How Japan interprets each phenomenon through its mythology, folklore, and traditions.

Japan has a rich cultural and spiritual tradition that interprets natural and supernatural phenomena through mythology, folklore, and customs. Many of these interpretations stem from Shintoism, which sees nature as inhabited by kami (spirits or deities), and Buddhism, which brought new layers of meaning to life and the afterlife. Here’s how Japan traditionally explains various phenomena:

Natural Phenomena in Japanese Mythology and Folklore

Earthquakes – Namazu (The Giant Catfish)

Japan, prone to earthquakes, has long associated them with Namazu, a giant catfish that lives underground. The deity Kashima restrains Namazu with a stone, but when Kashima’s grip loosens, the catfish thrashes, causing earthquakes. This legend reflects the unpredictability of seismic activity.
Volcanoes & Mountains – Kagutsuchi (Fire Deity) and Mountain Spirits

Volcanic eruptions, such as those from Mount Fuji, are linked to the fire god Kagutsuchi, whose birth burned his mother, Izanami, leading to her death and her journey to the underworld. Additionally, mountains are home to tengu (long-nosed goblins) and yama-no-kami (mountain deities), who can be both protectors and punishers of travelers and hunters.

Tsunamis – The Wrath of Ryujin (Dragon God of the Sea)

Tsunamis were often seen as the anger of Ryujin, the dragon king of the sea. According to folklore, disrespecting the sea, killing sacred animals, or disrupting natural balance could bring his wrath in the form of giant waves.

Thunder and Lightning – Raijin and Fujin (Gods of Thunder and Wind)

The Raijin (thunder god) and Fujin (wind god) are depicted as fierce, demon-like beings who control storms. Raijin creates thunder by drumming on the sky, while Fujin unleashes powerful winds. Farmers would pray to them for rain and protection from storms.

Eclipses – Celestial Conflict or Demonic Consumption

Eclipses were sometimes viewed as supernatural battles or a celestial creature consuming the sun or moon. In some beliefs, a celestial wolf or demon was said to swallow the sun or moon, requiring rituals or loud noises to drive it away.

Supernatural Phenomena and Folklore

Ghosts (Yūrei) and Spirits (Obake)

Japanese folklore is rich with ghost stories. Yūrei are spirits of the dead who have unfinished business, often appearing in white funeral kimonos with long black hair. Certain places, such as old houses, temples, or battlefields, are believed to be haunted.

Foxfire (Kitsunebi)

Mysterious floating lights in fields or forests were explained as kitsunebi (foxfire)—supernatural flames produced by fox spirits (kitsune), which are known to be mischievous or even helpful depending on the legend.

Disappearances and the Kamikakushi (Spirited Away)

When people mysteriously vanished, folklore attributed this to kamikakushi, meaning “hidden by the gods.” They were thought to be taken to the spirit world, often by tengu or yōkai (supernatural beings).

Cultural Traditions Rooted in Mythology

Cherry Blossoms & the Spirit of Mono no Aware

Cherry blossoms (sakura) are deeply tied to the concept of mono no aware—the awareness of impermanence. In legend, the trees bloom as a sign of divine beauty but also a reminder of life’s fleeting nature.

The Moon and Rabbits (Tsuki no Usagi)

According to Japanese folklore, a rabbit lives on the moon, endlessly pounding mochi (rice cakes). This story originates from Buddhist tales and is celebrated during the Tsukimi (Moon Viewing Festival).

Fortune and Lucky Charms (Omamori & Maneki-Neko)

Good and bad luck are believed to be influenced by supernatural forces. Temples and shrines sell omamori (protective charms), while the maneki-neko (beckoning cat) is thought to bring prosperity.