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Amaterasu

Amaterasu · Japanese Sun Goddess — Ancestress of the Imperial House

Supreme deity of Shinto and Japanese sun goddess. Born from the left eye of Izanagi, she rules Takamagahara, the celestial plane. The Japanese imperial family is regarded as her direct descendants, and the Ise Grand Shrine — Japan's most sacred — is dedicated to her. She is famous for the myth in which, enraged by her brother Susanoo's violence, she hid in the Cave of Heaven (Amano-Iwato), plunging the world into darkness.

Origin

When Izanagi performed purification rites after returning from the underworld, Amaterasu was born from his left eye, Tsukuyomi from his right, and Susanoo from his nose. She received heaven from her father and sent her grandson Ninigi to descend to earth — making him the founder of the Japanese imperial line.

Features

Beautiful goddess wreathed in radiant light
Three Sacred Treasures: Yata no Kagami (mirror), Yasakani no Magatama (jewel), Kusanagi no Tsurugi (sword)
Rules over Takamagahara, the celestial realm
Chief deity of Ise Grand Shrine

Stories

Mythical legitimacy of the Japanese imperial line — every emperor is her direct descendant. The Shikinen Sengū of Ise (rebuilding the shrine every twenty years) is the most important rite in her honor. Invoked for agriculture, voyaging, abundance, and national well-being.