Japanese myth has played a crucial role in more practical aspects, notably a political and social charter. The families competed for the job of imperial household chef in the early ninth century. Each used their clan tales as evidence to support their assertions.

This book makes exploring this large yet little-known legendary realm simple. The book analyses comparable mythology of the Ainu and Okinawan civilizations and newer myths coming from Japan's contacts with modernity and shows the roots of Japan's myths in the very distinct domains of Shinto, Buddhism, and folklore.

In this book you will learn:

• The history of Japanese mythology
• What Kamis are and the role they play in the myths
• Important words that you need to know
• The story about the one-inch boy
• The story about how the Gods were born
• The creation story for day and night
• The story about the strong boy
• And much more.

While it would be impossible to gather all the different Japanese myths with all their local variations into a single book, this introductory guide provides the interested reader with a nice, if somewhat modest, collection of stories to get them started on this fantastical journey.