• • 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 the reign of Emperor Suinin, the jinnō shōtōki states that Ise Grand Shrine was mentioned during the time of Ninigi’s descent to Earth by the kami Sarudabikona when he stated that he would head to the headwaters of the Isuzu River at Sanagata in Ise.¹

Establishment

It was Yamatohime who eventually chose the area for the shrine. The care of Amaterasu was passed to her from Toyosukiiribime and so she went searching for a place to enshrine the kami, travelling through Sasahata in Uda, then Mino until finally reaching Ise.⁴

The jinnō shōtōki says that she toured the provinces at Amaterasu’s command, further saying she chose the headwaters of the Isuzu River in the Watarai District of Ise in the 26th year, 10th month of Suinin’s reign. Here the kami communed with Yamatohime saying she wished to dwell in Ise and so a shrine was built. When the shrine was first built Amaterasu made a descent from Heaven.¹

She made enquiries about where she could establish this shrine and advice from Ōtanomikoto helped her choose the place it currently resides. He tells her that here there were 50 bells arranged in the shape of the shrine of Heaven and that that these items here had been worshipped for 80,000 years¹

First Priests/Priestess’

In the jinnō shōtōki, Ohokashima is said to have been the first High Priest (saishu) with Ōhatanushi stated to have been the first Head Priest (ōkannushi).¹

In the kojiki it is stated that Toyosukiiribime was High Priestess.⁵

Sacred Regalia/Sacred Spear

After a site was chosen it is said Emperor Suinin placed the Sword and Mirror into the Naikū Shrine.³ The jinnō shōtōki differs slightly saying it was Yamatohime who placed them inside the shrine, this document also says that there was a legend stating the Jewelled Spear of Heaven was kept in the area later chosen for the site of Shrine.¹

Reign of Emperor Keikō

In the Emperor’s 40th year Yamato Takeru is sent east to deal with the rebelling Eastern Barbarians (tōi) accompanied by Kibi no Takehiko and Ōtomo no Takehi. Going via the Ise Grand Shrine he is given the sword kusanagi by his aunt Yamatohime.¹

Reign of Emperor Tenmu

During the reign of Emperor Tenmu the tradition of rebuilding the Shrine once every twenty years was established as a symbol of rebirth.²

Footnotes

1. Varley, H.P (1980) “A Chronicle of Gods and Sovereigns: Jinnō Shōtōki of Kitabatake Chikafusa.” New York: Columbia University Press.
2. Martin, P. (1997) ”The Chrysanthemum Throne”. Gloucestershire: Sutton Publishing Limited.
3. Ponsonby, F. (1959) “The Imperial House of Japan.” Kyoto: Ponsonby Memorial Society.
4. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi Volume 1: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to AD697”. Tuttle Publishing.
5. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An Account of Ancient Matters”. New York: Columbia University Press.

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• • 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

Apparently there are miraculous tale relating to her birth and she is said to have lived for several hundred years.⁴

Ise Grand Shrine

The care of Amaterasu is passed from Toyosukiiribime to Yamatohime. She goes searching for a place to enshrine Amaterasu travelling through Sasahata in Uda, then Mino and finally reaches Ise.¹

The Jinnō Shōtōki says she toured the provinces at Amaterasu’s command, further saying she chose the headwaters of the Isuzu River in the Watarai District of Ise in the 26th year, 10th month of Suinin’s reign.²

Here the kami communes with Yamatohime saying she wishes to dwell in Ise and so a shrine was built. When the shrine was first built Amaterasu made a descent from Heaven.¹ And so following this the Emperor takes the Sacred Regalia and houses them in the Naiku Shrine here.³

The Jinnō Shōtōki says that she placed the Sword and Mirror into the shrine herself.²

During the establishment of the area it is said she enquired about the area.
Ōtanomikoto, a descendant of Sarudabiko, was the one who told her about the place she chose. He tells her that here there were 50 bells arranged in the shape of the shrine of Heaven, one legend even saying the Jewelled Spear of Heaven was also kept here.

Ōtanomikoto also telling her that these items here had been worshipped for 80,000 years.²

Yamato Takeru

Connections with her nephew Yamato Takeru state she gave him the clothes he wore, to disguise himself as a woman, to kill the Kumaso leader Torishikaya.¹ The kojiki says she gave him her clothes and a sword.⁴⁵

She later gives him the sword Kusanagi when he is sent to fight the Emishi.²

Footnotes

1. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi Volume 1: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to AD697”. Tuttle Publishing.
2. Varley, H.P (1980) “A Chronicle of Gods and Sovereigns: Jinnō Shōtōki of Kitabatake Chikafusa.” New York: Columbia University Press.
3. Ponsonby, F. (1959) “The Imperial House of Japan.” Kyoto: Ponsonby Memorial Society.
4. Chamberlain, B. H. (1932) “Translation of the Kojiki.” Kobe: J.L. Thompson & Co.
5. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An Account of Ancient Matters”. New York: Columbia University Press.

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• • Period: Heian Period
  • Occupation: Governor of Ise Province
  • Family:
  • Birth: –
  • Death: –

Fujiwara no Tsugukage

Fujiwara no Tsugukage (藤原 継蔭) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan.

He was the father of Lady Ise and acted as Governor of Ise Province in his lifetime.¹

Footnotes

1. MacMillan, P. (2018) ”One Hundred Poets, One Poem Each: A Treasury of Classical Japanese Verse”. St. Ives: Penguin Classics.

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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 and finally reaches Ise.³

The Jinnō Shōtōki says she toured the provinces at Amaterasu’s command, further saying she chose the headwaters of the Isuzu River in the Watarai District of Ise in the 26th year, 10th month of Suinin’s reign.²

Here the kami communes with Yamatohime saying she wishes to dwell in Ise and so a shrine was built. When the shrine was first built Amaterasu made a descent from Heaven.³ And so following this the Emperor takes the Sacred Regalia and houses them in the Naiku Shrine here.⁴

The Jinnō Shōtōki says that she placed the Sword and Mirror into the shrine herself.²

During the establishment of the area it is said she enquired about the area.
Ōtanomikoto, a descendant of Sarudabiko, was the one who told her about the place she chose. He tells her that here there were 50 bells arranged in the shape of the shrine of Heaven, one legend even saying the Jewelled Spear of Heaven was also kept here.

