Wiki Category: Artefacts

Co-ordinates: 34°27′18″N 136°43′33″E Region: Kansai Region Prefecture: Mie Prefecture Founded: 4BCE Affiliation: Shinto Ise Grand Shrine The Ise Grand Shrine (伊勢神宮) is a Shinto Shrine dedicated to Amaterasu, located in Mie Prefecture. It is supposedly the resting place of the Sacred Mirror and was established by Yamatohime. Mythological Origins During[...]

See also: Sacred Regalia Divine Treasures Divine Treasures appear to be some form of previous items gifted to Japan or brought to Japan by kami in the distant past. Reign of Sujin Under the rule of this Emperor there is made mention of Sacred Treasures which had been brought to[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: Prince Amanohihoko (great-grandfather) Birth: – Death: – Kiyohiko Kiyohiko was a man from the time of Emperor Suinin, said to have been the great-grandson of Prince Amanohihoko. Late in his reign the Emperor sends for the Divine Treasures brought at the start of his[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: Sarudabiko (ancestor) Birth: – Death: – Otanomikoto Otanomikoto also known as Okitama was a man mentioned within the Jinnō Shōtōki. He is said to have been a descendant of Sarudabiko and met with Yamatohime. During the establishment of the area to be used for the[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Princess / Established the Ise Shrine Family: Emperor Suinin (father) Hibasuhime (mother) Emperor Keikō (brother) Inishikinoiribiko (brother) Ohonakatsuhiko (brother) Wakakiiribiko (brother) Birth: – Death: – Yamatohime Yamatohime (倭比売命 / 倭姫命) was the daughter of Emperor Suinin and Hibasuhime and is creditted with the establishment of the Ise Grand Shrine.1[...]

See also: Provinces Tajima Province Tajima Province (但馬国) is one of the many Provinces which once existed in Japan. Legendary Period During the 3rd year in the reign of Emperor Suinin, Prince Amanohihoko arrives with a gift of three gems (Habuto, Ashidaka and Ukaka) as well as an Idzushi short[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Five Daibu / Ōmuraji Family: – Birth: – Death: – Tochine Tochine is a mentioned during the reign of Emperor Suinin and is stated as a member of the Mononobe Clan with the rank of Ōmuraji. He is said to have been one of the Five[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Mata no wo (wife) Tajima Mori (son) Kiyohiko (great-grandson) Birth: – Death: – Amenohihoko Amenohihoko/Amanohihoko (天之日矛) was a prince from Silla who visit Japan during the 3rd year of Emperor Suinin’s reign, it is said he decided to dwell in the land of Tajima[...]

Kageonna Kageonna (影女 – Shadow Woman) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. This particular creature is the shadow of a woman which is cast on the shoji doors in haunted houses.1 External Links View the book online here: Konjaku Hyakki Shūi Online. Footnotes 1. Yoda,[...]

Oshiroibaba Oshiroibaba (白粉婆 – Face Powder Hag) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. This creature is said to be the handmaiden of the kami for beni and oshiroi (lipstick and facepowder) by the name of Jifun-senjō. In his depiction of this creature Sekien partly quotes[...]

See also: Provinces Izumi Province Ise Province (伊勢国) was one of the many provinces in Japan. Legendary Period During the reign of Emperor Suinin his daughter Yamatohime is entrusted with the care of Amaterasu. She goes searching for a place to enshrine Amaterasu travelling through Sasahata in Uda, then Mino[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: Umashikarahisa (father) Birth: – Death: – Ukatsukunu Ukatsukunu (鸕濡渟) was the son of Umashikarahisa and is seen mentioned during the reign of Emperor Sujin. He is entrusted alongside his father Umashikarahisa to take Sacred Treasures to Emperor Sujin after he requests to see them. Furune[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: Izumo Furune (brother) Ihiirine (brother) Ukatsukunu (son) Birth: – Death: – Umashikarahisa Umashikarahisa (甘美韓日狭) was the brother of Ihiirine and Izumo Furune seen mentioned during the reign of Emperor Sujin. He is entrusted alongside his son Ukatsukunu to take Sacred Treasures to Emperor Sujin[...]

