3-Japanese Ancient History and Mythology

Japan

An island nation in East Asia that is historically characterized as the 'land of the rising sun.'

Nihon

The native Japanese name for Japan, which means 'origin of the sun.'

Kanji

Chinese characters used in the modern Japanese writing system.

Izanagi

In Japanese mythology, the male god who, together with his sister, created the islands of Japan.

Izanami

In Japanese mythology, the female god who is the counterpart of Izanagi and died giving birth to the fire god.

Ame No Kihashi

The name of the floating bridge of heaven in Japanese mythology, from which Izanagi and Izanami descended.

Kami

Spirits or deities revered in the Shinto religion of Japan.

Tenji Kaibyaku

The creation story from the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki that narrates the origins of the Japanese islands and deities.

Amaterasu

The sun goddess in Japanese mythology, considered one of the most important deities.

Yomi

The underworld in Japanese mythology, where departed souls reside.

Pacific Ring of Fire

An area in the Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur, and where Japan is geographically located.

Hiruko

The first child born to Izanagi and Izanami, who was considered a defective child.

Great dance of dawn and darkness

A concept reflecting the duality of life and death, creation and destruction, found in Japanese mythology.

Population Density

The number of people living per unit of area, which is significantly higher in Japan compared to Prince Edward Island.

Cultural Zones

Distinct areas reflecting the development of culture and technology in East Asia throughout history.

Sea of Japan

The body of water separating the Japanese archipelago from the Asian continent.