1. JAPANESE ORIGINS STORIES & MYTHS
Understanding the Japanese Worldview

2. JAPAN’S CREATION STORY Izanami & Izanagi
In Japanese mythology Izanami & Izanagi are sibling deities born of the Seven Divine Generations
Using a spear they stirred the ocean and then by removing the spear, created island out of the droplets of water that fell from its blade.
Afterwards Izanami & Izanagi travelled down to the first island create (Onogoro-shima) and were married.
They then proceeded to give birth to many other islands, and numerous deities (Kami) – including trees, mountains, and fire. These deities were the basis for Japan’s first major religion - Shinto

3. JAPANESE MYTHS Amaterasu & The Land of the Rising Sun
Amaterasu is the deity of the sun & the universe, and was born to Izanagi after he was purifying himself in a river
Once, Amaterasu blocked herself in a cave after getting in a fight with her brother (Susanoo). As a result the world was cast in total darkness and evil spirits took over the earth.
The other deities attempted to get her to come out - until she was trick by the goddess Amanouzeme and pulled from the cave, and thus bringing light & hope back into the world
All future Emperors of Japan were said to have descended from Amaterasu – and thus divine (God-like)

4. ORIGIN STORIES How Do They Inform Worldviews?
How can origin stories, myths, and tales influence our worldview?
How do you think these stories/myths influenced Japan’s worldview?
Can you think of any other origin stories or myths you have heard? (Ex: First Nations, Ancient Greek & Romand)