Wiki Category: Literature

Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga The Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga (鳥獣人物戯画 – Scrolls of Frolicking Animals) Chōjū-giga (鳥獣戯画) are a group of 4 emakimono scrolls with varying animal and human depictions, many of the animals having human characteristics. They are also notable as they contain no text.12 The scrolls measure 31cm high and are around 1 metre[...]

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

Shinsen Shōjiroku The Shinsen Shōjiroku (新撰姓氏録 – Revised Geneologies) is a piece of Japanese literature listing the geneologies of many noble families from the Heian Period. Originally created as a collection in 30 chapters1 now only fragments of the original 30 survive.2 Begun in 799AD at the order of Emperor[...]

The Wamyō Ruijushō (倭名類聚抄) is a piece of Japanese Literature compiled around 934 by Minamoto no Shitagō at the behest of Princess Noriko.1 It is also known as the Shitago ga wamyō.2 Background Wamyō Ruijushō This piece is the oldest Chinese-Japanese dictionary we have,1 with both a 10 and 20[...]

Kanke Godenki The Kanke Godenki (菅家御伝記) is a piece of Japanese literature written by Sugawara no Tsuratsune in 1106. Inside he tried to rectify the ancestry of the Haji Clan by placing certain members such as Umashikaraine and Iirine as ancestor of Nomi no Sukune. Previously other records, such as[...]

  Period: Heian Period Occupation: Poet, Caligrapher, Statesman. Family: Fujiwara no Yoritada (father) Fujiwara no Sadayori (son) Fujiwara no Teishi (sister) Fujiwara no Junshi (sister) Birth: 966AD Death: 1041AD Fujiwara no Kintō Fujiwara no Kintō (藤原 公任) was a renowned member of the Fujiwara Clan living from 966-1041AD.12 He was[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Statesman / Naidaijin / Sadaijin / Dajō daijin Family: Fujiwara no Munemichi (father) Birth: 1093AD Death: 1165AD Fujiwara no Koremichi Fujiwara no Koremichi (藤原 伊通) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan. The son of Fujiwara no Munemichi he lived from 1093-1165AD. He held the rank[...]

Period: Kamakura Period / Muromachi Period Occupation: Dajō daijin Family: Birth: 1291AD Death: 1360AD Fujiwara no Kinkata Fujiwara no Kinkata (藤原 公賢) also known as Tōin Kinkata (洞院 公賢) was a statesman and member of the Fujiwara Clan living from 1291-1360. In his life he held the position of Dajō[...]

Harima Fudoki The Harima Fudoki (播磨国風土記) is one of the four fudoki that have been found concerning the Province of Harima.1 This document details aspects of Nomi no Sukune‘s life that are not included in other places. The document tells us how he died in Harima Province whilst travellng between[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Empress Family: Emperor Suinin (husband) Inishikinoiribiko (son) Emperor Keikō (son) Ohonakatsuhiko (son) Yamatohime (daughter) Wakakiiribiko (son) Tanika no hiko Tatatsumichinoushi (father) Taniha no Kahakami no Masu no Iratsume (mother) Mikadawake (brother) Matonuhime (sister) Otohime (sister) Nubatanoiribika (sister) Azaminoiribime (sister) Takanohime (sister) Utakorihime (sister) Yehime (sister) Birth: –[...]

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

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

Ryōunshū The Ryōunshū (凌雲集) is a poetry anthology compiled by Ono no Minemori and Sugawara no Kiyogimi in 814 on the behest of Emperor Saga. The compilation, written in Chinese, is filled with poems of seven syllables (kanshi), and consists of poems from 33 individuals dating from 782 to 814.[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Statesman. Minister. Family: Sugawara no Koreyoshi (son) Birth: 770 Death: 842 Sugawara no Kiyogimi Sugawara no Kiyogimi, also known as Sugawara no Kiyotomo (菅原 清公) was a member of the Sugawara Clan living from 770-842. He was the father of Sugawara no Koreyoshi and during his life[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Scholar, Tutor. Family: Sugawara no Kiyogimi (father) Sugawara no Michizane (son) Birth: 812 Death: 880 Sugawara no Koreyoshi Sugawara no Koreyoshi (菅原 是善) was a member of the Sugawara clan living from 812 to 880. He was the son of Sugawara no Kiyogimi and had a[...]

