Wiki Category: Literature

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

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Mountains Family: Kagutsuchi (father) Masakayamatsu (sibling) Odoyamatsumi (sibling) Kurayamatsumi (sibling) Okuyamatsumi (sibling) Shigiyamatsumi (sibling) Harayamatsumi (sibling) Toyomatsumi (sibling) Hayamatsumi Hayamatsumi (羽山津見神 – Mountain Foot Majesty) is the sixth of eight Shinto Mountain kami born from the body of Kagutsuchi after he was beheaded by the sword Itsunoohabari, owned[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Mountains Family: Kagutsuchi (father) Masakayamatsu (sibling) Odoyamatsumi (sibling) Kurayamatsumi (sibling) Okuyamatsumi (sibling) Hayamatsumi (sibling) Harayamatsumi (sibling) Toyomatsumi (sibling) Shigiyamatsumi Shigiyamatsumi (志藝山津見神 – Mountain Forest Majesty) is the fifth of eight Shinto Mountain kami born from the body of Kagutsuchi after he was beheaded by the sword Itsunoohabari, owned[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Mountains Family: Kagutsuchi (father) Masakayamatsu (sibling) Odoyamatsumi (sibling) Okuyamatsumi (sibling) Shigiyamatsumi (sibling) Hayamatsumi (sibling) Harayamatsumi (sibling) Toyomatsumi (sibling) Kurayamatsumi Kurayamatsumi (闇山津見神 – Mountain Gorge Majesty) is the fourth of eight Shinto Mountain kami born from the body of Kagutsuchi after he was beheaded by the sword Itsunoohabari, owned[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Mountains Family: Kagutsuchi (father) Masakayamatsu (sibling) Odoyamatsumi (sibling) Kurayamatsumi (sibling) Shigiyamatsumi (sibling) Hayamatsumi (sibling) Harayamatsumi (sibling) Toyomatsumi (sibling) Okuyamatsumi Okuyamatsumi (奥山津見神 – Inner Mountain Majesty) is the third of eight Shinto Mountain kami born from the body of Kagutsuchi after he was beheaded by the sword Itsunoohabari, owned[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Mountains Family: Kagutsuchi (father) Masakayamatsu (sibling) Okuyamatsumi (sibling) Kurayamatsumi (sibling) Shigiyamatsumi (sibling) Hayamatsumi (sibling) Harayamatsumi (sibling) Toyomatsumi (sibling) Odoyamatsumi Odoyamatsumi (淤縢山津見神 – Younger Mountain Majesty) is the second of eight Shinto Mountain kami born from the body of Kagutsuchi after he was beheaded by the sword Itsunoohabari, owned[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Mountains Family: Kagutsuchi (father) Odoyamatsumi (sibling) Okuyamatsumi (sibling) Kurayamatsumi (sibling) Shigiyamatsumi (sibling) Hayamatsumi (sibling) Harayamatsumi (sibling) Toyamatsumi (sibling) Masakayamatsumi Masakayamatsumi (正鹿山津見神 – True Mountain Majesty) is the first of eight Shinto Mountain kami born from the body of Kagutsuchi after he was beheaded by the sword Itsunoohabari, owned by[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Ravines Family: Kagutsuchi (father) Kuraokami (sibling) Kuramitsuha Kuramitsuha (闇御津羽神 – Ravine Water Rushing) is a Shinto kami and the last of two Ravine kami born from the blood of Kagutsuchi after he was beheaded by the sword Itsunoohabari owned by Izanagi. The blood, caught upon the swords hilt[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Ravines Family: Kagutsuchi (father) Kuramitsuha (brother) Kuraokami Kuraokami (闇淤加美神 – Ravine Rain Serpent) is a Shinto kami and the first of two Ravine kami born from the blood of Kagutsuchi after he was beheaded by the sword Itsunoohabari owned by Izanagi. The blood, caught upon the swords[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Lightning Family: Kagutsuchi (father) Hihayahi (brother) Mikahayahi (brother) Takemikazuchinoo Takemikazuchinoo (建御雷之男神 – Brave Mighty Thunderbolt Man) is a Shinto Kami and the last of three Lightning Kami born from the blood of Kagutsuchi after he was beheaded by the sword Itsunoohabari owned by Izanagi. The blood, caught[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Lightning Family: Kagutsuchi (father) Mikahayahi (brother) Takemikazuchinoo (brother) Hihayahi Hihayahi (樋速日神 – Blazing Stormer) is a Shinto kami and the second of three Lightning kami born from the blood of Kagutsuchi after he was beheaded by the sword Itsunoohabari owned by Izanagi. The blood, caught upon[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Lightning Family: Kagutsuchi (father) Hihayahi (brother) Takemikazuchinoo (brother) Mikahayahi Mikahayahi (甕速日神 – Stern Stormer) is a Shinto kami and the first of three Lightning kami born from the blood of Kagutsuchi after he was beheaded by the sword Itsunoohabari owned by Izanagi. The blood, caught upon[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Kagutsuchi (father) Nesaku (brother) Iwasaku (brother) Iwatsutsunoo Iwatsutsunoo (石筒之男神 – Stone Mallet Man) is a Shinto kami and the last of three born from the blood of Kagutsuchi after he was beheaded by the sword Itsunoohabari owned by Izanagi. The blood, caught upon the