Wiki Category: Literature

Period: Heian Period / Kamakura Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Bureau of Poetry Family: Fujiwara no Ietaka (son-in-law) Fujiwara no Shunzei (adopted father) Birth: 1139 Death: 1202 Priest Jakuren Priest Jakuren (寂蓮), originally known as Fujiwara no Sadanaga (藤原定長) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan living from 1139 to 1202AD.[...]

Period: Nara Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Courtier, Bureaucrat, Ason Family: – Birth: 1st half 8th century Death: – Yamabe no Akahito Yamabe no Akahito (山部 赤人 / 山邊 赤人) lived during the first half of the 8th century. During his life he acted as a courtier as well as bureaucrat[...]

Bakemono no e The Bakemono no e (化物之繪 – Illustrations of Bakemono) is a Yōkai picture scroll which dates to the Edo Period, and was likely made in the 17th Century. The creator of this work is not known. These ‘indexes’ of supernatural creators were extremely popular during the Edo[...]

Nopperabō The Nopperabō (のっぺらぼう) , also known as Zunberabo and Nupperiho are a type of Yōkai known to have a face completely devoid of features. However, there are other tales which states they merely lack eyes and a nose. There name is a pun on the Japanese word ‘nopperi,’ which[...]

Tamatebako The Tamatebako (玉手箱, Jewel Hand Box) is a gift given to Urashima Tarō by Otohime Sama in the Folktale, Urashima Tarō the Fisher Lad, after he remembers his parents and wished to return to them. The box is described as being made of laquer tied with a silken cord[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Caligrapher, Director of Military Affairs, Middle Counselor. Family: Emperor Murakami (grandfather) Fujiwara no Kinto (father) Birth: 995AD Death: 1045AD Fujiwara no Sadayori Fujiwara no Sadayori (藤原定頼) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan living from 995 to 1045AD. He was the grandson of Emperor[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Governor. Family: Sakanoue no Mochiki (son) Birth: Death: 930AD Sakanoue no Korenori Sakanoue no Korenori (坂上是則) was a known waka poet who had a good career, and ended up with the position of Governor for the Province of Kaga. His poetic legacy includes forty[...]

See also: List of Provinces Mino Province Mino Province (美濃国) also known as Nōshū (濃州) was an old Province of Japan, located in what is now Gifu Prefecture. It is included as one of the eight Provinces which made up the Tōsandō Region. It is well known for its Mino[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Sadaijin, Sesshō, Waka Poet. Family: Fujiwara no Mototsune (father) Fujiwara no Saneyori (son) Fujiwara no Morosuke (son) Fujiwara no Morotada (son) Fujiwara no Morouji (son) Fujiwara no Tokihira (brother) Fujiwara no Nakahira (brother) Fujiwara no Kanehira (brother) Fujiwara no Raishi (sister) Fujiwara no Baishi (sister) Fujiwara no Onshi[...]

Period: Kamakura Period Occupation: Writer Family: Minamoto Clan Birth: 1160AD Death: 1215AD Minamoto no Akikane Minamoto no Akikane (源顕兼) was the writer and author of the Kojidan, a several volume collection of historical anecdotes. He was born in 1160 and died in 1215.1 Footnotes 1. Louis Frederic, translated by Kathe[...]

Kojidan The Kojidan (古事談) is a collection of historical anecdotes written in kiro-kutai (classical Japanized Chinese Writing) compiled between 1211-15 by Minamoto no Akikane1. It is said to contain nine chapters1, or six volumes2 depending on the sources one consults. The story of Fujiwara no Sanekata‘s exile is mentioned in[...]

  Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Governor. Family: Fujiwara no Tadahira (great-grandfather) Birth: – Death: 998AD Fujiwara no Sanekata Fujiwara no Sanekata (藤原 実方) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan, more specifically the Hokke Branch of this clan. He was the great-grandson of the poet Fujiwara no Tadahira. He[...]

Period: Heian Period / Kamakura Period Occupation: Waka Poet Family: Priest Jakuren (father-in-law) Fujiwara no Mitsutaka (father) Birth: 1158AD Death: 1237AD Fujiwara no Ietaka Fujiwara no Ietaka (藤原 家隆) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan who lived between 1158 and 1237.1 He was also known as Mibu-ni-i and Karyū.3[...]