See also: Sugawara no Michizane Poems Period: Heian Period Occupation: Udaijin, Governor, Poet Family: Haji no Mimichi (ancestor) Sugawara no Koreyoshi (father) Sugawara no Fumitoki (grandson) Birth: 845 Death: 903 Sugawara no Michizane Sugawara no Michizane (菅原 道真/菅原 道眞) was a member of the Sugawara Clan living during the Heian[...]

Reign: 781-806AD Period: Nara Period / Heian Period Family: Burial Place: Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Kōnin * Successor Emperor Heizei Emperor Kanmu Emperor Kanmu (桓武天皇) was the 50th Emperor of Japan enthroned in the 4th month of 781AD. Prior to his reign it is said that Haji no Sukune[...]

Dodomeki Dodomeki (Hundred Eyed demon – 百々目鬼) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. The origins for this creature are said to be found in a text known as the Kankan-gaishi which states a women born with long arms always stole people[...]

Hihi Hihi (比々) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien and various other literature. The creature is described as a beast from the mountains who preys on fierce animals. The depiction by Sekien shows the creature killing a wild boar.1 Other Depictions[...]

    Tsuchigumo Tsuchigumo (土蜘蛛) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien and various other literature such as the Bakemono no e. The creature is an oversized spider type of creature. Yōkai Connections It is said Minamoto no Yorimitsu killed one of[...]

Shasekishū The Shasekishū (沙石集 – Sand and Pebbles) is a collection of Buddhist parables dating to 1283. The book talks of the Yokai known as the Nozuchi stating: …[its] body is large, and they say it has neither hands, nose, eyes, nor feet. They say it has only a mouth,[...]

For the Shinto spirit of the same name see: Nozuchi (Shinto) Nozuchi Nozuchi (野槌) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. It is said be a spirit of flora and greenery. Another reference to the creature in the Shasekishū from 1238 says[...]

  Nobusama Nobusama (野衾) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. It resembles a bat which is covered in fur with short limbs and long claws. The creature is said to eat nuts and fire, and is the supernatural equvalent of the[...]

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

For the member of the Imperial Family see: Irine For the man from Izumo see: Ihiirine Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Family: Haji Clan (descendants) Amenohohi (ancestor) Others see below. Birth: Death: Iirine Iirine (飯入根) is an ancient ancestor to the Haji Clan, some branches of the family claiming descent from[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Family: Haji Clan (descendants) Amenohohi (ancestor) Others see below. Birth: Death: Umashikaraine Umashikaraine (可美乾飯根) is an ancient ancestor to the Haji Clan, some branches of the family claiming descent from him instead of others such as Iirine and Nomi no Sukune (who in the Nihongi is[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Family: Sugawara Clan Birth: Death: Sugawara no Tsuratsune Sugawara no Tsuratsune (菅原陳經) was a member of the Sugawara Clan living during the Heian Period. In 1106 he compiled the Kanke Godenki in which he tries to rectify several contradictory points of their families history.1 Footnotes 1.[...]

Period: Kofun Period Occupation: muraji Family: Nomi no Sukune (great-grandfather) Birth: Death: Haji no Mino Haji no Mino (土師 身臣) was a member of the Haji Clan and great-grandson of Nomi no Sukune living during the reign of Emperor Nintoku. He was granted the title of muraji during Nintoku’s reign, according[...]

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

See also: Kobayashi Issa Poems Period: Edo Period Occupation: Haiku Poet Family: Kiku (wife) 8 children Birth: 1763 Death: 1827 Kobayashi Issa Kobayashi Issa (小林 一茶) was a renowned haiku poet living from 1763 to 1827.1234 He went by other names in his life such as Kobayashi Yatarō and Kobayashi[...]

