[Kristoffer O]

Japanese myth and folklore contains many beings of possible interest. Several kinds of bakemono (something like goblins), the kitsune (fox spirit), tatsu (dragon), oni (demons), yurei (ghosts), uba (hags) and others.

The main diety of the shinto religion is Amaterasu Omi-no-Kami, the sun goddess. But as Hana said Japanese mythology is rather syncretistic and shinto and buddhist beliefs are mixed. Spirits and beings of both religions appear more or less side by side.

Magical beliefs are basically taoistic.

Accidentally I rediscovered the good old japanese RPG 'Bushido' during christmas. I couldn't resist making a campaign for the game (not finished though), so I'm feeling rather Nippon-friendly right now.

If you can find 'Bushido' buy it. It has useful info on society, arms and legendary beings of Japan.