Wiki Category: Literature

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Hikofutooshimakoto (husband) Takeuchi no Sukune (son?) Udzuhiko (brother) Birth: – Death: – Yamashitakage Yamashitakage (山下影日売) is said to have been the wife of Hikofutooshimakoto and mother of Takeuchi no Sukune. This is mentioned in the kojiki. She is said to have been the younger sister[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Hikofutooshimakoto (father) Takachinahime (mother) Birth: – Death: – Umashi Uchi Umashi Uchi (甘美内宿禰) is said to have been the son of Hikofutooshimakoto and Takachinahime. This is mentioned in the kojiki.12 Footnotes 1. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An Account of Ancient[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: Takachinahime (sister) Birth: – Death: – Chonabi Chonabi was the sister of Takachinahime. He is said to be the ancestor of the Yamashiro no Uchi no Omi as well as the Wohari no Muraji.This is mentioned in the kojiki.12 Footnotes 1. Yasumaro. O, translated by[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: Hikofutooshimakoto (husband) Umashi Uchi (son) Chonabi (brother) Birth: – Death: – Takachinahime Takachinahime (高千那毘売命) was the wife of Hikofutooshimakoto, and together they had Umashi Uchi. She was said to be from Kadzuraki. She is stated to have been the younger sister of Chonabi. This is[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Concubine Family: Emperor Kōgen (husband) Hikofutooshimakoto (son) Utsushikowo (father?) Ōhesoki (father?) Emperor Kaika (husband) Emperor Sujin (son) Mimatsuhime (daughter) Birth: – Death: – Ikagashikome Ikagashikome (伊香色謎命) was the concubine of Emperor Kōgen and together they had Hikofutooshimakoto. Ancestor to Takeuchi no Sukune.123 The kojiki states her father[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Emperor Kōgen (father) Haniyasuhime (mother) Atabime (wife) Birth: – Death: – Takehaniyasuhiko Takehaniyasuhiko (武埴安彦命) was the son of Emperor Kōgen and Haniyasuhime.123 During the reign of Emperor Sujin he planned to rise up against him and attack.123 In the kojiki it says that Ohobiko[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Concubine Family: Emperor Kōgen (husband) Takehaniyasuhiko (son) Birth: – Death: – Haniyasuhime Haniyasuhime (埴安媛) was the concubine of Emperor Kōgen. Together the two of them had Takehaniyasuhiko.123 In the kojiki she is said to have been the daughter of Awotama of Kafuchi.23 Footnotes 1. Aston. W.G.[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Emperor Kōgen (father) Uchishikome (mother) Emperor Kaika (brother) Ohobiko (brother) Yamatotohime (sister?) Birth: – Death: – Sukunabikookokoro Sukunabikookokoro (少彦男心命) is said to have been the second son of Emperor Kōgen and Uchishikome. This is mentioned in the kojiki.12 He is mentioned in an alternative version of[...]

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

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Ohobiko (father) Takenumakahawake (brother) Birth: – Death: – Hikoinakoshiwake Hikoinakoshiwake was the son of Ohobiko and brother of Takenumakahawake. He is said to be the ancestor to the Kashihade no Omi in the kojiki.12 Footnotes 1. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince / Shido Shogun / Five Daibu Family: Ohobiko (father) Hikoinakoshiwake (brother) Birth: – Death: – Takenumakahawake Takenumakahawake (武渟川別) was the son of Ohobiko and brother of Hikoinakoshiwake. He said to be the ancestor of the Abe no Omi in the kojiki.v Reign of Emperor Sujin[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince / Shido Shogun Family: Emperor Kōgen (father) Uchishikome (mother) Emperor Kaika (brother) Sukunabikookokoro (brother) Yamatotohime (sister) Takenumakahawake (son) Hikoinakoshiwake (son) Mimakihime (daughter) Birth: – Death: – Ohobiko Ohobiko (大彦命) was the son of Emperor Kōgen and Uchishikome. Family He was the brother to Emperor Kaika, Yamatotohime12 and[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Empress Family: Emperor Kōgen (husband) Ohobiko (son) Emperor Kaika (son) Sukunabikookokoro (son) Yamatotohime (daughter) Utsushikoo (brother) Birth: – Death: – Uchishikome Uchishikome (欝色謎命) was the Empress of Emperor Kōgen. Together they had four children Ohobiko, Emperor Kaika, Yamatotohime123 and Sukunabikookokoro.23 She is listed as the brother of[...]

