Introduction

All of the stories retold in this Storybook originate from Shinto myths. While Shintoism is the native religion of Japan, scholars and historians agree that Shintoism is more of a way of life than a religion in the traditional sense. Shintoism has no founder, no inspired texts, and no dogma. Its Japanese name "Kami no michi," which means "way of the kami," captures the essence of the religion. Shintoism organizes life around living in harmony with the kami. Ubiquitous in Japanese culture, kami are divine spirits. For example, many people are familiar with the Japanese word "kamikaze" - this word actually means "kami of the wind" or "wind kami." While mountains and dead ancestors alike both have a kami, there are three main kami who are foundational to Shinto myth-history. These three siblings, among whom sun goddess Amaterasu reigns supreme, are key characters in the stories retold here.

These three characters will all make major appearances in the following stories, which will condense several myths into one retelling in order to cover more ground. The first story will begin with the creation of the first kami and the islands of Japan by creator god and goddess Izanagi and Izanami. This foundational story will provide the context for the birth of Amaterasu and her brothers, who will feature in the later stories.

Happy reading!

Image information: "Susanoo no mikito" by Utagawa Toyokuni. "Amaterasu" by Utagawa Toyokuni. "The Actor Ichikawa Sadanji I as Akiyama Kii No Kami" by Toyohara Kunichika .