Wiki Category: Gender

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Hereditary High Official, Nashitsubo no Gonin Family: Ōnakatomi no Yorimoto Birth: 921AD Death: 991AD Ōnakatomi no Yoshinobu Ōnakatomi no Yoshinobu (大中臣 能宣) was a Heian Period poet, as well as holding the position of Hereditary High Official of the Department of Religious Affairs.1 Additionally, he[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Lieutenant of Imperial Guard Family: Fujiwara no Toshiie (father) Fujiwara no Michinaga (great-grandfather) Birth: 1060AD Death: 1142AD Fujiwara no Mototoshi Fujiwara no Mototoshi (藤原 基俊) also went by the name of Kakushi. He was the son of the Minister Fujiwara no Toshiie1 and great[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Statesman, Imperial Advisor. Family: – Birth: 802AD Death: 852AD Ono no Takamura Ono no Takamura (小野 篁) was a Heian Period statesman, living from 802 to 852, who was also known for his poetry.1 In 834 he was ship wrecked during a mission to[...]

Period: Nara Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Minister of Military Affairs, Governor of Etchū Province Family: Ōtomo no Tabito (father) Sakanoue no Iratsume (aunt) Ōiratsume (cousin and wife) Birth: 718? Death: 785 Ōtomo no Yakamochi Ōtomo no Yakamochi (大伴 家持) was a Poet who lived from perhaps 718 until 7851. Family[...]

See also: Moriya Sen’an Poems Moriya Sen’an Moriya Sen’an was a Japanese poet, known to have written specifically jisei (death poems). We know that he died in 1838 (Edo Period), but sadly not much more is known. His death poems often included a humorous note to them and the one[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet Family: – Birth: – Death: – Ōtomo Kuronushi Ōtomo Kuronushi (大友 黒主) is known to have been one of the Six Poetic Geniuses, a list of six talented Heian Period Poets created by Ki no Tsurayuki. Out of the six poets he is the[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Provincial Governor, Director of the Imperial Wardrobe Family: Fun’ya no Asayasu (son) Birth: 9th Century Death: – Fun’ya no Yasuhide Fun’ya no Yasuhide (文屋 康秀), also known as Bun’ya no Yasuhide, was a Japanese poet who lived during the second half of the 9th[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet / Painter Family: Prince Abo (father) Ariwara no Munehari (son) Ariwara no Yukihira (brother) Ōe no Chisato (nephew) Birth: 825 Death: 880 Ariwara no Narihira Ariwara no Narihira (在原 業平) was a renowed poet and painter from the early Heian Period living from 825 to 880.4[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Monk Family: Priest Sosei (son) Birth: 816 Death: 890 Henjo Henjo (遍昭 or 遍照) was a Buddhist monk and poet, entering into religion in 849. Before this he was known as Yoshimine no Munesada (良岑宗貞) and lived between 816 and 890. Before entering into religion[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Monk Family: Birth: mid 9th Century Death: – Priest Kisen Priest Kisen (喜撰) was a Buddhist monk and Japanese poet living around the mid 9th century. Sadly not much is known about him other than he lived in the area of Uji and according[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Priest Family: Birth: 988 Death: 1051? Priest Nōin Priest Nōin (能因) also known as Tachibana no Nagayasu (橘永愷) before entering into religion and changing his name, lived from 988 to around 1051AD. He entered into religion after graduating from the Imperial University aged 25,[...]

Period: Nara Period, Heian Period Occupation: Poet Family: – Birth: 770/778 Death: 830 Ono no Minemori Ono no Minemori (小野 岑守) is known to have been a poet who lived from around 770/778 until 830. He wrote his poetry in Chinese and is the compiled of a poetry collection known[...]

Period: – Occupation: – Family: Fujiwara no Fusasaki (father) Fujiwara no Nagate (brother) Fujiwara no Matate (brother) Fujiwara no Kiyokawa (brother) Fujiwara no Torikai (brother) Birth: – Death: – Fujiwara no Uona Fujiwara no Uona (藤原 魚名) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan, more specifically the Hokke Branch of this clan.1[...]

