Japanese folklore

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Japanese folklore encompasses the rich and diverse traditions, myths, legends, and stories that have been passed down through generations in Japan. These tales often feature a variety of supernatural beings, gods, spirits, and mythical creatures, reflecting the cultural and religious beliefs of the Japanese people.

Major Themes

Japanese folklore is characterized by several recurring themes and elements:

Kami

Kami are the spirits or deities in Shinto, the indigenous religion of Japan. They can be elements of the landscape, forces of nature, as well as beings and the qualities that these beings express. Notable kami include Amaterasu, the sun goddess, and Susanoo, the storm god.

Yokai

Yokai are a class of supernatural creatures and spirits in Japanese folklore. They range from malevolent beings to mischievous spirits and include entities such as Oni (demons), Tengu (goblin-like creatures), and Kappa (water spirits).

Yurei

Yurei are the spirits of the dead who have not found peace. They are often depicted as ghostly figures with long, unkempt hair and white burial clothes. Famous yurei stories include the tale of Oiwa and the legend of Okiku.

Folktales

Japanese folktales, or Mukashibanashi, are traditional stories that often involve moral lessons. Popular folktales include Momotaro (Peach Boy), Urashima Taro, and The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter.

Notable Figures

Amaterasu

Amaterasu is the sun goddess and one of the most important deities in Shinto. She is considered the ancestor of the Japanese imperial family.

Susanoo

Susanoo is the storm god and the brother of Amaterasu. He is known for his wild and unruly behavior but also for his heroic deeds, such as slaying the eight-headed serpent Yamata no Orochi.

Momotaro

Momotaro is a popular hero in Japanese folklore. According to the story, he was born from a giant peach and went on to defeat a band of ogres with the help of his animal friends.

Related Pages

• Shinto
• Buddhism in Japan
• Japanese mythology
• Japanese festivals
• Noh
• Kabuki
• Japanese literature