Period: Edo Period Occupation: Writer / Traveler Family: ? Birth: ? Death: ? Yasumi Roan Yasumi Roan (八隅 蘆菴) was an experienced traveler within Japan. He most notable achievement was the book he wrote about his travels entitled the Ryokō yōjinshū which was published in 1810. His work includes detailed tips[...]

This page has been created to list the various Japanese Proverbs and Idioms we have come across during our research into our Podcast and this website. Proverbs In Japanese proverbs are known as 諺 (kotowaza). And in old, ancient Japan this word was also used to words conveyed by kami[...]

Tosa Nikki The Tosa Nikki (土佐日記 – Tosa Diary), written in 935AD by Ki no Tsurayuki, is an account (punctuated by poems throughout) of his journey home to Kyoto. The composition of the diary is as if it was written by a women, ie. it is written in kana script.[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Poet, Governor Family: Ki no Tokibumi (son) Ki no Tomonori (cousin) Birth: – Death: 946AD Ki no Tsurayuki Ki no Tsurayuki (紀 貫之) was a high ranking court nobleman of the Heian Period. Best known for his poetry and prose. He was the cousin of Ki[...]

Period: Nara Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Governor Family: – Birth: – Death: 733AD? Yamanoue no Okura Yamanoue no Okura (山上 憶良) was a waka poet and lived during the Nara period. He is said to have died at the age of 74 in 733AD1, and inspired Ōtomo no Tabito to persue his[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet Family: Fujiwara no Nobutaka (father) Murasaki Shibuki (mother) Fujiwara no Kanetaka (husband) Takashina no Nariaki (husband) Birth: 999AD Death: – Daini no Sanmi Daini no Sanmi, (大弐三位) also known as Fujiwara no Katako was a member of the Fujiwara Clan, born in 999AD. She[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Caligrapher Family: Fujiwara no Yoshitaka (father) Fujiwara no Yukitsune (son) Birth: 972AD Death: 1027AD Fujiwara no Yukinari Fujiwara no Yukinari (藤原 行成) (972-10271 10282AD) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan, more specifically the Hokke Branch of this clan. The son of Fujiwara no Yoshitaka, during his[...]

Nihon Kiryaku The Nihon Kiryaku (日本紀略), also known as the Nihon kurui and Hennen kiryaku is a literary compilation of the history of Japan created during the Heian Period. It’s authorship is unknown, with its mythological section being taken from the Nihongi. In total there are 34 chapters, and cover[...]

Amekumabito Amekumabito is a Shinto kami mentioned in the nihongi. She is tasked with going to the body of Ukemochi, by Amaterasu, after Tsukiyomi has killed her. Upon the body of Ukemochi she finds and brings back from her body ox, horse, millet, silkworm, panic, rice, wheat, large beans and smalls[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: ??? Ukemochi Ukemochi (保食神) was a Shinto kami, mentioned in the Nihongi, that dwelt upon Japan. Amaterasu learns of her existence and so sends her brother Tsukiyomi to go and attend her. Upon his arrival she turns her head towards the land causing boiled mouth[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet Family: Fujiwara no Koretada (father) Fujiwara no Yukinari (son) Fujiwara no Yoshikane (brother) Fujiwara no Kaishi (sister) Birth: 954AD Death: 974AD Fujiwara no Yoshitaka Fujiwara no Yoshitaka 藤原 義孝 (954 – 74) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan,  more specifically the Hokke Branch of[...]

Umibozū The Umibozū (海坊主 – Sea Monk) is a type of Japanese Yōkai known to dwell far out in the deep ocean.1 Other Names This creatures goes by several other names, two of which are Umimyūdō and Umikozō.2 Other areas of Japan gives the creature even more names. On the[...]

Road Wardens of Yomi The Road Wardens of Yomi are a collection of beings mentioned in one alternative version of the Nihongi are a residents of Yomi. In this version they appear at the Even Pass of Yomi after Izanagi has fled from his wife after seeing her rotting body. They[...]

Satori The Satori (覚) is a is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. It is said to be a ‘kaku‘ which dwell in the mountains of Hida and Mino Provinces. The ‘kaku‘ is short for ‘kakuen‘ which is a legendary type of[...]

