{"product_id":"japanese-myths-heroes-gods-demons-and-legends-9781838863180","title":"Japanese Myths: Heroes, Gods, Demons and Legends","description":"\u003cp\u003eJapan's origin story dates from the eight century CE, written in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki. From the first creation of heaven, earth and the Japanese archipelago from the tip of a spear by the gods Izanagi and Izanami, Shinto and Buddhist traditions make up the cornerstones of Japanese mythology. \u003ci\u003eJapanese Myths \u003c\/i\u003eprovides a clear, concise introduction to this fascinating if little- known world. Find out about Hachiman (八幡神), the mighty god of war and the divine protector of Japan and its people. Marvel at Fujin (風神), the god of the wind, a popular but terrifying demon - his bag of air is thought to move all the world's winds, and he is a powerful force of nature alongside his brother, the thunder god Raijin. See Hotei (布袋), the \"Laughing Buddha\" and one of the most well-known symbols of Buddhism - rubbing his belly is said to bring good luck. And enjoy the myth of Shita-kiri Suzume, or \"Toung-Cut Sparrow\", which explores the effects of greed, friendship and jealousy. Illustrated with 150 photographs and artworks, \u003cem\u003eJapanese Myths\u003c\/em\u003e is an accessible, entertaining and highly informative exploration of everything from the kami holy spirits venerated in Shinto religion to the divine origins of the Japanese imperial family.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eMelanie Clegg\u003c\/b\u003e holds a BA (Hons) in Japanese Studies from the University of Oxford. After almost a decade spent in Japan, she now resides in the UK, where she works as a freelance Japanese-to-English translator of video games and other entertainment media. She lives with her husband and their two one-eyed cats.\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Amber Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51967169265938,"sku":"9781838863180","price":21.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_31be71b0-5bff-4957-8a9d-b6e2bc575e60.jpg?v=1768928235","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/japanese-myths-heroes-gods-demons-and-legends-9781838863180","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}