For the member of the Imperial Family see: Irine For the ancestor of the Haji Clan see: Iirine Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: Izumo Furune (brother) Umashikarahisa (brother) Birth: – Death: – Ihiirine Ihiirine (飯入根) was the brother of Izumo Furune and Umashikarahisa. He gives over some sacred treasures[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: Ihiirine (brother) Umashikarahisa (brother) Birth: – Death: – Izumo Furune Izumo Furune (出雲振根) was a man who resided over the Izumo Shrine, and the Sacred Treasures there that had once been brought to earth by the kami Takehiratori. He is said to have been[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: – Death: – Takemorosumi Takemorosumi (武諸隅命) is mentioned during the reign of Emperor Sujin. He is sent by the Emperor to Izumo Shrine to retrieve Sacred Treasures that had once been brought to earth by the kami Takehiratori. He is said to[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Princess Family: Emperor Sujin (father) Tohotsunoayumemekuhashi (mother) Toyokiiribiko (brother) Birth: – Death: – Toyosukiiribime Toyosukiiribime (豊鍬入姫命) was the daughter of Emperor Sujin and Tohotsunoayumemekuhashi. The kojiki states that she was High Priestess at the Ise Grand Shrine.12 The Jinnō Shōtōki states that during the reign of Sujin,[...]

See also: Provinces Kibi Province Kibi Province (吉備国) was one of the many provinces in Japan. Legendary Period According to one tale in the Nihongi, Susano-o killed the dragon Yamata no Orochi using the blade Orochi no Karasabi. This sword was eventually given into the care of the Kambe of[...]

See also: Provinces Aki Province Aki Province (安藝國/安芸国) was one of the many provinces in Japan. Legendary Period According to one version of events in the nihongi, the kami Susano-o comes to the River Ye in this province. Here he meets Ashi-nadzu-te-nadzu and his wife Inada no Miya-nushi Susa no[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Princess Family: Emperor Kōgen (father) Uchishikome (mother) Emperor Kaika (brother) Ohobiko (brother) Birth: – Death: – Yamatotohime Yamatotohime (倭迹迹姫命) was the daughter of Emperor Kōgen and Uchishikome and so was the sister of Ohobiko and Emperor Kaika. She is also given the name of Yamatotohimomosobime1. She does not[...]

Period: Azuchi-Momoyama Period, Edo Period Occupation: Sculptor Family: Birth: c.1548 Death: c.1634 Hidari Jingorō Hidari Jingorō (左 甚五郎) is said to have lived from c.1584-1634,1 and whose real name was Itami Toshikatsu.12 Born in Akashi (now Hyogo Prefecture) he was discipled to a master carpenter of the Imperial Court.2 Said[...]

Human Sacrifice Human Sacrifice was a practise that was said to have been carried out in ancient Japan. Though it is dubious whether this actually occoured or not. Hitobashira Hitobashira (人柱 – Human Pillar) was the practise of emtombing a person at the base of a structure/pillar with the belief[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Emperor Sujin (father) Mimakihime (mother) Emperor Suinin (brother) Kunikatahime (sister) Chijitsukuyamatohime (sister) Igahime (sister) Izanomawaka (brother) Birth: – Death: – Yamatohiko Yamatohiko (倭彦命) was the son of Emperor Sujin and Mimakihime.123 Emperor Sujin’s Reign During his reign the kojiki states that the practise of human[...]

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: –[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Author Family: Sugawara no Takasue Birth: 1008 Death: after 1059 Sugawara no Takasue no Musume Sugawara no Takasue no Musume (菅原孝標女) was a member of the Sugawara Clan and daughter of Sugawara no Takasue, born in 100812 she died some time after 1067.2 Though we know[...]

First Ruler: Haji no Sukune Furuhito Final Ruler: – Dissolution: – Parent House: Haji Clan For a full list of Japanese Clans see: Clans. Sugawara Clan The Sugawara Clan (菅原氏) is a decendant of the Haji Clan which came into existence in 781AD.12 The change occoured when Haji no Sukune[...]