Reign: 214-158BC Born: 273BC Period: Legendary Period Family: Emperor Kōrei (father) Kuwashi Hime (mother) Uchishikome (wife) Ohobiko (son) Emperor Kaika (son) Sukunabikookokoro (son) Yamatotohime (daughter) Ikagashikome (concubine) Hikofutooshimakoto (son) Haniyasuhime (concubine) Takehaniyasuhiko (son) Burial place: misasagi on Tsurugi Lake Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Kōrei  * Successor Emperor Kaika Emperor Kōgen[...]

Gonki (権記) also known as Yukinari Kyōki, was the diary of Fujiwara no Yukinari. Its name is created from one of the posts Yukinari held (that of gon dainagon). The diary covers the years of 991-1011AD and has alllowed us to better understand the court life and politics during Fujiwara[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Emperor Kōrei (father) Yamatonokunikahime (mother) Yamatototowakayabime (sister) Yamatototohimomosobime (sister) Kibitsuhiko (brother) Birth: – Death: – Hikosashikatawake Hikosashikatawake (日子刺肩別命) was the son of Emperor Kōrei and Yamatonokunikahime. He was the brother of Yamatototohimomosobime, Yamatototowakayabime and Kibitsuhiko.12 In the kojiki he is said to be the Ancestor of the[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince / Shido Shogun Family: Emperor Kōrei (father) Yamatonokunikahime (mother) Yamatototowakayabime (sister) Yamatototohimomosobime (sister) Hikosashikatawake (brother) Birth: – Death: – Kibitsuhiko Kibitsuhiko (吉備津彦命) was the son of Emperor Kōrei and Yamatonokunikahime. He was the brother of Yamatototohimomosobime, Yamatototowakayabime12 and Hikosashikatawake.1 In the kojiki he is given an alternative name[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Concubine Family: Emperor Kōrei (husband) Yamatototohimomosobime (daughter) Kibitsuhiko (son) Yamatototowakayabime (daughter) Hikosashikatawake (son) Birth: – Death: – Yamatonokunikahime Yamatonokunikahime (倭国香媛) was a concubine of Emperor Kōrei. Together they are said to have had two daughters and two sons. The daughters Yamatototohimomosobime and Yamatototowakayabime as well as the[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Emperor Kōrei (father) Haeirode (mother) Wakatakehiko (brother) Toyoki no Mikoto (grandfather?) Birth: – Death: – Hikosajima Hikosajima (彦狭島命) was the son of Emperor Kōrei and Haeirodo12 and brother to Wakatakehiko.2 The nihongi also states he was the grandson of Toyoki no Mikoto (though I am unsure where[...]

There are currently two people with the same name of Wakatakehiko both from the Imperial House, see below: Wakatakehiko (Emperor Kōrei) Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Emperor Kōrei (father) Haeirode (mother) Hikosajima (brother) Harima no Inabi no Ōiratsume (daughter) Birth: – Death: – Wakatakehiko (稚武彦命) was the son of Emperor Kōrei[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Concubine Family: Emperor Kōrei (husband) Wakatakehiko (son) Hikosajima (son) Princess Are (sister) Birth: – Death: – Haeirodo Haeirodo (絙某弟) was one of the concubines of Emperor Kōrei. She is said to have been the mother of Wakatakehiko in the kojiki and nihongi1 but she has an additional[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Empress Family: Emperor Kōrei (husband) Emperor Kōgen (son) Father (see below) Birth: – Death: – Kuwashi Hime Kuwashi Hime (細媛命) was the Empress of Emperor Kōrei. This name for her is given in the Kojiki.12 In the Nihongi she is given the name Hosohime.3 She is said to[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Princess Family: Emperor Kōrei (father) Chijihayamawaka (mother) Birth: – Death: –   Chijihayahime Chijihayahime (千千速比売命) was the child of Emperor Kōrei and Chijihayamawaka. This is mentioned in the Kojiki.12 Footnotes 1. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An Account of Ancient Matters”. New York: Columbia[...]

