Wiki Category: Literature

Hone onna Hone onna (骨女 – Bone Woman) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. In the tale known as the Otogi Bōko (Hand Puppet Tales) by Asai Ryōi we see this tale first appearing. The tale itself talks of a woman[...]

Kejōrō Kejōrō (毛倡妓 – Dangling hair) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. She is depicted as a women hiding her face with her hair all the way down passed her chin. Sekien’s depiciton here is set in the Yoshiwara pleasure quarters[...]

Aonyōbō Aonyōbō (青女房 – A lady in waiting) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. She is depicted as a creature with unshorn eyebrows and blackened teeth. it is said she slinks around watching those who are better than her. The Ao[...]

Ganbari nyūdō Ganbari nyūdō (加牟波理入道) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. It is said that you can find this type of creature in peoples toilets, but a way you can stop them from appearing is by chanting ‘Ganbari Nyūdō hototogisu‘ (Striving[...]

Hiyoribō The Hiyoribō (日和坊) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. It is said that this creature dwells in the Mountains of Changzhou in China and will never be seen during times of rainy weather. It is only when the weather is[...]

Furutsubaki no rei Furutsubaki no rei (古山茶の霊) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. This particular Yōkai is composed of the spirits of old camelia trees, with these spirits being said to sometimes take on a more human form as well as[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Poet Family: Fujiwara no Akisue (father) Fujiwara no Kiyosuke (son) Kenshō (adopted son) Birth: 1090AD Death: 1155AD Fujiwara no Akisuke Fujiwara no Akisuke (藤原顕輔) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan living from 1090-1155AD. He was the son of Fujiwara no Akisue, father of Fujiwara no[...]

Yoryūdo The Yoryūdo (寄人 – Dependant People) is a role which can be applied both to scribes and laborers depending on the period. In term of farmers and laborers it applies from the 10th to 13th Centuries for those who offered their services to estates that they did not belong[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Poet Family: Fujiwara no Akisuke (father) Fujiwara no Akisue (grandfather) Birth: 1104AD Death: 1177AD Fujiwara no Kiyosuke Fujiwara no Kiyosuke (藤原清輔) was a Heian Period poet living from 1104-1177AD.13 As a member of the Fujiwara Clan he was the second son of Fujiwara no Akisuke and[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Nashitsubo no Gonin, Poet Family: Kiyohara no Fukayabu (grandfather) Sei Shonagon (daughter) Birth: 908AD Death: 990AD Kiyohara no Motosuke Kiyohara no Motosuke (清原 元輔) was a Heian Period poet living between 908 and 990AD. He was the grandson of Kiyohara no Fukayabu,1 and was the father[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Nashitsubo no Gonin, Poet Family: – Birth: 911AD Death: 983AD Minamoto no Shitagō Minamoto no Shitagō (源 順) also known as Minamoto no Shitagau was a Heian Period poet living from 911 to 983AD.12 Later in life he became a Buddhist Monk and took the name[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Nashitsubo no Gonin, Poet Family: Ki no Tsurayuki (father) Birth: 10th Century Death: – Ki no Tokibumi Ki no Tokibumi (紀 時文) was a poet from the 10th Century. As a member of the Nashitsubo no Gonin, he helped in compiling the the Gosenshū1 and was tasked[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Nashitsubo no Gonin, Poet Family: – Birth: 10th Century Death: – Sakanoue no Mochiki Sakanoue no Mochiki (坂上望城)  was a poet from the 10th Century. He was a part of the Nashitsubo no Gonin, and as part of it he helped in compiling the Gosenshū1 and[...]

Nashitsubo no Gonin The Nashitsubo no Gonin (Five Men of the Pear Chamber – 梨壺の五人) was the term used in 951 for a group of five men who helped in compiling the Gosenshū.1 These people were chosen specifically by Emperor Murakami and were additionally tasked to make a scholarly study of[...]

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

Funa yūrei Funa yūrei (船幽霊 or 舟幽霊) is a type of Yurei depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. The aimless spirits or ghosts are thought to represent hardship at sea. It is said that they will pull up alongside a boat and then deman ladles from[...]

Fukuro-sōshi The Fukuro-sōshi (袋草紙) is a Heian Period poetry anthology dated to 1159.1 The poems consist of waka style and it was written by Fujiwara no Kiyosuke.2 Footnotes 1. Yoda, H. and Alt, M. (2016) “Japandemonium: Illustrated: The Yokai Encyclopaedia of Toriyama Sekien.”. New York: Dover Publications, Inc. 2. Louis[...]