Period: Nara Period Occupation: Lieutenant Governor of Tōtōmi Family: Haji Clan (ancestors) Sugawara Clan (decendants) Birth: Death: Haji no Sukune Furuhito Haji no Sukune Furuhito (土師 宿禰古人) later Sugawara no Furuhito (菅原古人) was a member of the Haji Clan until he requested their name be changed to Sugawara. During his[...]

First Ruler: Nomi no Sukune (dubious) Final Ruler: – Dissolution: – Cadet Branches: Sugawara Clan, Akishino Clan, Ōe Clan, Niehaji. For a full list of Clans: See Japanese Clans. Haji Clan The Haji Clan (土師氏) was a Japanese clan which claimed descent from the Shinto kami Amenohohi in the 12[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Sumo Wrestler, Master Potter Family: Haji Clan (descendants) Haji no Mino (great-grandson) Amenohohi (ancestor) Others see below. Birth: Death: Nomi no Sukune Nomi no Sukune (野見 宿禰) was said to have been a descendant of the kami Amenohohi in the 14th generation and great-grandfather to Haji[...]

Ama no Hayekiri / Orochi no Karasabi / Orochi no Aramasa Ama no Hayekiri, Orochi no Karasabi and Orochi no Aramasa are the names of swords used by Susano-o to kill the Dragon Yamata no Orochi. The name changes as within the nihongi there are several alternative versions of the same[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Clothing Family: Futemimi (mother) Yatsukamizu Omitsuno (father) Sashikuniwakahime (wife) Ōkuninushi (son) Amenofuyukinu Amenofuyukinu (天之冬衣神 – Padded Winter Robe of Heaven1) is a Shinto kami mentioned in both the Kojiki and Nihongi. In the Kojiki he is said to have been the son of Futemimi and Yatsukamizu Omitsuno.[...]

Yamata no Orochi Yamata no Orochi (ヤマタノオロチ, also 八岐大蛇 , 八俣遠呂智 or 八俣遠呂知, 大蛇) was a giant serpentine Dragon mentioned in the Shinto Mythologies in association with Susano-o. The Dragon and Susano-o can be found in old texts such as the Kojiki and Nihongi.12 The appaearance of the Dragon in[...]

  Period: Heian Period Occupation: Warrior / Poet / Monk Family: – Birth: 1104AD Death: 1180AD Minamoto no Yorimasa Minamoto no Yorimasa (源 頼政 was a poet and warrior living from 1104-80.12 As a buddhist monk he went by the name of Gensan-in Nyūdo2, but also was known as Genzanmi[...]

Nue Nue (鵺) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. This creature is said to dwell in the mountains taking the appearance of a creature with the head of a monkey, limbs of a tiger and tail of a viper, according to[...]

See also: List of Folktales Momotarō Momotarō (桃太郎 – Peach Boy) is a Folktale about a man with the same name, as well as a Dog, Monkey and Pheasant and their journey to the island of Onigashima to stop the Oni.1 There are many verisons of the tale (and will[...]

Be See also: Court Titles, Imperial Titles, Provincial Titles, Uji, Sesshō and Kampaku Be (部) was the term used for groupings of people prior to the 7th Century who has associations to the Yamato Court or lineage groups (uji). The individual people in a ‘Be’ were known as ‘bumin.’ All[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Deity of: Blacksmithing Family: – Amatsumara Amatsumara (One Eye of Heaven) (天津麻羅) is the Shinto deity of blacksmiths and acts as the smith of Heaven. Mentioned in the Kojiki, after Amaterasu hides herself in the Sacred Rock Cave, he is asked to come forth and help them figure[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Amenohohi (father) Takehiratori Takehiratori (建比良鳥 – Brave Hinterland Bird1) is a Shinto kami mentioned in both the Kojiki and Nihongi.12 The kami also goes by the names of Amenohinatori and Takehinateri.2 He is said to be the son of Amenohohi  and became the ancestor for[...]

See also: List of Provinces Yamato Province Yamato Province (大和国) was an old Province of Japan, located in what is now Nara Prefecture.12 Inception During its inception, when the Kokugen System came into effect, it stayed as the centre of government and culture from the 4th century until 784. It[...]

