Archives: Wiki Pages

Takamagahara This is a redirect page for the Takamagahara. We are a wiki as well as a Blog and podcast site which is constantly and steadily growing. Bringing to you all aspects of Japanese history. It is going to be a project which will expand continuously over the coming years.[...]

Heaven This page about Heaven serves to bring together information we have gathered relating to the various ‘Heaven’s’ from different religions in Japan. As we gather more information this page may be broken down into seperate pages. Takamagahara – Shinto Takamagahara (高天原) is the Shinto version of Heaven. Its origins[...]

See also: List of Provinces Tosa Province Tosa Province  (土佐国) was an old Province of Japan, situated now in modern day Kōchi Prefecture on the Island of Shikoku.1 The kojiki states that the kami Takeyoriwake dwelt here.2 During the Heian Period, in 930AD, Ki no Tsurayuki was appointed Governor of[...]

Mon Mon (紋), also known as monshō (紋章)1 were in essence family crests of Japanese families. Design The crests are almost always created monochromatically1, and are stylised designs in a circle or geometric pattern.2 Origins Many of the first depictions were merely elaborate patterns dating back to the Nara and[...]

Fujiwara no Sadanaga This is a redirect page for the Fujiwara no Sadanaga. We are a wiki as well as a Blog and podcast site which is constantly and steadily growing. Bringing to you all aspects of Japanese history. It is going to be a project which will expand continuously[...]

Period: Heian Period / Kamakura Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Bureau of Poetry Family: Fujiwara no Ietaka (son-in-law) Fujiwara no Shunzei (adopted father) Birth: 1139 Death: 1202 Priest Jakuren Priest Jakuren (寂蓮), originally known as Fujiwara no Sadanaga (藤原定長) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan living from 1139 to 1202AD.[...]

Period: Nara Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Courtier, Bureaucrat, Ason Family: – Birth: 1st half 8th century Death: – Yamabe no Akahito Yamabe no Akahito (山部 赤人 / 山邊 赤人) lived during the first half of the 8th century. During his life he acted as a courtier as well as bureaucrat[...]

Bakemonozukushie This is a redirect page for the Bakemonozukushie. We are a wiki as well as a Blog and podcast site which is constantly and steadily growing. Bringing to you all aspects of Japanese history. It is going to be a project which will expand continuously over the coming years.[...]

Bakemono no e The Bakemono no e (化物之繪 – Illustrations of Bakemono) is a Yōkai picture scroll which dates to the Edo Period, and was likely made in the 17th Century. The creator of this work is not known. These ‘indexes’ of supernatural creators were extremely popular during the Edo[...]

Zunberabo This is a redirect page for the Zunberabo. We are a wiki as well as a Blogs site which is constantly and steadily growing. Bringing to you all aspects of Japanese history. It is going to be a project which will expand continuously over the coming years. And we[...]

Nupperiho This is a redirect page for the Nupperiho. We are a wiki as well as a Blogs site which is constantly and steadily growing. Bringing to you all aspects of Japanese history. It is going to be a project which will expand continuously over the coming years. And we[...]

Nopperabō The Nopperabō (のっぺらぼう) , also known as Zunberabo and Nupperiho are a type of Yōkai known to have a face completely devoid of features. However, there are other tales which states they merely lack eyes and a nose. There name is a pun on the Japanese word ‘nopperi,’ which[...]

Tosa Diary This is a redirect page for the Tosa Diary. We are a wiki as well as a Blog and podcast site which is constantly and steadily growing. Bringing to you all aspects of Japanese history. It is going to be a project which will expand continuously over the[...]

Tamatebako The Tamatebako (玉手箱, Jewel Hand Box) is a gift given to Urashima Tarō by Otohime Sama in the Folktale, Urashima Tarō the Fisher Lad, after he remembers his parents and wished to return to them. The box is described as being made of laquer tied with a silken cord[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Caligrapher, Director of Military Affairs, Middle Counselor. Family: Emperor Murakami (grandfather) Fujiwara no Kinto (father) Birth: 995AD Death: 1045AD Fujiwara no Sadayori Fujiwara no Sadayori (藤原定頼) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan living from 995 to 1045AD. He was the grandson of Emperor[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Governor. Family: Sakanoue no Mochiki (son) Birth: Death: 930AD Sakanoue no Korenori Sakanoue no Korenori (坂上是則) was a known waka poet who had a good career, and ended up with the position of Governor for the Province of Kaga. His poetic legacy includes forty[...]