Suiko Suiko (水虎 – Water Tiger) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki and the Wakan Sansai Zue, it’s home is said to be the Sushui River in China. This creature has the shape of a small child, and resembles a pangolin, with knees that[...]

Hiderigami The Hiderigami (魃 – Drought Bringer), also known as the Kanbo (旱母 – Drought Mother) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki and the Wakan Sansai Zue. It’s home is said to be on Mount Ganshan in China. According to sources, it has the body of a beast but[...]

Sansei Sansei (山精 – Mountain Spirit) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki and the Wakan Sansai Zue. It is stated as a type of mountain Oni, dwelling in Anguo, China. The creature is humanoid in appearance, but only has one leg. The Wakan Sansai[...]

Oni The Oni (鬼) are a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. They are generally portrayed as enormous muscular creatures with either red or green skin, as well as having horns. They are said to wear loincloths or tiger-pelt togas, are known as[...]

Ōmagatoki Ōmagatoki (逢魔時), also known as Twilight or The Hour of Meeting Demons, is a time when people would hide indoors with their children as unnumbered phantoms would appear to prowl the streets outside. This period of time is depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki, a compilation of Yōkai,[...]

See also: Ono no Komachi Poems Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet Family: Birth: mid 9th Century Death: – Ono no Komachi Ono no Komachi (小野 小町) was born around the mid 9th century and was possibly a lady-in-waiting under Emperor Ninmyō and Emperor Montoku. It is well attested she was[...]

Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki The Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki (今昔画図続百鬼 – The Illustrated Demon Horde from Past and Present) is a compendium of yōkai, demons and ghosts compiled by Toriyama Sekien, published in 1779. The books were inspired by the 10th Century Demon Horde’s Night Parade. These books, alongside the previous book, the Gazu Hyakki[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: ?? Kukurihime Kukurihime (菊理媛神) is a Shinto kami who appears in one alternative version of the Nihongi. She appears to Izanagi after he has left his wife in Yomi and divorced her. The Nihongi says that this kami says something enjoyable to Izanagi and then[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Yomotsukotosakanoo Yomotsukotosakanoo is a Shinto kami mentioned within an alternative text of the Nihongi. It states that this kami came into being after Izanagi and Izanami departed and divorced each other in Yomi. Izanagi ‘purifies himself’ which produces the kami Yomotsukotosakanoo, this is immediately[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father?)   Hayatamanoo Hayatamanoo is a Shinto kami mentioned within an alternative text of the Nihongi. It states that this kami came into being after Izanagi and Izanami departed and divorced each other in Yomi. Izanagi then spits on the ground which produces this kami[...]

Uwan The Uwan (うわん) is a type of Yōkai seen in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō and Hyakkai Zukan. It is portrayed as a clawed creature which haunts abandoned homes, however, little is actually known about this creature. It is perhaps named after the generic word for ‘monster’ in Kagoshima and Kumamoto[...]

Ushioni The Ushioni  (牛鬼 – Ox Demon) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō and Hyakkai Zukan. Sekien depicts the creature with more of a normalized creatures body, however, older depictions have shown this creature with the head of a bull and body of a spider (like[...]

Maki Bokusen Maki Bokusen (牧墨僊) was a student to Kitagawa Utamaro, who in turn was a disciple of Toriyama Sekien; creator of the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō. Maki is known to have been the first person to pen the story of the deliciousness of the Yōkai known as the Nuppeppō in[...]

Nuppeppō The Nuppeppō (ぬっぺっぽう) is a kind of featureless blob type Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō and Hyakkai Zukan. The creatures name can be found derived from the word ‘nupperi’ which is something that is slack faced, or having a dazed expression. Sekien shows the creature in front[...]

Akashita The Akashita (赤舌 – Red Tongue) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō and Hyakkai Zukan. Sekien shows the creature to be appearing from a cloud, hovering over the top of a sluice gate. The name of the creature uses the same Kanji for the[...]

Ouni The Ouni (苧うに) is a hag like Yōkai, which can be seen in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō and Hyakkai Zukan. This creatures has the alternative names of ‘Wau-wau’ and ‘Au-au’ from older illustrated scrolls. Sekien in his depiction of this Yōkai uses the kanji ‘O’ from the ramie plant which was[...]