Period: Asuka Period Occupation: Religious Founder Family: Birth: 634? Death: 701? En no Ozunu En no Ozunu (役小角) lived during the Asuka Period, perhaps from 634-701AD. He was born with the name Kamo-no-e-no-kimi, but over his life he gathered many others such as En no Gyōja (役行者 En the pilgrim), Jinben[...]

Period: Heian Period, Kamakura Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Monk Family: – Birth: 1118 Death: 1190 Saigyō Hōshi Saigyō Hōshi 西行法師 (birth name – Satō Norikiyo 佐藤義清) was a poet-monk who lived from 1118 to 1190AD. He also held the position of Officer of the Imperial Guard of the Left. At[...]

Period: Heian Period / Kamakura Period Occupation: Waka Poet Family: Fujiwara no Shunzei (father) Priest Jakuren (brother-in-law) Birth: 1162AD Death: 1241AD Fujiwara no Teika Fujiwara no Teika, also known as Fujiwara no Sadaie (藤原 定家) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan living from 1162 to 1241. He was the son[...]

Period: Heian Period / Kamakura Period Occupation: Waka Poet Family: Fujiwara no Teika (son) Priest Jakuren (son-in-law) Fujiwara no Sanesada (nephew) Birth: 1114AD Death: 1204AD Fujiwara no Shunzei Fujiwara no Shunzei (藤原 俊成), also known as Fujiwara no Toshinari was a member of the Fujiwara Clan. He was the father[...]

See also: Sarumaru Taifu Poems Period: Nara Period Occupation: Waka Poet Family: – Birth: ? (Active during mid 8th Century?) Sarumaru Taifu Sarumaru Taifu, also called Sarumaru Dayu (猿丸大夫) lived during the mid 8th century, or so we believe.  This poet may in fact have never existed in the first place[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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: 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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Honshu Family: Izanami (mother) Izanagi (father) Amenomisoratoyoakitsunewake Amenomisoratoyoakitsunewake (天御虚空豊秋津根別 – Little Lord Plentiful Autumns Filling Heaven’s Mighty Firmament) was the child of Izanami and Izanagi and is said to be the kami of the island of Yamato (Honshu), the final of the Great Eight Isles according to the Kojiki.[...]

Period: Nara Period Occupation: Buddhist Monk Family: – Birth: – Death:- Dōkyō Dōkyō (道鏡) was a Buddhist Priest who lived during the Nara Period and the reign of Empress Kōken. At the time he was renowned as the medical authority and so when Kōken became ill he was called upon[...]

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[...]

Period: Nara Period Occupation: Prince Family: Fujiwara no Fubito (father) Empress Kōken (daughter) Emperor Shōmu (husband) Fujiwara no Miyako (sister) Fujiwara no Fusasaki (brother) Fujiwara no Umakai (brother) Fujiwara no Maro (brother) Fujiwara no Muchimaro (brother) Birth: – Death:- Fujiwara no Asukabehime Fujiwara no Asukabehime (藤原 安宿媛), later known as Empress[...]

Reign: 724-749AD Period: Nara Period Family: Emperor Monmu (father) Fujiwara no Miyako (mother) Fujiwara no Asukabehime (wife) Empress Kōken (daughter) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Empress Genshō * Successor Empress Kōken Emperor Shōmu Emperor Shōmu (聖武天皇) was the 45th Emperor of Japan. He was the son of Emperor Monmu and Fujiwara no[...]

Period: Asuka Period Occupation: Prince Family: Emperor Tenmu (father) Birth: – Death:- Prince Ōtsu Prince Ōtsu (大津皇子) was a Prince. He was disposed of by Empress Jitō as she considered him an obstacle in the ascension of her son Prince Kusakabe.1 Footnotes 1. Tsurumi, P. (1981) “Early Female Emperors” Historical[...]

Period: Asuka Period Occupation: – Family: Fujiwara no Fubito (father) Fujiwara no Asukabehime (sister) Fujiwara no Fusasaki (brother) Fujiwara no Muchimaro (brother) Fujiwara no Umakai (brother) Fujiwara no Maro (brother) Birth: – Death:- Fujiwara no Miyako Fujiwara no Miyako  (藤原宮子) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan and daughter of Fujiwara[...]

