Mythology of Japan

The main mythological subjects in Japan are related to the Shintoism, Buddhism and Shinto-Buddhist syncretism that emerged as a result of the Japanese political and cultural elite's efforts to harmonize the connection between the original and the introduced religion. The development of syncretism goes through different stages, but its essence remains unchanged - the Japanese deities (kami) and the Buddhas present themselves as manifestations of the same divine essence.

The mentioned peculiarities of Japanese mythology predetermine the way this book is structured.

Often Japanese mythological characters are eclectic. For example, Benzaiten (Benten) one of the seven gods of happiness, unifies features of the Indian goddess Saraswati, bodhisattva Mañjuśrī, and Toyotama-hime, the older daughter of the sea ruler Watatsumi, in Shinto mythology. Other mythological heroes have gained popularity in Japan that is not found in other Buddhist countries.