Amaterasu Ōmikami

The Sun Goddess of Shinto

Amaterasu Ōmikami is one of the most revered deities in Japanese Shinto religion and mythology. Known as the goddess of the sun and the universe, she holds a central position as a symbol of light, life, and order.

According to Japanese creation myths, Amaterasu is the daughter of the creator god Izanagi and is considered the ancestress of the Japanese imperial family. She governs the heavens and is believed to bring sunlight that nurtures the earth, supporting growth and prosperity.

Her full name, Amaterasu Ōmikami, means “Great Divinity Illuminating Heaven”, emphasising her radiant and divine nature.

One of the most famous stories about Amaterasu is the Tamahime Cave Myth, where she retreats into a cave after being angered by her brother Susanoo’s reckless behaviour, plunging the world into darkness. The other gods eventually lure her out by performing joyful rituals, restoring light to the world. This myth symbolises the cyclical nature of day and night and the importance of harmony among deities.

Amaterasu is worshipped at the Ise Grand Shrine (Ise Jingū), one of Japan’s most sacred Shinto sites.

Festivals and rituals dedicated to Amaterasu emphasise purification, renewal, and gratitude for the sun’s vital role in sustaining life. Her presence in Shinto beliefs represents the ideal of harmony between nature, humanity, and the divine.