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What does Shinto mythology teach about the creation of Japan?

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Small wooden shrine at Arakura Sengen Shinto Shrine in Fujiyoshida, Japan, flanked by two traditional orange lanterns and surrounded by green foliage. — Shintō Shintō shrine with paper streamers, Fujiyoshida, Japan.

Shinto mythology teaches that Japan was created by the divine couple Izanagi and Izanami. Standing on the floating bridge of heaven, they stirred the primeval ocean with a jeweled spear, and the brine that dripped from it formed the first island. After their union, they gave birth to the islands that now constitute Japan.12

The creation narrative also includes the birth of various deities, such as the sun goddess Amaterasu, the moon god Tsukiyomi, and the storm god Susanoo, who emerged from Izanagi's purification bath after his journey to the underworld. These kami (deities) are central to Shinto beliefs and are revered as forces of nature and ancestors.134