1 / 7The Japanese Myths: A Guide to Gods, Heroes and Spirits
Guide Gods Heroes Spirits: The Japanese Myths is a concise introduction to Japanese mythology, tracing stories from early creation legends through religious and historical contexts to modern cultural retellings. Its 224 pages span Shinto, Buddhism, regional folklore and contemporary Japanese culture.
At a glance
- Moves from the earliest written Japanese myths to medieval ghost stories and post-war State Shinto.
- Connects myths with Japanese religion, culture and history rather than presenting the stories in isolation.
- Covers modern reinterpretations in manga, J-horror, anime, cinema and video games.
Often bought together
Pros and cons
Pros
- Offers a broad timeline, from creation legends to contemporary cultural references.
- Provides cultural and historical context alongside retellings of the myths.
- A defined 224-page length makes the scope clear for readers seeking an overview.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Thames and Hudson Ltd |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 14 April 2022 |
| Edition | 1st |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 224 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0500252319 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0500252314 |
| Weight listed | 1.05 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 19.6 x 12.9 x 2.2 cm |
What to know before buying
- The description presents this as a succinct overview, so readers looking for an exhaustive academic treatment may prefer a more specialised book.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers new to Japanese mythology who want an overview of stories and their cultural context.
- People interested in links between Japanese mythology, religion, history and contemporary media.
- Fans of Japanese cultural works who want background on mythological references.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a specialist, exhaustive study of one deity, period or tradition.
- Readers who want a collection of stories without discussion of cultural and historical context.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
71% 71% - 4 stars
19% 19% - 3 stars
6% 6% - 2 stars
0% 0% - 1 star
4% 4%
Aggregate customer ratings lean positive, with most ratings in the five-star category, while a smaller share are three-star or one-star. This indicates generally favourable ratings alongside some less positive experiences, but the available evidence gives no reasons for them and cannot show which aspects readers valued. The book's stated breadth and cultural context may suit readers wanting an introduction, though ratings do not establish how deeply any topic is treated.
Frequently asked questions
What does this book cover?
It ranges from early creation myths and medieval ghost stories to post-war State Shinto and modern Japanese culture, including manga, J-horror, anime, cinema and video games.
Does the book provide context as well as retell myths?
Yes. The listing describes discussion of how myths relate to Japanese religion, culture and history, alongside the stories themselves.
How long is the book?
The listing gives a print length of 224 pages.
What language and edition are listed?
The listed edition is the 1st edition in English.
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