Kojiki Mythology
Myths of the Kojiki
From the dawn of heaven and earth to the founding of Japan — twelve epic tales from the nation's oldest chronicle
What is the Kojiki?
The Kojiki (古事記, “Record of Ancient Matters”) is Japan's oldest surviving historical text, compiled in 712 CE by O no Yasumaro at the command of Emperor Tenmu. It records myths, legends, and songs memorized by Hieda no Are, and is organized into three volumes.
Spanning from the creation of the universe to the reign of the first emperor, Jimmu, it is a grand epic that forms the spiritual foundation of Japanese culture — its view of nature, life, and death. The deities who appear in these stories are still enshrined at shrines across Japan today.
📋 All 12 Mythological Tales
Volume 1 (Kamiyo) — The Age of the Gods
From the beginning of heaven and earth, through Izanagi and Izanami's creation of the land, Amaterasu's retreat into the cave, Susanoo's heroic exploits, to Okuninushi's nation-building — the grand saga of how Japan and its gods were born.
Volume 2 — From Heavenly Gods to Earthly Kings
After the transfer of the land, the heavenly grandson Ninigi descends to Takachiho. Through the tale of the Sea and Mountain brothers, the story reaches the founding of the Yamato dynasty by Japan's first emperor, Jimmu.
Major Shrines Connected to the Kojiki
Ise Jingu
伊勢神宮
Mie | Amaterasu
Izumo Taisha
出雲大社
Shimane | Okuninushi
Atsuta Jingu
熱田神宮
Aichi | Kusanagi Sword
Sumiyoshi Taisha
住吉大社
Osaka | Sumiyoshi Sanjin
Kashima Jingu
鹿島神宮
Ibaraki | Takemikazuchi
Suwa Taisha
諏訪大社
Nagano | Takeminakata
Kirishima Jingu
霧島神宮
Kagoshima | Ninigi no Mikoto
Kashihara Jingu
橿原神宮
Nara | Emperor Jimmu
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