Period: Asuka Period Occupation: Dainagon, Udajin Family: Nakatomi no Kamatari (father) Fujiwara no Higami no Iratsume (sister) Fujiwara no Ioe no Iratsume (sister) Fujiwara no Miyako (daughter) Fujiwara no Asukabehime (daughter) Fujiwara no Muchimaro (son) Fujiwara no Fusasaki (son) Fujiwara no Umakai (son) Fujiwara no Maro (son) Birth: 659AD Death:[...]

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[...]

Reign: 697-707AD Period: Asuka Period Family: Prince Kusakabe (father) Empress Genmei (mother) Empress Jitō (grandmother) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Empress Jitō * Successor Empress Genmei Emperor Monmu Emperor Monmu (文武天皇) was the 42nd Emperor of Japan. He was the son of Prince Kusakabe and Empress Genmei, and he was father[...]

Reign: 690-697AD Period: Asuka Period Family: Emperor Tenmu (husband) Prince Kusakabe (son) Empress Genmei (half-sister) Emperor Monmu (grand-son) Emperor Tenji (father) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Tenmu * Successor Emperor Monmu Empress Jitō Empress Jitō (持統天皇) was the 41st Emperor of Japan, living from 645-702, and ruling[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Affiliations with Yomi. Family: None Shikome The Shikome (黄泉醜女) (also called the Hisame) are the names for the Eight Ugly Females of Yomi. The Wamiōsho also gives them the additional name of Gogome and says they were used as a kind of bogey men to scare children.1[...]

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[...]