Reign: 290-215BC Born: 342BC Period: Legendary Period Family: Emperor Kōan (father) Oshihime (mother) Kuwashi Hime (wife) Emperor Kōgen (son) Haeirodo (concubine) Wakatakehiko (son) Hikosajima (son) Yamato no kunikahime (concubine) Yamatototohimomosobime (daughter) Kibitsuhiko (son) Yamatototowakayabime (daughter) Hikosashikatawake (son) Chijihayamawaka (concubine) Chijihayahime (daughter) Burial place: misasagi on Mumazaka at Kataoka. Order of[...]

Period: Kamakura Period Occupation: Poet Family: – Birth: 1254AD Death: 1332AD Fujiwara no Tamekane Fujiwara no Tamekane (藤原 為兼) was a was a member of the Fujiwara Clan living from 1254-1332. He was a poet and compiled the Gyokuyō-shū in 1312. He was also known as Kyōgoku.1 Footnotes 1. Louis[...]

Period: Heian Period / Kamakura Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Chancellor of the Realm, Monk. Family: Elder sister (who was Teika’s wife) Birth: 1171D Death: 1244AD Saionji Kintsune Saionji Kintsune (西園寺 公経) was the founder of the Saionji Family (a descendant of the Fujiwara Clan), living from 1171-1244AD. His elder sister was the[...]

Period: Kamakura Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: – Death: – Fujiwara no Taneie Fujiwara no Taneie was a member of the Fujiwara Clan. During his lifetime he was one of the authors of the Zoku kokin wakashū alongside Fujiwara no Mitsutoshi, Fujiwara no Motoie and Fujiwara no Yukiie.1 Footnotes 1. Louis Frederic, translated by Kathe[...]

Period: Kamakura Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: 1223AD Death: 1275AD Fujiwara no Yukiie Fujiwara no Yukiie was a member of the Fujiwara Clan, living from 1223-1275. During his lifetime he was a poet and also one of the authors of the Zoku kokin wakashū alongside Fujiwara no Mitsutoshi, Fujiwara no[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: – Family: Fujiwara no Fuyutsugu (father) Fujiwara no Yoshifusa (brother) Fujiwara no Junshi (sister) Fujiwara no Nagara (brother) Fujiwara no Yoshiyo (brother) Fujiwara no Yoshikado (brother) Fujiwara no Koshi (sister) Fujiwara no Tagakishi (daughter) Fujiwara no Tamishi (daughter) Birth: 813AD Death: 867AD Fujiwara no Yoshisuke Fujiwara no[...]

Period: Nara Period / Heian Period Occupation: Historian Family: – Birth: 786AD Death: 848AD Fujiwara no Yoshino Fujiwara no Yoshino (藤原 吉野) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan living from 786-848AD. He ws known to have been a historian and compiler of the Nihon-kōki.1 Footnotes 1. Louis Frederic, translated[...]

Period: Kamakura Period Occupation: Poet Family: – Birth: – Death: – Fujiwara no Mitsutoshi Fujiwara no Mitsutoshi (藤原 光能) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan, he is known to have been the co-author of the Zoku kokin wakashū with Fujiwara no Motoie.1 Footnotes 1. Louis Frederic, translated by Kathe[...]

Period: Kamakura Period Occupation: Poet Family: Kujō Yoshitsune (father) Kujō Michiie (brother) Kujō Noriie (brother) Kujō Risshi (sister) irth: 13th Century Death: – Kujō Motoie Kujō Motoie (九条 基家) was a member of the Kujō Family, a descendant of the Fujiwara Clan living in the 13th century. He was a[...]

Period: Heian Period / Kamakura Period Occupation: sesshō, kampaku Family: Fujiwara no Tadamichi (father) Kujō Yoshimichi (son) Kujō Yoshitsune (son) Kujō Yoshisuke (son) Kujō Yoshihira (son) Kujō Ninshi (daughter) Kanoe no Motozane (brother) Fujiwara no Motofusa (brother) Fujiwara no Kanefusa (brother) Jien (brother) Fujiwara no Masako (sister) Fujiwara no Ikushi (adopted sister) Fujiwara no Teishi (adopted[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Family: Fujiwara no Tadazane (father) Fujiwara no Moronaga (son) Fujiwara no Kanenaga (son) Fujiwara no Masuko (adopted daughter) Birth: 1120AD Death: 1156AD Fujiwara no Yorinaga Fujiwara no Yorinaga (藤原 頼長) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan, more specifically the Hokke Branch of the clan, living from[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Lady of the Court Family: Fujiwara no Kaneko (sister) Birth: – Death:- Fujiwara no Nagako Fujiwara no Nagako also known as Sanuki Tenji, was a lady of the court and member of the Fujiwara Clan, living c.1079AD. During her lifetime she served Emperor Horikawa and then[...]