Ōtanomikoto also telling her that these items here had been worshipped for 80,000 years.²

Emperor Keikō visits here when he wished to see the lands subdued by Yamato Takeru.³

Heian Period

During this period we know that Fujiwara no Tsugukage was stationed here as Governor. His daughter Lady Ise takes her name from this province as her real name is unknown.¹

Footnotes

1. Kodansha. (1993) ”Japan: An Illustrated Encyclopedia”. Tokyo: Kodansha Ltd.
2. Varley, H.P (1980) “A Chronicle of Gods and Sovereigns: Jinnō Shōtōki of Kitabatake Chikafusa.” New York: Columbia University Press.
3. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi Volume 1: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to AD697”. Tuttle Publishing.
4. Ponsonby, F. (1959) “The Imperial House of Japan.” Kyoto: Ponsonby Memorial Society.

Former Provinces of Japan
Kinai	Izumi * Kawachi * Settsu * Yamashiro * Yamato
Tōsandō	Dewa * Hida * Kōzuke * Mino * Mutsu * Omi * Shimotsuke * Shinano
Hokurikudō	Echigo * Echizen * Etchū * Kaga * Koshi * Wakasa
San’indō	Hōki * Inaba * Izumo * Tajima * Tamba * Tango
Tōkaidō	Ise * Kai * Kazusa * Mikawa * Owari * Sagami * Shimōsa * Suruga * Tōtōmi
Nankaidō	Awa * Iyo * Kii * Sanuki * Tosa
San’yōdō	Aki * Harima * Mimasaka
Saikaidaō	Bungo * Chikuzen * Hizen * Hyūga * Iki * Tsushima
Pre-Taihō Code	Kibi

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• • Period: Heian Period
  • Occupation: –
  • Family: Fujiwara no Tsugukage (father) Nakatsukasa (daughter)
  • Birth: c.875AD
  • Death: c.938AD

Lady Ise

Lady Ise (伊勢) was the daughter of Fujiwara no Tsugukage, and therefore a member of the Fujiwara Clan. She was also the mother to Nakatsukasa. She is thought to have lived from c.875-c.938.¹ (877-938² 877-940⁴)

Her real name is unknown and stems from Ise Province where her father was stationed as Governor.³

During her lifetime she was a lady-in-waiting to Fujiwara no Onshi I¹³ later having a child with Emperor Uda.¹ With the Emperors son Prince Atsuyoshi she gave birth to her daughter Nakatsukasa.³

A talented poet, her poems can be found in several places. 22 can found in the Kokinshū and 72 (70³) in the Gosenshū.¹ Her poems can also be found in the Ise Monogatari.⁴ Lady Ise additionally had a personal collection of poetry called the Iseshū. She is listed as one of Fujiwara no Kintō’s Thirty Six Poetic Geniuses.³

One of her poems can be found in the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu (No.19) and goes as follows:

Japanese text2	Romanized Japanese1	English translation1
難波潟 みじかき芦の ふしのまも あはでこの世を 過ぐしてよとや	Naniwagata mijikaki ashi no fushi no ma mo awade kono yo o sugushiteyo to ya	Are you saying, for even a moment short as the space between the nodes on a reed from Naniwa Inlet, we should never meet again?

Footnotes

1. MacMillan, P. (2018) ”One Hundred Poets, One Poem Each: A Treasury of Classical Japanese Verse”. St. Ives: Penguin Classics.
2. Suzuki, H. et al. (1997) ”Genshoku: Ogura Hyakunin Isshu”. Tokyo: Bun’eidō.
3. Kodansha. (1993) ”Japan: An Illustrated Encyclopedia”. Tokyo: Kodansha Ltd.
4. Louis Frederic, translated by Kathe Roth (2002) “Japan Encyclopedia”. London: Harvard University Press.

Thirty Six Poetic Geniuses
Lady Ise * Yamabe no Akahito * Ariwara no Narihira * Ki no Tomonori * Sarumaru Taifu * Ono no Komachi * Fujiwara no Kanesuke * Fujiwara no Atsutada * Fujiwara no Toshiyuki * Minamoto no Muneyuki * Minamoto no Shitagō * Kiyohara no Motosuke * Sakanoue no Korenori * Ōnakatomi no Yoshinobu * Fujiwara no Okikaze * Fujiwara no Asatada

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Provinces

The Japanese provinces (国 kuni or koku) were geographical areas which were establsihed by the Kokugun System and the Taika Reforms came into being in 645AD.

Initially they comprised of 58 kuni with 3 islands provinces, however by 822AD this had changed to 66 kuni and 2 islands provinces.

These areas existed under the Meiji Restoration and were offically abolished in 1871 and replaced with the current Prefectural System.¹ When the Prefectures were established the old provinces were grouped by geographical location into the ‘Five Provinces of Kinai’ and the ‘Seven Circuits.²

During their existence they were lead by Kokushi (Provisional Governors) and Gunji (District Officials).¹

Here follows a list of Provinces on our site. This is not yet completely and will continued to be added to over time.

Provinces of the Kinai

• • Izumi Province
  • Kawachi Province
  • Settsu Province
  • Yamashiro Province
  • Yamato Province

Tōsandō Circuit

• • Dewa Province
  • Hida Province
  • Kōzuke Province
  • Mino Province
  • Mutsu Province
  • Omi Province
  • Shimotsuke Province
  • Shinano Province

Hokurikudō Circuit

• • Echigo Province
  • Echizen Province
  • Etchū Province
  • Kaga Province
  • Koshi Province
  • Wakasa Province

San’indō Circuit

• • Hōki Province (also called Hahaki Province)
  • Inaba Province
  • Izumo Province
  • Tajima Province
  • Tamba Province
  • Tango Province

Tōkaidō Circuit

• • Ise Province
  • Kai Province
  • Kazusa Province
  • Mikawa Province
  • Owari Province
  • Sagami Province
  • Shimōsa Province
  • Suruga Province
  • Tōtōmi Province

Nankaidō Circuit

• • Awa Province
  • Iyo Province
  • Kii Province
  • Sanuki Province
  • Tosa Province

San’yōdō Circuit

• • Aki Province
  • Harima Province (also called Banshu Province)
  • Mimasaka Province

Saikaidaō Circuit

• • Bungo Province
  • Chikuzen Province
  • Hizen Province
  • Hyūga Province (also called Himuka Province)
  • Iki Province
  • Tsushima Province

Pre-Taihō Code

• • Kibi Province

Footnotes

1. Kodansha. (1993) ”Japan: An Illustrated Encyclopedia”. Tokyo: Kodansha Ltd.
2. Louis Frederic, translated by Kathe Roth (2002) “Japan Encyclopedia”. London: Harvard University Press.