See also: List of Provinces Mino Province Mino Province (美濃国) also known as Nōshū (濃州) was an old Province of Japan, located in what is now Gifu Prefecture. It is included as one of the eight Provinces which made up the Tōsandō Region. It is well known for its Mino[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Sadaijin, Sesshō, Waka Poet. Family: Fujiwara no Mototsune (father) Fujiwara no Saneyori (son) Fujiwara no Morosuke (son) Fujiwara no Morotada (son) Fujiwara no Morouji (son) Fujiwara no Tokihira (brother) Fujiwara no Nakahira (brother) Fujiwara no Kanehira (brother) Fujiwara no Raishi (sister) Fujiwara no Baishi (sister) Fujiwara no Onshi[...]

Co-ordinates: 34°34′N 135°46′E Island: Honshu Region: Kansai Capital: Nara See also: Yamato Province See also: List of Prefectures. Nara Prefecture Nara Prefecture (奈良県 – Nara-ken) is located on the island of Honshu. As a land-locked Prefecture it is bordered on all sides. Kyoto Prefecture to the North, Mie to the West, Wakayama on[...]

Shōtei This is a redirect page for the Shōtei. We are a wiki as well as a Blog and podcast site which is constantly and steadily growing. Bringing to you all aspects of Japanese history. It is going to be a project which will expand continuously over the coming years.[...]

Period: Muromachi Period Occupation: Warlord (daimyo) Family: Rokkaku Clan Birth: 1521 Death: 1598 Rokkaku Yoshitaka Rokkaku Yoshitaka (六角 義賢), born in 1521 and dying in 1958, was a Samurai and later Buddhist Monk under the name of Shōtei1. He was also a warlord (daimyo) who approached Koga clan, with the[...]

Period: Kamakura Period Occupation: Writer Family: Minamoto Clan Birth: 1160AD Death: 1215AD Minamoto no Akikane Minamoto no Akikane (源顕兼) was the writer and author of the Kojidan, a several volume collection of historical anecdotes. He was born in 1160 and died in 1215.1 Footnotes 1. Louis Frederic, translated by Kathe[...]

Kojidan The Kojidan (古事談) is a collection of historical anecdotes written in kiro-kutai (classical Japanized Chinese Writing) compiled between 1211-15 by Minamoto no Akikane1. It is said to contain nine chapters1, or six volumes2 depending on the sources one consults. The story of Fujiwara no Sanekata‘s exile is mentioned in[...]

Fujiwara no Katako This is a redirect page for the Fujiwara no Katako. We are a wiki as well as a Blog and podcast site which is constantly and steadily growing. Bringing to you all aspects of Japanese history. It is going to be a project which will expand continuously[...]

Nyūnai Suzume This is a redirect page for the Nyūnai Suzume. We are a wiki as well as a Blog and podcast site which is constantly and steadily growing. Bringing to you all aspects of Japanese history. It is going to be a project which will expand continuously over the[...]

  Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Governor. Family: Fujiwara no Tadahira (great-grandfather) Birth: – Death: 998AD Fujiwara no Sanekata Fujiwara no Sanekata (藤原 実方) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan, more specifically the Hokke Branch of this clan. He was the great-grandson of the poet Fujiwara no Tadahira. He[...]

Period: Muromachi Period Occupation: Ninja / Sniper Family: Koga Clan Birth: – Death: 1573 Sugitani Zenjubo Sugitani Zenjubo (杉谷善住坊) was born to one of the 53 families of the Koga Clan, acting as Ninja and Sniper for them until his death in 1573. He was best known for his use[...]

Period: Heian Period / Kamakura Period Occupation: Waka Poet Family: Priest Jakuren (father-in-law) Fujiwara no Mitsutaka (father) Birth: 1158AD Death: 1237AD Fujiwara no Ietaka Fujiwara no Ietaka (藤原 家隆) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan who lived between 1158 and 1237.1 He was also known as Mibu-ni-i and Karyū.3[...]