Aobōzu The Aobōzu (青坊主 – Blue Monk) is a type of one eyed monk Yōkai seen depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō and Hyakkai Zukan. In his depiction his is shown in front of tea house, though no explanation to the history of this creature is provided. It is possible that[...]

Nihon Ryōiki The Nihon Ryōiki (日本霊異記 – A Record of Strange Ghostly Happenings in Japan) is an old piece of Japanese literature. Yōkai Within its collections it contains the story surrounding the Yōkai known as the Gagoze. It tells of a farmer finding a ‘thunder child’ in a storm. For[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Kagutsuchi (father) Iwatsutsunoo (brother) Iwatsutsunome Iwatsutsunome (Stone Mallet Woman?) is a Shinto kami, said to have come into existence from the blood of Kagutsuchi after he was beheaded by the sword Itsunoohabari. This is only mentioned in one ‘alternative’ version of the nihongi where she[...]

Gagoze The Gagoze (元興寺, also known as Gangoji) is a type of Yōkai, depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō and Hyakkai Zukan. He is a kind of bogeyman from and is still used in Tokushima Prefecture and Awaji Shima to scare crying children into being quiet. The Kanji used to[...]

Kyūji The Kyūji (旧辞) is an ancient piece of Japanese literature which was compiled during the 6th century AD. It was known to have contained collections of both myths and legends surrounding Japan. However, this work no longer exists. It is thought that this document, alongside the Teiki to have[...]

Tachibana River The Tachibana River, though its modern day location is unknown, is said to have historically been located in the area known as ‘Awaki‘ in Himuka Province. Due to this it would have been located in modern day Miyazaki Prefecture. This is the river mentioned in both the Kojiki[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: The Moon Family: Izanami? (mother) Izanagi (father) Susano-o (brother) Amaterasu (sister) Tsukiyomi Tsukiyomi (月読) is the moon kami in Shinto mythology, brother to Amaterasu and Susano-o. Birth According to both the Kojiki and the Nihongi this kami was born from Izanagi after cleansing himself from the[...]

Wamiōsho The Wamiōsho is an old Japanese text. Within its pages it gives the Eight Ugly Females of Yomi the name ‘Gogome’, saying that their names were invoked as a kind of ‘bogey men’ to scare children.1 Footnotes 1. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi Volume 1: Chronicles of Japan from the[...]

Nurarihyon The Nurarihyon (ぬらりひょん) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō and Hyakkai Zukan. He holds a special position within the ranks of the Yōkai as he is now seen to be the ‘leader’ of them. However, it wasn’t until 1929 that this belief began after[...]

Nureonna The Nureonna (濡れ女) is a type of serpentine, female Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō and Hyakkai Zukan. Often this creature is depicted with wet hair which is plastered against its head. However, depictions made by Toriyama Sekien show the creatures with waving hair as well as arms.[...]

Nuribotoke The Nuribotoke (塗仏) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō and Hyakkai Zukan. The creature, which is an animated corpse, is depicted as having dangling eyes and darkened skin. Within older depictions of the Yōkai we see the creature as having jet black skin, often[...]

Otoroshi The Otoroshi (おとろし) is a type of Yōkai mentioned in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō and Hyakkai Zukan. The name of the creature can find its origins from the Japanese word ‘osoroshii‘ meaning scary and ‘odoro‘ meaning a weedy patch of land. The creature is said to dwell in abandoned and[...]

Co-ordinates: 36°N 138°E Prefectures: ”To be completed.” Honshu Honshu (本州) is the main of the four islands of Japan. Mythological Creation According to the kojiki, this island (dubbed Yamato) was the last of the Great Land of Eightfold Isles made by the kami Izanami and Izanagi, inhabited by the kami Amenomisoratoyoakitsunewake.1[...]

Yamato Sanzan Yamato Sanzan (大和三山, Three Hillls of Yamato) are located near the city of Kashihara in Nara Prefecture, Kansai Region. These three mountains are Unebiyama, Amanokagushima and Miminashiyama. All three of them are formed of igneous rock and are mentioned in the Man’yōshū.1 Mount Unebi Co-ordinates: 34°29′32.5″N135°47′06″E Height: 199.2m Mount[...]

