Does anybody know much about Japanese mythology please?

It was my Mum's birthday the other day and i wanted to get her something chinese but the shop has been shut for a few days and i ended up buying her an easter egg and some flowers. Anyhow to get to the point.I assume most people know of the story behing the chinese new year about the animals crossing the river and each one is different each year and it goes around every 12 years to signify the 12 months in the year? Well i was wondering if there was a similar kinda story relating to Japanese mythology?I have a sister who is really into japanese culture and Manga etc.When it gets to her b'day i am wishing to give her something which relates to her b'day date or the year she was born but Japanese, not chinese.Can anybody help?Thanks it would be much appreciated.

Does anybody know much about Japanese mythology please?
In Japanese folklore, I know only the following tale which is related to the origin of the twelve horary signs. Unfortunately, the tale isn't similar to the Chinese mythology which you are mentioning.



http://www.geocities.co.jp/HeartLand-Gai...



I think this Japanese folklore is well known among Japanese people.

And this story was also broadcasted in a very popular TV animation series called "Manga Nippon Mukashibanashi" (Japanese Folklore Tales, 1975~1994) in Japan
Reply:Well, here's a few site to give you a little more of an idea.

http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/m...

http://www.artelino.com/articles/japanes...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_my...