Personal Poetry Collections This page brings together all the Personal Poetry Collections we have currently on our website as well as any little information we have gathered concerning them. Akazome shū – Personal collection of Akazome Emon containing over 600 poems.23 Akisuke shū – Personal collection of Fujiwara no Akisuke[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Middle Councellor Family: Fujiwara no Sadakata (father) Fujiwara no Tomoyori (brother) Birth: 910AD Death: 966AD Fujiwara no Asatada Fujiwara no Asatada (藤原 朝忠) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan living from 910-966AD. A well known gallant, he was the fifth son of Fujiwara no[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet Family: Fujiwara no Hamanari (great-grandfather) Birth: fl. late 9th Century Death: – Fujiwara no Okikaze Fujiwara no Okikaze (藤原 興風) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan, more specifically the Kyōke branch, who flourshed in the late 9th century. He was the great-grandson of[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Udajin Family: Fujiwara no Takafuji (father) Fujiwara no Asatada (son) Fujiwara no Tomoyori (son) Fujiwara no Kanesuke (cousin) Birth: 873AD Death: 932AD Fujiwara no Sadakata Fujiwara no Sadakata (藤原 定方) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan living from 873-932AD. His family consisted of his[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Magistrate Family: Emperor Kōkō (grandfather) Birth: – Death: 939AD Minamoto no Muneyuki Minamoto no Muneyuki (源 宗于) was the grandson of Emperor Kōkō, known to have died in 939AD. During his life it is known he was reduced to mere commoner status in 894AD,[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet Family: Emperor Yōzei (father) Birth: 890AD Death: 943AD Prince Motoyoshi Prince Motoyoshi (元良親王) was a member of the Imperial Family and son to Emperor Yōzei, living from 890-943AD. During his lifetime he was known to have been a great gallant and appears in several[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet Family: Birth: ? Death: 901/907AD Fujiwara no Toshiyuki Fujiwara no Toshiyuki (藤原 敏行) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan who died in 9011/907AD2. During his lifetime, serving under four Emperors, and was known for his poetic talents as well as being a celebrated[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Third Rank of the office of chūnagon Family: Prince Abo (father) Ariwara no Narihira (brother) Ōe no Chisato (nephew) Birth: 818 Death: 893 Ariwara no Yukihira Ariwara no Yukihira (在原 行平) was a member of the Ariwara Family and a known poet during his time,[...]

Reign: 884-887AD Born: 830AD Period: Heian Period Family: Emperor Ninmyō (father) Minamoto no Muneyuki (grandson) Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Yōzei * Successor Emperor Uda Emperor Kōkō Emperor Kōkō (光孝天皇) was the 58th Emperor of Japan living from 830-871AD and reigning from 884-887AD.1 Family Kōkō was the third son of Emperor[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Sadaijin Family: Emperor Saga (father) Emperor Ninmyō (brother) Minamoto no Makoto (brother) Minamoto no Tokiwa (brother) Birth: 822AD Death: 895AD Minamoto no Tōru Minamoto no Tōru (源 融) was a member of the Imperial Family living from 822-895AD1. The son of Emperor Saga he[...]

Reign: 876-884AD Born: 868AD Period: Heian Period Family: Emperor Seiwa (father) Prince Motoyoshi (son) Fujiwara no Mototsune (uncle) Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Seiwa * Successor Emperor Kōkō Emperor Yōzei Emperor Yōzei (陽成天皇) was the 57th Emperor of Japan living from 868-949AD and reigning from 876-884AD.1 Family He was the[...]

Wakan rōeishū The Wakan rōeishū (和漢朗詠集, Collection of Japanese and Chinese Poems for Singing) is a compilation of Chinese and Japanese poetry. This piece was solely edited by Fujiwara no Kintō,1 containing 216 Japanese poems and 587 Chinese couplets,23 compiled around 1013.2 The book was seperated into two books, one[...]

Hinode Hinode (日の出 – Sunrise) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. This is not strictly a yōkai but is instead the act of the sun rising every day. Sekien notes that the night time is when the horde will run wild, but[...]

