In the heart of Shinto belief—the indigenous religion of Japan—stands a radiant figure who illuminates the heavens and embodies purity, light, and order: Amaterasu Omikami, the Sun Goddess. As the most important deity in the Shinto pantheon, Amaterasu is not only the divine ruler of the celestial realm but also the mythical ancestor of the Japanese imperial family, establishing a profound connection between spiritual belief and political legitimacy in Japanese history.
Her stories are ancient, her influence enduring. From shrines and rituals to imperial ideology, the worship of Amaterasu has shaped Japan's identity for over a millennium.
Amaterasu in Shinto Mythology
Amaterasu appears in Japan’s two oldest chronicles: the Kojiki (712 AD) and the Nihon Shoki (720 AD). These texts are not merely religious in nature—they are also foundational national documents that blend myth with the early history of the Japanese archipelago.
According to legend, Amaterasu was born from the left eye of the creator god Izanagi, during a purification ritual after his descent into the underworld. Her siblings, Tsukuyomi (the Moon God) and Susanoo (the Storm God), were born from the other parts of Izanagi’s face, forming a celestial triad. Among them, Amaterasu was the most revered, destined to rule Takamagahara, the High Plain of Heaven.
The Myth of the Cave: Light Withdrawn from the World
One of the most well-known myths involving Amaterasu illustrates both her power and vulnerability. After a violent confrontation with her brother Susanoo—who desecrated her sacred spaces and committed grave offenses—Amaterasu retreated into a cave, known as the Amano-Iwato. Her withdrawal plunged the world into darkness, halting natural cycles and spreading chaos.
The other gods, alarmed by the darkness, devised a plan to lure her out. They staged a festive gathering outside the cave, during which the goddess Ame-no-Uzume danced provocatively, inciting laughter and curiosity. When Amaterasu peeked out to see the commotion, the gods revealed a mirror, reflecting her own divine light back to her. Entranced, she stepped out, and the world was once again bathed in sunlight.
This myth reinforces Amaterasu’s critical role as the source of cosmic order, light, and life. It also introduces two important Shinto objects—the sacred mirror (Yata no Kagami) and the sacred jewel (Yasakani no Magatama)—which, along with the sacred sword (Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi), form the Imperial Regalia of Japan.
Amaterasu and the Imperial Lineage
Amaterasu is not only a mythic figure but also a symbol of political authority. The imperial family of Japan traces its divine ancestry to her through her grandson, Ninigi-no-Mikoto, whom she sent to earth to rule over Japan. Ninigi, in turn, was the great-grandfather of Emperor Jimmu, Japan’s legendary first emperor.
According to tradition, Amaterasu gave Ninigi the three sacred treasures—mirror, jewel, and sword—as symbols of his divine right to rule. These treasures are still used in imperial enthronement ceremonies today, symbolizing the continuity and sanctity of imperial power.
Because of this divine lineage, the Emperor of Japan was traditionally regarded as a living deity, especially before World War II, when Emperor Hirohito publicly renounced his divinity under Allied occupation. Even today, however, the Emperor retains a spiritual role within Shinto, performing annual rituals to honor Amaterasu and ensure the well-being of the nation.
The Grand Shrine of Ise: Amaterasu’s Sacred Home
The most significant site of Amaterasu’s worship is the Ise Grand Shrine (Ise Jingū) in Mie Prefecture. This shrine is considered the holiest site in Shinto, and it is believed to house the sacred mirror that was used to coax Amaterasu from the cave.
Ise Shrine is unique for its architectural purity and ritualistic traditions. Every 20 years, the main shrine buildings are completely rebuilt in an exact replica of the original design, a practice called Shikinen Sengū, which reflects the Shinto emphasis on renewal, impermanence, and purity.
The shrine is traditionally overseen by a member of the imperial family, underscoring the deep ties between Amaterasu worship and the Japanese monarchy.
Amaterasu in Japanese Culture and Society
Beyond myth and politics, Amaterasu’s presence can be seen throughout Japanese culture:
Art and Literature: Amaterasu is a popular subject in Japanese classical literature, Noh theatre, and visual arts.
Festivals: Numerous matsuri (festivals) celebrate her divine influence, particularly in regions connected to her worship.
National Symbolism: The sun on the Japanese flag (the Hinomaru) echoes her legacy. Japan is often referred to as "The Land of the Rising Sun", a reference to Amaterasu's light emerging from the east.
In modern times, her image has even entered popular culture, appearing in anime, video games, and manga, where she often retains associations with light, divinity, and justice.