Co-ordinates: – Region: Chūgoku Region Prefecture: Shimane Prefecture (now), Izumo Province (historically) Ifuya Pass The Ifuya Pass (Ifuya zaka), according to the Kojiki, is located in Izumo Province. This mountain pass was said to contain the location to the entrance to Yomi known as Hirasaka and is mentioned in the[...]

Co-ordinates: – Region: Chūgoku Region Prefecture: Border of Izumo and Hahaki Province Height: – Hibayama Hibayama (Mount Spirit Court) is stated in the Kojiki to be the location of the burial mound of Izanami. Sadly, its exact location is unknown, however, it is stated to be on the border between[...]

Waira The Waira (わいら) is a type of Yōkai mentioned in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyo and Hyakkai Zukan. This strange creature is depicted as being a flabby type of being with a single claw for a hand. Sadly not much more is known about this Yōkai.1 Other Depictions External Links[...]

Hyōsube Hyōsube (ひょうすべ) are a type of Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyo and Hyakkai Zukan. They are basically a kind of enchanted doll and can find their origins linked to the Kasuga Grand Shrine in Nara. The story states they helped build this temple before being sent to[...]

Shōkera The Shōkera (しょうけら) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō and Hyakkai Zukan. This humanoid creature is a physical manifestation from the use of this word in a chant from the Kōshin Religion. According to this religion, worms are said to live inside the body[...]

Mikoshi The Mikoshi (見越 – Look Over Monk), also known as the Mikoshi-Nyūdo (見越入道) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyo and the Hyakkai Zukan. The creature is said to sneak up on people in the mountains wanting to scare them. It is detailed in the[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Sokotsutsuo (parent) Nakatsutsuo (parent) Uhatsutsuo (parent) Utsushihikanasaku Utsushihikanasaku (宇都志日金析 – Daylight Net Weaver) is mention in the kojiki (and not the nihongi) as the child of the three kami of Suminoe by the name of Sokozutsuwo, Nakazutsuwo and Uhazutsuwo. They are the ancestor of the sea folk who[...]

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

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Uhatsutsuo (sibling) Uhatsuwatatsumi Uhatsuwatatsumi (Surface Ocean Majesty – 上津綿津見神) is the first of two Shinto kami born from Izanagi bathing on the surface of the Tachibana river after leaving Yomi and wishing to cleanse himself of its impurities. This is stated in both[...]

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

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Nakatsutsuo (sibling) Nakatsuwatatsumi Nakatsuwatatsumi (Middle Ocean Majesty – 中津綿津見神) is the first of two Shinto kami born from Izanagi bathing in the middle of the Tachibana river after leaving Yomi and wishing to cleanse himself of its impurities. This is stated in both[...]