See also: List of Provinces Hizen Province Hizen Province (肥前国), also known as Bizen, was an old Province of Japan, located in what is now Nagasaki and Saga Prefecture.1 Legenedary Period Legends state that the sword Orochi no Aramasa eventually came to dwell in Isonomaki in Bizen Province.2 Kamakura/Muromachi Period[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

Period: Nara Period Occupation: – Family: Fujiwara no Muchimaro (father) Fujiwara no Toyonari (brother) Fujiwara no Otomaro (brother) Fujiwara no Kosemaro (brother) Fujiwara no Sadatsugu (brother) Fujiwara no Asukabehime (aunt) Emperor Shōmu (uncle) Birth: 706AD Death:764AD Fujiwara no Nakamarō Fujiwara no Nakamarō (藤原 仲麻呂) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan,[...]

Reign: 758-764AD Period: Nara Period Family: Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Empress Kōken * Successor Empress Shōtoku Emperor Junnin Emperor Junnin (淳仁天皇) was the 47th Emperor of Japan, nominated for the crown by Fujiwara no Nakamarō due to his blood ties to the Emperor, Nakamarō also forced the Crown[...]

Reign: 749-758AD, 764-770AD Period: Nara Period Family: Fujiwara no Asukabehime (mother) Emperor Shōmu (father) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: 1st Reign: Predecessor Emperor Shōmu * Successor Emperor Junnin 2nd Reign: Predecessor Emperor Junnin * Successor Emperor Kōnin Empress Kōken Empress Kōken  (孝謙天皇) was the 46th Emperor of Japan, reigning from 749-758AD, returning[...]