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• • 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 no Mikoto (大足彦忍代別天皇)¹²³⁵. He ruled from 71-130AD and was said to be 10ft 5 inches tall.⁵

Family

Emperor Keikō is said to have an extensive family of 80 children consisting of 72 sons and 8 daughters. Most of his sons later became provincial governors or viceroys¹⁵ aside from Yamato Takeru, Ihokiirihiko and Emperor Seimu.¹

The kojiki and nihongi list different children at times.

This Emperor was the son of Emperor Suinin and Hibasuhime.¹²³⁶

With Yasakairihime he had the future Emperor Seimu,¹⁵ as well as Ihokiirihiko, Oshiwake, Ihokiirihime¹², Kagoyorihime, Isakinoirihiko, Kibinoehiko, Takakinoirihime, Otohime, Wakayamatoneko, Ōsuwake, Nunoshi no Iratsume and Nunaki no Iratsume.¹

With Harima no Inabi no Ōiratsume he had several sons called Ōsu, Osu,¹⁵² Kushitsunuwake, Wakayamatoneko and Kamukushi.²

With Ōiratsume’s younger sister Inabi no waka iratsume he had to sons called Mawakanomiko and Hikohitonoohoye.²

With Midzuha no Iratsume he had Ihonohime.¹

With Ikahahime he had Kamikushi and Inasenoirihiko.¹

With Takadahime he had Takekunikoriwake.¹

With Ōtanehime of Kaminaga he had Hiuga no Sotsuhiko.¹

With Sonotakebime he had Kunichiwake, Kunisewake and Toyotowake.¹

With Mihakashihime he had a son called Toyokuniwake.¹²

With Kagurohime he had Ohoyenomiko.²

With an unnamed concubine he had Wakakinoiribiko.²

Prior to Reign

Prior to his reign in the 30th year of his fathers reign he and his brother Inishikinoiribiko were commanded to state what it is that they want. Inishikinoiribiko says all he wants is a bow and arrow, Emperor Keikō saying he wanted the throne.

Due to this the asked for gifts were given and Emperor Keikō was made heir officially in his 37th year of his ruling.¹

Reign

Emperor Keikō ascended to the throne in 71AD according to Ponsonby,⁵ more specifically 1st Year, Autumn, 7th Month, 11th day according to the nihongi. This was after being made heir in the 37th year of fathers reign, aged 21.¹

His palace was known as the Hishiro Palace and was located in Makimuku⁵⁶ and he took as his Empress Ōiratsume in the ‘2nd Year, Spring, 3rd Month, 3rd Day.’¹

Early Divination

In the 4rd Year, Spring, 2nd Month, 1st day of his reign a divination is undertaken to see if the Emperor should go to Kii to make a sacrifice to all the kami. The divination prooved to be unlucky and so the Emperor didn’t go sending instead Yanushioshihodakewogoro where he then stayed for nine years and married.⁵

Marriage to Yasakaiirihime

The Emperor ventured to Mino Province in the 4th Year, Spring, 2nd Month, 11th Day. Whilst here he is told about a woman called Otohime. The Emperor wanted her but she hid from him in a bamboo grove and so he provisonally made her live in the Kuguri Palace where he let lose a carp in the pond to watch them.

Otohime was interested and came to watch and so the Emperor detained her and had sex with her. Otohime says after she was ugly and unworthy of the Emperor and that a marriage together would not be convenient.

And so she mentions her older sister Yasakairihime and the Emperor agree to marry her and togther they have seven sons and six daughters. And he finally returns to the Hishiro Palace at Makimuku.⁵

Prince Ōsu

The Emperor later heard of the daughters of Kambone by the names of Anetohoko and Ototohoko and so sends his son Ōsu to collect them. However, his son decides he wants to marry them himself and has sex with them. The Emperor finds out and is furious. This is ralted in the nihongi.¹

In the kojiki he is sent to collect Yehime and Otohime and marries them instead. Sending different women to the Empeor. The Emperor realises they are the wrong women and so only looks at them from afar and never marries them.²³

Later on the Emperor asks why Ōsu does not attend him morning and night and sends Yamato Takeru to teach him his duties. After five days he asks where Ōsu is, Yamato Takeru saying their was trouble so in the morning while he brother went to the bathroom he grabbed him, crushed him and pulled of his limbs.

Wrapping them in matting and then throwing them away.²³

This was the reason why Yamato Takeru was later sent to deal with the Kumaso later in the Emperors 28th year.²³⁵

Establishing new ‘Be’

The Be known as the Tabe (labourers) and the Kashikade no ohotomo be (butlers, stewards, cooks of the Imperial House) were established.

1st Rebellion of the Kumaso and Tsuchigumo

For more information see: Kumaso Rebellions

A mentioning of the Kumaso Rebellion for the first time in the text of the nihongi does not include Yamato Takeru as the one who manages to defeat them.

It states that in the 12th Year, Autumn, 7th Month the Kumaso rebel giving no tribute and so in the 8th Month the Emperor goes to Tsukushi.

Arriving on the 5th day of the 9th Month in Saha he address his ministers and sends Takemorogi, Unade and Natsubana to see what is happening.

A female chief by the name of Kamunashihime is found and she submits herself and her people to the Emperor saying they are not the ones causing problems and so gives information on those who are. There names being Hanatari, Mimitari, Asahagi and Tsuchiworiwiwori all encamped in various places.

Eventually they are all defeated through various means by the 13th Year, Summer, 5th Month with the Emperor remaining in the Takaya Palace for six years where he takes Mihakashihime as a concubine having a son called Toyokuniwake.

Other source states it was instead Yamato Takeru who deals with the rebellion of the Kumaso⁵⁶.First in the 12th year of his reign where he goes to Tsukushi, and then again in the 13th year. During time Yamato Takeru resided in the Takaya Palace.⁶

Another female chief by the name of Hayatsuhime tells the Emperor of Tsuchigumo by the names of Awo and Shira living in the ‘Rat’s Cave,’ with another three called Uchizaru, Yata and Kunimaro living in Negino.