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

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Sokotsutsuo (sibling) Sokotsuwatatsumi Sokotsuwatatsumi (Bottom Ocean Majesty – 底津綿津見神) is the first of two Shinto kami born from Izanagi bathing at the bottom of the Tachibana river after leaving Yomi and wishing to cleanse himself of its impurities. This is stated in both[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Medium (Occupation) Family: Izanagi (father) Kaminaobi (sibling) Ōnaobi (sibling) Izunome Izunome (Holy Woman – 伊豆能売) is mentioned in the kojiki (and not the nihongi) as the last of three to be born from Izanagi remedying the evil of Yomi from his body whilst bathing in the[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Good fortune, purity and propriety. Family: Izanagi (father) Kaminaobi (sibling) Izunome (sibling) Ōnaobi Ōnaobi (Great Remedy – 大直毘神) is a Shinto kami of good fortune, purity and propriety.1 They were the last of two kami born from Izanagi remedying the evil of Yomi from his body,[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Good fortune, purity and propriety. Family: Izanagi (father) Ōnaobi (sibling) Izunome (sibling) Kaminaobi Kaminaobi (Sacred Remedy – 神直毘神) is a Shinto kami of good fortune, purity and propriety.1 They were the first of two kami born from Izanagi remedying the evil of Yomi from his body,[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Calamity, evil occurrences, curses and defilement. Family: Izanagi (father) Yasomagatsuhi (sibling) Ōmagatsuhi Ōmagatsuhi (Great Mishap Bringer – 大禍津日神) is a Shinto kami of calamity, evil occurrences, curses and defilement. They are not mentioned in the nihongi, however, the kojiki states they were the second of two[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Calamity, evil occurrences, curses and defilement. Family: Izanagi (father) Ōmagatsuhi (sibling) Yasomagatsuhi Yasomagatsuhi (Many Mishaps Bringer – 八十禍津日神) is a Shinto kami of calamity, evil occurrences, curses and defilement.1 They were the only kami born from Izanagi cleansing away the impurities of Yomi according to the[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Honshu Family: Izanami (mother) Izanagi (father) Amenomisoratoyoakitsunewake Amenomisoratoyoakitsunewake (天御虚空豊秋津根別 – Little Lord Plentiful Autumns Filling Heaven’s Mighty Firmament) was the child of Izanami and Izanagi and is said to be the kami of the island of Yamato (Honshu), the final of the Great Eight Isles according to the Kojiki.[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Hetsukaibera Hetsukaibera (辺津甲斐弁羅神 – Shoreside Tide Lad) was the last of 12 Shinto kami born from Izanagi removing items from his body after wanting to wash and cleanse himself after visiting Yomi. This kami was formed from the armband on his right arm[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Hetsunagisabiko Hetsunagisabiko (辺津那芸佐毘古神 – Shoreside Surf Lad) was the eleventh of 12 Shinto kami born from Izanagi removing items from his body after wanting to wash and cleanse himself after visiting Yomi. This kami was formed from the armband on his right arm[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Hezakaru Hezakaru (辺疎神 – Beyond Shoreside) was the tenth of 12 Shinto kami born from Izanagi removing items from his body after wanting to wash and cleanse himself after visiting Yomi. This kami was formed from the armband on his right arm alongside[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Okitsukaibera Okitsukaibera (奥津甲斐弁羅神 – Offshore Tide Lad) was the ninth of 12 Shinto kami born from Izanagi removing items from his body after wanting to wash and cleanse himself after visiting Yomi. This kami was formed from the armband on his left arm alongside Okizakaru and[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Okitsunagisabiko Okitsunagisabiko (奥津那芸佐毘古神 – Offshore Surf Lad) was the eighth of 12 Shinto kami born from Izanagi removing items from his body after wanting to wash and cleanse himself after visiting Yomi. This kami was formed from the armband on his left arm[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Okizakaru Okizakaru (奥疎神 – Beyond Offshore) was the seventh of 12 Shinto kami born from Izanagi removing items from his body after wanting to wash and cleanse himself after visiting Yomi. This kami was formed from the armband on his left arm alongside[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Akiguinoushi Akiguinoushi (飽咋之宇斯能神 – Master Filled Full) was the sixth of 12 Shinto kami born from Izanagi removing items from his body after wanting to wash and cleanse himself after visiting Yomi. This kami was formed from his hat and this is all related[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Chimata Chimata (道俣神 – Road Fork) was the fifth of 12 Shinto kami born from Izanagi removing items from his body after wanting to wash and cleanse himself after visiting Yomi. This kamiwas formed from his trousers and this is all related in[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Wazurainoushi Wazurainoushi (和豆良比能宇斯能神 – Master Miasma) was the fourth of 12 Shinto kami born from Izanagi removing items from his body after wanting to wash and cleanse himself after visiting Yomi. This kami was formed from his Mantle and this is all related[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Tokihakashi Tokihakashi (時量師神 – Time Keeper Loosed) was the third of 12 Shinto kami born from Izanagi removing items from his body after wanting to wash and cleanse himself after visiting Yomi. This kami was formed from his Satchel and is related in[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Travel Family: Izanagi (father) Michinonagachiha Michinonagachiha (道之長乳歯神 – Long Winding Way Stones) was the second of 12 Shinto kami born from Izanagi removing items from his body after wanting to wash and cleanse himself after visiting Yomi. This kami was formed from his Sash. He is[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Travel and Crossroads Family: Izanagi (father) Tsukitatsufunato Tsukitatsufunato (衝立船戸神 – Post at the Road Bend) was the first of 12 Shinto kami born from Izanagi removing items from his body after wanting to wash and cleanse himself after visiting Yomi. This kami was formed from his[...]

