Hibasuhime
- Period: Legendary Period
- Occupation: Empress
- Family: Emperor Suinin (husband) Inishikinoiribiko (son) Emperor Keikō (son) Ohonakatsuhiko (son) Yamatohime (daughter) Wakakiiribiko (son) Tanika no hiko Tatatsumichinoushi (father) Taniha no Kahakami no Masu no Iratsume (mother) Mikadawake (brother) Matonuhime (sister) Otohime (sister) Nubatanoiribika (sister) Azaminoiribime (sister) Takanohime (sister) Utakorihime (sister) Yehime (sister)
- Birth: –
- Death: –
Table of Contents
Hibasuhime
Hibasuhime (日葉酢媛命) was the wife of Emperor Suinin.1 Together they had 5 children called Inishikinoiribiko, Emperor Keikō, Ohonakatsuhiko, Yamatohime and Wakakiiribiko.23
Ancestry
She was a member of the Imperial family prior to her marriage to the Emperor as she is a descendant of Emperor Kaika. Her parents were Tanika no hiko Tatatsumichinoushi and Taniha no Kahakami no Masu no Iratsume.234
Marriage
According to the nihongi she was made Empress in the ’15th year, Autumn, 8th month, 1st day’ of his reign.
This was after she had been summoned alongside her sisters Nubatanoiribika, Matounuhime, Azaminoiribime and Takanohime by the Emperor after his first wife, Sahobime, recommended them as future marriage candidates.4
The kojiki differs slightly with Hibasuhime summoned with her sisters Nubatanoiribika, Matonuhime and another sister by the name of Utakorihime.23
Death
In the nihongi it states she died in the ’32nd year, Atumn, 7th month, 6th day’ of her husbands reign.4
Upon her death the Emperor asked what should be done for her funeral. Some of the ministers stated that they should follow the tradition carried out upon the death of Yamatohiko, in that her retainers should be buried alive alongside her.
However, Nomi no Sukune devised an alternative as he thought this form of sacrifice was contrary to a benevolent government. Nomi no Sukune took 300 potters and made images from clay, the Emperor liking what had been created decreed they would be used instead of burying peoples retainers alive. These items became known as haniwa. This event is recorded in the nihongi but not the kojiki.14
When she was buried the Ishikitsuhuri (Stone Coffin Makers) and the Hanishibe were established.Her mausoleum resides at Terama near Saki.23
When Tajima Mori returns from the mythical land of Tokoyo he place 40 leafy branches and 40 bare branches from Tokoyo upon her grave.23
Footnotes
1. Borgen, R. (1975) “The Origins of the Sugawara. A History of the Haji Family”. Monumenta Nipponica. Vol.30 No.4 pp.405-422
2. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An Account of Ancient Matters”. New York: Columbia University Press.
3. Chamberlain, B. H. (1932) “Translation of the Kojiki.” Kobe: J.L. Thompson & Co.
4. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi Volume 1: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to AD697”. Tuttle Publishing.
Check out the Japan Archives, our Japanese History Podcast. | ||
Check out our Gaming Channel on Youtube. | ||
Find the website useful? |