swords tip[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Kagutsuchi (father) Iwasaku (brother) Iwatsutsunoo (brother) Nesaku Nesaku (根折神 – Root Splitter) is a Shinto kami and the second of three born from the blood of Kagutsuchi after he was beheaded by the sword Itsunoohabari owned by Izanagi. The blood, caught upon the swords tip dripped[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Kagutsuchi (father) Nesaku (brother) Iwatsutsunoo (brother) Iwasaku Iwasaku (石折神 – Boulder Splitter) is a Shinto kami and the first of three kami born from the blood of Kagutsuchi after he was beheaded by the sword Itsunoohabari owned by Izanagi. The blood, caught upon the swords tip[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Fire, Volcanoes, Slash and Burn Agriculture Family: Izanagi (father) Izanami (mother) Haniyamahime (wife) Children (numerous, see below) Kagutsuchi Kagutsuchi (Flame Elder – 軻遇突智) is the kami of Fire in Shinto Mythology. He is also known as Hinoyagihayao (Swift Burning Flame Man), Hinokagabiko (Blazing Flame Lad), Hinokagutsuchi[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Nakisawame Nakisawame (Much Wailing Woman1 kojiki – 泣沢女神, nihongi – 啼沢女命) is a Shinto kami born from the tears of Izanagi in mourning over his wife’s death. She is said to dwell on Kaguyama, at the base of the tree trunks there.12 We[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Wakamusubi (father) Toyoukebime Toyoukebime (Lady Bountiful Fare), sometimes called Toyouke, is a Shinto kami said to be the daughter of Wakamusubi.12 She is worshiped in Ise.1 Footnotes 1. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An Account of Ancient Matters”. New York: Columbia University[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Agriculture Family: Izanami (mother) Haniyamahime (mother) Kagutsuchi (father) Mizuhanome (sibling) Wakumusubi Wakumusubi (和久産巣日神 – Fresh Growth) is Shinto kami of Agriculture born from the urine of Izanami during her death throws after being burnt by the kami Kagutsuchi. He is the brother of Mizuhanome and has a child[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Irrigation Family: Izanami (mother) Wakumusubi (sibling) Mizuhanome Mizuhanome  (彌都波能売神 – Water Gushing Woman) was a child of Izanami, born from her urine during her death throws after being burnt after the birth of Kagutsuchi. She is the sister of Wakumusubi in the kojiki.1 The Engi Rites state[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: The Earth Family: Izanami (mother) Haniyasubiko (brother) Kagutsuchi (husband) Wakumusubi (child) Haniyasubime Haniyasubime (波邇夜須毘売神 – Lady Kneading Clay) is a Shinto kami born from the excrement of Izanami in her death throws after being burnt by giving birth to Kagutsuchi, this is all related in the Kojiki. Her[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Earth Family: Izanami (mother) Haniyasubiko Haniyasubiko (波邇夜須毘古神 – Kneading Clay Lad) is a Shinto kami born from the excrement of Izanami in her death throws after being burnt by giving birth to Kagutsuchi, this is all related in the Kojiki. His sister is the kami Hanayasuhime and[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Metals Family: Izanami (mother) Kanayamabiko (brother) Kanayamahime Kanayamahime (金山毘売神 – Lady Metal Mountain) is a kami born from the vomit of Izanami in her death throws after being burnt by giving birth to Kagutsuchi. This is mentioned in the kojiki.1 She is the sister of Kanayamabiko and the Engi[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Metals Family: Izanami (mother) Kanayamahime (sister) Kanayamabiko Kanayamabiko (金山毘古神 – Metal Mountain Lad) is a kami born from the vomit of Izanami in her death throws after being burnt by giving birth to Kagutsuchi. This is mentioned in the kojiki and nihongi.12 He is the brother of[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanami (mother) Izanagi (father) Torinoiwakusufune Torinoiwakusufune (鳥之石楠船神 – Swooping Stone Hard Ship of Camphor Wood) also known as Amenotoribume (Bird Boat of Heaven) is said to be the son of Izanami and Izanagi in both the kojiki and nihongi12. In the kojiki he is said to[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: kami of the Earth Family: Izanami (mother) Izanagi (father) Haniyasu Haniyasu is a Shinto Earth kami mentioned in one version of the nihongi where she is stated to have been born by Izanami and Izanagi after the kami Kukunochi.1 Footnotes 1. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi Volume[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Hunger? Rice. Family: Izanami (mother) Izanagi (father) Alternatively Susano-o (father) Kamu Ōichihime (mother) Ukanomitama Ukanomitama (倉稲魂命) is a Shinto kami mentioned in one version of the nihongi where she is born from the hunger of Izanami and Izanagi after the kami Shinatsuhiko had been created.1 We find[...]

