Sue Pickford

Amaterasu the Japanese Sun Goddess is credited with the creation of the islands of Japan. Before this, the world was only an amorphous mass.

When she lay down a necklace of pearls the islands of Japan came into being.The first Emperor was her grandson and she bequeathed to him a Samurai sword.

The alternation of the seasons and dark and light were attributed to part of Amaterasu’s story which bears similarities to the story of Demeter and Persehone.

Upset by an insult from her brother, Amaterasu hid herself away in a cave.

Soon the world grew cold and desolate and eventually the other gods entreated with her to return to the world which she refused to do.

Then one of the deities had an idea and she suggested that they hold a party outside the cave and entice her out with laughter, dancing and singing.

Additionally, they hung a necklace of pearls (the future Japan) and a mirror in a tree  outside the caves entrance.

When the curious Amaterasu peaked out to observe the festivities she caught a glimpse of her own image in the mirror and fascinated by the sight emerged from the cave and light returned to the  world.