The Most Popular Japanese Mythology, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the mythology you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 2, 2024 06:40
In the intricate tapestry of culture and history, mythologies help bind societies together, offering insights into the values, fears, and hopes of a civilization. For a nation like Japan, with its rich heritage, the legendary tales are not only enthralling but serve as critical pillars in understanding the cultural psyche. Ranking these mythologies offers a unique glimpse into which stories resonate most deeply with contemporary audiences.
By participating in this dynamic ranking, users contribute to a collective evaluation of what makes certain myths more impactful than others. This process not only enriches the individual's understanding but also provides a shared space for celebrating the breadth and depth of Japan's mythological narratives. Get involved and see how your favorites compare on the list!
What Is the Most Popular Japanese Mythology?
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164votesShintoism is the indigenous religion of Japan and is based on the belief in the kami, or spirits, that inhabit all things in nature, from rocks and trees to animals and humans. It is the most popular and widely practiced religion in Japan.Shintoism is an indigenous religion of Japan that revolves around the veneration of various kami (spirits or deities) in nature, as well as ancestral spirits. It encompasses a wide range of beliefs and rituals, which have evolved over thousands of years.
- Polytheistic Beliefs: Shintoism believes in the existence of numerous kami or deities.
- Nature Worship: Shintoism holds a deep reverence for nature and believes that kami inhabit natural elements such as mountains, rivers, and trees.
- Ancestor Worship: Ancestor veneration is an important aspect of Shintoism, with ancestors being regarded as protective spirits.
- Shrines: Shintoism is practiced at Shinto shrines, which serve as sacred spaces for worship and rituals.
- Torii Gates: Torii gates are prominent symbols of Shintoism and mark the entrance to sacred spaces.
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228votesAmaterasu is a major deity in Shintoism and is considered the goddess of the sun and the universe. She is one of the most important figures in Japanese mythology and is believed to have played a crucial role in the founding of Japan.Amaterasu is a powerful and fearsome jutsu in the Naruto universe. It is classified as a Ninjutsu technique of the highest level and is known as the 'Heavenly Kotoamatsukami'. When activated, it manifests as black flames that can burn through anything, including other flames. The flames are said to represent the flames of the sun itself, burning for seven days and seven nights. Amaterasu is known for its unstoppable and inextinguishable nature.
- Fire Nature Transformation: The technique requires the user to possess the Fire Nature Transformation to manipulate the black flames.
- Mangekyou Sharingan: It can only be used by those who awaken the Mangekyou Sharingan, a rare form of the Sharingan eye.
- Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan: The technique becomes even more potent when wielded by those who have achieved the Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan.
- Eye Contact: To activate Amaterasu, the user must make eye contact with the target.
- Indiscriminate: The black flames will continue to burn everything until the target is reduced to ash, making it difficult to control and potentially harming allies.
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36votesIzanagi and Izanami are the divine couple who are believed to have created the islands of Japan and gave birth to many of the gods and goddesses in Japanese mythology. Their story is one of the most famous in Japanese mythology and is often retold in various forms of art and literature.Izanagi and Izanami are central figures in Japanese mythology, considered to be the deities responsible for the creation of Japan and its various divine beings and islands. They are recognized as the divine couple, representing the male and female aspects of creation.
- Origin: Japanese mythology
- Role: Creators of Japan and divine beings
- Gender: Izanagi (male), Izanami (female)
- Marital Relationship: Married as husband and wife
- Creation Method: Stirring the ocean with a jeweled spear
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416votesSusanoo is the god of storms and the sea in Japanese mythology. He is known for his wild and unpredictable nature, often causing chaos and destruction wherever he goes. Despite his reputation, he is also considered a powerful deity who can be called upon to protect and defend Japan.Susanoo is a prominent figure in Japanese mythology, known as the Shinto god of storms and the sea. He is both feared and revered for his unpredictable and sometimes destructive nature. Susanoo is often depicted as a powerful and restless deity, with a fierce temperament and a fondness for chaos. Despite his tempestuous nature, he is considered an important deity, protecting the land from evil spirits and bringing rain for the fertility of crops.
