Wiki Category: Imperial Family

Co-ordinates: 34°44′19″N, 139°23′58″E Region: Kantō Region Izu Ōshima Izu Ōshima (伊豆大島) is a small island off the coast of Japan. History The man known as En no Ozunu was exilled here for three years after founding the religion of Shugendo. The Emperor at the time (Monmu) saw the new religion[...]

See also: List of Folktales The Elixir of Life The Elixir of Life is a Japanese folktale but also finds itself mentioned throughout Japanese history. Emperor Kōrei Text from the Jinnō Shōtōki states that during the reign of Emperor Kōrei the Chinese Emperor Ch’in sought out the The Elixir of[...]

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[...]

Tokoyo Tokoyo (常世の国 – Everworld) is a mythological land mentioned in the kojiki. The area is said to have cockerals which were gathered by Omoikane as one of the various ways to try and coax Amaterasu out of the Heavenly Rock Cave after she hides inside of it. This mythical[...]

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: Provinces Hyūga Province Hyūga Province (日向国) also known as Himuka Province1 is an old Province of Japan, located in modern day Miyazaki Prefecture.2 Legendary Period The mythical river known as the Tachibana River where Izanagi cleansed himself after visiting Yomi is said to have been located here.1 One[...]

See also: List of Provinces Kai Province Kai Province (甲斐国) was once a Province of Japan, located in what is now Yamanashi Prefecture.12 Established historically during the Taika Reforms,1 it is said this area was also visited previously by Yamato Takeru when he visited from the east.2 Geographically the entire Province[...]

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 Koshi Province Koshi Province (越国) was an old Province of Japan. It is said the inhabitants of this area were of foreign origins, from Manchuria and Korea. These people were known as Koshi-bito.1 Mythical Associations The area known as the Tsutsu Cape located here is[...]

See also: List of Provinces Omi Province Omi Province (近江国) was an old Province of Japan, located in what is now Shiga Prefecture.12 Location Located on the route between the four (later five) capital provinces and eastern provinces its borders came to have three important barrier stations (Seki-sho) called Arachi,[...]

See also: List of Provinces Izumo Province Izumo Province (出雲国), also known as Unshū (雲州), was an old Province of Japan, located in what is now Shimane Prefecture.1 It formed one of the eight Provinces of the San’indō.12 The Province was formed of several districts, two known as Ou and[...]

See also: List of Provinces Kii Province Kii Province (紀伊国) was an old Province of Japan, located in what is now Wakayama and Mie Prefecture.1 Legendary Period In the nihongi the kami Izanami is said to have been buried in this Province in the village of Arima.2 Yamanobe no Ohotaka[...]

Court Titles See also: Imperial Titles, Provincial Titles, Be, Uji, Sesshō and Kampaku This pages serves to list the various Court Titles used in the past and up to this day. No doubt this page will continue to be updated as we continue our research. Daijin Daijin – From 645AD[...]

Imperial Titles See also: Court Titles, Provincial Titles, Be, Uji, Sesshō and Kampaku This pages serves to list the various Imperial Titles used in the past and up to this day. No doubt this page will continue to be updated as we continue our research. Emperor Dajō-Hōō – (Priestly-Retired Emperor)[...]

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[...]

Shiki and Kyaku Shiki and Kyaku (Admnistrative/Ceremonial Procedures and Penal Codes) are two different types of legal documents made to implement the laws of the late 7th and early 8th centuries. The first Shiki and Kyaku were completed in the Kōnin Era, the second in the Jōgan Era. The Engi[...]

See also: List of Provinces Yamashiro Province Yamashiro Province (山城国) was an old Province of Japan, located in what is now Kyoto Prefecture.1 The Shinsen Shōjiroku shows the Haji Clan dwelt in this province amongst others.3 Inception One of the 5 central (kinai) provinces, established under the Kokugun System in 646AD,[...]

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[...]

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[...]

  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: 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: 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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Uhatsuwatatsumi (sibling) Utsushihikanasaku (child) Uhatsutsuo Uhatsutsuo (Surface Sail Man – 上筒之男神) is the last of two Shinto kami born from Izanagi bathing on the surface of the Tachibana River after wanted to cleanse himself of the evils of Yomi. They are one of[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Nakatsuwatatsumi (sibling) Utsushihikanasaku (child) Nakatsutsuo Nakatsutsuo (Middle Sail Man – 中筒之男神) is the last of two Shinto kami born from Izanagi bathing in the middle of the Tachibana River after wanting to cleanse himself of the evils of Yomi. They are one of[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Sokotsuwatatsumi (sibling) Utsushihikanasaku (child) Sokotsutsunoo Sokotsutsunoo (Bottom Sail Man – 底筒之男神) is the last of two Shinto kami born from Izanagi bathing at the bottom of the Tachibana River after wanting to cleanse himself of the evils of Yomi. They are one of[...]