Yukionna Yukionna (雪女 ‘Snow Woman’) is a Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō and Hyakkai Zukan. In Sekien’s book she is denoted as the personification of cold and he has depicted her with hair upon her hands. This perhaps hints that the Yukionna is actually the result of a Kitsune,[...]

Makurageishi The Makuragaeshi (反枕 ‘Pillow Flip’) is a Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō by Toriyama Sekien. It is a strange creature featured in his Yōkai compendium because it is not truly a creature. It is the physical act of flipping a pillow, as well as the idea of[...]

Sakabashira The Sakabashira (逆柱) is a Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō by Toriyama Sekien. The meaning behind the creatures name can be translated as ‘Reverse Pillar’ showing us how these creatures are able to enter into our world. The Sakabashira depicted by Sekien seep or drip out of support[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Ōyamatsumi (father) Kayanohime (mother) Kuninosazuchi (brother) Amenosazuchi (sister) Amenosagiri (sister) Kuninosagiri (brother) Amenokurado (sister) Kuninokurado (brother) Ōtomatohiko (brother) Ōtomatohime Ōtomatohime (大戸惑女神 – Lady Great Valley) was the eighth and last child born to the kami Ōyamatsumi and Kayanohime according to the kojiki. Her name could alternatively[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Ōyamatsumi (father) Kayanohime (mother) Kuninosazuchi (brother) Amenosazuchi (sister) Amenosagiri (sister) Kuninosagiri (brother) Amenokurado (sister) Kuninokurado (brother) Ōtomatohime (sister) Ōtomatohiko Ōtomatohiko (大戸惑子神 – Great Valley Lad) was the seventh of eight children born to the kami Ōyamatsumi and Kayanohime according to the kojiki. His name could alternatively be[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Ōyamatsumi (father) Kayanohime (mother) Kuninosazuchi (brother) Amenosazuchi (sister) Amenosagiri (sister) Kuninosagiri (brother) Amenokurado (sister) Ōtomatohiko (brother) Ōtomatohime (sister) Kuninokurado Kuninokurado (国之闇戸神 – Land’s Steep Gorge) was the sixth of eight children born to the kami Ōyamatsumi and Kayanohime according to the kojiki.1 The nihongi makes no mention of this[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Ōyamatsumi (father) Kayanohime (mother) Kuninosazuchi (brother) Amenosazuchi (sister) Amenosagiri (sister) Kuninosagiri (brother) Kuninokurado (brother) Ōtomatohiko (brother) Ōtomatohime (sister) Amenokurado Amenokurado (天之闇戸神 – Heaven’s Steep Gorge) was the fifth of eight children born to the kami Ōyamatsumi and Kayanohime according to the kojiki.1 The nihongi makes no mention of this[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Ōyamatsumi (father) Kayanohime (mother) Kuninosazuchi (brother) Amenosazuchi (sister) Amenosagiri (sister) Amenokurado (sister) Kuninokurado (brother) Ōtomatohiko (brother) Ōtomatohime (sister) Kuninosagiri Kuninosagiri (国之狭霧神 – Land’s First Mist) was the fourth of eight children born to the kami Ōyamatsumi and Kayanohime according to the kojiki.1 The nihongi makes no mention of this[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Ōyamatsumi (father) Kayanohime (mother) Kuninosazuchi (brother) Amenosazuchi (sister) Kuninosagiri (brother) Amenokurado (sister) Kuninokurado (brother) Ōtomatohiko (brother) Ōtomatohime (sister) Amenosagiri Amenosagiri (天之狭霧神 – Heaven’s First Mist) was the third of eight children born to the kami Ōyamatsumi and Kayanohime according to the kojiki.1 The nihongi makes no mention of[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Ōyamatsumi (father) Kayanohime (mother) Kuninosazuchi (brother) Amenosagiri (sister) Kuninosagiri (brother) Amenokurado (sister) Kuninokurado (brother) Ōtomatohiko (brother) Ōtomatohime (sister) Amenosazuchi Amenosazuchi (天之狭土神 – Heaven’s First Soil) was the first of eight children born to the kami Ōyamatsumi and Kayanohime according to the kojiki.1 The nihongi makes no mention[...]

