Amaterasu-ōmikami is the Sun god in Japanese mythology, believed to be the ancestor of Japan’s Imperial family. She has been worshipped since ancient times when animism was practiced, and has been an important symbol of power and strength for many generations. Her worship has been part of Japanese culture since ancient times, with shrines dedicated to her built across the country. She is widely represented through various art forms such as painting, sculpture, masks, kabuki theater, Noh dramas, folk songs, festivals, rituals and dances.