These people wouldn’t come under Imperial Rule and so mallets were given to the Imperial Troops made from camellia trees and all those living in the caves were killed.¹

Creating Provincial Leaders

The Emperor makes most of his 72 sons into provincial leaders sending them to live in the places they are to govern over. All of them given the title of wake to denote a branch house.⁵

Touring Kyushu

• • See also: Poems and Songs of Emperor Keiko

He is reported as the ruler who gave the North-West district of Kyushu its name of ‘Abundance’ after seeing the abundance of yams that grew here as well as giving Chikanoshima its name ‘Near Isles’ due to its proximity to Kyushu.²³

In his 17th year of reign he vsited the Koyu District in Hyuga visiting the moors of Nimo there. Missing the capital during the visit he composed a poem.

The following year (year 18) he tours Tsukushi and sees a group of men on the banks of the rive Ihase. He sends Hinamori the Younger and Hinamori the Elder to ask and the younger returns saying it is Idzumihime the kimi of Murokata. They banquet together.

In the summer of that year he arrives in Kuma summoning Kumatsuhiko the Younger and Kumatsuhiko the Elder. Only the Elder comes and so the Younger is put to death.

In Ashikata, he asks Wohidari for water, but there is none, so he prays and a spring comes forth from the cliffs.

Later, in the 5th month, he sails to Hi but there were lost at night and end up following a fire they see, and upon arriving in Toyomura he is told the fires were not man made.¹ These were the phenomenon known as the Shiranui.⁴

The next month he kills a Tsuchigumo called Tsudzura in the Tamakina District  and on the 16th day of that month he arrives in Aso asking who lives here to which two kami called Asotsuhiko and Asotsuhime say this is where they dwell.

In the 7th month he constructs a palace at Takaya. here was a tree once so tall it covered the Hill of Kishima in shade in the morning and Mount Aso in the evening, and so the Emperor composed a song about it.

Arriving in Yame he asks if a kami dwells here. Saruohomi tells him that Yametsuhime dwells here which is where the area got the name from.

In the 25th year of his reign he tasks Takeuchi to enquire about the geography of the Northern and Eastern Provinces for the well being of the people.

He returns to the Emperor saying in the East is a place called Hitakami where the Yemishi live and that they should be attacked due to having fertile land.¹

2nd Rebellion of the Kumaso

In the 27th year Yamato Takeru is sent to Tsukushi as the Kumaso are plundering the border regions.¹⁶

He takes several men with him and here they meet the leader Torishikaya. At a banquet Yamato Takeru disguises self as a woman, sitting next to the leader. Once he is drunk, Yamato Takeru eventually kills him with the rest of his men killing the remaining Kumaso peoples.¹

The Jinnō Shōtōki similarly also only gives one leader by the name of Takeruhito Konokamitori Ishikaya. This leader praises the prince for killing him and gives him the name of ‘Yamato Takeru.’⁶

Other sources, such as Ponsonby, say there were two tribal leaders killed by Yamato Takeru.⁵

Returning after this he kills the kami of the Ferry of Ana and the Ferry of Kashiha declaring these two matter completed in the 28th year of the Emperors reign.¹

Rebellion of Emishi and death of Yamato Takeru

In the Emperors 40th year Yamato Takeru is sent east to deal with the rebelling Eastern Barbarians (tōi) accompanied by Kibi no Takehiko and Ōtomo no Takehi. Going via the Ise Grand Shrine he is given the sword Kusanagi by his aunt Yamatohime.¹⁶

Prior to this Ministers inquired as to who should be the one to go deal with the threat with Yamato Takeru saying his brother Ōsu should go.¹ This of course contradicts the kojiki as Yamato Takeru had already ripped apart his brother in that narrative.²³

Following these exploits he goes on to kill several kami, however, one kami eventually make him ill and he passes away aged 30. The Emperor orders him buried on the plain of Nobo and also has tombs for him made in Kotohiki no Hara in Yamato and Furuichi in Kawachi as they see the spirit of Yamato Takeru as a bird fly to these places.¹⁶

After these were subjugated the Emperor took a tour of these places in the 53rd and 54th years of his reign before moving his palace to Shiga in Ōmi the following year.⁵ During this time he stayed in the Kambuta Palace in Ise.⁶

Events following Takeru’s Death

In his 43rd year of reign he established the Takeru Be in honor of Yamato Takeru.¹

In the 51st year of his reign he is said to have made Takeuchi no Sukune prime minister¹⁶ and the future Emperor Seimu prince Imperial. This was following on from a feast in which the two of them did not attend, as they chose to stand guard so the other Ministers could enjoy themselves; this made the Emperor happy.

Kusanagi is also said to have been placed in the Atsuta Shrine.

The captured Emishi are said to have fought day and night, with Yamatohime saying to not allow them near to the Ise Grand Shrine; and so they were sent to live next to Mount Mimoro.

They continue to fight, scaring those that live in the area and so the Emperor sends them to live in Harima, Sanuki, Iyo, Aki and Aha Provinces.

In the 53rd year of his reign he wished to see the lands subdued by Yamato Takeru, going to Ise, Kadzusa and Awa. He captured clams, with Ihaka Mutsukari making him a shoulder strap to carry them and as a reward gives to him the
Ōtomo Be. Eventually the Emperor comes to reside in the Kambata Palace in Ise.

In the 54th year he sends Prince Hikosajima to govern the 15 Provinces of the Tōsandō though he dies before taking residence there. In responce to this, in the 56th year he instead sends Prince Mimorowake to take his place and he deals with the Emishi in the area..

In his 57th year he has the Pool of Sakate built with embankments planted with bamboo and had every province construct granaries.¹²³

Death

The Emperor died in 130AD at the age of 143 according to Ponsonby.⁵ The Jinnō Shōtōki says he died age 140⁶ and the nihongi gives him a much younger age of 106 when he passed away.¹

The nihongi additionally says he passed away in the ’60th year, Winter, 11th month, 7th day whilst in the Takaanaho Palace.’¹

He was buried in the 2nd year, Winter, 11th month, 10th day of his sons reign in his misasagi in Yamanobe.¹

Footnotes

1. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi Volume 1: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to AD697”. Tuttle Publishing.
2. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An Account of Ancient Matters”. New York: Columbia University Press.
3. Chamberlain, B. H. (1932) “Translation of the Kojiki.” Kobe: J.L. Thompson & Co.
4. Yoda, H. and Alt, M. (2016) “Japandemonium: Illustrated: The Yokai Encyclopaedia of Toriyama Sekien.”. New York: Dover Publications, Inc.
5. Ponsonby, F. (1959) “The Imperial House of Japan.” Kyoto: Ponsonby Memorial Society.
6. Varley, H.P (1980) “A Chronicle of Gods and Sovereigns: Jinnō Shōtōki of Kitabatake Chikafusa.” New York: Columbia University Press.

