Amaterasu— Japanese God"Sun Goddess"

The Sun Goddess

Amaterasu-ōmikami, the "Great Divinity Illuminating Heaven," is the supreme deity of Shinto, Japan's indigenous religion. As goddess of the sun, she is the source of all light, life, and order in the universe. Her radiance illuminates the world, and her authority extends over all the kami (spirits) of heaven.

Birth from Purification

Amaterasu was born when her father Izanagi purified himself after his traumatic journey to Yomi, the land of the dead. When he washed his left eye, Amaterasu emerged; from his right eye came Tsukuyomi, the moon god; and from his nose came Susanoo, the storm god. Izanagi gave Amaterasu dominion over the heavens, the highest realm.

The Heavenly Cave

Amaterasu's most famous myth tells of her retreat from the world. Her brother Susanoo committed terrible offenses against her—destroying her rice fields, killing her attendants, and defiling her sacred hall. Grieved and outraged, Amaterasu hid herself in the Ama-no-Iwato, the Heavenly Rock Cave, plunging the world into darkness.

Demonic spirits flourished in the endless night. The eight hundred myriad gods gathered to devise a plan. Ame-no-Uzume, the goddess of revelry, performed an ecstatic dance on an overturned tub, causing such uproarious laughter among the gods that Amaterasu's curiosity was piqued. When she opened the cave's door to peek out, a mirror was held up to her face. Dazzled by her own radiance, she emerged, and light returned to the world.

The Imperial Line

Amaterasu sent her grandson Ninigi to pacify and rule Japan, giving him three sacred treasures: the Yata no Kagami (mirror), the Kusanagi no Tsurugi (sword), and the Yasakani no Magatama (jewel). These remain the imperial regalia of Japan. The Japanese imperial family claims unbroken descent from Amaterasu through Ninigi to the legendary Emperor Jimmu and down to the present day.

The Grand Shrine of Ise

Amaterasu's most sacred shrine stands at Ise, in Mie Prefecture. The Naiku (Inner Shrine) of Ise Grand Shrine houses the Sacred Mirror, believed to be Amaterasu herself. The shrine is rebuilt every 20 years in an ancient tradition called Shikinen Sengu, symbolizing death and renewal. Millions of pilgrims visit Ise each year, making it one of the holiest sites in Shinto.

Living Tradition

Amaterasu remains central to Japanese culture and identity. The rising sun on Japan's flag represents her. Until 1945, the emperor was considered her living descendant and a divine figure. Today, Shinto rituals, festivals, and shrine worship keep her veneration alive. She represents not only the physical sun but also truth, virtue, and the cultural soul of Japan.