Category Archives: Mythology

Kumano 2): Jimmu

Posted on March 11, 2013 by John D.

  Shinto mythology tells of how a descendant of the sun goddess named Jimmu, who was living on the east coast of Kyushu, set off to bring ‘enlightened rule’ to the troubled provinces in Honshu.  Accordingly under the leadership of … Continue reading →

Posted in Emperor (imperial family), Kumano, Mythology | Leave a comment

Kumano 1): Hayatama Taisha

Posted on March 10, 2013 by John D.

  Kumano is a land of legends, and together with Yamato and Izumo it’s one of Japan’s spiritual heartlands. It’s also part of the Kii peninsula World Heritage site boasting three shrines, two temples, pilgrimage routes and a hot spring. … Continue reading →

Posted in Animism, Kumano, Mythology, Shrine visits, World Heritage | 1 Comment

Year of the Snake (pt 2)

Posted on January 3, 2013 by John D.

In a previous entry I wrote of the mythological significance of the snake.  In the Daily Yomiuri, naturalist Kevin Short provides a different angle, focussing on the watery connections in Japan. In the first part of the article, Short notes … Continue reading →

Posted in Mythology, New Year | 1 Comment

Year of the Snake (pt 1)

Posted on January 1, 2013 by John D.

Snakes are central to many mythologies because of their ability to slough off their skin and regenerate.  Some also have the power of life and death.  In addition, the lidless eyes and unpredictable movements give them a sense of mystery.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Mythology, New Year | 1 Comment

Universalism

Posted on December 28, 2012 by John D.

The Shimane website celebrating the 1300th anniversary of the Kojiki has a marvellous page explaining the commonalities of Japanese myth with stories found elsewhere in the world.  It’s a refreshingly global view of the mythology, which is often treated by … Continue reading →

Posted in Insularity, Mythology | Leave a comment

Shimane mythology

Posted on December 28, 2012 by John D.

2012 is the 1300th anniversary of the Kojiki, fount of Japan’s mythology.  In celebration Shimane prefecture has brought out a wonderful website which details the connections of place and folklore found in the myths.  I wish I’d had access to … Continue reading →

Posted in Izumo, Mythology | Leave a comment

Pagan solstice

Posted on December 22, 2012 by John D.

  From The Huffington Post… By Jahnabi Barooah    12/20/2012 In 2012, the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere will occur on Dec. 21, 2012 at 6:12 a.m.  Officially the first day of winter, the winter solstice occurs when the North … Continue reading →

Posted in Mythology, Paganism | Leave a comment

Life goes on

Posted on December 21, 2012 by John D.

The end of the world appears not to have taken place after all, as Mayan freaks suggested, but symbolically with the winter solstice today the death of nature is taking place.  So commiserations and congratulations are in order.  The king … Continue reading →

Posted in Death, Ise, Mythology, Rites and celebrations | Leave a comment

Teeuwen on Shinto

Posted on November 10, 2012 by John D.

‘What Used to be Called Shinto’ runs the provocative title of a paper by academic Mark Teeuwen (in Japan Emerging, ed. Karl Friday, 2012).  In clear and systematic fashion, he questions the notion of Shinto as ‘Japan’s indigenous religion’ by … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews, Ise, Mythology | 1 Comment

Tsukuba’s twin peaks

Posted on November 6, 2012 by John D.

An article in the Daily Yomiuri by naturalist and cultural anthropologist, Kevin Short, talks of the mythological connections of Mt Tsukuba, not far from Tokyo. ******************************************************************************************* Mt. Tsukuba’s twin peaks represent Japan’s mythical married couple Kevin Short / Daily Yomiuri … Continue reading →

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Posted in Kanto, Mountains, Mythology, Shrine visits | Leave a comment