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

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Kotoshironushi (husband) Himetatara Isuzuhime (daughter) Mizokuhi Mizokuhi also known as Tamakushihime (玉櫛媛) is a Shinto kami mentioned in the Nihongi as the wife of Kotoshironushi and mother of Himetatara Isuzuhime. It is said she is from Mishima Island.1 Footnotes 1. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi Volume 1:[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Mizokuhi (wife) Himetatara Isuzuhime (daughter) Isuzuyorihime (daughter) Kamo no Ōkimi (son) Kotoshironushi Kotoshironushi (事代主神) is a Shinto kami seen in the Nihongi as husband to Mizokuhi and father of Himetatara Isuzuhime (wife of Emperor Jimmu). It is said he was transformed into a Wani before joining[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Ōmiwa (father?) Kotoshironushi (father) Mizokuhi (mother) Emperor Jimmu (husband) Emperor Suizei (son) Isuzuyorihime (sister) Kamo no Ōkimi (brother) Himetatara Isuzuhime Himetatara Isuzuhime (媛蹈鞴五十鈴媛) is a Shinto kami said in one version of the Nihongi to have been the daughter of Ōmiwa. In another version she is[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Takamimusuhi (father) Sukunabikona Sukunabikona (少彦名神) is a Shinto kami seen in two differing narratives inside of the Nihongi. In the first version he works with Ōkuninushi to make the ‘sub-celestial world,’ during this time they determine how to heal the diseases of men, and prtoects against[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Himetatara Isuzuhime (daughter) Kimi of Kamo (descendants) Kimi of Ōmiwa (descendants) Ōmiwa Ōmiwa is a Shinto kami seen mentioned in the Nihongi. He is said to be the ancestor of the Kimi of Kamo and Kimi of Ōmiwa. His daughter was Himetatara Isuzuhime. He is[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Amenofuyukinu (father) Sashikuniwakahime (mother) Susano-o (ancestor) Yamatotohime (wife) Ikutamayoribime (wife) Kushimigata (son) Ohotataneko (descendant) Ōkuninushi Ōkuninushi (大国主神 – Great Land Master1) is a Shinto kami. Family The kojiki states he is the son of Amenofuyukinu and Sashikuniwakahime, due to this he is a decendant of Susano-o.1[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Sashikuniwakahime (daughter) Sashikuniō Sashikuniō (刺国大神 – Land Marker Parent) is a Shinto kami mentioned in the Kojiki as the father of Sashikuniwakahime. The ‘sashi’ in his name could be a reference to a sliver of land.1 Footnotes 1. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki.[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Amenofuyukinu (husband) Ōkuninushi (son) Sashikuniō (father) Sashikuniwakahime Sashikuniwakahime (刺国若比売 – Young Lady Land Marker) is a Shinto kami mentioned in the Kojiki as the child of Sashikuniō and wife of Amenofuyukinu. With her husband they have the child Ōkuninushi. Her name is suggestive of being a[...]

