The mythological anthologies, along with other poetry anthologies like the Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves and others, were intended to impress others with the worthiness of the Imperial family and their divine mandate to rule.
Most of the country's population takes part in both Shinto and Buddhist activities, especially festivals, reflecting a common view in that the beliefs and practices of different religions need not be exclusive.
Other Japanese supernatural figures include the , animal like creatures who can take human form.