- Gender: Male
- Domain: Storms and the sea
- Temperament: Fierce and unpredictable
- Importance: Prominent and highly revered
- Role: Protector from evil spirits
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520votesTsukuyomi is the god of the moon in Japanese mythology. He is often depicted as a calm and serene figure, in contrast to the more temperamental gods like Susanoo. He is also associated with death and the underworld.Tsukuyomi is a prominent figure in Japanese mythology, known as the god of the moon. He is considered one of the three most important deities in the Shinto religion, alongside his siblings Amaterasu (the Sun Goddess) and Susanoo (the Sea and Storm God). Tsukuyomi is often depicted as a masculine figure wearing traditional Japanese attire, with his primary attribute being the moon.
- Domain: Moon deity, ruler over the night
- Siblings: Amaterasu (Sun Goddess) and Susanoo (Sea and Storm God)
- Role: Bringing light and guiding the night
- Mythological Origin: Japanese folklore and Shinto religion
- Iconic Symbol: Crescent Moon
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68votesYama-no-Kami is the god of the mountains in Japanese mythology. He is believed to protect and govern the natural world, particularly the mountains and forests. He is often depicted as a wise and powerful figure who can be called upon to help travelers and protectors of nature.Yama-no-Kami, also known as the Mountain Gods, are deities in Japanese mythology associated with mountains and nature. They are believed to reside in various mountains and are revered as protectors and guardians of the natural world.
- Association: Mountains and nature
- Role: Protectors and guardians of the natural world
- Residence: Associated with various mountains
- Nature: Divine beings
- Attributes: Strong, wise, and often depicted with long beards
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710votesKappa is a mythical creature in Japanese folklore that is often depicted as a mischievous and sometimes dangerous water spirit. It is said to live in rivers and ponds and is known for its love of cucumbers and its ability to drown humans and animals. Despite its reputation, kappa is also considered a protector of children and a bringer of good luck.The Kappa is a mythological creature from Japanese folklore. It is often described as a water-dwelling creature, resembling a humanoid with the features of a turtle or a frog. It is known for its distinctive bowl-shaped indentation on the top of its head, which is believed to be filled with water and gives the Kappa its power and strength. The Kappa is known to be mischievous but can also be helpful if treated with respect.
- Physical Appearance: Half-human, half-turtle or frog
- Head Feature: Bowl-shaped indentation filled with water
- Habitat: Rivers, lakes, and other bodies of freshwater
- Strength: Derived from the water in its head
- Mischievous Behavior: Pranking and pulling tricks on humans
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84votesTengu is a supernatural creature in Japanese mythology that is often depicted as a bird-like humanoid with long noses and wings. It is known for its fierce and sometimes violent nature, but also for its wisdom and martial arts skills. Tengu is often associated with the mountains and forests and is believed to be a guardian of these natural places.The Tengu is a legendary creature from Japanese mythology that is often depicted as a humanoid with wings and a long nose. It is known for its mischievous nature and strong intelligence. Tengu is usually considered a protector of mountains and forests, skilled in martial arts and magic. Throughout Japanese folklore, it has been both feared and revered as a powerful entity with the ability to bring blessings or curses upon humans.
- Physical Appearance: Humanoid figure with wings and a long nose
- Intelligence: Considered highly intelligent and wise
- Mischievous Nature: Known for playing tricks and pranks on humans
- Protector of Mountains and Forests: Regarded as a guardian of natural landscapes
- Skilled in Martial Arts: Known for its exceptional fighting abilities
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96votesOni is a type of demon in Japanese mythology that is often depicted as a large, muscular creature with horns and a fierce expression. It is known for its strength and its ability to cause mischief and harm to humans. Despite its reputation, oni is also considered a protector of the natural world and is often depicted as a loyal servant of the gods.The Oni is a type of mythical creature in Japanese mythology. It is often depicted as a demon or ogre-like being with fearsome features. They are widely believed to possess great strength and power, often portrayed as evil and malicious creatures that cause chaos and harm.
- Appearance: Oni are depicted with red or blue skin, wild hair, sharp claws, and two long horns on their heads.
- Size: Oni are generally larger and stronger than humans, often towering over them.
- Weapons: They are often shown carrying iron clubs called Kanabō or large swords.