Reign: 707-715AD Born: 661AD Died: 721AD Period: Asuka Period Family: Emperor Monmu (son) Prince Kusakabe (husband) Empress Jitō (half-sister) Emperor Tenji (father) Empress Genshō (daughter) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Monmu * Successor Empress Genshō Empress Genmei Empress Genmei (元明 天皇) was the 43rd Emperor of Japan. Known before her ascension to the throne as Princess Abe.1[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Mountains Family: Kagutsuchi (father) Masakayamatsu (sibling) Odoyamatsumi (sibling) Kurayamatsumi (sibling) Okuyamatsumi (sibling) Shigiyamatsumi (sibling) Hayamatsumi (sibling) Harayamatsumi (sibling) Toyamatsumi Toyamatsumi (戸山津見神 – Outer Mountain Majesty) is the eighth and last Shinto Mountain kami born from the body of Kagutsuchi after he was beheaded by the sword Itsunoohabari, owned by[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Mountains Family: Kagutsuchi (father) Masakayamatsu (sibling) Odoyamatsumi (sibling) Kurayamatsumi (sibling) Okuyamatsumi (sibling) Shigiyamatsumi (sibling) Hayamatsumi (sibling) Toyamatsumi (sibling) Harayamatsumi Harayamatsumi (原山津見神 – Mountain Field Majesty) is the sixth of eight Shinto Mountain kami born from the body of Kagutsuchi after he was beheaded by the sword Itsunoohabari, owned[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Mountains Family: Kagutsuchi (father) Masakayamatsu (sibling) Odoyamatsumi (sibling) Kurayamatsumi (sibling) Okuyamatsumi (sibling) Shigiyamatsumi (sibling) Harayamatsumi (sibling) Toyomatsumi (sibling) Hayamatsumi Hayamatsumi (羽山津見神 – Mountain Foot Majesty) is the sixth of eight Shinto Mountain kami born from the body of Kagutsuchi after he was beheaded by the sword Itsunoohabari, owned[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Mountains Family: Kagutsuchi (father) Masakayamatsu (sibling) Odoyamatsumi (sibling) Kurayamatsumi (sibling) Okuyamatsumi (sibling) Hayamatsumi (sibling) Harayamatsumi (sibling) Toyomatsumi (sibling) Shigiyamatsumi Shigiyamatsumi (志藝山津見神 – Mountain Forest Majesty) is the fifth of eight Shinto Mountain kami born from the body of Kagutsuchi after he was beheaded by the sword Itsunoohabari, owned[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Mountains Family: Kagutsuchi (father) Masakayamatsu (sibling) Odoyamatsumi (sibling) Okuyamatsumi (sibling) Shigiyamatsumi (sibling) Hayamatsumi (sibling) Harayamatsumi (sibling) Toyomatsumi (sibling) Kurayamatsumi Kurayamatsumi (闇山津見神 – Mountain Gorge Majesty) is the fourth of eight Shinto Mountain kami born from the body of Kagutsuchi after he was beheaded by the sword Itsunoohabari, owned[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Mountains Family: Kagutsuchi (father) Masakayamatsu (sibling) Odoyamatsumi (sibling) Kurayamatsumi (sibling) Shigiyamatsumi (sibling) Hayamatsumi (sibling) Harayamatsumi (sibling) Toyomatsumi (sibling) Okuyamatsumi Okuyamatsumi (奥山津見神 – Inner Mountain Majesty) is the third of eight Shinto Mountain kami born from the body of Kagutsuchi after he was beheaded by the sword Itsunoohabari, owned[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Mountains Family: Kagutsuchi (father) Masakayamatsu (sibling) Okuyamatsumi (sibling) Kurayamatsumi (sibling) Shigiyamatsumi (sibling) Hayamatsumi (sibling) Harayamatsumi (sibling) Toyomatsumi (sibling) Odoyamatsumi Odoyamatsumi (淤縢山津見神 – Younger Mountain Majesty) is the second of eight Shinto Mountain kami born from the body of Kagutsuchi after he was beheaded by the sword Itsunoohabari, owned[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Mountains Family: Kagutsuchi (father) Odoyamatsumi (sibling) Okuyamatsumi (sibling) Kurayamatsumi (sibling) Shigiyamatsumi (sibling) Hayamatsumi (sibling) Harayamatsumi (sibling) Toyamatsumi (sibling) Masakayamatsumi Masakayamatsumi (正鹿山津見神 – True Mountain Majesty) is the first of eight Shinto Mountain kami born from the body of Kagutsuchi after he was beheaded by the sword Itsunoohabari, owned by[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Ravines Family: Kagutsuchi (father) Kuraokami (sibling) Kuramitsuha Kuramitsuha (闇御津羽神 – Ravine Water Rushing) is a Shinto kami and the last of two Ravine kami born from the blood of Kagutsuchi after he was beheaded by the sword Itsunoohabari owned by Izanagi. The blood, caught upon the swords hilt[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Ravines Family: Kagutsuchi (father) Kuramitsuha (brother) Kuraokami Kuraokami (闇淤加美神 – Ravine Rain Serpent) is a Shinto kami and the first of two Ravine kami born from the blood of Kagutsuchi after he was beheaded by the sword Itsunoohabari owned by Izanagi. The blood, caught upon the swords[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Lightning Family: Kagutsuchi (father) Hihayahi (brother) Mikahayahi (brother) Takemikazuchinoo Takemikazuchinoo (建御雷之男神 – Brave Mighty Thunderbolt Man) is a Shinto Kami and the last of three Lightning Kami born from the blood of Kagutsuchi after he was beheaded by the sword Itsunoohabari owned by Izanagi. The blood, caught[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Lightning Family: Kagutsuchi (father) Mikahayahi (brother) Takemikazuchinoo (brother) Hihayahi Hihayahi (樋速日神 – Blazing Stormer) is a Shinto kami and the second of three Lightning kami born from the blood of Kagutsuchi after he was beheaded by the sword Itsunoohabari owned by Izanagi. The blood, caught upon[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Lightning Family: Kagutsuchi (father) Hihayahi (brother) Takemikazuchinoo (brother) Mikahayahi Mikahayahi (甕速日神 – Stern Stormer) is a Shinto kami and the first of three Lightning kami born from the blood of Kagutsuchi after he was beheaded by the sword Itsunoohabari owned by Izanagi. The blood, caught upon[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Kagutsuchi (father) Nesaku (brother) Iwasaku (brother) Iwatsutsunoo Iwatsutsunoo (石筒之男神 – Stone Mallet Man) is a Shinto kami and the last of three born from the blood of Kagutsuchi after he was beheaded by the sword Itsunoohabari owned by Izanagi. The blood, caught upon the swords tip[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Kagutsuchi (father) Iwasaku (brother) Iwatsutsunoo (brother) Nesaku Nesaku (根折神 – Root Splitter) is a Shinto kami and the second of three born from the blood of Kagutsuchi after he was beheaded by the sword Itsunoohabari owned by Izanagi. The blood, caught upon the swords tip dripped[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Kagutsuchi (father) Nesaku (brother) Iwatsutsunoo (brother) Iwasaku Iwasaku (石折神 – Boulder Splitter) is a Shinto kami and the first of three kami born from the blood of Kagutsuchi after he was beheaded by the sword Itsunoohabari owned by Izanagi. The blood, caught upon the swords tip[...]

