In Japanese creation myths, the first deities are known as Izanagi and Izanami. These primordial gods play a crucial role in shaping the world and giving rise to many other deities. Their story revolves around themes of creation, life, and death, reflecting the cyclical nature of existence. The myths detail Izanagi's descent into the underworld to retrieve Izanami, symbolizing the intricate balance between the realms of the living and the dead. Together, they illustrate the interconnectedness of life and mortality in Japanese spirituality.