For all battles on the site see: List of Battles. Period: Azuchi-Momoyama Period Date: 1578 Location: Kyushu Outcome: Defeat of Ōtomo Sōrin’s forces Battle of Mimikawa The Battle of Mimikawa occurred in 1578 on the island of Kyushu. The battle involving the forces of daimyō  Ōtomo Sōrin and his vassal Tsunokumo[...]

See also: List of Provinces Bungo Province Bungo Province (豊後国) was an old Province of Japan, located in what is now Ōita Prefecture.1 Azuchi-Momoyama Period During this period it was ruled over by the daimyō Ōtomo Sōrin, who led his warriors into a battle later known as the Battle of[...]

Period: Azuchi-Momoyama Period Occupation: Daimyō (Feudal Lord) Family: ? Birth: ? Death: 1587 Ōtomo Sōrin Ōtomo Sōrin (大友 宗麟) was a daimyō (Feudal Lord) in the Province of Bungo in Kyushu. He had as his vassal the Samurai Tsunokuma Sekiso who was famed for his supernatural abilities to control weather. His[...]

See also: Six Poetic Geniuses, Thirty Six Women Poetic Geniuses, Thirty Six Poetic Geniuses, Thirty-Six Poetic Geniuses of the Late Classical Period Poets This page serves as a list page for all the poets we have gathered on our website. They are ordered by the period in which they lived[...]

Period: Edo Period Occupation: Writer / Traveler Family: ? Birth: ? Death: ? Yasumi Roan Yasumi Roan (八隅 蘆菴) was an experienced traveler within Japan. He most notable achievement was the book he wrote about his travels entitled the Ryokō yōjinshū which was published in 1810. His work includes detailed tips[...]

Period: Azuchi-Momoyama Period Occupation: Gunbaisha (Military Strategist) Family: ? Birth: ? Death: 1578AD Tsunokuma Sekiso Tsunokuma Sekiso (角隈 石宗) was a Gunbaisha (Military Strategist) and Vassal during the Azuchi-Momoyama Period for the Warlord Ōtomo Sōrin. He died during the Battle of Mimikawa in 1578. Records from his life state that[...]

This page has been created to list the various Japanese Proverbs and Idioms we have come across during our research into our Podcast and this website. Proverbs In Japanese proverbs are known as 諺 (kotowaza). And in old, ancient Japan this word was also used to words conveyed by kami[...]

Tosa Nikki The Tosa Nikki (土佐日記 – Tosa Diary), written in 935AD by Ki no Tsurayuki, is an account (punctuated by poems throughout) of his journey home to Kyoto. The composition of the diary is as if it was written by a women, ie. it is written in kana script.[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Poet, Governor Family: Ki no Tokibumi (son) Ki no Tomonori (cousin) Birth: – Death: 946AD Ki no Tsurayuki Ki no Tsurayuki (紀 貫之) was a high ranking court nobleman of the Heian Period. Best known for his poetry and prose. He was the cousin of Ki[...]

Period: Nara Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Governor Family: – Birth: – Death: 733AD? Yamanoue no Okura Yamanoue no Okura (山上 憶良) was a waka poet and lived during the Nara period. He is said to have died at the age of 74 in 733AD1, and inspired Ōtomo no Tabito to persue his[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet Family: Fujiwara no Nobutaka (father) Murasaki Shibuki (mother) Fujiwara no Kanetaka (husband) Takashina no Nariaki (husband) Birth: 999AD Death: – Daini no Sanmi Daini no Sanmi, (大弐三位) also known as Fujiwara no Katako was a member of the Fujiwara Clan, born in 999AD. She[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Caligrapher Family: Fujiwara no Yoshitaka (father) Fujiwara no Yukitsune (son) Birth: 972AD Death: 1027AD Fujiwara no Yukinari Fujiwara no Yukinari (藤原 行成) (972-10271 10282AD) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan, more specifically the Hokke Branch of this clan. The son of Fujiwara no Yoshitaka, during his[...]