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[...]

Asuka no Kyomihara Ritsuryō The Asuka no Kyomihara Ritsuryō are a collection of Law Codes created through an edict by Emperor Tenmu in 681AD. They were eventually finished under the rule of Empress Jitō.1 Footnotes 1. Tsurumi, P. (1981) “Early Female Emperors” Historical Reflections Vol.8 No.1 pp.41-49.[...]

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: 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[...]

Kii Peninsula The Kii Peninsula (紀伊半島) is said to have been the home of the kami Oyabiko (Great Roof Lad). This is sited in the kojiki where this area is called the area of Woods.1 It is later mentioned in the reign of Emperor Nintoku. His Empress visited the area and[...]

Konjaku Monogatari-shu The Konjaku Monogatari-shu (今昔物語集, Anthology of Tales from the Past) is a collection of tales. One tale relates to the Ubume, a creature who takes the form of a woman residing along a river, and a group of Samurai who dare one of their group to go and[...]

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,[...]

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[...]

Taika Reforms The Taika Reforms (大化の改新) were a set of governmental overhauls instigated by Emperor Kōtoku and created by Prince Naka with the help of Nakatomi no Kamatari. The Reforms set up new provincial administrative systems as well as instigating the organisation of a census and a land survey. Lots[...]

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[...]

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[...]

Region: Kansai Region Prefecture: Nara Prefecture Co-ordinates: 34°36′51″N 135°44′03″ Founded: 607AD Affiliation: Buddhism Horyu-ji Horyu-ji (法隆寺) is a Buddhist Temple constructed under the orders of Shōtoku Taisha. The Yumedono (Pavillion of Dreams) here is reputed as the place where he had prophetic dreams.1 The original form of the document known[...]

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[...]

Reign: 585-587AD Period: Asuka Period Family: Emperor Kinmei (father) Empress Suiko (sister) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Bidatsu * Successor Emperor Sushun Emperor Yōmei Emperor Yōmei (用明天皇) was the thirty-first Emperor of Japan. He is known to have been the son of Emperor Kinmei and father to[...]

Reign: 572-585AD Period: Asuka Period Family: Emperor Kinmei (father) Empress Suiko (wife) Emperor Yōmei (half-brother) Emperor Jomei (grand-son) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Kinmei * Successor Emperor Yōmei Emperor Bidatsu Emperor Bidatsu (敏達天皇) was the thirtieth Emperor of Japan. During his reign there were several court power[...]

Period: Asuka Period Occupation: Emperor Emperor Kudara Emperor Kudara is the name ascribed to an Emperor who gifted the image of the Buddha as well as Buddhist scriptures to the Emperor Kinmei which would eventually lead to the adoption of the religion in Japan.1 Footnotes 1. Martin, P. (1997) ”The[...]

Reign: 539-571AD Period: Asuka Period Family: Emperor Keitai (father) Emperor Senka (brother) Emperor Bidatsu (son) Emperor Yomei (son) Empress Suiko (daughter) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Senka * Successor Emperor Bidatsu Emperor Kinmei Emperor Kinmei (欽明天皇) is the twenty-ninth Emperor of Japan. His brother was the Emperor[...]

Reign: 536-539AD Period: Kofun Period Family: Emperor Keitai (father) Emperor Ankan (brother) Emperor Kinmei (brother) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Ankan * Successor Emperor Kinmei Emperor Senka Emperor Senka (宣化天皇) was the twenty-eighth Emperor of Japan. Prior to his reign the Emperor both ruled as well as[...]

Reign: 531-536AD Period: Kofun Period Family: Emperor Keitai (father) Emperor Senka (brother) Emperor Kinmei (brother) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Keitai * Successor Emperor Senka Emperor Ankan Emperor Ankan (安閑天皇) was the twenty-seventh Emperor of Japan and may have been born when his father was only 13[...]

Reign: 507-531AD Period: Kofun Period Family: Emperor Ankan (son) Emperor Senka (son) Emperor Kinmei (son) Emperor Ojin (ancestor) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Buretsu * Successor Emperor Ankan Emperor Keitai Emperor Keitai (継体天皇) was the twenty-sixth Emperor of Japan. If the records are true he had his[...]

Reign: 498-507AD Period: Kofun Period Family: Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Ninken * Successor Emperor Keitai Emperor Buretsu Emperor Buretsu (武烈天皇) was the twenty-fifth Emperor of Japan. During his reign he became well versed in law and enjoyed physical punishment known to have: Ripped up the belly[...]

