Also : Izanagi-no-mikoto
Japenese: イザナギ, 伊弉諾 (Kojiki), 伊邪那岐 (Nihongi), 伊弉諾尊
Translated: “The Male Who Invites”

The male of the two kami named in the Shinto creation myth. together with Izanami he was responsible for birthing all the geography, animals and people of Japan. The two kami descended from heaven down a rainbow bridge (Ama-no-uki-hashi). Before there was a Japan or any other land, they plunged a jewel encrusted spear into the ocean. When they pulled the spear from the sea, the water that dripped from the spear formed the first of the Japanese islands.

The pair learned lovemaking by watching a pair of wagtails. Despite being brother, and sister the two were married. Due to a slight error on Izanami’s part during the wedding ceremony their first child miscarried. The Jellyfish like creature was thrown into the sea. The rest of their children survived. The pair gave birth to all the geography and people of Japan.

When Izanami died during child birth birth Izanagi followed her to the underworld (Yomi) even though she bade him not to. Izanami hidden in shadow told Izanagi that she could not return to the land of the living, as she had eaten the food of Yomi. Izanagi wouldn’t give up. When Izanami was sleeping a him lit a comb from his hair and got a look at her. Where she used to be beautiful and graceful in death she had decayed. She was shriveled and covered in maggots. Izanagi, unable to control his fear, exclaimed and fled.

Izanami grew angry with him and called many Shikome (foul women) to her, together they drove Izanagi out of the underworld. In so doing Izanami swore that she would kill 1,000 of Izanagi’s subjects each day. In response Izanagi swore he would create 1,500 more each day, thus creating the cycle of life and death. Izanagi escaped the underworld and sealed the entrance with a boulder.

After Izanagi left the underworld he was pursued by eight thunders (furies). He threw down a staff on the road and said that they should pursue him no further.

After undergoing ritual purification he gave birth to Amaterasu (The Sun Kami) from his left eye, Susanoo (The Storm Kami) from his nose, and The Tsukuyomi from his right eye.

Izanagi gave his children a highly polished silver mirror and told them to kneel before it each morning and evening and inspect the reflection they were told to subdue their passions and evil thoughts so that only pure spirit was reflected.