Nihon Kiryaku The Nihon Kiryaku (日本紀略), also known as the Nihon kurui and Hennen kiryaku is a literary compilation of the history of Japan created during the Heian Period. It’s authorship is unknown, with its mythological section being taken from the Nihongi. In total there are 34 chapters, and cover[...]

Amekumabito Amekumabito is a Shinto kami mentioned in the nihongi. She is tasked with going to the body of Ukemochi, by Amaterasu, after Tsukiyomi has killed her. Upon the body of Ukemochi she finds and brings back from her body ox, horse, millet, silkworm, panic, rice, wheat, large beans and smalls[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: ??? Ukemochi Ukemochi (保食神) was a Shinto kami, mentioned in the Nihongi, that dwelt upon Japan. Amaterasu learns of her existence and so sends her brother Tsukiyomi to go and attend her. Upon his arrival she turns her head towards the land causing boiled mouth[...]

Tsushima Province This is a redirect page for the Tsushima Province. We are a wiki as well as a Blog and podcast site which is constantly and steadily growing. Bringing to you all aspects of Japanese history. It is going to be a project which will expand continuously over the[...]

Kyushu Region This is a redirect page for the Kyushu Region. We are a wiki as well as a Blog and podcast site which is constantly and steadily growing. Bringing to you all aspects of Japanese history. It is going to be a project which will expand continuously over the[...]

Iki Province This is a redirect page for the Iki Province. We are a wiki as well as a Blog and podcast site which is constantly and steadily growing. Bringing to you all aspects of Japanese history. It is going to be a project which will expand continuously over the[...]

Co-ordinates: : 32°58′N 129°48′E Island: Kyushu Region: Kyushu Region Capital: Nagasaki See also: Iki Province, Tsushima Province, Hizen Province. See also: List of Prefectures. Nagasaki Prefecture Nagasaki Prefecture (長崎県 – Nagasaki-ken) is located on the island of Kyushu. It is bordered by the Genkai Sea and Tsushima Strait on its northern edge, by Saga[...]

Co-ordinates: 36°43′N 137°9′E Island: Honshu Region: Chūbu Capital: Toyama See also: Etchū Province. See also: List of Prefectures. Toyama Prefecture Toyama Prefecture (富山県 – Toyama-ken) is located in central Honshu, with its capital city being Toyama. It is bordered on the north by the Sea of Japan, Nagano and Niigata Prefectures on[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet Family: Fujiwara no Koretada (father) Fujiwara no Yukinari (son) Fujiwara no Yoshikane (brother) Fujiwara no Kaishi (sister) Birth: 954AD Death: 974AD Fujiwara no Yoshitaka Fujiwara no Yoshitaka 藤原 義孝 (954 – 74) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan,  more specifically the Hokke Branch of[...]

Iwafune no Saku This is a redirect page for the Iwafune no Saku. We are a wiki as well as a Blog and podcast site which is constantly and steadily growing. Bringing to you all aspects of Japanese history. It is going to be a project which will expand continuously[...]

Mojabune This is a redirect page for the Mojabune. We are a wiki as well as a Blog and podcast site which is constantly and steadily growing. Bringing to you all aspects of Japanese history. It is going to be a project which will expand continuously over the coming years.[...]

Tate Eboshi This is a redirect page for the Tate Eboshi. We are a wiki as well as a Blog and podcast site which is constantly and steadily growing. Bringing to you all aspects of Japanese history. It is going to be a project which will expand continuously over the[...]

Umikozō This is a redirect page for the Umikozō. We are a wiki as well as a Blog and podcast site which is constantly and steadily growing. Bringing to you all aspects of Japanese history. It is going to be a project which will expand continuously over the coming years.[...]

Umimyūdō This is a redirect page for the Umimyūdō. We are a wiki as well as a Blog and podcast site which is constantly and steadily growing. Bringing to you all aspects of Japanese history. It is going to be a project which will expand continuously over the coming years.[...]

Kanbo This is a redirect page for the Kanbo. We are a wiki as well as a Blog and podcast site which is constantly and steadily growing. Bringing to you all aspects of Japanese history. It is going to be a project which will expand continuously over the coming years.[...]

