Handbook of Japanese Mythology by Michael Ashkenazi

Handbook of Japanese Mythology by Michael Ashkenazi is a definitive reference work that explores the vast and complex mythological landscape of Japan. Drawing from Shinto, Buddhist, Ainu, and Okinawan traditions, the book offers vivid retellings of central myths, detailed profiles of deities, and insights into rituals, symbols, and cultural values.
Spanning three millennia, this handbook reveals how myths shaped Japanese identity, from reverence for the sun goddess Amaterasu to the imperial family’s divine lineage. It also examines how modernization and cultural shifts have influenced myth-making in contemporary Japan.
Whether you’re a student, scholar, or curious reader, this book provides a rich, accessible entry point into one of the world’s most enduring and multifaceted mythologies.
📚 Genre: Mythology, Cultural Studies, Religious History
💡 Themes: Creation, purity, loyalty, divine ancestry, cultural evolution
📦 Available now at Bookstore43 with home delivery across Bangladesh