What sets this book apart is Clegg's ability to blend scholarly research, travel writing and sociological analysis into one accessible and charming guide. Her summaries reflect her expertise and experiences of living in Japan, offering readers a glimpse into the nuances of Japanese culture ... Japanese Myths is a beautifully illustrated reference guide which covers the beliefs, customs and historical events that form the basis of Japanese society, and this is what makes it worth purchasing beyond a separate collection of translated myths ... this book would make a lovely gift for someone with a developing interest in Japan.

When I picked up this book, I expected it to be a layman's guide to Japanese myths, maybe even like a Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark collection of short stories explaining them. Looking back, I have no idea why I thought that. It's actually better than that. Clegg's book is essentially a textbook-level comprehensive view of how Japanese belief has changed with its history, and it's an excellent reference.