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

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Clothing Family: Futemimi (daughter) Funozuno Funozuno (布怒豆怒神 – Master Twined Vines) is a Shinto kami mentioned in the Kojiki as the father of Futemimi. He is a kami that represents clothing, with vines of his made into clothes after being bleached in limestone rich water.1 Footnotes[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Clothing Family: Yatsukamizu Omitsuno (husband) Amenofuyukinu (son) Funozuno (father) Futemimi Futemimi (布帝耳神 – Robed Majestic Might) is a Shinto kami mentioned in the Kojiki. She is said to have married Yatsukamizu Omitsuno with whom she had a child called Amenofuyukinu. She is also stated as the child[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Fukabuchinomizuyarehana (husband) Omizunu (son) Amenotsudoechine Amenotsudoechine (天之都度閇知泥神 or 阿麻乃都刀閇乃知尼 – Gathered Waterways of Heaven / Assembly of Heaven) is a Shinto kami mentioned in the Kojiki. They marry the kami Fukabuchinomizuyarehana and together they had the child Omizunu.1 Footnotes 1. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt.[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Rivers? Family: Hikawahime (mother) Fuwanomojikunusunu (father) Amenotsudoechine (wife) Omizunu (son) Fukabuchinomizuyarehana Fukabuchinomizuyarehana (深淵之水夜礼花神 – First Flow from Still Pools / Blossoms Torn in Still Pools) was a Shinto kami mentioned in the Kojiki. He is said to have been the child of Hikawahime and Fuwanomojikunusunu. He married[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family:  Hikawahime (daughter) Hinarashihime (daughter) Okami Okami  (淤加美神 – Rain Serpent) is a Shinto kami mentioned in the Kojiki. He is said to have been a serpentine kami who was the father of Hikawahime and Hinarashihime.1 Footnotes 1. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family:  Okami (father) Fuwanomojikunusunu (husband) Fukabuchinomizuyarehana (son) Hikawahime Hikawahime (日河比売 – Lady Spirit River / Lady Sunny River) is a Shinto kami mentioned in the Kojiki. She is stated to have been the daughter of Okami who married Fuwanomojikunusunu. With her husband they had a son known[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Yashimajinumi (father) Konohanachiruhime (mother) Hikawahime (wife) Fukabuchinomizuyarehana (son) Fuwanomojikunusunu Fuwanomojikunusunu (布波能母遅久奴須奴神 – Budding Noble Land Dwelling Master) is a Shinto kami mentioned in the Kojiki. He was the son of Yashimajinumi and Konohanachiruhime and through his marriage to Hikawahime he had a child called Fukabuchinomizuyarehana. The[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Ōyamatsumi (father) Yashimajinumi (husband) Fuwanomojikunusunu (son) Konohanachiruhime Konohanachiruhime (木花知流比売 – Lady Tree Blossoms Scattering) is a Shinto kami mentioned in the Kojiki. She is stated to be the daughter of Ōyamatsumi and wife of Yashimajinumi with whom she has a son called Fuwanomojikunusunu. The blossoms in[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Susano-o (father) Kushinadahime (mother) Konohanachiruhime (wife) Fuwanomojikunusunu (son) Yashimajinumi Yashimajinumi (八島士奴美神 – Mighty Master Ruling Eightfold Isles) is a Shinto kami mentioned in the Kojiki as the son of Susano-o and Kushinadahime. He married Konohanachiruhime and together they had the child Fuwanomojikunusunu. His name would suggest[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Susano-o (father) Kushinadahime (mother) Suganoyuyamanushi Mitsunasarohikoyamaashino Suganoyuyamanushi Mitsunasarohikoyamaashino is a Shinto kami found mentioned in an alternative version of the Nihongi. Here he is stated to be the son of Kushinadahime and Susano-o, the only other thing mentioned about him is that Ōkuninushi was[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Ashinadzuchi (father) Tenadzuchi (mother) Susano-o (husband) Ōkuninushi (son?) Yashimajinumi (son) Suga-no-yu-yama-nushi Mitsu-na-saro-hiko-yamaa-shino (son) Kushinadahime Kushinadahime (櫛名田比売 / 奇稲田姫 – Lady Wondrous Rice Paddies2) is a Shinto kami seen within the Kojiki and Nihongi narrative with connections to Susano-o and the Dragon Yamata no Orochi.12[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Agricultural? Family: Ashinadzuchi (husband) Kushinadahime (daughter) Tenadzuchi Tenadzuchi ( 手名椎 / 手摩乳命) is a Shinto kami seen in the texts of the Kojiki and Nihongi in relation to their dealings with Yamata no Orochi. She is the wife of Ashinadzuchi and mother to Kushinadahime in both[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Tenadzuchi (wife) Kushinadahime (daughter) Ōyamatsumi (father) Ashinadzuchi Ashinadzuchi ( 足名椎 / 脚摩乳命) is a Shinto kami seen in the texts of the Kojiki and Nihongi in relation to their dealings with Yamata no Orochi. He is the husband of Tenadzuchi and father to Kushinadahime in both the Nihongi[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Trees? Family: Susano-o (father) Isotakeru (brother) Oyatsuhime (sister) Tsumatsuhime Tsumatsuhime is a Shinto kami mentioned alongside his father in alternative versions of the Nihongi. The tale states Susano-o was jealous of the land of Han and its riches, and so from his body he pucked many[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Trees? Family: Susano-o (father) Isotakeru (brother) Tsumatsuhime (sister) Oyatsuhime Oyatsuhime (大屋都比賣神 / 大屋津姫命) is a Shinto kami mentioned alongside his father in alternative versions of the Nihongi. The tale states Susano-o was jealous of the land of Han and its riches, and so from his body he[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Trees? Family: Susano-o (father) Oyatsuhime (sister) Tsumatsuhime (sister) Isotakeru Isotakeru (五十猛神) is a Shinto kami mentioned alongside his father in alternative versions of the Nihongi. The first mentions that after his father was banished from Heaven he went to dwell in Silla with Isotakeru. Before leaving[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Harvest Family: Susano-o (father) Kamu Ōichihime (mother) Ukanomitama (sister) Ōtoshi Ōtoshi (大歳神 – Great Harvest) was the son of Susano-o and his second wife Kamu Ōichihime. He is also the brother of Ukanomitama and is known as a harvest kami.1 Footnotes 1. Yasumaro. O, translated by[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: ? Family: Susano-o (husband) Ōyamatsumi (father) Ashinadzuchi (brother?) Kushinadahime (niece?) Kamu Ōichihime Kamu Ōichihime (神大市比売 – Lady Sacred Great Market) is mentioned in the text of the Kojiki as the second wife of Susano-o. Potentially by tracing the family tree, she would be the aunt of Kushinadahime,[...]