  See also: List of Provinces Chikuzen Province Chikuzen Province (筑前国) was an old Province of Japan. It is now in modern day Fukuoka Prefecture.1 Around the 700’s AD the waka poet Yamanoue no Okura became Governor of this province.2 Footnotes 1. Louis Frederic, translated by Kathe Roth (2002) “Japan[...]

Kōnin Shiki Kōnin Shiki. 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. And we hope you stick[...]

Period: Asuka Period Occupation: Prince Family: Empress Jito (Mother), Emperor Tenmu (father) Emperor Monmu (son) Princess Abe (wife) Born: 661AD Died: 689AD Prince Kusakabe Prince Kusakabe (草壁皇子) was the son of Empress Jitō and Emperor Tenmu, and father to the later Emperor Monmu. His wife was Princess Abe. He was[...]

Period: Nara Period Family: Emperor Tenmu (father) Kiyohara no Fukayabu (descendant) Occupation: Prince Prince Toneri Prince Toneri (舎人親王) oversaw the creation of the Nihongi reputedly laying it before Empress Genshō alongside Ō no Yasumaro in 720AD.1 He is the ancestor of Kiyohara no Fukayabu.2 Footnotes 1. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi[...]

Reign: 488-498AD Period: Kofun Period Family: Emperor Richu (grandfather) Emperor Kenzo (brother) Oshinumi (sister) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Kenzo * Successor Emperor Buretsu Emperor Ninken Emperor Ninken (仁賢天皇) was the twenty-fourth Emperor of Japan. After the death of Emperor Seinei, there was a succession crisis due[...]

Period: Kofun Period Occupation: Regent Family: Emperor Richu (grandfather) Emperor Kenzo (brother) Emperor Ninken (brother) Oshinumi-no-iitoyo-no-ao Oshinumi-no-iitoyo-no-ao is known to have been a granddaughter of the Emperor Richu. After the death of the previous Emperor Seinei, there was a succession crisis due to the lack of heirs. Two grandsons of[...]

Reign: 485-488AD Period: Kofun Period Family: Emperor Richu (grandfather) Emperor Ninken (brother) Oshinumi (sister) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Seinei * Successor Emperor Ninken Emperor Kenzō Emperor Kenzō (顕宗天皇) was the twenty-third Emperor of Japan. After the death of Emperor Seinei, there was a succession crisis due[...]

Reign: 479-485AD Period: Kofun Period Family: Emperor Yuryaku (father) Emperor Anko (uncle) Prince Mayowa (nephew) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Yuryaku * Successor Emperor Kenzo Emperor Seinei Emperor Seinei (清寧天皇) is the twenty-second Emperor of Japan. His hair was apparently white from birth and he had a[...]

Reign: 456-479AD Period: Kofun Period Family: Emperor Anko (brother) Emperor Seinei (son) Prince Mayowa (nephew) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Anko * Successor Emperor Seinei Emperor Yūryaku Emperor Yūryaku (雄略天皇) is the twenty-first Emperor of Japan. He is recorded by his court chroniclers to have been a[...]

Period: Kofun Period Occupation: Prince Family: Emperor Anko (uncle) Emperor Seinei (uncle) Prince Mayowa Prince Mayowa was the nephew of Emperor Anko. He killed his uncle during one of his drunken stupors when he decapitated him.1 Footnotes 1. Martin, P. (1997) ”The Chrysanthemum Throne”. Gloucestershire: Sutton Publishing Limited.[...]

Reign: 453-456AD Period: Kofun Period Family: Emperor Yuryaku (brother) Prince Mayowa (nephew) Emperor Seinei (nephew) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Ingyo * Successor Emperor Yuryaku Emperor Ankō Emperor Ankō (安康天皇) was the twentieth Emperor of Japan. This Emperor killed his brother (the apparent heir) to take the[...]

Reign: 412-453AD Period: Kofun Period Family: Emperor Hanzei (father) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Hanzei * Successor Emperor Anko Emperor Ingyō Emperor Ingyō (允恭天皇) was the nineteenth Emperor of Japan, and supposedly a centenarian when he died. He is noted to have been disabled, with paralysed legs,[...]

Reign: 406-412AD Period: Kofun Period Family: Emperor Richu (brother) Emperor Ingyo (son) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Richu * Successor Emperor Ingyo Emperor Hanzei Emperor Hanzei (反正天皇) was the eighteenth Emperor of Japan. He is reputed to have been over 9 feet tall and had enormous teeth all[...]

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: Hinokuma (daughter) Amenonukado (father) Ishikoridome Ishikoridome (Stone Mold Crone1) (石凝姥命 or 伊斯許理度売命) is a Shinto kami who is mentioned during the time when Amaterasu hides herself in the Sacred Rock Cave.2 Family This kami is claimed as the ancestor of the Mirror Makers in the[...]

