Japanese folklore is full of fantastical stories, but perhaps one of the strangest is the tale of Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi. According to mythology, Amaterasu is the goddess of the sun. Along with her siblings, the moon deity Tsukuyomi and the storm god Susanoo, she is one of the “Three Precious Children” – the most important offspring of the god Izanagi.

One day, Amaterasu ordered Tsukuyomi to go down to the terrestrial world and visit the goddess of food, Ukemochi. But when Ukemochi vomited up some food and presented it at a banquet, Tsukuyomi was disgusted and killed her. This upset Ameterasu, so she split away from Tsukuyomi, causing the separation of day and night. Next time darkness falls at your window, think of Ukemochi’s vomit and be thankful.

‍