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

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Ishikoridome (Mother) Hinokuma Hinokuma (Cyprus Corner) is a Shinto kami said to have been created by Ishikoridome. The Gleaning of Ancient Words states that when Ishikoridome first fashioned a mirror it was defective and so became the kami Hinokuma. Hinokuma is also the name for[...]

Period: Kamakura Period Occupation: Poet Family: – Birth: 1192AD Death: 1264AD Fujiwara no Ienaga Fujiwara no Ienaga (藤原家長) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan living from 1192AD to 1264AD. He was a poet in his lifetime who composed the Zoku Kokin Wakashū in 1265.1 Footnotes 1. Louis Frederic, translated[...]

Period: Nara Period Occupation: – Family: Fujiwara no Umakai (father) Fujiwara no Momokawa (brother) Fujiwara no Yoshitsugu (brother) Fujiwara no Kiyonari (brother) Fujiwara no Kurajimaro (brother) Birth: 715 Death: 740AD Fujiwara no Hirotsugu Fujiwara no Hirotsugu (藤原 広嗣) was a member of the Fujwiara Clan, and leader of the Shikike Branch,[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: – Yamatsuchi Yamatsuchi is a Shinto kami seen in an alternative writing of the Nihongi. In this version they are tasked with gathering Sakaki Tree’s as part of the offerings to try and coax Amaterasu out of the Sacred Rock Cave.1 Footnotes 1. Aston.[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Ishikoridome (creator) Hinomahe Hinomahe is a Shinto kami mentioned in an alternative writing of the Nihongi. It states that Ishikoridome formed a Sun Spear made out of copper from Mount Kagu to help get Amaterasu out of the cave as well as Heavenly Bellows[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Amenoakarudama Amenoakarudama is a Shinto kami mentioned in an alternative writing of the Nihongi where he said to be the child of Izanagi and is instructed with making jewels to try and coax Amaterasu out of the Sacred Rock Cave.1 Under another name of[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Wakahirume Wakahirume (稚日女尊) is a Shinto kami mentioned in the Nihongi. She is seen in an alternative writing of the Nihongi where she is startled by the acts of Susano-o whilst in the Weaving Hall of Takamagahara. She injurues herself on the weaving shuttle[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: – Hiwashi Hiwashi (天日鷲神) is a Shinto kami mentioned in the Nihongi. They are seen in an alternative writing of the Nihongi during the time when Amaterasu is hiding in the Sacred Rock Cave. He is instructed to gather tree fibres as one of[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Ameno Koyane (daughter) Nakatomi Clan Kogotomusuhi Kogotomusuhi is a Shinto kami seen in the Nihongi. He is stated to have been the father of Ameno Koyane.1 Footnotes 1. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi Volume 1: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to AD697”. Tuttle Publishing.[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Ishikoridome (daughter) Amenonukado Amenonukado (天抜戸命) is the father of Ishokoridome. He is mentioned in the Nihongi as such, but also in one alternative writing of the Nihongi it states that he was the kami who fashioned the mirror that coaxed Amaterasu out of the Rock[...]

Period: Nara Period Occupation: Dazai no Sōtsu Family: Fujiwara no Maro (father) Fujiwara no Toyohiko (son) Fujiwara no Okikaze (great-grandson) Birth: 724AD Death: 790AD Fujiwara no Hamanari Fujiwara no Hamanari (藤原 浜成) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan, more specifically the Kyōke branch, living from 724-790AD.1 In 781 he recieved[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Monjō Hakase, Poet Family: Fujiwara no Atsumoto (son) Fujiwara no Atsumitsu (son) Birth: 989AD Death: 1066AD Fujiwara no Akihira Fujiwara no Akihira (藤原 明衡) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan living from 989-1066.12 He was the father of two sons Atsumoto and Atsumitsu and during[...]