Hitodama Hitodama (人魂) is a type of Yurei depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. It is represented as a kind of floating orb or fireball, which are state to be the souls of the dead. There are ways to ensure that when the supernatural apparears, your[...]

See also: Provinces Harima Province Harima Province (播磨国) is one of the many Provinces which once existed in Japan.1 It also went by the name of Banshū (播州) and is now located in the modern prefecture of Hyōgo.2 One version of the folktale known as banchō sarayashiki is set in[...]

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

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

Aoyama Tessan Aoyama Tessan was a man who has connections to the story of Banchō Sarayashiki, his role is slightly different depending on the version of the folktale. In the Harima Province version, he is a Samurai who serves the lord of the Province. Aoyama wants to be ruler instead[...]

Danshiro Danshiro was a man who has connections to the story of Banchō Sarayashiki. In the tale he is tasked with finding the person who attempted to poison the Lord of Harima Province. He finds out it is a woman called Okiku but says he will keep it a secret[...]

Banchō Sarayashiki Banchō Sarayashiki (番町皿屋敷, The Dish Mansion at Banchō) is a Japanese Folktale from 1741 involving the woman known as Okiku. There are various versions to this tale. Harima Province Version Okiku was from Harima Province, working as a maid servant for the Samurai Aoyama Tessan. Tessan wanted to[...]

Okiku Okiku (お菊)is a well known ghost in Japan. Known from the 1741 folktale by the name of Banchō Sarayashiki, she falls into the category of an Onryō (vengeful ghost) Harima Province Version Okiku was from Harima Province, working as a maid servant for the Samurai Aoyama Tessan. Tessan wanted[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Relating to water. Family: Fukabuchinomizuyarehana (father) Amenotsudoechine (mother) Futemimi (wife) Amenofuyukinu (son) Yatsukamizu Omitsuno Yatsukamizu Omitsuno (八束水巨津野)1, or simply Omizunu (淤美豆奴神, or 意弥都奴 – Great Water Master2) is a Shinto kami mentioned in several different texts. Name and Ancestry Carlqvist, referenced below, states that ‘Omitsuno’ was[...]

Co-ordinates: 35°22′16″N 133°32′47″E Region: Chūgoku Region Prefecture: Tottori Prefecture Height: 1729 metres. Mount Daisan Mount Daisan (大山) resides in Tottori Prefecture and reached a height of 1729 meters is the tallest in the region. During the time the Izumo Fudoki was compiled this Mountain was called Hikami High Mountain (火神岳).[...]

Co-ordinates: – Region: Chūgoku Region Prefecture: Shimane Prefecture Height: 1126 metres. Mount Sanbe Mount Sanbe (三羝山) resides in Shimane Prefecture, and once stood in Izumo Province. The mountain rises to a height of 1126 meters above sea level. During the time the Izumo Fudoki was compiled this Mountain was called[...]

Izumo Fudoki Izumo Fudoki (出雲国風土記)  is a Fudoki (Regional Report) about Izumo Province, originally compiled in 733AD. Authorship and Layout Compiled by Miyake no Omi Kanatari and Izumo no Omi Hiroshima it consists of 11 Chapters in total. The first Chapter introduces the province and the procedures used to make[...]

Amefuri Kozō Amefuri Kozō (雨降小僧 – Rain Child) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. Depicted with a hat formed of an umbrella, Sekien’s notes alongside the creature tell us that this creature was the ‘houseboy’ of the Rain kami Ushi. This[...]

Kawa Akago The Kawa Akago (川赤子 – Oil Baby) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. This creature is said to dwell high in streams up in the mountains and resemble human babies in appearance. There are thoughts they may related somehow[...]

Shokoku Rijin Dan The Shokoku Rijin Dan (Stories of Common Folk – 諸国里人談) was an anthology published in 1743 and is known to have inlcuded tales relating to Yōkai. One tales called ‘The Oil-Stealer’s Fire,’ relates a tale about the Abura akago. There is also a later tale which talks[...]

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

See also: Thirty Six Poetic Geniuses, Thirty Six Women Poetic Geniuses, Thirty-Six Poetic Geniuses of the Late Classical Period Six Poetic Geniuses Six Poetic Geniuses (六歌仙, Rokkasen) were a group of 6 Poets mentioned by Ki no Tsurayuki in the preface of the Kokinshū as the six best poets of[...]

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

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

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

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

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Susano-o (father?) Amenooshihomimi (brother) Amenohohi (brother) Amatsuhikone (brother) Ikutsuhikone (brother) Kumanokusubi (brother) Hinohayahi Hinohayahi is a Shinto kami mentioned in one alternative version of the Nihongi where he is born from Susano-o placing one of the jewels from his hair onto his left foot.1 Footnotes 1. Aston.[...]