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• • 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 29BC-70AD.³

According to the kojiki he was ten feet and two inches tall, his legs alone measuring four feet and one inch.²

Family

Suinin is recorded to have had a large family consisting of 16 children with 8 different women. We find some chidlren and wives only mentioned in certain texts.

Emperor Suinin was the son of Emperor Sujin and Mimakihime.¹

With Sahobime (Sahaji²) he had a child by the name of Homutsuwake.¹²

With Hibasuhime he had 5 children called Inishikinoiribiko, Emperor Keikō, Ohonakatsuhiko, Yamatohime and Wakakiiribiko.¹²

With Nubatanoiribika he had two children called Nutarashiwake and Igatarashihiko.¹²

Matonuhime was a concubine.¹

With Azaminoiribime he had two children called Ikobayawake and Azamitsuhime.¹²

With Kaguyahime he had one child by the name of Wozabe.²

With Karibatatobe he had three children called Ochiwake no miko, Ikatarashihiko no miko and Itoshiwake.¹²

With Otokaribatatobe he had two children called Ihatsukuwake¹² and Ihatsukubime.²

Reign

Emperor Suinin ascended the throne in 29BC according to the Jinnō Shōtōki and Ponsonby.³⁵ This was after being made heir to the throne in the 48th year of his fathers reign,³ at the age of 24.¹

His palace was known as Tamaki Palace and was located in Shiki³ (Tamaki Palace, Makimuku.⁴⁵)

Connections to Korea

At the start of his reign, after his marriage to Sahobime and the birth of their son Homutsuwake a man by the name of Sonaka Cheulchi asked the Emperor to return to Imna.

A gift of 100 pieces of soft red silk are given to him when he departs, however, on his return journey he is robbed by the people of Silla which was the cause of enmity between Japan and the Kingdom of Silla.

Later, in the 3rd year of his reign the Silla Prince Amanohihoko arrives with a gift of three gems (Habuto, Ashidaka and Ukaka) as well as an Idzushi short sword, Idzushi spear, sun mirror, and Kumahimorogi. These were stored in Tajima and made divine items.¹

Assassination Plot

In his fifth year, Sahobiko, brother to the Emperors wife Sahobime approached his sister asking who is most dearest to her. Him or her husband.

Handing her a stiletto a plan is devised where the Empress would take the Emperors life. When the Emperor visits Kume, his wife almost takes his life, however she cries and her tears wake the Emperor. The Emperor relates he had a similar dream of falling water and so she tells him the truth of the plot.¹²

Nihongi Version

In retaliation for the attempt on his life he rallies an army, led by a man called Yatsunada, to attack Sahobiko.

For months the Emperors forces attack Sahobiko’s self made castle, however, they were unable to breach it. Sahobime mourning that she nearly took her husbands life, sneaks into her brothers castle with the prince Homutsuwake.

The attacks intensify, with the enemy refusing to give up the Empress and her child. And so Yatsunada sets fire to the castle.

Sahobime then leaves the castle saying she had hoped her brother would be absolved of his crime after she had entered it. But as this had not happened she wishers the Emperors life to be filled with wives worthy of him and so tells him of the five daughters of Michinoushi.

The Emperor agrees to take as wives those worthy of him and so she and her brother die in the fires of the castle.

Following the end of the battle the Emperor promotes Yatsunada giving him the name Yamatohimuketaketakehimukehiko Yatsunada.¹

Kojiki Version

In the kojiki the tears Sahobime sheds wakes the Emperor as they fall on his face, and he says had a dream about a violent rain from Saho with a snake coiling aorud his neck.

The Empress had not yet given birth, and so after entering the castle the Emperor turned aside his armies to allow her to have her child. After this the child was put outside the stronghold. The Emperor being told if he considered the boy his child he could come and take him.

He sends his men to take the child and to also try and capture the Empress.

The Empress had dressed shoddily and had shaved her hair (placing it back upon her head) and so when the men attempted to grab her, her clothes tore, and her hair fell off allowing her to escape.

Angered by this the Emperor asks her to choose the childs name. As he had been born as the castle burnt she gave him the name Homutsuwake (Fire-possessing Lord)

Suinin then asked how he should raise the child, Sahobime saying to give him a foster mother and bathing women.

He then asks who should remove the girdle she placed around his waist and in reply she says Yehime and Otohime, daughters of Tatsumichinoushi Prince of Taniha as their parentage is unsullied.

And so the Empreror kills Sahobiko and his sister is also killed.

Homuchiwake was then entertained after they made a canoe for him from cedar from Ahidzu in Wohari and they placed it in the pools of Ichishi and Karu in Yamato.²

Kuyehama and Nomi no Sukune

During the 7th year of his reign a man known as Kuehaya of Taima was declared so strong that he could break horns and straighten out hooks; Kuehaya claiming that no-one could beat him. One minister by the name of Nagaochi was sent to bring Nomi no Sukune and they were ordered to wrestle.

Both initially kick one another but Kuehaya is killed after being kicked in the ribs and groin, and Nomi no Sukune was then given his lands and allowed to stay at court.¹

This story is likely a fabrication and a way to show how the Haji took over land in Yamato from older less influential familes.

These exploits have seen him credited with founding sumo, though not of modern rules.⁴

The 5 Women of Tamba

Nihongi Version

In the nihongi by the 15th year of his reign he sends for the daughters of Michinoushi. These daughters being Hibasuhime, Nubatanoiribika, Matounuhime, Azaminoiribime and Takanohime.

