Unveiling the Hidden Treasures: Discover the Ultimate Anime and Manga Gems Inspired by Japanese Mythology!

Numerous anime draw inspiration from Japanese mythology and folklore, incorporating stories and characters deeply rooted in these traditions. From gods and yokai to urban legends, these anime embrace well-known and cherished narratives as the foundation of their own shows. While some faithfully retell these tales, others offer more liberal interpretations.

Consequently, these anime often share similar themes, reflecting the central beliefs of the Shinto religion, which serves as the origins for many of these legends. These themes include a profound connection with and reverence for the natural world, a belief in countless omnipresent spirits, and a commitment to maintaining harmony, purity, and morality. These values resonate not only within the characters but also within the adaptations of these mythological tales.

10 Inuyasha

Kagome Higurashi finds herself transported through time in an exceptional historical fantasy anime. As she quickly realizes, the magical and monstrous tales told by her family were indeed real. It turns out that Kagome is the reincarnation of Kikyo, a shrine maiden who had a falling out centuries ago with Inuyasha, a creature who is both human and yokai. To protect their world from malevolent spirits, Kagome joins forces with Inuyasha.

Inuyasha exposes its main characters to a complex conflict involving yokai and spirits. Due to his human lineage, Inuyasha faces rejection from other yokai, and his unique qualities have bred resentment within him. The witty Shippo and shapeshifting Kirara embody more traditional fox and cat spirits, while Inuyasha is more akin to an inugami.

9 The Tale Of The Princess Kaguya

Studio Ghibli's renowned films often revolve around mythical creatures, as seen in notable works such as Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya stands as a faithful adaptation of "The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter", the oldest recorded Japanese folklore. Director Isao Takahata aimed to provide Kaguya with a more multifaceted portrayal, combining the film's unique art style with a poignant narrative.

In this tale, a bamboo cutter and his wife stumble upon a divine infant within a bamboo shoot. Believing it to be the gods' will, they vow to raise her as a noble lady. Kaguya dutifully follows her father's wishes, but finds his relentless pursuit of wealth and social standing burdensome. On Earth, she cherishes her mountain home, the love of her parents, and her friendships with fellow humans, which hold far greater value to her.

8 Natsume's Book Of Friends

Due to his extraordinary powers, Takashi Natsume has always struggled to form connections with others, let alone make human friends. He possesses the unique ability to see supernatural creatures called yokai, a skill that sets him apart as the sole person capable of freeing them from captivity after inheriting his late grandmother's book of yokai names. While some individuals aim to harm Takashi for his possession of the book, there are many others who appreciate his benevolence.

Natsume's Book of Friends seamlessly combines the world of the supernatural with Takashi's unwavering yearning for companionship. Madara, a maneki neko, initially sticks around in hopes of inheriting the book, but ultimately evolves into one of Takashi's closest confidants. Unlike the individuals from Takashi's past, his classmates eagerly lend their support in resolving his encounters with yokai once he opens up to them.

7 Kamichu!

In Shinto, numerous minor gods and spirits exist, each fulfilling specific roles, such as the protection of their respective towns. When Yurie Hitotsubashi, a middle school student, suddenly becomes a god, she feels overwhelmed by her newfound powers and the high expectations placed upon her. Although Matsuri, a local shrine maiden, initially aims to leverage Yurie's abilities to sustain her family shrine, she also becomes Yurie's most reliable mentor.

Kamichu! delves into the intersection between traditional Shinto beliefs and contemporary perspectives. The series is set in the coastal city of Onomichi, incorporating real-life temples and landmarks from the area. As a newly ascended god, Yurie must navigate not only celestial matters but also address the issues and desires of the people residing in Onomichi.

6 Noragami

After nearly dying while saving what she believed to be an ordinary human, Hiyori Iki's life takes a drastic turn. She soon discovers her newfound ability to separate her soul from her body and perceive supernatural beings. To her surprise, the person she rescued is none other than Yato, a struggling Delivery God seeking fame and fortune.

Yato's aspirations for a dedicated shrine, worship, and the offering of five-yen coins reflect the typical expectations of a god. However, he himself is not associated with any established deity. On the other hand, powerful gods like Tenjin, Bishamonten, Ebisu, and Takemikazuchi draw inspiration from ancient mythologies. Together, this unlikely trio embarks on thrilling adventures beyond the mortal realm, venturing into the underworld and preventing conflicts from escalating among celestial beings.