For the Yokai of the same name see: Nozuchi (Yokai) Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Herbs (nihongi) Moorland (kojiki) Family: Izanami (mother) Izanagi (father) Ōyamatsumi (brother/husband) Kuninosazuchi (son) Amenosazuchi (daughter) Amenosagiri (daughter) Kuninosagiri (son) Amenokurado (daughter) Kuninokurado (son) Ōtomatohime (daughter) Ōtomatohiko (son) Kayanohime Kayanohime (草野姫命 – Lady Thatch) also called Nozuchi (Moorland[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: The Mountains Family: Izanami (mother) Izanagi (father) Kayanohime (sister/wife) Kuninosazuchi (son) Amenosazuchi (daughter) Amenosagiri (daughter) Kuninosagiri (son) Amenokurado (daughter) Kuninokurado (son) Ōtomatohime (daughter) Ōtomatohiko (son) Several others. Ōyamatsumi Ōyamatsumi (大山祇 – Great Mountain Majesty) is the kami of the Mountains and was created by Izanami and[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: The Trees Family: Izanami (mother) Izanagi (father) Kukunochi Kukunochi (久久能智神 – Tree Trunk Elder1) is the ancestor of all trees, created by Izanami and Izanagi after the islands of Tsushima and Iki. This is related in the nihongi. Another version of the nihongi goes on to[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: The Winds Family: Izanami (mother) Izanagi (father) Shinatsuhiko Shinatsuhiko (志那都比古神 – Long Blowing Lad) is the kami of the Winds, born after the children of Hayaakitsuhime and Hayakitsuhiko. He was created by Izanami and Izanagi which is all related in the kojiki. Norito prayer (No.4) gives this[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Hayaakitsuhiko (father) Hayaakitsuhime (mother) Aha Nagi (brother)  Awa Nami (sister) Tsuranagi (brother) Tsuranami (sister) Amenomikumari (sibling) Kuninomikumari (sibling) Amenokuizamochi (sibling) Kuninokuizamochi Kuninokuizamochi (国之久比奢母智神 – Land’s Dipper Holder) is mentioned in the Kojiki as a child of Hayaakitsuhime and Hayaakitsuhiko, the Estuary kami. They were the eighth and last[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Hayaakitsuhiko (father) Hayaakitsuhime (mother) Aha Nagi (brother)  Awa Nami (sister) Tsuranagi (brother) Tsuranami (sister) Amenomikumari (sibling) Kuninomikumari (sibling) Kuninokuizamochi (sibling) Amenokuizamochi Amenokuizamochi (天之久比奢母智神 – Heaven’s Dipper Holder) is mentioned in the Kojiki as a child of Hayaakitsuhime and Hayaakitsuhiko, the Estuary kami. They were the seventh of eight[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Hayaakitsuhiko (father) Hayaakitsuhime (mother) Aha Nagi (brother)  Awa Nami (sister) Tsuranagi (brother) Tsuranami (sister) Amenomikumari (sibling) Amenokuizamochi (sibling) Kuninokuizamochi (sibling) Kuninomikumari Kuninomikumari (国之水分神 – Land’s Watershed) is mentioned in the Kojiki as a child of Hayaakitsuhime and Hayaakitsuhiko, the Estuary kami. They were the sixth of eight born to[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Hayaakitsuhiko (father) Hayaakitsuhime (mother) Aha Nagi (brother)  Awa Nami (sister) Tsuranagi (brother) Tsuranami (sister) Kuninomikumari (sibling) Amenokuizamochi (sibling) Kuninokuizamochi (sibling) Amenomikumari Amenomikumari (天之水分神 – Heaven’s Watershed) is mentioned in the Kojiki as a child of Hayaakitsuhime and Hayaakitsuhiko, the Estuary kami. They were the fifth of eight born to them with[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Hayaakitsuhiko (father) Hayaakitsuhime (mother) Awa Nami (sister) Aha Nagi (brother) Tsuranami (sister) Amenomikumari (sibling) Kuninomikumari (sibling) Amenokuizamochi (sibling) Kuninokuizamochi (sibling) Tsuranagi Tsuranagi  (頬那藝神 – Calm Surface Man) is mentioned in the Kojiki as son of Hayaakitsuhime and Hayaakitsuhiko, the Estuary kami. He was the third of eight born to them. His[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Hayaakitsuhiko (father) Hayaakitsuhime (mother) Aha Nagi (brother) Tsuranagi (brother) Tsuranami (sister) Amenomikumari (sibling) Kuninomikumari (sibling) Amenokuizamochi (sibling) Kuninokuizamochi (sibling) Awa Nami Awa Nami (沫那美神 – Wave Foam Woman) is mentioned in the Kojiki as daughter of Hayaakitsuhime and Hayaakitsuhiko, the Estuary kami. She was the second of eight born to them[...]