Hibasuhime was made Empress and all of the others were made concubines save for Takanohime who was sent away for being ugly. Ashamed she returns home, but on the way tumbles purposefully from her carriage and dies.¹

Kojiki Version

The kojiki only lists Hibasuhime, Nubatanoiribika, Matonuhime and another woman by the name of Utakorihime. And additionally says that he sends back both Utakorihime and Matonuhime due to their ugliness.

In this version Matonuhime is the one who kills herself. First in a failed attempt when she tries to hang herself from a tree in Yamashiro Province, and later a successful attempt by drowning herself in a place called Ochikuni.

Additionally this event occurs after Homutsuwake learns to talk in the kojiki.²

Homutsuwake learns to talk

Nihongi Version

By now Homutsuwake was 30 years old and still did not speak. One day he sees a swan and finally talks saying ‘what is this thing?’

The Emperor happy at this asks who will go and collect this swan for his son. Amano Yukaha Tana volunteers and pursues it all the way to Tajima.

After capturing the swan, he returns and presents it to Homutsuwake and he finally learns to speak.

The Emperor then gives Amano the title of Tottori no Miyakko and also at this time established the Be of Torikahibe and Homutsube.

Later on the Emperor then gathers the Five Daibu Takenu Kahawake, Hikokunifuku, Ohokashima, Tochine no Ōmuraji and Takehi to talk of the wisdom of Emperor Sujin.¹

Kojiki Version

It is said someone by the name of Yamanobe no Ohotaka was sent to go and collect the swan.

He followed the swan through Harima to Kii, Inaba to Tanba, Tajima then eastwards until Afumi,  Minu to Wohari, and finally Shinano to Koshi. There in the estuary of Wanami he caught it and brought it to the Emperor.

The emperor thought seeing the bird again would make the prince talk, but it did not, and so the Emperor retired and had a dream. He dreamt a kami said if he built a shrine like his abode then the prince would speak.

The next day he asks an oracle to see which deity spoke finding out it was Ōkuninushi who had placed this curse on the prince. The Emperor readied the Prince to go to the shrine to pay reverence, with a man called Aketatsu being sent to attend to him.

Aketatsu swore a sacred oath ‘if there is an answer to be found in adoring this kami, then let the heron I see on Sagisu no ike fall dead.’ And the heron then died.

In reply to this he said ‘by this oath live’ and the heron came back to life. By his oath he then made wither and come back to life an oak upon Cape Amakashi (Amakashi no saki)

They also leave with Prince Unakami and after arriving at the shrine, they pray and return. A temporary Palace is then made for Homutsuwake in the middle of the River Hi. And when food was about to be presented to Homutsuwake he finally spoke.

‘This mountain is not a mountain, perhaps it is the court of those who worship Ashiharashikowo.’

And so they informed the Emperor and he rejoiced, and the prince was left to live in the palace of Nagaho in Ajimasa. The Emperor then established the Totori Clan, Torikahi Clan, Homuji Clan, Ohoyuwe (Old Bath attendants) and Wakeyuwe (Younger Bath Attendants). The Emperor then sent Unakami to build the shrine for Ōkuninushi.²

Sacred Regalia / Divine Treasures

The care of Amaterasu is passed from Toyosukiiribime to Yamatohime. She goes searching for a place to enshrine Amaterasu travelling through Sasahata in Uda, then Mino and finally reaches Ise.¹ The Jinnō Shōtōki says she toured the provinces at Amaterasu’s command, further saying she chose the headwaters of the Isuzu River in the Watarai District of Ise.⁵

Here the kami communes with Yamatohime saying she wishes to dwell in Ise and so a shrine was built. When the shrine was first built Amaterasu made a descent from Heaven.¹ And so following this the Emperor takes the Sacred Regalia and houses them in the Naiku Shrine here.³

The Emperor then notes he has not heard of the Divine Treasures for some time and so sends the Mononobe Tochine no Ōmuraji to check on them. He makes a report and is put in charge of them.

Later the Emperor ask the Department of Worship to decide what weapons should be offered to the kami as offerings. And so arrows and swords were deposited at all shrines. Granaries were later built in Kume.¹

Human Sacrifice

In his 28th year Yamatohiko died and he is buried in Tsukizaka in Musa. His attendants were buried alongside him, alive and standing upright in the precinct of his misasagi. It took several days for them to die, the Emperor overhearing their weeping as they passed away. And after their passing crows and dogs came to feast on them.

The Emperor hearing their wails as they died asks what can be done about this custom.¹

When the Empress Hibasuhime later died he asked what should be done, his ministers saying they should follow the old traditions of burying retainers alongside her as had been done upon the death of Yamatohiko.

However, Nomi no Sukune stepped in with another idea saying human sacrifice was contrary to a benevolent government. And so he took 300 potters and made images in clay. The Emperor liked what had been created, dubbing them haniwa and this became the replacement of human sacrifice. For his work he was given the name of Haji ‘master potter’ and was put incharge of pottery workers (Haji Be) and funerary rites.¹⁴

The mentioning of Nomi no Sukune is not seen in the pages of the kojiki, however it does state that the Haji Be were founded during this Emperors reign.²⁴

One branch of the Haji lived near the site apparently that of Emperor Suinins tomb, which may have helped in joining the Haji Clan with the story of the haniwa in later records.⁴

Choosing an heir

In the 30th year, he commands his sons Inishiki no Mikoto and Ohotarashihiko to state what it is that they want. Inishiki says all he wants is a bow and arrow, Ohotarashihiko saying he wanted the throne.

Due to this the asked for gifts were given and Ohotarashihiko was made heir officially in his 37th year of his ruling.¹

His final wives

After his marriage to Karihatatohe he learns of Otokaribatatobe whilst visiting Yamashiro. Vowing to make her his wife he sees an omen in the form of a large tortoise in a river.

The Emperor throwing his spear at the tortoise sees it turn into a white stone and following this he sends for Otokaribatatobe and they are wed.¹

Divine Treasures

The Emperor decides to take charge of the divine treasures from Iso no Kami shrine himself.

Many years laters he sends for the Divine Treasures brought at the start of his reign by Amanohihoko from Tajima.

The request is recieved by Amanohihoko’s great-grandson Kiyohiko who brings them for the Emperor to see. However, he attempts to hide one of the swords from the Emperor in his robes until he accidently shows it after drinking some sake.

After this the Emperor decides to take all the treasures and place them in the Sacred Treasury.

Following another inspection the sword again is found missing, Kiyohiko is asked about its whereabouts telling the Emperor it appeared by him during the night but was gone by morning.