Period: Asuka Period Occupation: Dainagon, Udajin Family: Nakatomi no Kamatari (father) Fujiwara no Higami no Iratsume (sister) Fujiwara no Ioe no Iratsume (sister) Fujiwara no Miyako (daughter) Fujiwara no Asukabehime (daughter) Fujiwara no Muchimaro (son) Fujiwara no Fusasaki (son) Fujiwara no Umakai (son) Fujiwara no Maro (son) Birth: 659AD Death:[...]

Reign: 707-715AD Born: 661AD Died: 721AD Period: Asuka Period Family: Emperor Monmu (son) Prince Kusakabe (husband) Empress Jitō (half-sister) Emperor Tenji (father) Empress Genshō (daughter) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Monmu * Successor Empress Genshō Empress Genmei Empress Genmei (元明 天皇) was the 43rd Emperor of Japan. Known before her ascension to the throne as Princess Abe.1[...]

Reign: 690-697AD Period: Asuka Period Family: Emperor Tenmu (husband) Prince Kusakabe (son) Empress Genmei (half-sister) Emperor Monmu (grand-son) Emperor Tenji (father) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Tenmu * Successor Emperor Monmu Empress Jitō Empress Jitō (持統天皇) was the 41st Emperor of Japan, living from 645-702, and ruling[...]

Ikiryō Ikiryō (生霊 ‘Living Soul’) is a Yurei depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō by Toriyama Sekien, though this book is a compendium of Yōkai, this creature is a Yurei (ghost). In Sekien’s book it states that this entity is created through jealousy, meaning that a living person’s soul, when[...]

Kogo Shūi The Kogo Shūi (古語拾遺) is a document containing the achievements of the Imbe Clan. It was written in 807 by Imbe no Hironari.12 As well as the Clans achievements it also contains myths and legends from before the time of Emperor Jimmu, even containing legends not found in the[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Author Family: Imbe Clan Birth: – Death:- Imbe no Hironari Imbe no Hironari (斎部広成) was a member of the Imbe Clan. In an attempt to regain power and influence for his clan, after they had become eclipsed by the Nakatomi Clan, he writes and publishes the Kogo[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Thunder Family: None The Eight Thunder Kami The Eight Thunder Kami are the Thunder kami in Shinto Mythology which dwell in the land of Yomi. In the kojiki they are seen crawling on the body of Izanami when her husband looks upon her dead body in Yomi.[...]

Yomi Yomi (黄泉) is the Land of the Dead or Underworld in Shinto Mythology. It is also called the ‘land that lies beneath the hard earth’s roots’ (Nenokatasukuni).2 We first see this place mentioned when Izanami dies after giving birth to the Fire-kami Kagutsuchi. Her husband/brother Izanagi enters into Yomi[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Affiliations with Yomi. Family: None Shikome The Shikome (黄泉醜女) (also called the Hisame) are the names for the Eight Ugly Females of Yomi. The Wamiōsho also gives them the additional name of Gogome and says they were used as a kind of bogey men to scare children.1[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Peaches Family: None Ōkamizumi Ōkamizumi (意富加牟豆美命 – Great Sacred Majesty) is the Shinto kami of the peaches which Izanagi plucked from a tree and held menacingly to scare away The Eight Thunder Kami and Shikome who were chasing him as he fled Yomi.1 This is mentioned[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Boulder covering the entrance to Yomi Family: None Chigaeshinoōkami Chigaeshinoōkami (道返之大神 – Great Spirit Road Retreat) is the Shinto kami of the boulder that Izanagi places in front of the entrance of Yomi so his wife Izanami cannot pursue him.12 This kami has the alternate names[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Mountains Family: Kagutsuchi (father) Masakayamatsu (sibling) Odoyamatsumi (sibling) Kurayamatsumi (sibling) Okuyamatsumi (sibling) Shigiyamatsumi (sibling) Hayamatsumi (sibling) Harayamatsumi (sibling) Toyamatsumi Toyamatsumi (戸山津見神 – Outer Mountain Majesty) is the eighth and last Shinto Mountain kami born from the body of Kagutsuchi after he was beheaded by the sword Itsunoohabari, owned by[...]