5 Gingitsune

Makoto Saeki hails from a lineage of shrine keepers, entrusted with the sacred duties of honoring the deities Inari and Ukanomitama. Endowed with the unique ability to perceive spirits, she is accompanied by Gintaro, a loyal white fox spirit who has safeguarded the shrine since its inception by the Saeki family. Together, their united efforts extend assistance to both gods and humans seeking resolution to their predicaments at the shrine.

In a manner akin to Kamichu!, Gingitsune delves into the art of harmonizing age-old customs with contemporary lifestyles. Despite the waning popularity of her profession, Makoto passionately vows to sustain the shrine's legacy, following in the footsteps of her parents, while recognizing the challenges that lie ahead. To succeed in her noble quest, she is compelled to responsibly harness Gintaro's powers, directing them towards her aspirations and adapting her approach to aid those who have lost faith in the divine.

4 Into The Forest Of Fireflies' Light

Based on Yuki Midorikawa's manga, which also includes Natsume's Book Of Friends, this short film portrays an unlikely bond between a human girl and a partially human boy. Gin, who was raised by yokai, saves Hotaru and they forge a unique friendship. As Hotaru grows older, she continues to visit Gin every summer, and their affection for each other deepens over time. However, due to his yokai nature, any physical contact between Gin and humans, including Hotaru, would lead to his disappearance.

This film receives notable accolades for its exquisite settings, particularly its portrayal of the real-life Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine. The harmonious relationship with nature embodies a significant principle of Shinto, and Hotaru's annual retreats from the city to the forest, home to the mountain god, bring her immense joy. Although she can never fully immerse herself in the world of spirits as a human, and Gin cannot be a permanent presence in her life.

3 Mushishi

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Since childhood, Ginko has been touched by mushi spirits and carries a curse that will eventually lead to his premature death. Resigned to his fate, he wanders throughout Japan as a mushishi, embracing the time he has left. While some of these spirits are harmless and in need of protection, others pose a threat to the people around them. In all cases, it is only Ginko's unique abilities that can resolve these problems.

Mushishi captures the essence of the Shinto belief that spirits are an integral part of nature, although largely unseen by humans. These spirits are to be revered, as there are severe consequences for exploiting them. This aspect briefly makes the show one of the most frightening examples of body horror in anime. Countless mushi can be found wherever Ginko sets his gaze.

2 Naruto

In addition to being influenced by Buddhist, Hindu, and Shinto beliefs, many characters in Naruto draw inspiration from Japanese myth and legend. One such example is the Nine-Tailed Fox, which is based on the mythical creature known as the kitsune. Kitsune are shape-shifting creatures known to be mischievous, yet fiercely loyal once their trust is gained. Another source of inspiration is the Legendary Sannin, who originated from the 19th-century folktale "The Tale of Jiraiya the Gallant." Especially notable is the chapter in which Jiraiya and Tsunade thwart the plans of Orochimaru, the son of a serpent.

The Uchiha clan, in particular, embraces this theme. Amaterasu, the goddess of fire, Tsukuyomi, the god of the moon, and Susanoo, the god of storms, are all associated with the Uchiha lineage as they were birthed by the creator gods Izanami and Izanagi. The Uchiha's Sharingan techniques not only share the names and characteristics of these deities but also reflect the family's history of death, grief, and turmoil.

1 Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories

Japanese folklore offers a wealth of horror. This enduring anthology series brings these chilling tales to life in the kamishibai style, a storytelling technique popular in early 20th-century Japan. Guided by an elderly narrator, the stories are passed down to an eager audience of children, as is the tradition.

Drawing inspiration from Japanese urban legends, the series delves into eerie episodes that feature the infamous "Eight-Foot-Tall Woman," a child abductor, and the unsettling Kunekune, a scarecrow-like creature rumored to drive people insane with its gaze. While not direct adaptations, the stories often revolve around mythological themes, showcasing season nine's focus on the Chinese zodiac.

Many anime are based on various myths, legends, and folklore. Not only do they feature famous characters and storylines, but their themes are in line with essential Shinto beliefs.