Reading Notes: Japanese Mythology Part A

Izanagi and Izanami - Izanagi: god of heavens, Izanami: goddess of love. Married and gave birth to generations of gods, men, animals, fish, the sea, mountains, etc. Created a flower that became the sun and moon, and gods and goddesses. The last were Izanagi, all powerful god of the air, and Izanami, fair goddess of the clouds. All life was issued from them. 

“Floating-Bridge of Heaven” - between the celestial and lower world. 

They gave birth to the 8 islands of Japan. To rule the earth, they had a daughter, the Bright-Shining-Amaterasu, and a son, Susa-no-wo-no-mikoto. Amaterasu was told to rule the heavens, and took a throne in the sun. Susanowo was told to rule over the moon and the water. Izanami gave her earth children (the 8 islands) godlike powers, which upset Susanowo. She was banished to Yomi, the abode of departed spirits. Izanagi goes to look for her and asks her to come home, and she tells him to not look at her because she has eaten the bread of Yomi. He tried to save her, but her form had already changed, and she turned to mist and vanished. He ascended to isle of Ahaji, in an abode of eternal gloom and remained there. 

(Photo from Pinterest)

The Miraculous Mirror - Susanowo shoots a fireball at Amaterasu, so she flees down to earth and hides in a cave, refusing to come out. They eventually send Uzume, goddess of laughter to dance outside the cave. Amaterasu opens the door to see what's going on. The people tell her they think Uzume is more glorious than the sun, which makes Amaterasu jealous and she comes out of the cave. Taji-Karaô blocks the cave with a boulder so Amaterasu will remain in the sun.

The Eight-Forked Serpent of Koshi - Susanoo - god of seas and storms. Agrees to slay the eight forked serpent Orochi in exchange for princess Kushinada-hime's hand in marriage (also to save her life). Turns her into a comb which he puts in his hair. Brews sake of eightfold strength. Made 8 portals, put a vat of the sake at each door. The serpent got drunk on the sake, and then Susanoo killed it, turned Kushinada-hime back into a princess and married her.

Kushinada-hime - (Wondrous-fair Princess), daughter of Ashinadzuchi (Foot-stroke Elder), son of the Mountain-God and Tenadzuchi (Hand-stroke Elder).

Note for me: This could be Sojiro asking Akira to save Futaba. He would use coffee instead of sake.

Japanese Mythology from Romance of Old Japan by E. W. Champney and F. Champney. Web Source.