In Japanese mythology, the goddess often recognized as the goddess of rice and agriculture is Inari. She is associated with prosperity and sustenance, representing the essential role of rice in Japanese culture. Inari is typically depicted with foxes, who serve as her messengers, symbolizing fertility and abundance. The worship of Inari reflects the importance of agriculture and the reverence for the deities that govern the growth and harvest, highlighting the cultural value placed on food and livelihood in Japanese society.