Amanozako Amanozako (天逆毎 – Heaven Opposes All) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. She was born from Susano-o after his chest filled with rage and he expelled it. And she herself had a child through virgin birth called Amanosaku. Her appearance[...]

Kanedama Kanedama (金霊 – Gold Spirit) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. Sekien notes it is the essence of the metal element and that “[austere people] can sense gold and silver in the night.” He depicts the creature as gold koban[...]

Momonjii Momonjii (百々爺 – Old Man Momo) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. Sekien muses that the creation of its name was from the combination of two other yōkai. The Nobusama, which is also known as momonga, and the Gagoji. When a[...]

Ōkubi Ōkubi (大首 – Giant Head) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien.  It is a giant head, with Sekien noting that anything in excess is scary, including the head of a woman with a caked black mouth. This creature may also[...]

Ōkaburo Ōkaburo (大禿 – Great Kaburo) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien.  Annotations alongside the Yōkai says that there was an immortal called Hōso who was some 700 years old and who called himself Yū-Jidō (Chrysanthemum Boy). Is this then what[...]

Tenjō-Kudari Tenjō-Kudari (天井下 – Ceiling Dropper) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. He states that this creature, who drops from the ceiling is no beauty. Extra notations alongside this creature talk of another creature who broke through a roof; this being[...]

Gaikotsu Gaikotsu (骸骨) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. He is a skeletal being, with Sekien depicting him coming out of some form of pot. Sekien includes annotations alongside the creature mentioning a poem by Keiun which reads: “Look within! What[...]

Buruburu Buruburu (震々) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien, with Sekien depicting the creature rising from a hole in the ground caused by a purposely up-rooted tree. Notes by Sekien alongside this creature say it is also known as Zozo-gami, the Kami[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Writer, Monk Family: Fujiwara no Morosuke (father) Fujiwara no Tamemitsu (brother) Fujiwara no Koretada (brother) Fujiwara no Kanemichi (brother) Fujiwara no Kaneie (brother) Fujiwara no Kinsue (brother) Birth: – Death: 994AD Fujiwara no Takamitsu Fujiwara no Takamitsu (藤原 高光) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan, more[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: sesshō, kampaku, dajō daijin Family: Fujiwara no Tadazane (father) Kanoe no Motozane (son) Fujiwara no Motofusa (son) Kujō no Kanezane (son) Fujiwara no Kanefusa (son) Jien (son) Fujiwara no Masako (daughter) Fujiwara no Ikushi (adopted daughter) Fujiwara no Teishi (adopted daughter) Birth: 1097AD Death: 1164AD Fujiwara no[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: kampaku Family: Fujiwara no Morozane (father) Fujiwara no Tadazane (son) Fujiwara no Kenshi (sister) Fujiwara no Kanshi (adopted sister) Fujiwara no Moromichi (brother) Fujiwara no Tadanori (brother) Fujiwara no Ietada (brother) Fujiwara no Michifusa (brother) Birth: 1062AD Death: 1099AD Fujiwara no Moromichi Fujiwara no Moromichi (藤原 師通) was a member[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: sesshō, kampaku, dajō daijin Family: Fujiwara no Yorimichi (father) Fujiwara no Kenshi (daughter) Fujiwara no Michifusa (son) Fujiwara no Kanshi (adopted daughter) Fujiwara no Moromichi (son) Fujiwara no Tadanori (son) Fujiwara no Tsunezane (son) Fujiwara no Ietada (son) Fujiwara no Michifusa (brother) Fujiwara no Kanshi (sister) Fujiwara[...]

Period: Asuka Period, Nara Period Occupation: Scholar, udajin Family: – Birth: 695AD Death:775AD Kibi no Makibi Kibi no Makibi (吉備 朝臣 真備) was a scholar, born into a powerful family in the Kibi Region, who lived from 695-775AD. In his lifetime he was well versed in confucian classics, as well[...]

Period: Asuka Period, Nara Period Occupation: Poet Family: – Birth: 698AD1 701AD3 Death:770AD Abe no Nakamaro Abe no Nakamaro (阿倍 仲麻呂) was a member of the Abe Clan living from 698-770AD.1 He is known to have been born in Abe, Nara Prefecture.2 During his lifetime he was both a poet[...]

