These texts set out the traditional story of the foundation of Japan and its people, and demonstrate the very close relationship between the gods and the people of Japan. The stories also demonstrate many parallels between human beings and the kami. The foundation of Japan This part of the story makes the following points: * Japan was the first land to be created * Sexual union is a holy creative process * If certain rituals are not properly followed bad things may happen * If the natural order of things is disturbed bad things may happen.

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