Umibozū The Umibozū (海坊主 – Sea Monk) is a type of Japanese Yōkai known to dwell far out in the deep ocean.1 Other Names This creatures goes by several other names, two of which are Umimyūdō and Umikozō.2 Other areas of Japan gives the creature even more names. On the[...]

Saku A Saku (柵 – also pronounced ki) is a type of stockade or palisade constructed in frontier regions. Notably, most were constructed between the 7th and 9th centuries in northern Honshu to defend against the northern Ezo People, as well as to provide administration to the surrounding areas. Known[...]

Road Wardens of Yomi The Road Wardens of Yomi are a collection of beings mentioned in one alternative version of the Nihongi are a residents of Yomi. In this version they appear at the Even Pass of Yomi after Izanagi has fled from his wife after seeing her rotting body. They[...]

Satori The Satori (覚) is a is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. It is said to be a ‘kaku‘ which dwell in the mountains of Hida and Mino Provinces. The ‘kaku‘ is short for ‘kakuen‘ which is a legendary type of[...]

Suiko Suiko (水虎 – Water Tiger) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki and the Wakan Sansai Zue, it’s home is said to be the Sushui River in China. This creature has the shape of a small child, and resembles a pangolin, with knees that[...]

Hiderigami The Hiderigami (魃 – Drought Bringer), also known as the Kanbo (旱母 – Drought Mother) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki and the Wakan Sansai Zue. It’s home is said to be on Mount Ganshan in China. According to sources, it has the body of a beast but[...]

Sansei Sansei (山精 – Mountain Spirit) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki and the Wakan Sansai Zue. It is stated as a type of mountain Oni, dwelling in Anguo, China. The creature is humanoid in appearance, but only has one leg. The Wakan Sansai[...]

Oni The Oni (鬼) are a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. They are generally portrayed as enormous muscular creatures with either red or green skin, as well as having horns. They are said to wear loincloths or tiger-pelt togas, are known as[...]

Ōmagatoki Ōmagatoki (逢魔時), also known as Twilight or The Hour of Meeting Demons, is a time when people would hide indoors with their children as unnumbered phantoms would appear to prowl the streets outside. This period of time is depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki, a compilation of Yōkai,[...]

See also: Ono no Komachi Poems Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet Family: Birth: mid 9th Century Death: – Ono no Komachi Ono no Komachi (小野 小町) was born around the mid 9th century and was possibly a lady-in-waiting under Emperor Ninmyō and Emperor Montoku. It is well attested she was[...]

Nutari no Ki Nutari no Ki (渟足柵) was a type of Saku (fortified frontier) erected in 647AD in the old Province of Echigo, close to the city of Niigata. It’s construction was carried out to serve as an outpost for the military to continue campaigns against the Ezo People of[...]

Iwafune no Ki Iwafune no Ki (磐舟柵) also known as Iwafune no Saku was a type of ‘Saku‘ (fortified frontier) in the old Province of Echigo, modern day Niigata Prefecture, close to the city of Murakami. It was established in 648AD as part of a campaign against the Ezo tribes in[...]

Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki The Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki (今昔画図続百鬼 – The Illustrated Demon Horde from Past and Present) is a compendium of yōkai, demons and ghosts compiled by Toriyama Sekien, published in 1779. The books were inspired by the 10th Century Demon Horde’s Night Parade. These books, alongside the previous book, the Gazu Hyakki[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: ?? Kukurihime Kukurihime (菊理媛神) is a Shinto kami who appears in one alternative version of the Nihongi. She appears to Izanagi after he has left his wife in Yomi and divorced her. The Nihongi says that this kami says something enjoyable to Izanagi and then[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Yomotsukotosakanoo Yomotsukotosakanoo is a Shinto kami mentioned within an alternative text of the Nihongi. It states that this kami came into being after Izanagi and Izanami departed and divorced each other in Yomi. Izanagi ‘purifies himself’ which produces the kami Yomotsukotosakanoo, this is immediately[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father?)   Hayatamanoo Hayatamanoo is a Shinto kami mentioned within an alternative text of the Nihongi. It states that this kami came into being after Izanagi and Izanami departed and divorced each other in Yomi. Izanagi then spits on the ground which produces this kami[...]

