Abstract
The Japanese Mind as Reflected in their Mythology
H. Kawai
This study is intended to present an analysis of the unique features of the Japanese mentality through the mythology of Japan. In the mythology there is the most important triad, namely the Sun Goddess, the Moon God and the Storm God. However, one of the unique features of the Kojiki, in which the major myths of Japan are recorded, is that while many tales of confrontation between the Sun Goddess and the Storm God appear in its pages, no mention is made of the Moon God. Rather than place some basic principle or powerful entity in the central position as an overall ruling factor, the center is left inactive and empty in order to allow a harmonious balance among the surrounding entities to bring about a sense of organized fullfilment to the whole. In contrast to the more common Central Power Ruled Model, I call this the Hollow Center Balanced Model. In terms of both the internal structure of the Japanese mentality and the mutual social relationships which the Japanese create with each other, this Hollow Center Balanced Model is extremly appropriate and effective. I think also that the same Hollow Center Balance Structure acts as a strong but invisible support to the Japanese ideology, religions, and social structure.