- Ability to Shape-shift: Oni are known to have the ability to change their appearance, often disguising themselves as humans or animals.
- Association with Natural Disasters: Oni are sometimes linked to natural disasters like earthquakes, storms, and fires.
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102votesKitsune is a type of fox spirit in Japanese mythology that is often depicted as a shape-shifter who can take on human form. It is known for its cunning and mischievous nature, but also for its loyalty and wisdom. Kitsune is often associated with the god Inari and is believed to be a messenger and protector of the rice fields.The Kitsune is a mythical creature from Japanese folklore, often referred to as a fox spirit. It is known for its shape-shifting abilities and intelligence. Kitsune are believed to possess magical powers and are closely associated with Inari, the Shinto deity of fertility, agriculture, and foxes. In Japanese culture, they are often characterized as mischievous but benevolent beings.
- Shape-shifting: Kitsune can transform into various forms including humans, animals, and objects.
- Number of Tails: Kitsune can have up to nine tails, with each tail symbolizing increased power and age.
- Intelligence: Kitsune are considered highly intelligent beings with knowledge and wisdom.
- Tricksters: They are known for their mischievous nature and love to play pranks on humans.
- Illusions: Kitsune have the ability to cast powerful illusions to deceive or confuse others.
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Ranking factors for popular mythology
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Historical and cultural significanceAssess how influential the myth is within Japanese history and how it has helped shape Japanese culture. This could include the impact on religious practices, traditional ceremonies, or social norms.
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Popularity and familiarityConsider how well-known the myth is among the general population, both in Japan and internationally. This can be measured through its presence in popular culture, such as in literature, film, television, and artwork.
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Characterization and iconographyDetermine the richness and complexity of the characters and symbols associated with the myth. This could include the representation of gods, heroes, and creatures, as well as the visual depictions and iconography associated with the myth.
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Themes and messagesEvaluate the depth and significance of the themes and messages conveyed within the myth. This could include the exploration of human nature, morality, the relationship between humans and the divine, and the role of fate and destiny.
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Connections to other myths and folkloreAssess the relationships between the myth in question and other important myths or folklore within Japanese mythology and culture. This may involve parallels, contrasts, or shared motifs and themes.
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Timelessness and adaptabilityConsider how the myth has endured and evolved over time, reflecting the changing values and ideals of Japanese society. This could include adaptations, reinterpretations, and retellings of the myth in different forms and mediums.
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Educational valueEvaluate the myth's potential for imparting knowledge or insight about Japanese culture, history, religion, or other aspects of society. This could involve the use of the myth in educational settings, such as in literature, art, or history classes.
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Aesthetic qualitiesAssess the artistic and literary qualities of the myth, taking into account factors such as its narrative structure, use of language, and visual and symbolic elements.
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Emotional resonanceConsider the myth's ability to evoke strong emotions from its audience, such as awe, wonder, fear, or empathy, and whether these emotions contribute to its popularity and continued relevance.
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Influence on other cultures and mythologiesAssess the impact of the myth on other cultures and their mythologies, including whether it has inspired similar stories or beliefs in other parts of the world.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Japanese mythology. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or mythology is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1991 views
- 160 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each mythology once every 24 hours. The rank of each mythology is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular japanese mythology
Japanese mythology is a fascinating subject that has captured the imagination of people around the world for centuries. Rooted in the country's rich cultural history, Japanese mythology is a blend of ancient legends, folklore, and religious beliefs that have been passed down from generation to generation.
One of the most popular aspects of Japanese mythology is the vast array of gods and goddesses that are believed to have played a role in the creation and shaping of the world. From the thunder god Raijin to the goddess of the sun Amaterasu, each deity has its own unique story and significance in Japanese culture.
Another key element of Japanese mythology is the presence of yokai – supernatural creatures that range from mischievous spirits to terrifying monsters. These creatures often play a central role in Japanese folklore and are a common theme in many of the country's traditional stories and legends.
Overall, Japanese mythology is a complex and fascinating subject that offers a glimpse into the country's rich cultural heritage. With so many different stories and legends to explore, it's no wonder that it continues to capture the interest of people around the world to this day.
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