Folktales Here follows a list of Japanese Folktales (昔話) currently on our website. There will be more over time, so please bear with us for the time being. Festivals Ōtoshi no Kyaku. The New Years Eve Visitor. A collection of tales around mysterious New Years visitors who will give great[...]

Born: 1797 Died: 1858 Period: Edo Period Occupation: Ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Hiroshige Utagawa Hiroshige (歌川 広重) (1797-1858) was an Ukiyo-e artist who created the One Hundred Famous Views of Edo which includes depictions of the Yōkai‏‎ known as the Kitsune-bi due to their popularity.1 Footnotes 1. Yoda, H. and Alt,[...]

See also: List of Folktales Shōjōji no Tanuki Bayashi The Shōjōji no Tanuki Bayashi (狸囃子) is a Japanese Folktale which later became a children’s song. The story revolves around a pack of Tanuki holding wild nightly drum parties at the Shōjōji Temple.1 Footnotes 1. Yoda, H. and Alt, M. (2016)[...]

Rokurokubi The Rokurokubi (飛頭蛮) is a Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō by Toriyama Sekien. The Yōkai is depicted as a rather pampered woman. These creatures have rather elongated necks allowing their heads to move far away from their own bodies. Sekien has chosen to use the Characters for[...]

Tenome The Tenome (手の目) is a Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō by Toriyama Sekien. This Yōkai takes the form of a creatures whose ears are folded inwards, with his eyes in the palms of his hands. According to the authors of the ‘Japandemonium’ the folded ears relate to[...]

Takaonna The Takaonna (高女) is a Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō by Toriyama Sekien. This Yōkai takes the form of a courtesan with an extended height, having black teeth and classy makeup. The height likely relates to the fact that high-class courtesans resided on the second floor of[...]

Kii Peninsula The Kii Peninsula (紀伊半島) is said to have been the home of the kami Oyabiko (Great Roof Lad). This is sited in the kojiki where this area is called the area of Woods.1 It is later mentioned in the reign of Emperor Nintoku. His Empress visited the area and[...]

Region: Kanto Prefecture: Saitama Prefecture Mangyō-ji Mangyō-ji is a Buddhist temple within Saitama Prefecture. It has links to the story called The Bell of Nodera in which the fabled bell of Nodera Temple which was hidden by the monk during times of war was rediscovered by farmers. The bell was brought[...]

Nodera Temple Nodera Temple is a lost Japanese temple, which once housed a large bell within its complex. Both are known to have existed as a 9th Century poem attributed to Ariwara no Narihara mentions them. Legend states that in a time of war the monk of the temple took[...]

The Bell of Nodera The Bell of Nodera is a story which was used by Toriyama Sekien as inspiration for the Yōkai known as the Noderabō. The story relates how farmers digging out the roots of potato vines finds them entwined around a temple bell. They take the bell to[...]

Noderabō The Noderabō (野寺坊) is a Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō by Toriyama Sekien. This Yōkai takes the form of a monk standing next to the bell of Nodera Temple. The history behind this Yōkai is based on the story The Bell of Nodera. He is shown with a[...]

Umizatō The Umizatō (海座頭) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō by Toriyama Sekien. This Yōkai takes the form of a blind lute player in Sekien’s depiction. This may relate to the Umi-bōzu Yōkai or may even be a reference to the tale known as Hōichi[...]