Itsunoohabari Itsunoohabari (伊都之尾羽張 – Stern Sweeping Blade) also Amenoohabari (天之尾羽張神 – Sweeping blade of Heaven) is the ‘ten span sword’ owned by the Shinto kami Izanagi. He uses the blade to behead his child Kagutsuchi, after he caused the death of his mother Izanami during child birth by burning her. The[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Fire, Volcanoes, Slash and Burn Agriculture Family: Izanagi (father) Izanami (mother) Haniyamahime (wife) Children (numerous, see below) Kagutsuchi Kagutsuchi (Flame Elder – 軻遇突智) is the kami of Fire in Shinto Mythology. He is also known as Hinoyagihayao (Swift Burning Flame Man), Hinokagabiko (Blazing Flame Lad), Hinokagutsuchi[...]

Jorōgumo The Jorōgumo (絡新婦) (Spider Bride) is a type of Yōkai. Toriyama Sekien depicts this Yōkai in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō giving it the alternative name of a ‘Harlot-Spider‘. Sekien depicts the creature perched atop a cherry tree in bloom (therefore depicting Spring), but with orb-weaver Spiders (who exist in[...]

The Shinansha Artefact The Shinansha Artefact is a kind of compass created by Emperor Kotei in the Folktale The Shinansha. However, instead of pointing North, it points South. It takes the form of a carriage with the figure of a man inside always facing south. No matter which way you[...]

Period: Legenedery Period Family: Emperor Yuhi (father) Emperor Kotei Emperor Kotei is said to have been the son of Emperor Yuhi, and is mentioned in the Folktale The Shinansha. He ascends as Emperor after his father, quickly becoming troubled by the rebel Shiyu who wished to take his throne. And[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Magician. Bandit. Shiyu Shiyu is noted to have been a rebel in the Folktale The Shinansha. He is said to have had been a wicked magician with a head made of iron, and that no man could ever defeat him. In the tale, he wishes to[...]

See also: List of Folktales See also: The Shinansha (Artefact) The Shinansha The Shinansha, also known as The South Pointing Carriage is a Japanese Folktale relating to China. Synopsis One day the mother of Emperor Kotei was out walking, looking at the North Star vivid flashes of lightning came from[...]

Reign: 593-628AD Period: Asuka Period Family: Emperor Bidatsu (husband) Emperor Kinmei (father) Emperor Yōmei (brother) Soga no Umako (uncle) Shōtoku Taisha (nephew) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Sushun * Successor Emperor Jomei Empress Suiko Empress Suiko (推古天皇) was the thirty-third Emperor of Japan1, younger sister to Emperor[...]

For the member of the Imperial Family see: Otohime Family: Ryūjin (father) Urashima Tarō (husband) Otohime Sama Otohime Sama (乙姫) was the daughter and Princess of Ryūjin noted in the Folktale Urashima Taro the Fisher Lad. She is described as having lovely black hair fashioned in the style of hundreds[...]

Occupation: Fisherman Family: Otohime Sama (wife) Urashima Tarō Urashima Tarō (浦島 太郎) is known from the Folktale Urashima Taro the Fisher Lad. Origins The earliest versions of this Folktale appear in the Tango Fudoki where the character of Urashima is given the name Shima no Ko.1 Folktales Synopsis Urashima was[...]

See also: List of Folktales Urashima Tarō the Fisher Lad Urashima Tarō the Fisher Lad (浦島 太郎) is a Folktale about Urashima Taro and a Tortoise. Origins The earliest versions of this Folktale appear in the Tango Fudoki where the character of Urashima is given the name Shima no Ko.1[...]