Period: Asuka Period Occupation: General, Governor Family: – Birth: c.575AD Death: 664AD Abe no Hirafu Abe no Hirafu (阿倍 比羅夫) was a member of the Abe Clan who lived during the mid 7th century.1 Louis Frederick gives the period of his life from c.575-664.2 For a part of his life he was[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Astrologer Family: – Birth: 921AD Death:1005AD Abe no Seimei Abe no Seimei (安倍 晴明) was a member of the Abe Clan living from 921-1005AD. He was an astrologer and was in the court of Emperor Ichijō. He was a part of the onmyōdō and became famous[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Physician Family: – Birth: – Death: – Abe no Manao Abe no Manao was a member of the Abe Clan. He was a physician, who alongside Izumo Hirosada, compiled the first medical treatise in japan called the daidō ruijūhō (c.808-811).1 Footnotes 1. Louis Frederic, translated by[...]

Man’yōshū The Man’yōshū (万葉集) is an important literary collection of Japanese poetry. Surviving Examples The oldest surviving example of this document is known as the katsura-bon (桂本) which dates to the mid-Heian period.1 Compilation It is generally unknown how the entire piece was compiled, though the Japanese at this time[...]

Period: Nara Period Occupation: Poet, Ason Family: – Birth: – Death:- Kasa Kanamura Kasa Kanamura (笠 [朝臣] 金村) is a known poet who had several poems in the Man’yōshū. He is known to have been active fl.715-733 and his poetry has been ranked as that of the same class as[...]

Hōjōki The Hōjōki (方丈記) is a piece of Japanese literature. Inside the piece we find allusions to the second poem of Priest Manzei, where it states: ‘on mornings when I feel myself short-lived as the white wake building behind a boat, I go to the banks of the river and, gazing[...]

Tōkan Kikō The Tōkan Kikō (東関紀行) is a piece of Japanese literature. It dates to around 1242 and in it we find mention of Priest Manzei. The book looks at one of his poems and uses the art of honkadori on it stating that Manzei wrote his poem whilst standing[...]

See also: Priest Manzei Poems Period: Nara Period Occupation: Governor of Mino, General of Owari, Mikawa and Shinano, Udaiben, Buddhist Monk (sami), bettō, Poet Family: – Birth: – Death:- Priest Manzei Priest Manzei (満誓 沙弥 – He Who Fulfills the Vow/Compleat Votary) was the religous name of Kasa Maro (笠[朝臣][...]

Reign: 392-291BC Born: 427/428BC Period: Legendary Period Family: Emperor Kōshō (father) Yosotarashi Hime (mother) Oshihime (wife) Ōkibi no Morosumi (son) Emperor Kōrei (son) Ameoshitarashihiko (brother) Burial place: misasagi at Tamade Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Kōshō  * Successor Emperor Kōrei Emperor Kōan Emperor Kōan (孝安 天皇) was the 6th Emperor of[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: Amenooshio (father?) Yosotarashi Hime (sister) Birth: – Death: – Okitsuyoso Okitsuyoso is mentioned in the Kojiki as the older brother of Yosotarashi Hime. He is said to be the ancestor of the Wohari no Muraji.1 His father is presumably Amenooshio as he is listed[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Empress Family: Emperor Kōshō (husband) Emperor Kōan (son) Ameoshitarashihiko (son) Amenooshio (father) Okitsuyoso (brother) Birth: – Death: – Yosotarashi Hime Yosotarashi Hime (世襲足媛) was the wife of Emperor Kōshō and together the two of them had two sons; Emperor Kōan and Ameoshitarashihiko.12 She is said to have[...]

Reign: 475-393BC Born: 507/508BC Period: Legendary Period Family: Emperor Itoku (father) Amatoyotsuhime (mother) Yosotarashi hime (wife) Emperor Kōan (son) Ameoshitarashihiko (son) Takeshihiko (brother) Burial place: misasagi on Hakatayama in Waki no Kami Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Itoku  * Successor Emperor Kōan Emperor Kōshō Emperor Kōshō (孝昭 天皇) was the fifth[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: udajin, nairan, dajō daijin, sesshō Family: Fujiwara no Kaneie (father) Minamoto no Rinshi (wife) Fujiwara no Shōshi (daughter) Fujiwara no Kenshi (daughter) Fujiwara no Ishi (daughter) Fujiwara no Sonshi (daughter) Fujiwara no Kanshi (daughter) Fujiwara no Seishi (daughter) Fujiwara no Kishi (daughter) Fujiwara no Nagaie (son) Fujiwara no[...]

