The Shinto Creation Myths of Izanagi and Izanami

Record summary

The Izanagi and Izanami cycle describes divine procreation, the generation of Japanese islands and kami, Izanami’s death, and Izanagi’s encounter with the realm of the dead. It is a major comparative lead for separation myths, pollution and purification, marital taboo, and underworld narratives. The best-known form comes from early imperial compilations, while shrine practices and later interpretations add layers of meaning. The texts contain variant sequences and cannot be reduced to a single uniform “Shinto creation story.” Their relationship to earlier oral and regional traditions remains debated.