Reign: 400-406AD Period: Kofun Period Family: Emperor Hanzei (brother) Emperor Kenzo (grand-son) Emperor Ninken (grandson) Oshinumi (granddaughter) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Nintoku  * Successor Emperor Hanzei Emperor Richū Emperor Richū (履中天皇) is the seventeenth Emperor of Japan, claiming the throne after a dispute with a rival[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: – Tamanooya Tamanooya (玉祖命 / Jewel Ancestor1) is a Shinto kami. She is mentioned in the kojiki during the time when Amaterasu hides in the Sacred Rock Cave. She is tasked with making a string of jewels (magatama) to aide in convincing the Sun kami[...]

Co-ordinates: Region: Chūbu Region Prefecture: Aichi Prefecture Founded: Affiliation: Shinto Atsuta Shrine The Atsuta Shrine (熱田神宮) is a Shinto Shrine located in Nagoya. Legendary Period In the 51st year of Emperor Keikō’s reign the Sacred Sword kusanagi was enshrined here.1 Footnotes 1. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi Volume 1: Chronicles of[...]

See also: List of Provinces Sagami Province Sagami Province (相模国) was an old Province in Japan, situated in what is now Kanagawa Prefecture, established during the Taika Reforms in 645.4 This area is called Sagami in the Kojiki1, but Suruga in the Nihongi2. Legendary Period Yamato Takeru travelled through here[...]

See also: List of Provinces Owari Province Owari Province (尾張国) was once a Province of Japan, located in what is now Aichi Prefecture. Created in 646 under the Kokugun System3, it is one of the 15 Provinces traversed by the Tokaido Road.13 This Province is also known as Bishū (尾州).3[...]

Co-ordinates: 33°N 131°E Prefectures: Fukuoka Prefecture, Kagoshima Prefecture, Kumamoto Prefecture, Miyazaki Prefecture, Nagasaki Prefecture, Oita Prefecture, Okinawa Prefecture, Saga Prefecture Kyushu Kyushu (九州, Nine Provinces) also called Tsukushi (筑紫島, Lands End) in the kojiki and nihongi is one of the four main islands of Japan, the islands older name of[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Emperor Keikō (father) Harima no Inabi no Ōiratsume (mother) Yamato Hime (aunt) Emperor Chūai (son) Ōsu (brother) Kushitsunuwake (brother) Wakayamatoneko (brother) Kamukushi (brother) several other wives and children see below Birth: – Death: – Yamato Takeru Yamato Takeru (小碓命, Prince Ōsu – The Brave of[...]

Reign: 71-130AD Period: Legendary Period Family: Emperor Suinin (father) Hibasuhime (mother) Yasakairihime (wife) Emperor Seimu (son) many children see below Burial place: misasagi in Yamanobe Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Suinin * Successor Emperor Seimu Emperor Keikō Emperor Keikō (景行天皇) was the twelfth Emperor of Japan also known as Ōtarashihiko Oshirowake[...]

Reign: 29BC-70AD Born: Period: Legendary Period Family: Emperor Sujin (father) Mimakihime (mother) many wives and children, see below. Burial place: misasagi in Fushimi, Sugahara Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Sujin * Successor Emperor Keikō Emperor Suinin Emperor Suinin (垂仁天皇) was the eleventh Emperor of Japan also known as Ikumeiribikoisachi (活目入彦五十狭茅天皇)123. He ruled from[...]

Reign: 97-30BC Born: 148BC Period: Legendary Period Family: Emperor Kaika (father) Ikagashikome (mother) Many wives and children see below. Burial place: misasagi in Isonokami Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Kaika * Successor Emperor Suinin Emperor Sujin Emperor Sujin (崇神 天皇) was the 10th Emperor of Japan also known as Mimakiiribikoiniye (御眞木入日子印恵命)1[...]

Kojiki The Kojiki (古事記 – Records of Ancient Matters or An Account of Ancient Matters) is one of the earliest Japanese Chronicles we have from Japan. Creation and Authorship In AD682 the Emperor Tenmu commissioned his Princes and High Officials to prepare: a history of the Emperor’s and of matters[...]