It was later found in Ahajishima where it was them given a shrine and worshipped as a kami.¹

Death

In his 90th year, he sends Tajima Mori to the island of Tokoyo to collect the Tachibana fruit, however before he returns the Emperor passes away.

Emperor Suinin died in the 99th year, Autumn, 7th month, 14th day according to the nihongi at the age of 140.¹ This is all agreed in the Jinnō Shōtōki.⁵ The kojiki says he died aged 153.²

His misasagi is located in Fushimi, Sugahara.¹ (Mitachi, Sugahara²).

Tajima Mori returned the following year with the fruit and makes a speech lamenting the Emperors death.

‘Ten thousand ri I crossed the waves,
Distantly I passed over the weak water.
This Eternal Land.
Is no other than the mysterious realm of Gods and Genji
To which ordinary mortals cannot attain;
Therefore in going thither and returning
Ten years have naturally passed.
Beyond my expectation, I braved alone the towering billows,
Turning my way again towards my own land.
Thus, thrusting in the spirits of the Emperors,
I hardly accomplished my return.
But now the Emperor is dead,
I am unable to report my mission.
Though I should remain alive,
What more would it avail me?’

He then dies weeping, facing the Emperors tomb.¹

The kojiki also says he brought back with him 80 leafy branches and 80 bare branches. He placedd 40 of each of Hibasuhime’s mausoleum and the rest on the Emperors mausoleum as well as the Tachibana.²

Footnotes

1. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi Volume 1: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to AD697”. Tuttle Publishing.
2. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An Account of Ancient Matters”. New York: Columbia University Press.
3. Ponsonby, F. (1959) “The Imperial House of Japan.” Kyoto: Ponsonby Memorial Society.
4. Borgen, R. (1975) “The Origins of the Sugawara. A History of the Haji Family”. Monumenta Nipponica. Vol.30 No.4 pp.405-422.
5. Varley, H.P (1980) “A Chronicle of Gods and Sovereigns: Jinnō Shōtōki of Kitabatake Chikafusa.” New York: Columbia University Press.

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Hear about Amaterasu on Episode 12, 21 and 35 of our Podcast, the Japan Archives.

• • Affiliation: Shinto
  • Kami of: The Sun
  • Family: Izanami? (mother) Susano-o (brother) Tsukiyomi (brother) Ninigi (grand-son) Ōkuninushi (nephew) Amenooshihomimi (son) Amenohohi (son) Amatsuhikone (son) Ikutsuhikone (son) Kumanokusubi (son)

Amaterasu

Amaterasu (天照 – Heaven Shining) also known as Ōhirume-no-muchi-no-kami (大日孁貴神) is the Sun kami of Shinto, born in some accounts from the kami Izanami, her brothers being the kami of the Underworld Susano-o, and the moon Tsukiyomi.¹

Birth

Within the main text of the nihongi it states Amaterasu was born after the kami Kayanohime as a child Izanami and Izanagi. However, a different version within the nihongi states she was born from Izanagi only when he held a white copper mirror in his left hand. She was the first of three siblings, her brothers being Susano-o and Tsukiyomi. A third version states she was born from Izanagi washing his left eye in the Tachibana River after becoming polluted from his visit into Yomi.¹ This third version is the version stated in the text of the kojiki, with the only addition being that Izanagi gave her a jewelled necklace; this necklace being the kami Mikuratana.²

Her splendor was said to have shone through the 6 quadrants (North, East, South, West, Above and Below) and due to how special her parents/parent saw her to be she was sent to rule over Heaven and ascended the Ladder of Heaven.¹²

Day and Night

During her time in Heaven, she learns of a kami called Ukemochi living in Japan and so sends Tsukiyomi down to wait upon her. Tsukiyomi soon returns to her after Ukemochi had offended him with a feast she provided and he had killed her. Amaterasu calls her brother wicked and wishing to not see him again she sends him away and they are separated leading to the day and night cycle to begin.

She sends Amekumabito to Ukemochi, and brings back from her body ox, horse, millet, silkworm, panic, rice, wheat, large beans and smalls beans. Amaterasu rejoices and takes these declaring them to be what man needs to live. She then plants the rice in the fields of heaven and reels from the silkworm the silk with her tongue, thus beginning the art of silk rearing.¹

Testing the Heart of Susano-o

Her brother Susano-o, having been condemned to go reside in Yomi, wished to speak to his sister one last time and so ascends to Heaven. He brother informs her that he comes with no ill intent and so Amaterasu asks for them to make a pledge together and create children.¹²

Amaterasu makes him hand over his ten span sword, cleaning it and chewing it in her mouth she spits forth three female kami, these daughters being called Takiribime, Ichikishimahime and Takitsuhime.¹² According to the kojiki these daughters born from his sword show Susano-o had no ill intent and so in triumph he runs amok in Heaven destroying rice fields.² The main text of the nihongi differs where it says should he have daughters then he has ill intent.¹

Before running amok in Heaven he asks for the Jewels from Amaterasu’s hair, and chewing them he spits forth five children, these being Amenooshihomimi, Amenohohi, Amatsuhikone, Ikutsuhikone and Kumanokusubi.¹²

There are several alternative versions of this particular event within the nihongi. In one, she doesn’t chew the jewels of her brother, but instead chews her own sword creating the three daughters. (Presumably then in this context, these females are daughters of Amaterasu, and the males are sons of Susano-o).

Another version says that before ascending to Heaven to see his sister Susano-o is visited by a kami known as Haakarutama who gave him magatama beads which he then plans to gift to his sister. In this version Amaterasu says if he births daughter he is here with ill intent, and after swapping items Susano-o is shown to have three daughters.

