Matters. Princeton University Press, 1969. ISBN: 978-0691100258.
Okada, Yoshiko. Shinto: The Way of the Kami. Kodansha International, 2002. ISBN: 978-4770029862.