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[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Nakisawame Nakisawame (Much Wailing Woman1 kojiki – 泣沢女神, nihongi – 啼沢女命) is a Shinto kami born from the tears of Izanagi in mourning over his wife’s death. She is said to dwell on Kaguyama, at the base of the tree trunks there.12 We[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Wakamusubi (father) Toyoukebime Toyoukebime (Lady Bountiful Fare), sometimes called Toyouke, is a Shinto kami said to be the daughter of Wakamusubi.12 She is worshiped in Ise.1 Footnotes 1. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An Account of Ancient Matters”. New York: Columbia University[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Agriculture Family: Izanami (mother) Haniyamahime (mother) Kagutsuchi (father) Mizuhanome (sibling) Wakumusubi Wakumusubi (和久産巣日神 – Fresh Growth) is Shinto kami of Agriculture born from the urine of Izanami during her death throws after being burnt by the kami Kagutsuchi. He is the brother of Mizuhanome and has a child[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Irrigation Family: Izanami (mother) Wakumusubi (sibling) Mizuhanome Mizuhanome  (彌都波能売神 – Water Gushing Woman) was a child of Izanami, born from her urine during her death throws after being burnt after the birth of Kagutsuchi. She is the sister of Wakumusubi in the kojiki.1 The Engi Rites state[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: The Earth Family: Izanami (mother) Haniyasubiko (brother) Kagutsuchi (husband) Wakumusubi (child) Haniyasubime Haniyasubime (波邇夜須毘売神 – Lady Kneading Clay) is a Shinto kami born from the excrement of Izanami in her death throws after being burnt by giving birth to Kagutsuchi, this is all related in the Kojiki. Her[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Earth Family: Izanami (mother) Haniyasubiko Haniyasubiko (波邇夜須毘古神 – Kneading Clay Lad) is a Shinto kami born from the excrement of Izanami in her death throws after being burnt by giving birth to Kagutsuchi, this is all related in the Kojiki. His sister is the kami Hanayasuhime and[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Metals Family: Izanami (mother) Kanayamabiko (brother) Kanayamahime Kanayamahime (金山毘売神 – Lady Metal Mountain) is a kami born from the vomit of Izanami in her death throws after being burnt by giving birth to Kagutsuchi. This is mentioned in the kojiki.1 She is the sister of Kanayamabiko and the Engi[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Metals Family: Izanami (mother) Kanayamahime (sister) Kanayamabiko Kanayamabiko (金山毘古神 – Metal Mountain Lad) is a kami born from the vomit of Izanami in her death throws after being burnt by giving birth to Kagutsuchi. This is mentioned in the kojiki and nihongi.12 He is the brother of[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Hunger? Rice. Family: Izanami (mother) Izanagi (father) Alternatively Susano-o (father) Kamu Ōichihime (mother) Ukanomitama Ukanomitama (倉稲魂命) is a Shinto kami mentioned in one version of the nihongi where she is born from the hunger of Izanami and Izanagi after the kami Shinatsuhiko had been created.1 We find[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Ōyamatsumi (father) Kayanohime (mother) Kuninosazuchi (brother) Amenosazuchi (sister) Amenosagiri (sister) Kuninosagiri (brother) Amenokurado (sister) Kuninokurado (brother) Ōtomatohiko (brother) Ōtomatohime Ōtomatohime (大戸惑女神 – Lady Great Valley) was the eighth and last child born to the kami Ōyamatsumi and Kayanohime according to the kojiki. Her name could alternatively[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Ōyamatsumi (father) Kayanohime (mother) Kuninosazuchi (brother) Amenosazuchi (sister) Amenosagiri (sister) Kuninosagiri (brother) Amenokurado (sister) Kuninokurado (brother) Ōtomatohime (sister) Ōtomatohiko Ōtomatohiko (大戸惑子神 – Great Valley Lad) was the seventh of eight children born to the kami Ōyamatsumi and Kayanohime according to the kojiki. His name could alternatively be[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Ōyamatsumi (father) Kayanohime (mother) Kuninosazuchi (brother) Amenosazuchi (sister) Amenosagiri (sister) Kuninosagiri (brother) Amenokurado (sister) Ōtomatohiko (brother) Ōtomatohime (sister) Kuninokurado Kuninokurado (国之闇戸神 – Land’s Steep Gorge) was the sixth of eight children born to the kami Ōyamatsumi and Kayanohime according to the kojiki.1 The nihongi makes no mention of this[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Ōyamatsumi (father) Kayanohime (mother) Kuninosazuchi (brother) Amenosazuchi (sister) Amenosagiri (sister) Kuninosagiri (brother) Kuninokurado (brother) Ōtomatohiko (brother) Ōtomatohime (sister) Amenokurado Amenokurado (天之闇戸神 – Heaven’s Steep Gorge) was the fifth of eight children born to the kami Ōyamatsumi and Kayanohime according to the kojiki.1 The nihongi makes no mention of this[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Ōyamatsumi (father) Kayanohime (mother) Kuninosazuchi (brother) Amenosazuchi (sister) Amenosagiri (sister) Amenokurado (sister) Kuninokurado (brother) Ōtomatohiko (brother) Ōtomatohime (sister) Kuninosagiri Kuninosagiri (国之狭霧神 – Land’s First Mist) was the fourth of eight children born to the kami Ōyamatsumi and Kayanohime according to the kojiki.1 The nihongi makes no mention of this[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Ōyamatsumi (father) Kayanohime (mother) Kuninosazuchi (brother) Amenosazuchi (sister) Kuninosagiri (brother) Amenokurado (sister) Kuninokurado (brother) Ōtomatohiko (brother) Ōtomatohime (sister) Amenosagiri Amenosagiri (天之狭霧神 – Heaven’s First Mist) was the third of eight children born to the kami Ōyamatsumi and Kayanohime according to the kojiki.1 The nihongi makes no mention of[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Ōyamatsumi (father) Kayanohime (mother) Kuninosazuchi (brother) Amenosagiri (sister) Kuninosagiri (brother) Amenokurado (sister) Kuninokurado (brother) Ōtomatohiko (brother) Ōtomatohime (sister) Amenosazuchi Amenosazuchi (天之狭土神 – Heaven’s First Soil) was the first of eight children born to the kami Ōyamatsumi and Kayanohime according to the kojiki.1 The nihongi makes no mention[...]