See also: Provinces Tango Province Tango Province (丹後国) was one of the many provinces in Japan. It is now included in Kyoto Prefecture. The Tango Fudoki, a provincial record, was written concerning this province.1 Footnotes 1. Louis Frederic, translated by Kathe Roth (2002) “Japan Encyclopedia”. London: Harvard University Press.[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Empress Family: Emperor Itoku (husband) Emperor Kōshō (son) Takeshihiko (son) Ikishimimi (father) Birth: – Death: – Amatoyotsuhime Amatoyotsuhime (天豊津媛命) was the wife of Emperor Itoku and together they would have the future Emperor Kōshō.12 The Kojiki includes another son by her and Itoku by the name of[...]

Reign: 510-477BC Born: 554/553BC Period: Legendary Period Family: Emperor Annei (father) Nunasoko Nakatsuhime (mother) Amatoyotsuhime (wife) Emperor Kōshō (son) Takeshihiko (son) Burial place: misasagi on Mount Unebi Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Annei  * Successor Emperor Kōshō Emperor Itoku Emperor Itoku (懿徳 天皇) was the fourth Emperor of Japan also known as[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: Wachitsumi (father) Haheirode (sister) Birth: – Death: – Ohoyamatokuniare Ohoyamatokuniare (倭国香媛) is said to have been the daughter of Wachitsumi and sister of Haheirode. This is related in the Kojiki.1 Footnotes 1. Chamberlain, B. H. (1932) “Translation of the Kojiki.” Kobe: J.L. Thompson &[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: Wachitsumi (father) Ohoyamatokuniare (sister) Birth: – Death: – Haheirode Haheirode (絙某弟) is said to have been the daughter of Wachitsumi and sister of Ohoyamatokuniare. This is related in the Kojiki.1 Footnotes 1. Chamberlain, B. H. (1932) “Translation of the Kojiki.” Kobe: J.L. Thompson & Co.[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: Shikitsuhiko (father) Unknown Name (brother) Haheirode (daughter) Ohoyamatokuniare (daughter) Birth: – Death: – Wachitsumi Wachitsumi is a man mentioned in the Kojiki as a son of the Prince Shikitsuhiko (brother to Emperor Annei). He is said to have had two daughters, these being Haheirode and[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Emperor Annei (father) Nunasoko Nakatsuhime (mother) Emperor Itoku (brother) Tokotsuhikoirone (brother) Birth: – Death: – Shikitsuhiko Shikitsuhiko was a son of Emperor Annei and Nunasoko Nakatsuhime. This is related in the Kojiki as well as an alternative version of the Nihongi.12 The main narrative of[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Emperor Annei (father) Nunasoko Nakatsuhime (mother) Emperor Itoku (brother) Shikitsuhiko (brother) Birth: – Death: – Tokotsuhikoirone Tokotsuhikoirone was a son of Emperor Annei and Nunasoko Nakatsuhime. This is related in the Kojiki as well as an alternative version of the Nihongi.12 The main narrative[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Emperor Annei (father) Nunasoko Nakatsuhime (mother) Amatoyotsuhime (daughter) Birth: – Death: – Ikishimimi Ikishimimi is a possible son of Emperor Annei. He is not mentioned in the Kojiki. However, he is mentioned as a son on Annei in the main text of the Nihongi,[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Empress Family: Emperor Annei (husband) Tokotsuhikoirone (son) Emperor Itoku (son) Shikitsuhiko (son) Ikishimimi? (son) Kamo no Ōkimi (father) Birth: – Death: – Nunasoko Nakatsuhime Nunasoko Nakatsuhime (渟名底仲媛命) was the wife of Emperor Annei12 and daughter of Kamo no Ōkimi.23 Together they had several sons, though the amount[...]

Reign: 548-511BC Born: 568/567BC Period: Legendary Period Family: Emperor Suizei (father) Isuzuyorihime (mother) Nunasoko Nakatsuhime (wife) Tokotsuhikoirone (son) Emperor Itoku (son) Shikitsuhiko (son) Ikishimimi? (son) Burial place: misasagi on Mount Unebi Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Suizei  * Successor Emperor Itoku Emperor Annei Emperor Annei (安寧 天皇) was the third[...]

