Japan: The Japanese sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami with her guardians Myôjin and Taga Myôjin. Hand-colored Shinto woodblock print, 18th century

Amaterasu (天照), Amaterasu-ōmikami (天照大神／天照大御神) or Ōhirume-no-muchi-no-kami (大日孁貴神) is a part of the Japanese myth cycle and also a major deity of the Shinto religion.

She is the goddess of the sun, but also of the universe. The name Amaterasu derived from Amateru meaning 'shining in heaven'. The meaning of her whole name, Amaterasu-ōmikami, is 'the great august kami (God) who shines in the heaven'.

The Emperor of Japan is said to be a direct descendant of Amaterasu.

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Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Credit:

Pictures From History

Theme:

JAPANESE EMPERORS