Be See also: Court Titles, Imperial Titles, Provincial Titles, Uji, Sesshō and Kampaku Be (部) was the term used for groupings of people prior to the 7th Century who has associations to the Yamato Court or lineage groups (uji). The individual people in a ‘Be’ were known as ‘bumin.’ All[...]

Tōtaro Tōtaro is the name of the main character from the tales known as The Gratitude of the Samebito. This man gives shelter to the creature known as the Samebito. After a few months he sees a girl during a festival at Miidera and falls in love with her. However,[...]

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

Tagajō Tagajō (多賀城) was an 8th century headquarters established to help in the wars against the Ezo People,1 constructed in 724 by Ōno no Azumahito.2 It consisted of several buildings in a walled area.1 Orignially known as Taga no ki it later became Tagajō, and is located in Shiogama City,[...]

Hitotsume Kozō Hitotsume Kozō (一つ目小僧 – One Eyed Boy) is a type of Japanese Yōkai. Should you run into this creature you will find one which has the appearance of a small child, however, they have extraordinarily long tongues and one large central eye in their forehead. They will be[...]

The Gratitude of the Samebito The Gratitude of the Samebito is a Japanese tale about a man known as Tōtarō and the creature called the Samebito. It is said that a man known as Tōtarō had made his way to the Seta Bridge that crosses Lake Biwa and upon the[...]

Samebito The Samebito is a type of Yōkai known from the story called ‘The Gratitude of the Samebito.’ The creature is said to have in general the body of a man, but with skin that is pitch black in colour. He will have eyes that glow like emeralds, and he[...]

Onmoraki Onmoraki (陰摩羅鬼 – Shadow Demon) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. This particular creature is said to take the appearance of a crane with a black body and glowing eyes. When it flaps its wings it is known to give[...]

Wanyūdo Wanyūdo (輪入道 – Wheel Monk) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. The creature itself takes the appearance of a huge wheel with the face of a monk upon it, the creature known to roll about the ground but also the[...]

Katawa guruma Katawa guruma (片輪車 – Single Wheel) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. More specifically she is a female spirit and can be seen as attached to a wheel. The story surrouding her states that there was a road in[...]

Co-ordinates: 35°00′48″N 135°51′10″E Region: Kansai Region Prefecture: Osaka Prefecture Founded: 593AD Affiliation: Buddhism Shitennō-ji Shitennō-ji (四天王寺) is a Buddhist Temple said to have been constrcuted by Shōtoku Taisha in thanks to the ‘four heavenly kings’ he believed who had helped him win against the Mononobe Clan. This temple is the oldest[...]

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

Urikohime (瓜子姫) – The Melon Princess) is a sinister Japanese Folktale. In one version of this tale, a old childless couple find a melon drifting downstream, and after slicing it open they find a baby girl inside. It is said that she grows up into a beautiful woman and its[...]

Shippeitaro Shippeitaro (しっぺい太郎, 竹篦太郎, 悉平太郎, 執柄太郎) is the name of a dog from a Folktale of the same name. In one version of the story, a warrior takes shelter for the night in an abandoned temple. Close to midnight he awakens to see many strange dancing cats, and over here’s[...]

Abura akago Abura akago (油赤子 – Oil Baby) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. Stories of this child, seemingly drinking oil from a lantern can find it origins in the town known as Hacchō in the city of Ōtsu; historically this[...]

Hikeshi baba Hikeshi baba (火消婆 – Fire Extinguishing Hag) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. This creatures takes the form of a an older woman, portrayed as extinguishing the fire from a lantern she stands next to. Notes alongside the image[...]

Haka no hi Haka no hi (墓の火 – Grave Fire) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. This creature is described as a strange type of fire spirit (like a human soul) which can been seen lingering around gorin; a gorin being[...]

Chōchin bi Chōchin bi (提灯火 – Lantern Fire) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. This creature is a type of atmospheric light in the form of a fire which can be seen to appear on the footpaths between different rice fields.[...]

Aosagi no hi Aosagi no hi (青鷺火 – Heron Fire) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. This creature is apparently a very old heron. It is said that aged herons have wings that would shine during the night. Their eyes are[...]

Kosenjō no hi Kosenjō no hi (古戦場火– Old Battle Ground Fire) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. This creature is a type of fire which is said to find its origins on the fields of battle. In places where thousands of[...]