Konjaku Monogatari-shu The Konjaku Monogatari-shu (今昔物語集, Anthology of Tales from the Past) is a collection of tales. One tale relates to the Ubume, a creature who takes the form of a woman residing along a river, and a group of Samurai who dare one of their group to go and[...]

Ubume The Ubume (産女) is a Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō by Toriyama Sekien. Sekien`s rendering utilizes the Kanji for the creature from the 1712 Wakan Sansai Zue, which describes the creature as a type of bird, capable of transforming into the guise of a woman who would[...]

Yanari The Yanari (家鳴, House-Creakers) is a Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō by Toriyama Sekien. This creature is said to be the cause of creaking noises within your home. Normally the Kanji would be read Naru Ya (ie. Creaking House) but Sekien reverses the Kanji to achieve the[...]

Tsurubebi The Tsurubebi (釣瓶火) (Wellbucket-Fire) also known as a Tsurube-otoshi is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō by Toriyama Sekien. The Yokai is named for its penchant for dropping onto the heads of those who walk beneath old trees, ‘tsurube’ being a type of bucket suspended[...]

Shin Otogi Bōko The Shin Otogi Bōko (新御伽婢子) is a 1683 collection of stories. One of the stories within relates to the Buddhist monk Sōgen and his wicked deeds which led to him becoming the Yōkai Sōgen-bi.1 Footnotes 1. Yoda, H. and Alt, M. (2016) “Japandemonium: Illustrated: The Yokai Encyclopaedia[...]

Occuption: Buddhist Monk Sōgen Sōgen (叢原) is known to have once been a Buddhist Monk, residing within Mibudera Temple, outside of Kyoto. He is noted to have stolen money offerings and lamp oil left at the temple by worshippers. After finally dying it is said he was punished in hell[...]

Sōgenbi The Sōgenbi (叢原火) (Thicket-Fire) is a type of Yōkai created from the wicked life of a monk called Sōgen. Toriyama Sekien in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō describes the creature saying: Said to appear near Mibudera Temple south of Saiin, located outside of Kyoto. There they call it Sōgen’s Fire[...]

Tenasobi The Tenasobi, also known as a Marten is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō. In Toriyama Sekien’s depiction of the creature, he provides the reading of ‘Marten’ though it is written with the Kanji Character for Itachi. The creature is known to have been a[...]

Jorōgumo The Jorōgumo (絡新婦) (Spider Bride) is a type of Yōkai. Toriyama Sekien depicts this Yōkai in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō giving it the alternative name of a ‘Harlot-Spider‘. Sekien depicts the creature perched atop a cherry tree in bloom (therefore depicting Spring), but with orb-weaver Spiders (who exist in[...]

One Hundred Famous Views of Edo One Hundred Famous Views of Edo (名所江戸百景, Meisho Edo Hyakkei) is a publication of Ukiyo-e prints created by Utagawa Hiroshige. Within its pages, it includes only one image with a supernatural element, where a Kitsunebi is depicted.1 References 1. Yoda, H. and Alt, M. (2016)[...]

Reign: 1073-1087AD Period: Heian Period Family: Fujiwara no Kenshi (wife) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Go-Sanjō * Successor Emperor Horikawa Emperor Shirakawa Emperor Shirakawa (白河天皇) was the 72nd Emperor of Japan. Family He was married to the daughter of Morozane, Fujiwara no Kenshi.3 Childhood His wet nurse,[...]

The Shinansha Artefact The Shinansha Artefact is a kind of compass created by Emperor Kotei in the Folktale The Shinansha. However, instead of pointing North, it points South. It takes the form of a carriage with the figure of a man inside always facing south. No matter which way you[...]

Period: Legendary Period Family: Emperor Kotei (son) Emperor Yuhi Emperor Yuhi is mentioned as the father of the later Emperor Kotei in the Folktale known as The Shinansha. Nothing more is mentioned of him.1 Footnotes 1. Ozaki, Y.T. (1903) “The Japanese Fairy Book”. Westminster: Archibald Constable & Co. Ltd.[...]

Period: Legenedery Period Family: Emperor Yuhi (father) Emperor Kotei Emperor Kotei is said to have been the son of Emperor Yuhi, and is mentioned in the Folktale The Shinansha. He ascends as Emperor after his father, quickly becoming troubled by the rebel Shiyu who wished to take his throne. And[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Magician. Bandit. Shiyu Shiyu is noted to have been a rebel in the Folktale The Shinansha. He is said to have had been a wicked magician with a head made of iron, and that no man could ever defeat him. In the tale, he wishes to[...]

