LGBT Themes in Japanese Mythology

Japanese mythology is interesting due to the fact that it is rooted in Shinto, the indigenous animist religion. For example, there are two gods, partners, that brought homosexuality to the world. Shinu No Hafuri and Ama No Hafuri were the famous lovers. The main leader of the Shinto Pantheon is Amaterasu, the sun goddess, has what is often interpreted as a lesbian experience. Amaterasu had retreated from a fight with her brother Susano'o and was hiding a cave, depriving the world of sunlight. Ame-no-Uzume overturned a barrel and stripped naked to do a bawdy dance. He dance lured Amaterasu out of her cave, and the transgender Ishi Kori Dome lures Amaterasu out with a beautiful brass mirror and jade jewels.

Ame-no-Uzume

Japanese mythology also has tales of Shirabyōshi, were part human and part snake and were depicted as female or trans. Shirabyōshi is also the term for the Shinto priestess who are women or trans women, that perform dances at the temple in men's garb. There is also Inari, who is patron of agriculture. This god takes male and female forms. There are also Kitsune, fox spirits, that don the guise of a woman (regardless of their actual sex) to trick men into having sex with them.

Philippi, D. L. (1969). Kojiki. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.