For the Yokai of the same name see: Nozuchi (Yokai) Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Herbs (nihongi) Moorland (kojiki) Family: Izanami (mother) Izanagi (father) Ōyamatsumi (brother/husband) Kuninosazuchi (son) Amenosazuchi (daughter) Amenosagiri (daughter) Kuninosagiri (son) Amenokurado (daughter) Kuninokurado (son) Ōtomatohime (daughter) Ōtomatohiko (son) Kayanohime Kayanohime (草野姫命 – Lady Thatch) also called Nozuchi (Moorland[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: The Mountains Family: Izanami (mother) Izanagi (father) Kayanohime (sister/wife) Kuninosazuchi (son) Amenosazuchi (daughter) Amenosagiri (daughter) Kuninosagiri (son) Amenokurado (daughter) Kuninokurado (son) Ōtomatohime (daughter) Ōtomatohiko (son) Several others. Ōyamatsumi Ōyamatsumi (大山祇 – Great Mountain Majesty) is the kami of the Mountains and was created by Izanami and[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: The Trees Family: Izanami (mother) Izanagi (father) Kukunochi Kukunochi (久久能智神 – Tree Trunk Elder1) is the ancestor of all trees, created by Izanami and Izanagi after the islands of Tsushima and Iki. This is related in the nihongi. Another version of the nihongi goes on to[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: The Winds Family: Izanami (mother) Izanagi (father) Shinatsuhiko Shinatsuhiko (志那都比古神 – Long Blowing Lad) is the kami of the Winds, born after the children of Hayaakitsuhime and Hayakitsuhiko. He was created by Izanami and Izanagi which is all related in the kojiki. Norito prayer (No.4) gives this[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Hayaakitsuhiko (father) Hayaakitsuhime (mother) Aha Nagi (brother)  Awa Nami (sister) Tsuranagi (brother) Amenomikumari (sibling) Kuninomikumari (sibling) Amenokuizamochi (sibling) Kuninokuizamochi (sibling) Tsuranami Tsuranami (頬那美神 – Wave Surface Woman) is mentioned in the Kojiki as daughter of Hayaakitsuhime and Hayaakitsuhiko, the Estuary kami. She was the fourth of eight born to them. Her[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Hayaakitsuhiko (father) Hayaakitsuhime (mother) Awa Nami (sister) Aha Nagi (brother) Tsuranami (sister) Amenomikumari (sibling) Kuninomikumari (sibling) Amenokuizamochi (sibling) Kuninokuizamochi (sibling) Tsuranagi Tsuranagi  (頬那藝神 – Calm Surface Man) is mentioned in the Kojiki as son of Hayaakitsuhime and Hayaakitsuhiko, the Estuary kami. He was the third of eight born to them. His[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Hayaakitsuhiko (father) Hayaakitsuhime (mother) Aha Nagi (brother) Tsuranagi (brother) Tsuranami (sister) Amenomikumari (sibling) Kuninomikumari (sibling) Amenokuizamochi (sibling) Kuninokuizamochi (sibling) Awa Nami Awa Nami (沫那美神 – Wave Foam Woman) is mentioned in the Kojiki as daughter of Hayaakitsuhime and Hayaakitsuhiko, the Estuary kami. She was the second of eight born to them[...]

Occuption: Buddhist Monk Sōgen Sōgen (叢原) is known to have once been a Buddhist Monk, residing within Mibudera Temple, outside of Kyoto. He is noted to have stolen money offerings and lamp oil left at the temple by worshippers. After finally dying it is said he was punished in hell[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Samurai Miyamoto no Yoshitsune Miyamoto no Yoshitsune (源 義経) was a known martial artist and a Samurai during his lifetime. According to legend, he learnt his skills in martial art from the Yōkai known as the Tengu.1 Footnotes 1. Yoda, H. and Alt, M. (2016) “Japandemonium:[...]

Born: 1831 Died: 1889 Period: Edo Period Occupation: Artist Kawanabe Kyōsai Kawanabe Kyōsai (河鍋 暁斎) (1831-1889) was a Ukiyo-e artists who was associated with the Utagawa School. As a great artist he created many striking portrayals of Yōkai and Yurei inspired by Toriyama Sekien.1 Footnotes 1. Yoda, H. and Alt,[...]

Birth: 1839 Death: 1902 Period: Edo Period Occupation: Artist Tsukioka Yoshitoshi Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (月岡 芳年) (1839-1902) was an Ukiyo-e artist who was associated with the Utagawa School. As a great artist he created many striking portrayals of Yōkai and Yurei inspired by Toriyama Sekien.1 Known Works Footnotes 1. Yoda, H.[...]

Reign: 1073-1087AD Period: Heian Period Family: Fujiwara no Kenshi (wife) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Go-Sanjō * Successor Emperor Horikawa Emperor Shirakawa Emperor Shirakawa (白河天皇) was the 72nd Emperor of Japan. Family He was married to the daughter of Morozane, Fujiwara no Kenshi.3 Childhood His wet nurse,[...]