Onogoroshima Onogoroshima (淤能碁呂島) is the island formed by both Izanami and Izanagi using the Jewelled Spear of Heaven whilst standing upon the Floating Bridge of Heaven. The island formed after they used the Spear to churn up the ocean below, the salt which fell from the Spear piling up to[...]

Reign: 660-584BC Period: Legendary Period Family: Emperor Suizei (son) Burial Place: Near Mount Unebi. Order of Succession: Predecessor N/A  * Successor Emperor Suizei Emperor Jimmu Emperor Jimmu (神武天皇) was the first legendary Emperor of Japan, dated in the Nihongi to have begun his rule on 11th February 660BC in Kashihara,[...]

First Ruler: Fujiwara no Kamatari Final Ruler: – Dissolution: – Parent House: Nakatomi Clan For a full list of Japanese Clans see: Clans. Fujiwara Clan The Fujiwara Clan (藤原氏) is a descendant of the Nakatomi Clan and came into existence after Nakatomi no Kamatari had his family name changed by[...]

Kujiki The Kujiki (旧事紀) also known as the Kuijiki (English: Chronicles of Old Matters of Former Ages) is one of the earliest literary chronicles still in existence from Japan compiled in AD620. The text was entrusted to the Soga Clan. However when the house fell in AD645 a large part[...]

See also: Divine Treasures Sacred Regalia The Sacred Regalia (三種の神器) are the three Sacred Items of the Imperial Throne, consisting of the Sword Kusanagi (草薙劍), the Jewel Yasakani no Magatama (八尺瓊勾玉) and the Mirror Yata no Kagami (八咫鏡). The Sacred Regalia is known to have been given by Amaterasu to[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Japan Family: Izanami (sister/wife) Awokashikine (mother) Aha Nagi (father) Children (numerous – see below) Izanagi Izanagi (伊邪那岐 or 伊弉諾, He Who Beckons2) was the brother and husband of Izanami, born as the 7th Generation of kami. Through sexual congress, the two of them gave birth to[...]

The Jewelled Spear of Heaven and the Mighty Pillar of Heaven are two items mentioned in the kojiki, kujiki and nihongi. The Jewelled Spear of Heaven The Spear (Amenonuhoko, 天沼矛 or 天之瓊矛 or 天瓊戈) is noted to have been used by Izanami and Izanagi. Using it they churned up the[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Yomi Family: Amaterasu (sister) Tsukiyomi (brother) Ōkuninushi (son) Takiribime (daughter) Ichikishimahime (daughter) Takitsuhime (daughter) Ōkuninushi (descendant) Numerous other decendants Susano-o Susano-o (須佐之男), also called Hayasusano-o2, is known to be the father of Ōkuninushi and brother to the Sun Amaterasu and Moon Tsukiyomi. He rules over Yomi[...]

Shinto Shinto (神道) is one of the main relgions of Japan and is native to the country. Founding Mythology Founding Kami See also: List of Shinto Kami. The original three kami of Shinto which appeared when Heaven and Earth formed, as related in the Kojiki were known as follows:1 Amenominakanushi[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Amaterasu (grand-mother) Susano-o (great-uncle) Emperor Jimmu (grand-son) Ninigi Ninigi (瓊瓊杵尊) is stated to have been the grandson of Amaterasu the Sun kami who was attended by a myriad of other kami, including his principle lieutenants who would become the ancestors of many Japanese clans. Upon[...]

Co-ordinates: 34°23′N 134°50′E Region: Kansai Region Prefecture: Hyōgo Prefecture Awaji Shima Awaji Shima (淡路島, Foamway Isle) is one of the many islands of Japan. Mythological Origins It was the first of the Great Land of Eightfold Isles created by Izanami and Izanagi, inhabited by the kami Awajinohonosawake according to the[...]

Nihongi The Nihongi (日本紀 – Japanese Chronicles) also called the Nihon Shoki (日本書紀 – The Chronicles of Japan) is one of the oldest documents we have concerning early and mythological Japanese history. Creation and Sources The document was completed in AD7201, however, its inception may have begun in AD714 when[...]