Period: Heian Period / Kamakura Period Occupation: Poets Family: Birth: 1155AD Death: 1216AD Fujiwara no Ariie Fujiwara no Ariie (藤原 有家) lived from 1155 to 1216 and was a renowned poet.1 He was a part of the Bureau of Poetry and helped alongside five others in the compilation of the Shin-Kokinshū.1 Footnotes[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Statesman, Poet, Musician Family: Fujiwara no Tokihira (father) Fujiwara no Akitada (brother) Fujiwara no Yasutada (brother) Fujiwara no Hōshi (sister) Birth: 906AD Death: 943AD Fujiwara no Atsutada Fujiwara no Atsutada (藤原敦忠) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan, more specifically the Hokke Branch of this clan. He was[...]

Ryokō yōjinshū The Ryokō yōjinshū (旅行用心集) was a travel guide published in 1810, written by Yasumi Roan. Chapter themes are included below with choice examples from each one: Introduction from the author. Sixty One tips on travel. You should not reach out your hands for fruit grown in gardens at[...]

Period: Nara Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: – Death: – Izumo no Omi Hiroshima Izumo no Omi Hiroshima (出雲臣廣嶋) was one of the two compilers of the Izumo Fudoki. He was kuni no miyatsuko of Izumo Province, and district leader (dairyō) of the Ou District.1 Footnotes 1. Carlqvist, A.[...]

Period: Nara Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: – Death: – Miyake no Omi Kanatari Miyake no Omi Kanatari (神宅臣金太理) was one of the two compilers of the Izumo Fudoki. It is likely he was well versed in Chinese classical literature from the style of Fudoki. He was a local[...]

Period: Nara Period, Heian Period Occupation: sadaijin, poet Family: Fujiwara no Uchimaro (father) Fujiwara no Yoshifusa (son) Fujiwara no Junshi (daughter) Fujiwara no Nagara (son) Fujiwara no Yoshisuke (son) Fujiwara no Yoshikado (son) Fujiwara no Koshi (daughter) Fujiwara no Yoshiyo (son) Fujiwara no Manatsu (brother) Fujiwara no Onatsu (sister) Birth: 775AD Death:[...]

Mujina Mujina (貉) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien and are known to be shapeshifters like the tanuki or kitsune. One story involving this creature details how it liked to take the form of a monk and would perform devotions everyday[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Udaijin, sesshō, dajō daijin. Family: Fujiwara no Morosuke (father) Fujiwara no Yoshitaka (son) Fujiwara no Yoshikane (son) Fujiwara no Kaishi (daughter) Fujiwara no Kanemichi (brother) Fujiwara no Kaneie (brother) Fujiwara no Kinsue (brother) Fujiwara no Tamemitsu (brother) Birth: 924AD Death: 972AD Fujiwara no Koretada Fujiwara[...]

Mōryō Mōryō (魍魎) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. The creature has many differing origins depending on the source consulted. Sekien uses the origins mentioned in the Wakan Sansai Zue which says this creature is a water kami the size of[...]

Jami Jami (邪魅 – Evil Spirit) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. The creature is described as a type of ‘chimi‘ (Mountain Spirit/kami), with Toriyama stating it is the manifestation of uncanny malevolence. The text known as the Wamyō Ruijūshō (Japanese[...]

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

Itsumade Itsumade (以津真天) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. Appearance wise the creature is said to have the head of a man and body of a snake. It has a crooked bill as well as saw teeth, with long sharp spurs[...]

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

We are creating these pages to serves as a list of poems by Sarumaru Taifu as we carry out more research, as well as the numerous translations these poems have in English. We will group them into the literature they comes from. Should we not known where they come from yet,[...]

We are creating these pages to serves as a list of poems by Ono no Komachi as we carry out more research, as well as the numerous translations these poems have in English. We will group them into the literature they comes from. Should we not known where they come[...]

Period: Edo Period Occupation: Poet Family: – Birth: 1651 Death: 1704 Mukai Kyorai Mukai Kyorai (向井 去来), real name Mukai Kanetoki2, lived from 1651 to 1704, born to a physician from Nagasaki.1 As he grew up he excelled in martial arts, but by the age of 23 he decided to[...]

