My Research
Early History
Miko - Shrine Maiden
https://www.japan-experience.com/plan-your-trip/to-know/understanding-japan/miko
Japanese myths were originally passed down orally by storytellers such as miko (shrine maidens) and priests. Eventually, they were recorded within texts such as the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, which are texts written in Chinese and contain Japan’s earliest recorded history. Japanese mythology is associated heavily with religion, and primarily with Shintoism.
Mythological tales were often told for not only entertainment, but also for teaching core beliefs and values within the evolving religion and culture of Japan.
In early Japanese history, dating before the eighth century, the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki contributed not only to the earliest recorded history of Japan, but also to the foundational mythological tales in Japan. From these books came the foundation of the creation mythological tale of the tragic Izanami and Izanagi.
In the Yayoi period, the foundational myths were passed through oral traditions, and were particularly transmitted by storytellers such as miko (shrine maidens) and priests. These narratives, including the previously mentioned tale of Izanami and Izanagi, delved into the complexities of life and death, notably the beauty and pain of childbirth, setting the stage for enduring mythological themes.
In the myth of Izanami and Izanagi lies the myth of the creation of Japan's archipelago. They sit atop the divine floating bridge from Heaven, and after deliberating how to go about their task, they stir the primal ocean with a jeweled spear. As droplets fall from the spear's tip, islands emerge. After completing their divine dance, they consummate their union, bringing forth various deities.
However, tragedy emerges as Izanami dies during childbirth. Distraught, Izanagi embarks on a journey to the underworld to retrieve her. The encounter in the land of the dead reveals a grim reality, leading to Izanagi's purification ritual. Amaterasu, daughter of Izanami and Izanagi, embodies the influential matriarchal lineage as the sun goddess and ancestral figure to the Imperial family. The myth explores themes of creation, death, and the delicate balance between the divine and mortal realms.
While the myth puts emphasis on the association with women and creation and life, it does specifically blame Izanami for her death - for speaking to Izanagi first. In ancient Japan, it was believed that men should make the first move. However, under Shinto religion women were valued as representatives of fertility and motherhood, and they were able to navigate spiritual authority through important roles as shamans and priestesses.
Edo - Meiji Periods
_Seated_on_a_White_Dragon_MET_DP135895_.jpg)
Benzaiten - Aoigaoka Keisei
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/54820
The Edo Period (lasting from 1608 to 1863) and Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) witnessed the tale of Benzaiten, also known as the goddess of eloquence, wealth, wise words, and much more. Benzaiten is the deity of love, luck, and all that flows. She epitomizes the evolving roles of female deities during the Edo period. Benzaiten originated as an Indian goddess (Saraswati), and underwent a metamorphosis within Japanese mythology.
During this time period, the Tokugawa Shogunate influenced the control of religion, thus an increase in the Shingon Buddhist religion began (Shingon is a school of Buddhism). During the Edo period, Benzaiten became a symbol in Shingon Buddhism. She is both a Buddhist goddess and a Shinto "kami," or god.
With the integration of the patriarchal Confucian religion as well as reinforced Buddhist beliefs, women's power and status declined, leading to restrictions on their roles in Shinto practices. Religious roles were where most of women's status and power were held, so this had a huge impact.
During the Meiji period, Japan underwent significant modernization, which led to the establishment of the saying "ryōsai kenbo," or the "good wife wise mother" philosophy. This inevitably reinforced traditional gender roles and emphasized women's obedience to their parents, husbands, and children.
Benzaiten's multifaceted representation includes domains such as art, music, and martial arts. This transformation reflects the amalgamation of the Shinto and Buddhist religions (or Shinbutsu-shūgō), illustrating how mythological narratives adapt to societal changes. The myth of Benzaiten offers insights into the fluidity of religious symbolism and its impact on cultural perceptions of femininity.
Post World-War II
Japanese mythology underwent a profound transformation with a notable focus on the mythologizing of the concept of citizenship, or"shimin." The aftermath of the wars prompted a deliberate effort to reshape national identity through mythological narratives. These stories were seemingly strategically employed to construct an idealized citizen identity, all while promoting national unity under a democratic umbrella.
The mythological narratives of the post-war era became a tool for social engineering, reinforcing specific norms and values. While the new concept of shimin did help shape national unity, it often excluded marginalized groups, particularly women. The mythological construction of the ideal citizen centered around the male "breadwinner," relegating women to traditional household roles and therefore perpetuating gender-based discrimination. During this time, the earlier seen idea of ryōsai kenbo was also heavily reinforced.
During this era, there was a stark tension between tradition and modernity, as Japan sought to rebuild and redefine its identity on the global stage. Mythology became a reflection of societal aspirations and anxieties, providing a lens into the evolving roles and expectations placed upon different groups of people within the Japanese population. The post-war mythologies served as instruments in shaping perceptions of gender, citizenship, and societal norms.
Why Does it Matter?
An analysis of Japanese mythology over time reveals not only the cultural evolution, but also the dynamic interplay between its history, mythology, and society. Ambros' analysis of women's negotiation of power within religious structures, Isomae and Subramanian's exploration of mythological shifts over time, and Avenell's scrutiny of post-World War II shimin mythology collectively highlight how these tales shape and reflect societal values. From the creation myth of Izanami and Izanagi, the transformative journey of Benzaiten, and the post-war mythologizing of citizenship are all important foundational pieces of Japan's cultural heritage.
Thank you for taking the time to read my research!