Takuroku Takuroku is a fabled location from the Folktale known as The Shinansha. Upon this plain, the Emperor Kotei and his army attack the forces of Shiyu, a rebel wishing to claim the throne. He was also a sorcerer and so when the battle began he summoned forth fog onto[...]

See also: List of Folktales See also: The Shinansha (Artefact) The Shinansha The Shinansha, also known as The South Pointing Carriage is a Japanese Folktale relating to China. Synopsis One day the mother of Emperor Kotei was out walking, looking at the North Star vivid flashes of lightning came from[...]

Reign: 673-686AD Period: Asuka Period Family: Empress Kōgyoku (mother) Empress Jitō (wife) Emperor Tenji (brother) Prince Kusakabe (son) Emperor Kōbun (nephew) Prince Ōtsu (son) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Kōbun * Successor Empress Jitō Emperor Tenmu Emperor Tenmu (天武天皇) (Prince Oama7) was the 40th Emperor of Japan reigning[...]

Reign: 661-672AD Period: Asuka Period Family: Emperor Kōgyoku (mother) Emperor Kōtoku (uncle) Emperor Kōbun (son) Empress Jitō (daughter) Emperor Tenmu (brother) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Saimei * Successor Emperor Kōbun Emperor Tenji Emperor Tenji (天智天皇) was the thirty-eighth Emperor of Japan, living from 626-672AD, and ruling[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Kibi no Ko Family: Izanami (mother) Izanagi (father) Takehikatawake Takehikatawake (建日方別 – Lord Sunward Brave) was the kami which inhabited the island of Kibi no Ko, according to the kojiki, nothing more is mentioned of him.1 The nihongi does not give a name to this kami,[...]

Affiiation: Shinto Kami of: Azukishima Family: Izanami (mother) Izanagi (father) Ōnodehime Ōnodehime (大野手比売 – Lady Great Moor) was the kami which inhabited the island of Azukishima, according to the kojiki. Nothing more is mentioned of her.1 The nihongi does not give a name to this kami, simply stating: Izanami and[...]

Reign: 593-628AD Period: Asuka Period Family: Emperor Bidatsu (husband) Emperor Kinmei (father) Emperor Yōmei (brother) Soga no Umako (uncle) Shōtoku Taisha (nephew) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Sushun * Successor Emperor Jomei Empress Suiko Empress Suiko (推古天皇) was the thirty-third Emperor of Japan1, younger sister to Emperor[...]

Shaku Nihongi The Shaku Nihongi (釈日本紀) is a piece of Japanese Literature dating to the 13th Century. This document preserves some of the Commentaries written concerning the Nihongi soon after its completion, the commentaries described as being written during the Eras Yōrō 714-724, Kōnin 810-824 and Engi 901-923.1 Footnotes 1.[...]

Kana Nihongi The Kana Nihongi is a Japanese text said to have existed before the creation of the Nihongi, due to this is may have been used in the composition of the Nihongi.1 Footnotes 1. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi Volume 1: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to AD697”.[...]

Region: Kansai Region Prefecture: Nara Prefecture Co-ordinates: 34°36′51″N 135°44′03″ Founded: 607AD Affiliation: Buddhism Horyu-ji Horyu-ji (法隆寺) is a Buddhist Temple constructed under the orders of Shōtoku Taisha. The Yumedono (Pavillion of Dreams) here is reputed as the place where he had prophetic dreams.1 The original form of the document known[...]

Period: Asuka Period Family: Emperor Yōmei (father) Empress Suiko (aunt) Occupation: Prince, sesshō Shōtoku Taishi Shōtoku Taishi (聖徳太子) also known as Prince Umayado was the son of Emperor Yomei nephew of Empress Suiko. He is said to have been able to speak at birth and was an accomplished scholar, able[...]

Creatures in Literature Here follows a list of Creatures in Literature, found in Japanese literature, and any themes connected to their appearances. See also: List of Supernatural Creatures Yōkai Yūrei Dragons Birds In addition to the specific tyes of birds listed below, it is said that a bird stops the[...]

See also: List of Folktales The Tongue Cut Sparrow The Tongue Cut Sparrow (舌切り雀) is a Folktale about an old husband and wife and a Sparrow. Synopsis The old man was kind-hearted and loving, however, the woman always spoiled the happiness of their home with her scolding tongue. The old[...]

