Summary
Once upon a time, in ancient Japanese mythology, it was believed that the sun was governed by the goddess Amaterasu during the day and by the moon god Tsukuyomi at night.
One day, Amaterasu's younger brother, the storm god Susanoo, came to visit. Susanoo was a very violent god, and during his stay, he committed many terrible acts. He destroyed his sister's rice fields, blocked the irrigation ditches with mud, and wreaked havoc in the shrine.
Sister Amaterasu, who cherished her younger brother, put up with his rough behavior time and again. However, unaware of her feelings, Susanoo's misdeeds became increasingly outrageous. Eventually, he threw the raw hides of horses into the weaving room from the roof, causing some weavers to get injured or even lose their lives from shock.
Enough was enough. Sister Amaterasu could no longer tolerate her brother's behavior.
"I am utterly exasperated with my brother," she said, and she hid herself in the Heavenly Rock Cave. When Amaterasu entered the cave, the world was plunged into complete darkness. Ghosts and evil spirits appeared and caused chaos everywhere.
Concerned about this situation, the gods gathered to discuss.
"We must come up with a way to bring Amaterasu out of the cave."
"She needs to be persuaded to open the rock door."
"What should we do to make that happen?"
As various opinions were exchanged, the deity Omokage spoke up.
"How about we perform a joyful dance in front of the cave? Out of curiosity, she might open the door."
"That sounds like a good idea."
All the gods present agreed and immediately started preparing. The god Amanotachikara stood by the side of the cave door, intending to open it wide as soon as Amaterasu even slightly cracked it open. A mirror was hung just in front of the cave.
Soon, the gods formed a circle and sat down. Then, Amaterasu Uzume climbed onto a tub placed in the center of the circle and began her performance. The gods laughed, cheered, and clapped at the humorous and captivating dance. Some gods even began to dance along. The laughter echoed as if the heavens were shaking.
Hearing the joyful sounds, Amaterasu wondered.
"I am hiding here, and the world must be in total darkness. Why is everyone having such a good time?"
She called out to the gods outside.
"Why are you laughing so loudly?"
Amaterasu Uzume stopped dancing and replied,
"There is a much greater god than you here. Everyone is joyful and enjoying the festivities."
Driven by curiosity, Amaterasu decided to peek outside and opened the rock door slightly. What she saw was the image of a goddess shining brilliantly in the mirror that was hung in front of the cave.
Wanting to see better, Amaterasu opened the door wider. At that moment, Amanotachikara forcefully opened the door and brought Amaterasu outside. Upon seeing Amaterasu emerge from the cave, the gods erupted into cheers. The world was once again filled with light.
Her younger brother Susanoo was severely punished and banished from Takamagahara. He then descended to the western land of Japan, Izumo (Shimane Prefecture).
