Yofune-Nushi
Yofune-Nushi According to ancient Japanese myths, a large sea serpent that demanded a maiden to be sacrificed to it every year on June 13. YofuneNushi…
Category: Japanese Mythology
Yomi
Yomi (Yomi-no-Kuni, Yomi-Tsu-Kuni) The netherworld, or land of the dead, in Shinto myths. The word is translated in different ways in English: “night heart” or…
Yoshitsune
Yoshitsune (Yorimitsu, Yorisune, Ushiwaka) (1159–1189) Also known as Raiko in the legends that followed his death, Yorisune was a real member of the Minamoto clan…
Zōchō-Ten
Zōchō-Ten (Zocho, Zōjōten) One of the four heavenly kings or Shi Tennō. Zōchō-Ten guards the south. SOURCE: Japanese Mythology A-Z – Second Edition – Written…
Zen Buddhism
Of the many forms of Buddhism practiced around the world, Zen Buddhism is probably the form most often identified with Japan in the West. While…
Zaō
Zaō A bosatsu (future Buddha) associated with Mount Mitake. According to legend, Zaō helped the holy man E no Uasoku as he subdued demons in…
Yorimasa
Yorimasa According to Japanese legend, the hero Yorimasa killed a monster that lurked on the top of the emperor’s palace. As a reward, he was…
Ama-no-Minaka-Nushi
Ama-no-Minaka-Nushi In Japanese Shinto mythology, primeval god, mentioned in the Kojiki (records of ancient matters), who stood motionless in the center of the cosmos. In…
Ama-no-Kawa
Ama-no-Kawa (Ama-no-yase-kawa, Amenoyasu-no-kawa, Yasu) In Japanese mythology, the river of heaven, identified with the Milky Way or the rainbow. SOURCE: Encyclopedia of World Mythology and…
Ama-no-hashidate
Ama-no-hashidate (heavenly stairs) (Amanouki-hasi [floating bridge of heaven], Amenoiha-fune [heavenly rocking boat]) In Japanese mythology, bridge or stairway between heaven and earth. On it the…