The name of the Japanese goddess of the sun is Amaterasu. She is a central figure in Shinto mythology and is regarded as the ancestress of the Japanese imperial family. Amaterasu is celebrated for her role in bringing light and harmony to the world. The myth of her retreat into a cave symbolizes the cycles of day and night and the importance of sunlight for life. Her eventual return signifies renewal, growth, and the vital role of the sun in Japanese culture and agriculture.