Jinkaishū The Jinkaishū (塵芥集 – Collection of Dust and Ashes) was a domainal law code (bunkokuhō) written by Date Tanemune and enacted by him on 4th May 1536. This piece of literature is the most detailed of all to have been made, and the longest remaining copy we have consists of[...]

Period: Nara Period Occupation: Poet, , Chūnagon, Dainagon Family: Ōtomo no Yakamochi (son) Sakanoue no Iratsume (half-sister) Birth: 665 Death: 731 Ōtomo no Tabito Ōtomo no Tabito (大伴 旅人) was a member of the Ōtomo Clan, living from 665-731. Family He was father to Ōtomo no Yakamochi and half-brother to[...]

Period: Nara Period Occupation: Poet Family: Ōtomo no Tabito (half-brother) Ōtomo no Sukunamaro (half-brother) Ōtomo no Yakamochi (nephew) Birth: – Death: – Sakanoue no Iratsume Sakanoue no Iratsume (大伴坂上 郎女) was the female head of the Ōtomo Clan active from 728 to 746AD.2 During her life she was the favourite[...]

First Ruler: Date Tomomune Final Ruler: – Dissolution: – For a full list of Japanese Clans see: Clans. Date Clan The Date Clan (伊達氏) are descendants of Isa Tomomune, who later changed his name to Date Tomomune. After helping Minamoto no Yoritomo defeat his brother Yoshitsune in 1189 he was[...]

Jōgū Shōtoku Hōōtei setsu Jōgū Shōtoku Hōōtei setsu (上宮聖徳法王帝説 – Traditions concerning His Holiness, Prince Shōtoku) is a one volume piece of literature of unknown authorship concerning Shōtoku Taisha. Background The original document is said to have been housed in the temple of Hōryū-ji in Nara, however, the only remaining[...]

Period: Muromachi Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: 1488 Death: 1565 Date Tanemune Date Tanemune (伊達 稙宗) was a member of the Date Clan who lived fom 1488-1565. He authored their Date provincial code known as the Jinkaishū in 1536.12 Footnotes 1. Kodansha. (1993) ”Japan: An Illustrated Encyclopedia”. Tokyo: Kodansha[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Poet, Monk Family: Fujiwara no Akisuke (father) Birth: c.1130 / c.1160 Death: c.1210 / c.1207 Kenshō Kenshō (顕昭) (c.1130-12101 / c.1160-12072 ) was the adopted son of Fujiwara no Akisuke and was both poet and Buddhist monk during his lifetime.12 He acted as leader of the[...]

Koro Chawa Koro Chawa also know as Tea-Talk of Old is a piece of literature where was can find mention of Kashin Koji where in 1612 he is said to have met with Tokugawa Ieyasu who asks him his age, to which he replies he is 88. This is useful[...]

Period: Muromachi Period Occupation: Magician Family: Birth: 1524 Death: – Kashin Koji Kashin Koji (果心居士) was said to have been a magician born in 1524 who also went by the name of Shippo Gyoja (Pilgrim of the Seven Treasures). His ancestry is unfortunately not known and we can often find[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Minister Family: Fujiwara no Mototsune (father) Fujiwara no Akitada (son) Fujiwara no Atsutada (son) Fujiwara no Yasutada (son) Fujiwara no Hōshi (daughter) Fujiwara no Tadahira (brother) Fujiwara no Nakahira (brother) Fujiwara no Kanehira (brother) Fujiwara no Raishi (sister) Fujiwara no Baishi (sister) Fujiwara no Onshi I[...]

Tango Fudoki Tango Fudoki (丹後国風土記) is an eight century provincial record of the Province of Tango. You can find the tale of Urashima Taro inside of it,1 in the Tango Fudoki version Urashima given the name Shima no Ko.2 Footnotes 1. Louis Frederic, translated by Kathe Roth (2002) “Japan Encyclopedia”.[...]

Megijima Megijima (女木島) is a small island within the Seto Inland Sea, north of the city of Takamatsu on Shikoku Island. Its small size only reaches 2.7km squared. The island is made famous due to its associations with the folktale of Momotaro where this island is known as Onigashima, an[...]

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