日本神話 (Nihon Shinwa), or Japanese mythology, encompasses the traditional stories and beliefs of Japan's ancient gods and creation. It features deities like 天照大神 (Amaterasu), the sun goddess, and スサノオ (Susanoo), the storm god. These myths explain the origins of the Japanese islands and the imperial family, linking them to divine ancestry. The mythology is primarily recorded in texts such as the 古事記 (Kojiki) and 日本書紀 (Nihon Shoki), which were compiled in the 8th century. These stories reflect the values, culture, and spirituality of early Japanese society, illustrating the relationship between humans and the divine.