Shiranui Shiranui (不知火 – Unknown Fire) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. Now, this entitiy is not truly a creature, and more of a natural phenomenon. It is the name for strange atmospheric light in which lights seen upon the shoreline[...]

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

For the member of the Imperial Family see: Kaguyahime. Kaguya Hime Kaguya Hime (かぐや姫)can relate to two different people in japanese folktales. The Bamboo Cutter In this particular folktale, The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, she is found as a small child inside of a piece of bamboo. After growing[...]

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

See also: List of Folktales Princess Glory Princess Glory is a japanese folktale which can be found in the Shintōshū, this document coming form the 14th Century giving tales of various kami. The story is set during the reign of Emperor Yuryaku, the 21st Emperor from the Kofun Period and[...]

Co-ordinates: 35°21′29″N, 138°43′52″E Region: Chūbu Region Prefecture: Shizuoka Prefecture, Yamanashi Prefecture. Height: 3,776m Mount Fuji Mount Fuji (富士山) is the tallest mountain in Japan, reaching a height of 3,776 meters. The mountain itself has 3 subsidiary volcanoes by the names of Komitake, Ko-Fuji and Shin-Fuji. Shin-Fuji being the most active[...]

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

Affiliation: Shinto Deity of: Blacksmithing Family: – Amatsumara Amatsumara (One Eye of Heaven) (天津麻羅) is the Shinto deity of blacksmiths and acts as the smith of Heaven. Mentioned in the Kojiki, after Amaterasu hides herself in the Sacred Rock Cave, he is asked to come forth and help them figure[...]

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

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Advisor of Heaven. Family: – Omoikane Omoikane, (思兼 / 思金) also known as Tokoyo-no-omoi-kane is a kami from Shinto mythology mentioned in both the Kojiki and Nihongi.12 Once Amaterasu flees into the Sacred Rock Cave and the sun disapears from Heaven and Earth, this kami is[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Amenohohi (father) Takehiratori Takehiratori (建比良鳥 – Brave Hinterland Bird1) is a Shinto kami mentioned in both the Kojiki and Nihongi.12 The kami also goes by the names of Amenohinatori and Takehinateri.2 He is said to be the son of Amenohohi  and became the ancestor for[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: – Amenotajikarao Amenotajikarao (天手力男神 / 天手力雄神) is mentioned as the Shinto kami who places himself outside of the Sacred Rock Cave in Heaven after Amaterasu hides herself inside. After Ameno Uzume causes Amaterasu to peer out of the cave in interest, Amenotajikarao grabs her[...]

See also: List of Provinces Yamato Province Yamato Province (大和国) was an old Province of Japan, located in what is now Nara Prefecture.12 Inception During its inception, when the Kokugen System came into effect, it stayed as the centre of government and culture from the 4th century until 784. It[...]

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

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

See also: List of Folktales Ōtoshi no Kyaku Ōtoshi no Kyaku (大年の客 – The New Years Eve Visitor) is a group of Japanese folktales centered around the New Year. The general theme of these tales is that a vistor (or divine being known as a Toshinigami) will come on New[...]

See also: List of Folktales Miruna no Zashiki Miruna no Zashiki (The Forbidden Room) also known by the name of Uguisu no Ichimon (The Nightingale’s Coin) is a folktale from Japan. The story goes that there was once a man who needed shelter for the night. Finding an isolated house[...]

See also: List of Folktales Hagoromo The Hagoromo Legend (羽衣 – Feather Robe) is a well established legend/folktale known throughout Japan. The story was later adapted into a Noh Play of the same name. The story states that there was a celestial nymph (tenyo) who was bathing in the sea.[...]

Sagoromo Monogatari Sagoromo Monogatari (狭衣物語) is a monogatari written between 1069 and 1081. The author of this piece remains unknown but it is generally thought to have been composed by Seji (Some put forth Daini no Sanmi as the author2). You can find strong influences in this text from the[...]

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

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

Hannya Hannya (般若) is a is a is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. However, the word has multiple meanings. It is a mask used in the Noh play Aoi no Ue, and is used to depict a jealous woman. Or a[...]

Ushinotoki-mairi Ushinotoki-mairi (丑時参 – Hour of the Ox) is a type of phenomenon depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. The hour of the ox is not really a Yōkai but relates to a period of time when cursing is at its most powerful. This ‘Hour of[...]

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

Osakabe Osakabe (長壁) is a is a is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. The creature is known to live within Himeji Castle. According to tradition when Himeji Castle was extended, a local shrine was moved. In time, the local lord of[...]

