In the High Plain of Heaven, where the gods of Shinto dwelled, Amaterasu Omikami shone brighter than all. She was the goddess of the sun, born from the left eye of the creator god Izanagi. With her radiance, she warmed the rice fields of Japan, lit the paths of spirits, and gave rhythm to day and night.
All gods respected her grace, except one.
Her brother, Susanoo-no-Mikoto, god of storms and mischief, envied her light. His heart burned not just with jealousy, but confusion. He was cast down from the heavens for his wild ways, but before he left, he visited Amaterasu one last time.
It was not a friendly visit.
The Offense That Broke the Sky
Amaterasu welcomed her brother cautiously, but he came with chaos. He tore up rice fields, flung dung into her sacred halls, and killed one of her attendants. His actions weren’t just childish, they were dangerous. They violated the sacred harmony, the wa, that held the world together.
Horrified and heartbroken, Amaterasu retreated from the world.
She walked into the cave of Amano-Iwato and sealed herself inside with a great stone. Without her, the sun vanished. Darkness swallowed both heaven and earth. Crops withered. Spirits lost their way. Monsters crept from the shadows.
The world cried out for light.
The Gathering of the Kami
The gods convened outside the cave, desperate to bring Amaterasu back. None could move the stone. None could reach her. But then, the clever god Omoikane devised a plan.
The gods built a stage near the entrance of the cave and began to sing, chant, and laugh loudly. At the center of the gathering stood Ame-no-Uzume, the goddess of mirth and dawn. She overturned a tub, stepped upon it, and began to dance.
But not just any dance. She danced wildly, stamping her feet, flinging her sleeves, and eventually disrobing in rhythm to the drums. The gods burst into laughter and joy.
From within the cave, Amaterasu heard the noise. Curious, and a little annoyed—she asked, “What is so amusing in my absence?”
The Mirror and the Lure
The gods answered, “We have found a new goddess, more radiant than you!”
They placed a polished bronze mirror, the Yata no Kagami, on a tree near the cave’s entrance. When Amaterasu peeked out, she saw her own reflection for the first time, shining and glorious. In her absence, she had forgotten her own beauty.
As she stepped forward, the strong god Ame-no-Tajikarao yanked open the cave and blocked her retreat.
The gods begged her to return to the world, to restore balance. And seeing their love, seeing the laughter, and remembering who she truly was, Amaterasu agreed.
The Light Restored
As she emerged, light returned to the world. Flowers opened. Rivers sparkled. Shadows fled.
Amaterasu resumed her throne in the High Plain of Heaven, wiser and steadier. She had learned that light was not just brightness, it was presence, warmth, and peace.
In time, her divine lineage would continue through the emperors of Japan, who carry the sacred mirror as a symbol of her legacy.
And each dawn since has been a gentle promise: the light may hide, but it never dies.
Knowledge Check
1. Why did Amaterasu hide in the cave?
She withdrew in grief and anger after her brother Susanoo committed violent and disrespectful acts, violating the sacred harmony of heaven.
2. What happened when Amaterasu hid herself?
The sun disappeared, plunging the world into darkness. Crops failed, chaos rose, and the balance between heaven and earth was broken.
3. How did the gods convince her to return?
The gods, led by Omoikane, used music, laughter, and a joyous dance by the goddess Uzume to draw Amaterasu out. They used a mirror to reflect her light back to her, reminding her of her beauty and importance.
4. What is the Yata no Kagami?
It is a sacred bronze mirror used to lure Amaterasu from her cave. It later became one of the Three Imperial Regalia of Japan, symbolizing wisdom and truth.
5. What lesson can be learned from Amaterasu’s story?
Even divine beings can be hurt, but community, celebration, and love can heal wounds. Light returns when people come together in joy and respect.
6. How is Amaterasu connected to Japan’s imperial family?
She is considered the divine ancestor of the emperors of Japan, linking the monarchy to the gods through a sacred lineage and heavenly authority.
Origin & Source:
Primary Source: Kojiki (Record of Ancient Matters), 712 AD
Country of Origin: Japan