Supernatural Creatures This page serves as a list of all the supernatural creatures currently on our website and is sure to continue to grow over time. Alternative names for these creatures are also displayed alongside them. See also Yōkai Yurei Dragons Interactive Map This map aims to try and map[...]

Uwan The Uwan (うわん) is a type of Yōkai seen in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō and Hyakkai Zukan. It is portrayed as a clawed creature which haunts abandoned homes, however, little is actually known about this creature. It is perhaps named after the generic word for ‘monster’ in Kagoshima and Kumamoto[...]

Ushioni The Ushioni  (牛鬼 – Ox Demon) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō and Hyakkai Zukan. Sekien depicts the creature with more of a normalized creatures body, however, older depictions have shown this creature with the head of a bull and body of a spider (like[...]

Maki Bokusen Maki Bokusen (牧墨僊) was a student to Kitagawa Utamaro, who in turn was a disciple of Toriyama Sekien; creator of the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō. Maki is known to have been the first person to pen the story of the deliciousness of the Yōkai known as the Nuppeppō in[...]

Nuppeppō The Nuppeppō (ぬっぺっぽう) is a kind of featureless blob type Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō and Hyakkai Zukan. The creatures name can be found derived from the word ‘nupperi’ which is something that is slack faced, or having a dazed expression. Sekien shows the creature in front[...]

Akashita The Akashita (赤舌 – Red Tongue) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō and Hyakkai Zukan. Sekien shows the creature to be appearing from a cloud, hovering over the top of a sluice gate. The name of the creature uses the same Kanji for the[...]

Ouni The Ouni (苧うに) is a hag like Yōkai, which can be seen in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō and Hyakkai Zukan. This creatures has the alternative names of ‘Wau-wau’ and ‘Au-au’ from older illustrated scrolls. Sekien in his depiction of this Yōkai uses the kanji ‘O’ from the ramie plant which was[...]

Aobōzu The Aobōzu (青坊主 – Blue Monk) is a type of one eyed monk Yōkai seen depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō and Hyakkai Zukan. In his depiction his is shown in front of tea house, though no explanation to the history of this creature is provided. It is possible that[...]

Nihon Ryōiki The Nihon Ryōiki (日本霊異記 – A Record of Strange Ghostly Happenings in Japan) is an old piece of Japanese literature. Yōkai Within its collections it contains the story surrounding the Yōkai known as the Gagoze. It tells of a farmer finding a ‘thunder child’ in a storm. For[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Kagutsuchi (father) Iwatsutsunoo (brother) Iwatsutsunome Iwatsutsunome (Stone Mallet Woman?) is a Shinto kami, said to have come into existence from the blood of Kagutsuchi after he was beheaded by the sword Itsunoohabari. This is only mentioned in one ‘alternative’ version of the nihongi where she[...]

Imbe no Obito Imbe no Obito was a part of the Imbe Clan, and is known to have overseen a group of artisans (Be) responsible for the maintenance and keeping of objects relating to Shinto worship.1 Footnotes 1. Louis Frederic, translated by Kathe Roth (2002) “Japan Encyclopedia”. London: Harvard University Press.[...]

Gagoze The Gagoze (元興寺, also known as Gangoji) is a type of Yōkai, depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō and Hyakkai Zukan. He is a kind of bogeyman from and is still used in Tokushima Prefecture and Awaji Shima to scare crying children into being quiet. The Kanji used to[...]

Kyūji The Kyūji (旧辞) is an ancient piece of Japanese literature which was compiled during the 6th century AD. It was known to have contained collections of both myths and legends surrounding Japan. However, this work no longer exists. It is thought that this document, alongside the Teiki to have[...]

Privy Seal The Privy Seal (天皇御璽) is one of the official seals of the Imperial Family and has ‘Tenno Gyoji‘ carved onto it. The seal is used for documents such as the following: Sentences of law. Cabinet orders. Letters to authorize foreign consuls and several other type of documents. Dismissal[...]

