Huber M. Vanishing Japan: A Glimpse of an Ancient Land in Photographs, Watercolors, Ink and Pencil Sketches

Amphoto, 1965. — 168 p.Long centuries ago, when the world was a shadowy mist, the Islands of Japan were born of the sea. Among the many gods inhabiting this misty abode were Izanagi and Izanami. One day, while they were standing on the Floating Bridge of Heaven, talking with each other, Izanagi said: "I wonder what is down below us? " This aroused Izanami's curiosity, and they began to think how they might find out. Taking the Jewel-Spear of Heaven, Izanagi lowered it into the air and swung it around in an effort to strike something, for he could not see through the dense mist. Suddenly the spear touched the ocean. When Izanagi raised it, salty water dripping from it was dried by the wind, becoming hard, and forming an island in the middle of the sea.