Cultural Content
These are the spirits or gods believed to live in all things in nature, like trees, rivers, and rocks.
What are Kami?
She is the Sun Goddess and the most important figure in Japanese mythology.
Who is Amaterasu?
In Shinto, being "pure" is very important. This daily habit is seen as a way to stay connected to the gods.
What is cleanliness (or washing)?
Unlike some religions where gods are perfect, Japanese kami are described as "powerful but _________."
What is imperfect (or human-like)?
You can see the Sun Goddess Amaterasu as a white wolf in this famous video game.
What is Ōkami?
Because Japan is an island with many mountains and volcanoes, myths were often used to explain these scary natural events.
What are natural disasters?
This Storm God caused so much trouble that his sister, the Sun Goddess, went into hiding.
Who is Susanoo?
The myths teach that if a leader or god acts in this "me-first" way, everyone else suffers.
What is being selfish?
This theme describes a character leaving the world (hiding) and then coming back (returning).
What is Withdrawal and Renewal?
This famous movie studio created Spirited Away, which is full of different kami.
What is Studio Ghibli?
This is the name of Japan’s traditional religion, which focuses on nature and the worship of spirits.
What is Shinto?
When the Sun Goddess hid in a cave, this happened to the rest of the world.
What is it went dark (or became cold/sad)?
Instead of just fighting, the gods often used music and this type of performance to solve their problems.
What is a ritual (or dance/ceremony)?
If a Greek myth is about a hero winning a war, a Japanese myth is usually about a god doing this for nature.
What is healing it (or bringing balance)?
In many anime, a character doesn't just "kill" a monster; they "purify" it. This comes from the value of _________.
What is cleanliness (or ritual purity)?
This prehistoric time period is when the first Japanese myths began to take shape.
What is the Yayoi or Kofun period?
To get the Sun Goddess to come out, the other gods used a dance and this object to show her a "new" goddess.
What is a mirror?
Most Japanese myths end with "Restoring _________," which means bringing things back to a peaceful balance.
What is Harmony?
This goddess used humor and a "silly" dance to make the other gods laugh during a dark time.
Who is Ame-no-Uzume?
The Imperial family of Japan says they are the great-grandchildren of this specific goddess.
Who is Amaterasu?
Japanese culture often values the "group" over the "individual." This term describes the goal of everyone working together in peace.
What is community (or social harmony)?
After she stepped out, the gods used a straw rope to block the cave. This was meant to ensure this happened.
What is that she could never hide the sun again?
This is the specific ritual of washing your hands and mouth before entering a shrine.
What is Misogi?
This is the idea that even things that are broken or old have a type of "imperfect beauty."
What is Wabi-sabi?
Today, people still visit these sacred gates, called Torii, to show respect to the spirits of nature.
What are Shrines?