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Amaterasu

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An artistic print showing the Japanese Sun goddess Amaterasu emerging from a cave, from a traditional Japanese triptych.

Amaterasu

Amaterasu is the shining sun goddess in Japanese mythology. She is very important in the Shinto religion and is thought to be the main deity in the Shinto pantheon. People believe she is the legendary ancestor of the Imperial House of Japan.

Amaterasu lives in a beautiful heavenly world called Takamagahara. She is the daughter of the creator god Izanagi and has two siblings: Tsukuyomi, the moon god, and Susanoo, the storm god. Together, they are called the “Three Precious Children.”

Many people visit the Grand Shrine of Ise in Mie Prefecture to honor Amaterasu. This shrine is one of the most sacred places in Shinto. It holds a special shiny mirror that is very important to Japan. Every twenty years, a big ceremony happens here to honor many gods.

Amaterasu means “to shine in the sky.” Her longer name means “the great and bright goddess who shines in heaven.” She is also called Ōhirume, which means “great woman of the sun.” People love her because she brings light and warmth to the world.

Images

A traditional Japanese woodcut from 1889 showing a mythological scene where gods and goddesses work together to bring back the sun goddess Amaterasu from her cave.
A historical Japanese painting showing the Sun Goddess Amaterasu with her divine parents Izanami and Izanagi, created in the style of artist Kawanabe Kyosai.
A historical Japanese art print showing the goddess Amaterasu peeking out of a cave, illustrating a traditional myth.
A historical Japanese art piece showing scenes from Shinto mythology, featuring gods and legendary moments.
Ancient ritual vessels from Japan's imperial history.
An artistic depiction of Ninigi-no-Mikoto and his followers descending to Earth, from the Meiji era.
A historical woodblock print showing Emperor Jimmu, Japan's legendary first emperor, observing a sacred bird during his journey.
A traditional Japanese shrine gate called a 'torii' at Hibara-jinja Shrine in Nara, Japan.
A classical painting of Prince Yamato Takeru, a figure from Japanese mythology, created by artist Takahashi Yuichi.
The Hall of Worship at Hirota Shrine, showcasing traditional Japanese architecture.
Historical painting of Empress Jingu, a legendary Japanese ruler, depicted in traditional Japanese art from 1880.
The Ama no Iwato cave, a famous natural and cultural landmark in Takachiho, Japan.
A traditional Japanese illustration showing the god Izanagi cleansing himself in a river, from ancient mythology.

Related articles

Moon
Japan

This article is a child-friendly adaptation of the Wikipedia article on Amaterasu, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

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