Tamamo-no-mae Tamamo-no-mae (玉藻前) is a is a is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. Description It is said she is far more dangerous than a general Kitsune and most depictions of her show her as a fox with 9 tails. The most[...]

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

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

Co-ordinates: 34°58′49″N 135°38′26″E Region: Kansai Region Prefecture: Kyoto Prefecture Height: 833m. Mount Ōe Mount Ōe (大枝山) can be found in Kyoto Prefecture, measuring a height of 833 metres12 and is the highest peak in the Tango Mountains.1 The mountain was said to have been the home of the Yōkai known as[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Amaterasu (mother) Amenooshihomimi (brother) Amenohohi (brother) Amatsuhikone (brother) Ikutsuhikone (brother) Hinohayahi (brother) Kumanokusubi Kumanokusubi (Wonder Worker of Bear Moors) is a son of Amaterasu, he was the fifth and final born from the Jewels in Amaterasu’s hair after being chewed and spat out by Susano-o. This[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Amaterasu (mother) Amenooshihomimi (brother) Amenohohi (brother) Amatsuhikone (brother) Kumanokusubi (brother) Hinohayahi (brother) Ikutsuhikone Ikutsuhikone (Lively Little Lad) is a son of Amaterasu, he was the fourth born from the Jewels in Amaterasu’s hair after being chewed and spat out by Susano-o. This is related in[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Amaterasu (mother) Amenooshihomimi (brother) Amenohohi (brother) Ikutsuhikone (brother) Kumanokusubi (brother) Hinohayahi (brother) Amatsuhikone Amatsuhikone (Little lad of Heaven) is a son of Amaterasu, he was the third born from the Jewels in Amaterasu’s hair after being chewed and spat out by Susano-o. This is related[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Amaterasu (mother) Amenooshihomimi (brother) Amatsuhikone (brother) Ikutsuhikone (brother) Kumanokusubi (brother) Hinohayahi (brother) Amenohohi Amenohohi (Majestic Rice Ears of Heaven) is a son of Amaterasu, he was the second born from the Jewels in Amaterasu’s hair after being chewed and spat out by Susano-o. This[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Amaterasu (mother) Amenohohi (brother) Amatsuhikone (brother) Ikutsuhikone (brother) Kumanokusubi (brother) Hinohayahi (brother) Amenooshihomimi Amenooshihomimi (Ruling Rice Ears of Heaven) also known as Masa-katsu-a-katsu-kachi-haya-hi-ame-no-oshi-ho-mimi (Truly Winning Have I Won with Rushing Might Ruling Grand Rice Ears of Heaven) is a son of Amaterasu, he was[...]

Hashi-Hime Hashi-Hime (橋姫) is a is a is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. Notes by Sekien state this creature has a shrine next to the Uji Bridge in Yamashiro Province. Tales of her can be found in the Tale of the[...]

Shuten-dōji Shuten-dōji (酒呑童子) is a is a is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. This creature is said to live on Mount Ōe where he keeps his treasure pile. Upon this mountain he also steal from travellers passing over it. He is[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Munakata. Family: Susano-o (father) Takiribime (sister) Ichikishimahime (sister) Takitsuhime Takitsuhime (Lady Seething Torrent) is a Shinto kami and one of the kami of Munakata. She is the third of three sisters born from the sword of Susano-o after being chewed up and spat out by Amaterasu according to[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Munakata. Family: Susano-o (father) Takiribime (sister) Takitsuhime (sister) Ichikishimahime Ichikishimahime (Lady Consecrated Isle) also known as Sayoribime (Lady Summons Spirit) is a Shinto kami and one of the kami of Munakata. She is the second of three sisters born from the sword of Susano-o after being[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Weaving? Family: – Amenohatorihime Amenohatorihime (Weaver Woman of Heaven) is a kami from Shinto Mythology. In the Kojiki it is said she was weaving in the weaving hall of Heaven with Amaterasu when Susano-o threw a pie-bald colt which had been flayed backwards from its tail[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Rice? Family: Izanagi (original owner) Amaterasu (wearer) Mikuratana Mikuratana (Mighty Storehouse Shelf) is a kami from Shinto mythology. She is a divine necklace, given by Izanagi to his daughter Amaterasu before she ascends to rule Heaven, this is related in the kojiki. Within the nihongi she[...]

Heaven This page about Heaven serves to bring together information we have gathered relating to the various ‘Heaven’s’ from different religions in Japan. As we gather more information this page may be broken down into seperate pages. Takamagahara – Shinto Takamagahara (高天原) is the Shinto version of Heaven. Its origins[...]