Another, says if he produces sons then he has no ill intent. In this version again, they use their own items. Amaterasu uses her sword and Susano-o his jewels. This version includes new sons and he does not chew and spit out the jewels. He places them on parts of his body. The left hand produces Amenooshihomimi, and right hand Amenohohi. His left forearm makes Amatsuhikone and his right Ikutsuhikone. From his right leg comes Kumanokusubi and from his left foot comes Hinohayahi.¹

Susano-o’s final act whilst running amok in Heaven (in the kojiki) was to drop a pie-bald colt which had been skinned backwards from its tail into the sacred weaving hall where Amaterasu and Amenohatorime were. The colt causes Amenohatorime to be startled and so she accidently kills herself by slamming her weaving shuttle into her privates. Amaterasu frightened by all this flee into the Sacred Rock cave and so night falls eternally.² In the main text of the nihongi, Amenohatorihime is not mentioned and Amaterasu injures herself in fear before fleeing to the rock cave.¹

Addtionally, there is a version where the kami Wakahirume is the one to be startled in the Weaving Hall, dying from her injuries.¹

Additionally one mentions that Susano-o repeatedly destroys her fields, but she decides to forgive him. In the end he defecates under her chair which repulses her and so flees into the cave. Another version mentioned again how he ruins her fields, jealous as they are so fertile when his are not, she forgives him for a while but ultimately she has enough and goes into the Rock Cave.¹

Inside the Rock Cave

All the kami of Heaven then are said to have gathered on the banks of the river Amenoyasunokawa while they decided what should be done to get Amaterasu to leave the cave.¹² The kojiki states it was left to Omoikane to decide what must be done.²

To bring her out, cockerals are gathered from the mythical land of Tokoyo. Stone is taken from the Amenoyasunokawa and iron from Heaven’s mountains. The kami Amatsumara is brought, Ishikoridome fashions a mirror and Tamanooya makes a necklace of magatama. Ameno Koyane and Ameno Futodama then conduct divination before they take a tree from Mount Kagu placing the mirror and magatama jewels upon it. The Spirit Amenotajikarao then places himself just outside of the rock cave. Ameno Uzume the performs a lewd dance making everyone laugh, and so Amaterasu peers out of the cave wondering how people can be happy in her absence.¹²

In the kojiki, Ameno Futodama and Ameno Koyane place a mirror before her face, saying they are happy as there is someone here more beautiful than she. And so she steps a little more out of the cave.²

Once she is partially out, Amenotajikarao grabs her and pulls her from the cave bringing sunlight back into the world. Futodama and Koyane then take a sacred boundry rope and stretch it behind Amaterasu barring her from returning into the cave.¹²

Alternative writings again of the nihongi give other accounts. The version where Wakahirume dies states that Ishikoridome was appointed as artisan to get her out, and so she makes a Sun-Spear from copper and Heavenly Bellows from a Stag Hide from Mount Kagu. The defecation version states, Amenonukado makes the mirrors, Ameno Futodama gives offerings, Toyomata the jewels, Yamatsuchi collects Sasaki Tree’s, Nozuchi collects Suzuki Grass, and once Amaterasu comes out of the cave Ameno Koyane recites a liturgy.

The version where he is jealous of his sisters fields tells how Ameno Koyane gives a liturgy and then set up a tree to hangs mirrors made by Onokoridome and Jewels made by Amenoakarudama. Tree fibre is gathered by Hiwashi. Ameno Futodama then recites a liturgy and when she looks out the cave Amenotajikarao brings her out. Following on from this version, Susano-o then wished to see his sister one last time before going to Yomi, upon returning to Heaven Ameno Uzume warns her of his coming and so Amaterasu dresses in warrior garb. It is here then that the kami Amenooshihomimi, Amenohohi, Amatsuhikone, Ikutsuhikone and Kumanokusubi are created by Susano-o. instead of earlier in the narrative.¹

Once she leaves the rock cave her brother is expelled from Heaven. However, in one alternative version of the nihongi he returns one final time to give his sister the sword Kusanagi after finding it in the tail of Yamata no Orochi.¹

Ninigi and Emperor Jimmu

Later in her life, to ensure her son Ninigi could descend to Earth to rule, she asked Ōkuninushi to temporarily give authority of the Earth to Ninigi, in return for Onanomochi having confirmation of his own primacy in divine matters. Upon his descent to Earth, she gave to him the Sacred Mirror.³

During the time of Emperor Jimmu, Amaterasu came to him in a dream after he and his men came to an impasse while trying to subdue the Yamato region. In the dream, she stated she would send the Yatagarasu (Sun Crow) to lead him through the impasse. Soon the crow appeared and showed his army and him the way.⁴

Reign of Emperor Sujin

During the reign of Emperor Sujin he requested punishment from the kami for the plague spreading through Japan. Fearing the power of Amaterasu and Ōkuninushi he also seperates their worship with Amaterasu worshipped in Kasanui in Yamato and Ohokunidama was entrusted into the care of Nunakinobime.

Later in his reign, Amaterasu instructed Toyosukiiribime to journey the provinces with the Sacred Sword and Mirror.¹

Reign of Emperor Suinin

The care of Amaterasu is passed from Toyosukiiribime to Yamatohime. She goes searching for a place to enshrine Amaterasu travelling through Sasahata in Uda, then Mino and finally reaches Ise.¹

The Jinnō Shōtōki says she toured the provinces at Amaterasu’s command, further saying she chose the headwaters of the Isuzu River in the Watarai District of Ise in the 26th year, 10th month of Suinin’s reign.⁶

Here the kami communes with Yamatohime saying she wishes to dwell in Ise and so a shrine was built. When the shrine was first built Amaterasu made a descent from Heaven.¹ And so following this the Emperor takes the Sacred Regalia and houses them in the Naiku Shrine here.⁷

The Jinnō Shōtōki says that she placed the Sword and Mirror into the shrine herself.⁶

Sagoromo Monogatari

Amaterasu finds herself mentioned in the Sagoromo Monogatari. In this tale, dating to the Heian Period, it is said that she causes the main character of the tale Sagoromo to become the Emperor after she gives an oracular decree.⁵

Footnotes

1. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi Volume 1: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to AD697”. Tuttle Publishing.
2. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An Account of Ancient Matters”. New York: Columbia University Press.
3. Martin, P. (1997) ”The Chrysanthemum Throne”. Gloucestershire: Sutton Publishing Limited.
4. Kidder, J. (1964) “Early Japanese Art” London: Thames & Hudson.
5. Kodansha. (1993) ”Japan: An Illustrated Encyclopedia”. Tokyo: Kodansha Ltd.
6. Varley, H.P (1980) “A Chronicle of Gods and Sovereigns: Jinnō Shōtōki of Kitabatake Chikafusa.” New York: Columbia University Press.
7. Ponsonby, F. (1959) “The Imperial House of Japan.” Kyoto: Ponsonby Memorial Society.

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