Period: Legendary Period Family: Emperor Kotei (son) Emperor Yuhi Emperor Yuhi is mentioned as the father of the later Emperor Kotei in the Folktale known as The Shinansha. Nothing more is mentioned of him.1 Footnotes 1. Ozaki, Y.T. (1903) “The Japanese Fairy Book”. Westminster: Archibald Constable & Co. Ltd.[...]

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[...]

Reign: 673-686AD Period: Asuka Period Family: Empress Kōgyoku (mother) Empress Jitō (wife) Emperor Tenji (brother) Prince Kusakabe (son) Emperor Kōbun (nephew) Prince Ōtsu (son) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Kōbun * Successor Empress Jitō Emperor Tenmu Emperor Tenmu (天武天皇) (Prince Oama7) was the 40th Emperor of Japan reigning[...]

Reign: 672AD Period: Asuka Period Family: Emperor Tenji (father) Emperor Tenmu (uncle) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Tenji * Successor Emperor Tenmu Emperor Kōbun Emperor Kōbun (弘文天皇) (Prince Otomo2) was the 39th Emperor of Japan who ruled in 672AD. His father was the Emperor Tenji and was[...]

Reign: 661-672AD Period: Asuka Period Family: Emperor Kōgyoku (mother) Emperor Kōtoku (uncle) Emperor Kōbun (son) Empress Jitō (daughter) Emperor Tenmu (brother) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Saimei * Successor Emperor Kōbun Emperor Tenji Emperor Tenji (天智天皇) was the thirty-eighth Emperor of Japan, living from 626-672AD, and ruling[...]

Reign: 645-654AD Period: Asuka Period Family: Emperor Kogyoku (sister) Prince Naka (nephew) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Empress Kogyoku * Successor Empress Saimei Emperor Kōtoku Emperor Kōtoku (孝徳天皇) was the 36th Emperor of Japan, reigning from 645-654AD.1 His name prior to ascension was Karu.2 Reign Kōtoku came to[...]

Reign: 642-645 (Kōgyoku) 655-661 (Saimei) Period: Asuka Period Family: Emperor Jomei (husband) Prince Naka (son) Emperor Kotoku (brother) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: 1st Reign Predecessor Emperor Jomei * Successor Emperor Kōtoku 2nd Reign Predecessor Emperor Kōtoku * Sucessor Emperor Tenji Empress Kōgyoku Empress Kōgyoku (皇極天皇) was the thirty-fifth[...]

Reign: 629-641AD Period: Asuka Period Family: Emperor Bidatsu (grand-father) Empress Kōgyoku (wife) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Empress Suiko * Successor Empress Kōgyoku Emperor Jomei Emperor Jomei (舒明天皇) was the thirty-fourth Emperor of Japan. He was the grandson of the Emperor Bidatsu1 and husband of Empress Kōgyoku.12 This[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Kibi no Ko Family: Izanami (mother) Izanagi (father) Takehikatawake Takehikatawake (建日方別 – Lord Sunward Brave) was the kami which inhabited the island of Kibi no Ko, according to the kojiki, nothing more is mentioned of him.1 The nihongi does not give a name to this kami,[...]

Affiiation: Shinto Kami of: Azukishima Family: Izanami (mother) Izanagi (father) Ōnodehime Ōnodehime (大野手比売 – Lady Great Moor) was the kami which inhabited the island of Azukishima, according to the kojiki. Nothing more is mentioned of her.1 The nihongi does not give a name to this kami, simply stating: Izanami and[...]

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[...]

Reign: 587-592AD Period: Asuka Period Family: Soga no Umako (uncle) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Yomei * Successor Emperor Suiko Emperor Sushun Emperor Sushun (崇峻天皇) was the thirty-second Emperor of Japan. He was placed on the throne by Soga no Umako after winning a skirmish against Mononobe[...]

Period: Asuka Period Family: Emperor Yōmei (father) Empress Suiko (aunt) Occupation: Prince, sesshō Shōtoku Taishi Shōtoku Taishi (聖徳太子) also known as Prince Umayado was the son of Emperor Yomei nephew of Empress Suiko. He is said to have been able to speak at birth and was an accomplished scholar, able[...]