ABSTRACT
Although astronomical themes are one of the most popular mythology topics throughout the world, little interest has been directed to astronomical themes in Japanese mythology. In this chapter, I will examine the possibility of astronomical symbols and deities in two pieces of literature in ancient Japanese mythology, the Kojiki and the Nihonshoki or Nihongi. I will also refer to other classical literature, such as the Fudoki (collection of geographical matters), the Manyoshu, and several others. This analysis will indicate that there are several astronomical themes present in the ancient and classical periods of Japan.