Tachibana River The Tachibana River, though its modern day location is unknown, is said to have historically been located in the area known as ‘Awaki‘ in Himuka Province. Due to this it would have been located in modern day Miyazaki Prefecture. This is the river mentioned in both the Kojiki[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: The Moon Family: Izanami? (mother) Izanagi (father) Susano-o (brother) Amaterasu (sister) Tsukiyomi Tsukiyomi (月読) is the moon kami in Shinto mythology, brother to Amaterasu and Susano-o. Birth According to both the Kojiki and the Nihongi this kami was born from Izanagi after cleansing himself from the[...]

Wamiōsho The Wamiōsho is an old Japanese text. Within its pages it gives the Eight Ugly Females of Yomi the name ‘Gogome’, saying that their names were invoked as a kind of ‘bogey men’ to scare children.1 Footnotes 1. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi Volume 1: Chronicles of Japan from the[...]

Rikushū This is a redirect page for the Rikushū. We are a wiki as well as a Blog and podcast site which is constantly and steadily growing. Bringing to you all aspects of Japanese history. It is going to be a project which will expand continuously over the coming years.[...]

Ōshu This is a redirect page for the Ōshu. We are a wiki as well as a Blog and podcast site which is constantly and steadily growing. Bringing to you all aspects of Japanese history. It is going to be a project which will expand continuously over the coming years.[...]

Michinoku This is a redirect page for the Michinoku. We are a wiki as well as a Blog and podcast site which is constantly and steadily growing. Bringing to you all aspects of Japanese history. It is going to be a project which will expand continuously over the coming years.[...]

Ezo People This is a redirect page for the Ezo People. We are a wiki as well as a Blog and podcast site which is constantly and steadily growing. Bringing to you all aspects of Japanese history. It is going to be a project which will expand continuously over the[...]

Nurarihyon The Nurarihyon (ぬらりひょん) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō and Hyakkai Zukan. He holds a special position within the ranks of the Yōkai as he is now seen to be the ‘leader’ of them. However, it wasn’t until 1929 that this belief began after[...]

Nureonna The Nureonna (濡れ女) is a type of serpentine, female Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō and Hyakkai Zukan. Often this creature is depicted with wet hair which is plastered against its head. However, depictions made by Toriyama Sekien show the creatures with waving hair as well as arms.[...]

Nuribotoke The Nuribotoke (塗仏) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō and Hyakkai Zukan. The creature, which is an animated corpse, is depicted as having dangling eyes and darkened skin. Within older depictions of the Yōkai we see the creature as having jet black skin, often[...]

Otoroshi The Otoroshi (おとろし) is a type of Yōkai mentioned in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō and Hyakkai Zukan. The name of the creature can find its origins from the Japanese word ‘osoroshii‘ meaning scary and ‘odoro‘ meaning a weedy patch of land. The creature is said to dwell in abandoned and[...]

Ohoyamatonotoyoakitsushima This is a redirect page for the Ohoyamatonotoyoakitsushima. We are a wiki as well as a Blog and podcast site which is constantly and steadily growing. Bringing to you all aspects of Japanese history. It is going to be a project which will expand continuously over the coming years.[...]

Co-ordinates: 36°N 138°E Prefectures: ”To be completed.” Honshu Honshu (本州) is the main of the four islands of Japan. Mythological Creation According to the kojiki, this island (dubbed Yamato) was the last of the Great Land of Eightfold Isles made by the kami Izanami and Izanagi, inhabited by the kami Amenomisoratoyoakitsunewake.1[...]

Mount Unebi This is a redirect page for the Mount Unebi. We are a wiki as well as a Blog and podcast site which is constantly and steadily growing. Bringing to you all aspects of Japanese history. It is going to be a project which will expand continuously over the[...]

Yamato Sanzan Yamato Sanzan (大和三山, Three Hillls of Yamato) are located near the city of Kashihara in Nara Prefecture, Kansai Region. These three mountains are Unebiyama, Amanokagushima and Miminashiyama. All three of them are formed of igneous rock and are mentioned in the Man’yōshū.1 Mount Unebi Co-ordinates: 34°29′32.5″N135°47′06″E Height: 199.2m Mount[...]