Family: Otohime Sama (daughter) Urashima Taro (son-in-law) Ryūjin Ryūjin or Ryōjin (龍神) is the Dragon King of the Sea. He is mentioned in the tale Urashima Taro the Fisher Lad but not seen.1 Footnotes 1. Ozaki, Y.T. (1903) “The Japanese Fairy Book”. Westminster: Archibald Constable & Co. Ltd.[...]

For the member of the Imperial Family see: Otohime Family: Ryūjin (father) Urashima Tarō (husband) Otohime Sama Otohime Sama (乙姫) was the daughter and Princess of Ryūjin noted in the Folktale Urashima Taro the Fisher Lad. She is described as having lovely black hair fashioned in the style of hundreds[...]

Ryūgū-jō Ryūgū-jō (竜宮城, 龍宮城) is the home of Ryūjin the Dragon King of the Sea, mentioned in the tale Urashima Taro the Fisher Lad. The place is described as having a magnificent gate, with sloping roofs. The servants of the palace are fish. The rest of the building is built[...]

Occupation: Fisherman Family: Otohime Sama (wife) Urashima Tarō Urashima Tarō (浦島 太郎) is known from the Folktale Urashima Taro the Fisher Lad. Origins The earliest versions of this Folktale appear in the Tango Fudoki where the character of Urashima is given the name Shima no Ko.1 Folktales Synopsis Urashima was[...]

See also: List of Folktales Urashima Tarō the Fisher Lad Urashima Tarō the Fisher Lad (浦島 太郎) is a Folktale about Urashima Taro and a Tortoise. Origins The earliest versions of this Folktale appear in the Tango Fudoki where the character of Urashima is given the name Shima no Ko.1[...]

Kōnin Shiki Kōnin Shiki. We are a wiki as well as a Blog and podcast site which is constantly and steadily growing. Bringing to you all aspects of Japanese history. It is going to be a project which will expand continuously over the coming years. And we hope you stick[...]

Ubagabi The Ubagabi (姥火, Hag-Fire) is a Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō by Toriyama Sekien, also appearing in the book A Record of Famous Places in Kawachi. The book describes the creature as a fireball which appears near Hiraoka Shrine and floated to the nearby village. People believe[...]

Kawachi Kagami Meishoki Kawachi Kagami Meishoki (A Record of Famous Places in Kawachi, 河内鉴名所记) is at the name suggests, a book centered on the area of Kawachi written in the 17th Century. Within the book it talks of the Yōkai Spirit the Ubagabi which haunts the area and Hiraoka Shrine[...]

Period: Nara Period Family: Emperor Tenmu (father) Kiyohara no Fukayabu (descendant) Occupation: Prince Prince Toneri Prince Toneri (舎人親王) oversaw the creation of the Nihongi reputedly laying it before Empress Genshō alongside Ō no Yasumaro in 720AD.1 He is the ancestor of Kiyohara no Fukayabu.2 Footnotes 1. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Sea Estuaries. Family: Izanami (mother) Izanagi (father) Hayaakitsuhiko (brother) Aha Nagi (son) Awa Nami (daughter) Tsuranagi (son) Tsuranami (daughter) Amenomikumari (child) Kuninomikumari (child) Amenokuizamochi (child) Kuninokuizamochi (child) Hayaakitsuhime Hayaakitsuhime (速秋津比売神 – Lady Rushing River Mouth) was the last of ten kami created after Izanami and Izanagi had created the Eightfold Isles and the[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: River Estuaries. Family: Izanami (mother) Izanagi (father) Hayaakitsuhime (sister) Aha Nagi (son) Awa Nami (daughter) Tsuranagi (son) Tsuranami (daughter) Amenomikumari (child) Kuninomikumari (child) Amenokuizamochi (child) Kuninokuizamochi (child) Hayaakitsuhiko Hayaakitsuhiko (速秋津日子神 – Rushing River Mouth Lad) was the ninth of ten kami created after Izanami and Izanagi had created the Eightfold Isles and the[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: The Ocean. Family: Izanami (mother) Izanagi (father) Ōwatatsumi Ōwatatsumi (大綿津見神 – Great Ocean Majesty) was the eighth of ten kami created after Izanami and Izanagi had created the Eightfold Isles and the six subsequent isles, according to the kojiki. The Engi Rites state a Shrine was[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: House Family: Izanami (mother) Izanagi (father) Kazamotsuwakenooshio Kazamotsuwakenooshio (風木津別之忍男神 – Grand Man Lord Wind Bearer) was a house kami. He was the seventh of ten kami created after Izanami and Izanagi had created the Eightfold Isles and the six subsequent isles, according to the Kojiki. Nothing more[...]