Birth: 1842 Death: 1922 Occupation: Archaeologist William Gowland William Gowland was an English Archaeologist working at the newly established mint in Osaka in the 1800’s. He is known to be one of the only Westerners to explore the Kofun tomb of Emperor Nintoku during his lifetime before the Imperial Household[...]

Region: Kansai Region Prefecture: Osaka Prefecture Naniwa Naniwa (難波京) was an Ancient Capital of Japan. It is stated the Emperor Nintoku had a Palace here, which was repaired after a three-year period when he lessened the taxes of his people causing his Palace to fall into disrepair.1 It later became[...]

See also: Himejima (disambiguous) Himejima Himejima is an island off the coast from the ancient port of Naniwa and may be the island referred to in the kojiki as the fourth of six islands made after the Great Land of Eightfold Isles inhabited by the kami Amehitotsune. The island was[...]

Reign: 313-400AD Period: Kofun Period Family: – Burial Place: Kofun in Osaka Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Ojin * Successor Emperor Richu Emperor Nintoku Emperor Nintoku (仁徳天皇) is said to have come to the throne after a succession dispute. He is the sixteenth Emperor of Japan. It is believed that[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: War Family: – Hachiman Hachiman (八幡神) is a Shinto kami associated as being the kami of War. The Emperor Ojin was apotheosised as him after his death.1 Footnotes 1. Martin, P. (1997) ”The Chrysanthemum Throne”. Gloucestershire: Sutton Publishing Limited.[...]

This page refers to the person known as the Wan’i, for the creature see: Wani Period: Kofun Period Occupation: Scribe / Treasurer Wan’i Wan’i also known as Wangin1 (王仁, 和邇吉師) was a Chinese Scholar who is believed to have been welcomed at the court of Emperor Ojin, it is known that[...]

Reign: 270-313AD Period: Kofun Period Family: Empress Jingu (mother) Emperor Keitai (descendant) Burial Place:- Order of Succession: Predecessor Empress Jingu * Successor Emperor Nintoku Emperor Ōjin Emperor Ōjin (応神天皇) was the fifteenth Emperor of Japan. He was the son of Empress Jingu, who perhaps ruled on his behalf whilst he[...]

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[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Chinjufu-shōgun, Governor Family: Fujiwara no Uona (ancestor) Fujiwara no Murao (father) Birth: – Death: – Fujiwara Hidesato Fujiwara Hidesato (藤原 秀郷) also known as Tawara Tōda (俵藤太)3 is included in the Folktale My Lord Bag of Rice. He is noted to have had the nature of[...]

Region: Kansai Region Prefecture: Shiga Prefecture Co-ordinates: 35°1′N 135°51′E Ōtsu Ōtsu (大津市) is a city in Shiga Prefecture. Legendary Period It is stated that close to this city Yamato Takeru died after falling ill from a hailstorm unleashed upon him by the kami of Mount Ibuki.1 Footnotes 1. Littleton. C.S.[...]

Co-ordinates: 35°25′04″N 136°24′22″E Region: Kansai Region, Chubu Region Prefecture: Gifu Prefecture, Shiga Prefecture Height: 1,377m Mount Ibuki Mount Ibuki (伊吹山) is located in both Gifu and Shiga Prefectures. Legendary Period It is the apparent mountain Yamato Takeru visited in the hopes of killing barehanded the kami that dwelt upon it.[...]

Co-ordinates: 35°07′N 139°23′E Sagami Bay Sagami Bay (相模湾) is a stretch of water lying to the south of Kanagawa Prefecture. Legendary Period The Bay is mentioned during the exploits of Yamato Takeru when he sails across it to subdue the Emishi. Crossing the bay a kami living in the water[...]

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[...]

Period: Legendary Occupation: Military Nanatsukahagi Nanatsukahagi (七束脛命) was a known companion of Yamato Takeru who accompanied him against the Emishi alongside Takehi no Muraji and Takehiko. He also acted as Steward to Yamato Takeru.12 Footnotes 1. Littleton. C.S. (1995) “Yamato-takeru: An Arthurian Hero in Japanese Tradition”. Asian Folklore Studies, Vol.[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Military / Five Daibu Family: – Birth: – Death: – Takehi no Muraji Takehi no Muraji (大伴武日連命), also known as Otomo no Takehi2 was a known companion of Yamato Takeru who accompanied him against the Emishi alongside Takehiko and Nanatsukahagi.12 During his time with Yamato Takeru, he[...]

Takehiko Takehiko. 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. And we hope you stick with us[...]