Misasagi Misasagi (陵) is a term for tombs (usually kofun tombs) of the Emperors and Imperial Family up until 701AD.1 The name of misasagi for Emperors are shown below. Legendary Period [2] Emperor Suizei – Tsukidaoka – 桃花鳥田丘上陵. The location of this tomb is unknown, but it is said to[...]

Yumi Be no Wakahiko Yumi Be no Wakahiko was a person mentioned during the reign of Emperor Suizei. It is said in the nihongi that they made a bow for the Emperor as he wished to kill his brother Tagishimimi.1 Footnotes 1. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi Volume 1: Chronicles of[...]

Yamato no Kanuchi Amatsumara Yamato no Kanuchi Amatsumara was a person mentioned during the reign of Emperor Suizei. It is said in the Nihongi that they made a true-deer arrow-point for the Emperor as he wished to kill his brother Tagishimimi.1 Footnotes 1. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi Volume 1: Chronicles[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Poet, Diarist Family: Fujiwara no Tomoyasu (father) Fujiwara no Kaneie (husband) Fujiwara no Michitsuna (son) Birth: 937AD Death: 995AD Fujiwara no Michitsuna no Haha Fujiwara no Michitsuna no Haha (藤原 道綱母 – Michitsuna’s mother) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan, more specifically the Hokke Branch of this[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Chunagon, Dainagon, Sesshō, Kampaku, Dajo Daijin Family: Fujiwara no Morosuke (father) Fujiwara no Michitsuna no Haha (wife) Fujiwara no Michitaka (son) Fujiwara no Michikane (son) Fujiwara no Michinaga (son) Fujiwara no Michitsuna (son) Fujiwara no Senshi (daughter) Fujiwara no Suishi (daughter) Fujiwara no Chōshi (daughter) Fujiwara no Michinobu[...]

Kintōshū Kintōshū. 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[...]

Utsubo Monogatari The Utsubo Monogatari (うつほ 物語 – Tale of the Hollow Tree) is a piece of Japanese literature thought to have been authored by Minamoto no Shitagō, although we are unsure if this is true. Composition Composed in 14 chapters, it is said to be a rather realistic tale,[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Udajin Family: Fujiwara no Tadahira (father) Fujiwara no Koretada (son) Fujiwara no Kanemichi (son) Fujiwara no Kaneie (son) Fujiwara no Kinsue (son) Fujiwara no Takamitsu (son) Fujiwara no Tamemitsu (son) Fujiwara no Anshi (daughter) Fujiwara no Tōshi (daughter) Fujiwara no Saneyori (brother) Fujiwara no Morotada (brother) Fujiwara no[...]

This page refers to the creature known as the Wani, for the person see: Wan’i Wani The Wani is a supernatural creature mentioned a few times in Japanese texts. One reference can be found in the Nihongi where it says the kami Kotoshironushi turned into a Wani before coming together[...]

Period: Nara Period / Heian Period Occupation: Udajin, Sadaijin Family: Fujiwara no Momokawa (father) Fujiwara no Tabiko (sister) Birth: 773 Death: 843 Fujiwara no Otsugu Fujiwara no Otsugu (藤原 緒嗣) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan, more specifically the Shikike Branch of this clan. Living from 773-843 he was the[...]

Period: Kamakura Period Occupation: Poet Family: Birth: 1170 Death: 1221 Fujiwara no Masatsune Fujiwara no Masatsune (藤原 雅経) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan and founder of the Asukai Family. He lived from 1170-1221. In his time he was a prolific kemari player1 and was the founder of the[...]

Bunbuku Chagama Bunbuku Chagama (分福茶釜 or 文福茶釜) is a Japanese Folktale about a Tanuki who rewards the man who rescued him. Synopsis A Buddhist Priest comes across an old battered tea kettle amongst a pile of lumber. He takes the kettle and proceeds to clean it, and began to use[...]

Gensuke Gensuke was a victim to the practise of Hitobashira in 1608. This event occured at the Matsue Ohashi Bridge. Attempts were being made to construct a bridge over the Ohashi river here, however, the pillars kept being washed away. A sacrifice was chosen (this being the next soul to[...]

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