The History of Rising Sun

According to Japanese mythology, the Kuniumi, or birth of the nation, came about when the young gods Izanagi and Izanami were given the task of bringing a solid form to the Earth. They used a magical spear, gifted to them by the elder gods, to churn the waters and form the first island. Coming to Earth, they used that island as the starting point for what would eventually be a string on many islands, which together would become known as Japan. 

This creation myth has been passed down for generations. It’s part of the traditional Shinto religion that encompasses much of Japanese society. For centuries, Japan’s proximity to China influenced a great deal of their culture, but the fact that they stood alone on a chain of islands ensured that their civilization developed in its own unique ways.