Wiki Category: Literature

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanami (mother) Izanagi (father) Oyabiko Oyabiko (大屋毘古神 – Great Roof Lad) was a kami dwelt in the area of Woods and is known to have sent Ōkuninushi to Susano-o after saving him from his brothers. He was the sixth of ten kami created after Izanami[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Protecting the entrance of people’s homes. Family: Izanami (mother) Izanagi (father) Otohiwake Otohiwake (大戸日別神 – Lord Great Entry) was known as the kami charged with protecting the entrances of people’s homes. He was the fourth of ten kami created after Izanami and Izanagi had created the[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanami (mother) Izanagi (father) Iwasuhime Iwasuhime (石巣比売神 – Lady Boulder Home/Lady Boulder Sands) was the third of ten kami created after Izanami and Izanagi had created the Eightfold Isles and the six subsequent isles, according to the Kojiki. Nothing more is mentioned of her. Her[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanami (mother) Izanagi (father) Iwatsuchibiko Iwatsuchibiko (石土毘古神 – Boulder Ground Lad) was the second of ten kami created after Izanami and Izanagi had created the Eightfold Isles and the six subsequent isles, according to the kojiki. Nothing more is mentioned of him. His name implies[...]

Yamato Monogatari The Yamato Monogatari (大和物語, Tales of Yamato) is a 10th Century monogatari. Poets The poet Henjo is mentioned within the text, with many stories about his many lovers and religious conversations that he had included inside.2 Supernatural Creatures Within its texts it discusses the Yōkai known as the[...]

Toriyamabiko The Toriyamabiko (鳥山彦 – Sekien’s Echoes) is an Art Book published in the Spring of 1774 by Toriyama Sekien, the title invoking the name of the Yōkai creature the Yamabiko. The book introduces the art style of fuki-bokashi, which allowed artists to more easily add color gradations to woodblock[...]

Reign: 456-479AD Period: Kofun Period Family: Emperor Anko (brother) Emperor Seinei (son) Prince Mayowa (nephew) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Anko * Successor Emperor Seinei Emperor Yūryaku Emperor Yūryaku (雄略天皇) is the twenty-first Emperor of Japan. He is recorded by his court chroniclers to have been a[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: – Tamanooya Tamanooya (玉祖命 / Jewel Ancestor1) is a Shinto kami. She is mentioned in the kojiki during the time when Amaterasu hides in the Sacred Rock Cave. She is tasked with making a string of jewels (magatama) to aide in convincing the Sun kami[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Hinokuma (daughter) Amenonukado (father) Ishikoridome Ishikoridome (Stone Mold Crone1) (石凝姥命 or 伊斯許理度売命) is a Shinto kami who is mentioned during the time when Amaterasu hides herself in the Sacred Rock Cave.2 Family This kami is claimed as the ancestor of the Mirror Makers in the[...]

Kasha The Kasha (火車) is a Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō by Toriyama Sekien, a description of encountering this creature is described in the Bōsō Manroku. It describes the creature as appearing at funerals, heralded by winds so great they could knock over mourners and take the coffin[...]

Birth: Death: Period: Edo Period Occpation: Author. Chihara Kyosai Chihara Kyosai (茅原虚斎) was an author who wrote the Bōsō Manroku, published in 1833, under the pen name of Bōsō.1 Footnotes 1. Yoda, H. and Alt, M. (2016) “Japandemonium: Illustrated: The Yokai Encyclopaedia of Toriyama Sekien.”. New York: Dover Publications, Inc.[...]

Bōsō Manroku The Bōsō Manroku (茅窓漫録, The Musings of Bōsō) is a 1833 book written by Chihara Kyosai under the pen name of Bōsō. The book contains a description of the Yōkai Spirit known as the Kasha, describing a typical encounter with the creature during a funeral.1 External Links View[...]

See also: Himejima (disambiguous) Himejima Himejima is an island off the coast of Kyushu and may be the island referred to in the kojiki as the fourth of six islands made after the Great Land of Eightfold Isles inhabited by the kami Amehitotsune.1 Footnotes 1. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav[...]

See also: Himejima (disambiguous) Himejima Himejima is an island off the coast from the ancient port of Naniwa and may be the island referred to in the kojiki as the fourth of six islands made after the Great Land of Eightfold Isles inhabited by the kami Amehitotsune. The island was[...]

Himejima Himejima (Lady Isle) may refer to one of two islands. Both are possibilities for the island mentioned in the kojiki as the fourth of six islands created by Izanami and Izanagi after making the Great Land of Eightfold Isles. This island said to be inhabited by the kami Amehitotsune.[...]

Reign: 313-400AD Period: Kofun Period Family: – Burial Place: Kofun in Osaka Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Ojin * Successor Emperor Richu Emperor Nintoku Emperor Nintoku (仁徳天皇) is said to have come to the throne after a succession dispute. He is the sixteenth Emperor of Japan. It is believed that[...]

  See also: List of Folktales Kachi-Kachi Yama Kachi-Kachi Yama (かちかち山) also known as The Farmer and the Badger is a Folktale about a Rabbit and a Badger. Synopsis There was an old farmer and his wife whose neighbour was a mischievous Badger, who would come into his land and[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Otonoji (husband) Ōtonobe Ōtonobe (大斗乃弁神, Great Entry Mistress) was the sister and wife of Ōtonoji. She with her brother were the 5th Generation of Shinto kami. The element to in their name could refer to the guardian kami of village alleyways or the genitalia.1 The[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Otonobe (wife) Ōtonoji Ōtonoji (意富斗能地神, Great Entry Elder) was the brother and husband of Ōtonobe. He with his sister were the 5th Generation of Shinto kami. The element to in their name could refer to the guardian kami of village alleyways or the genitalia.1 The[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Tsunogui (husband) Ikugui Ikugui (活杙神, Thriving Tip) was the sister and wife of Tsunogui. She with her brother were the 4th Generation of Shinto kami. Gui can refer to stakes to mark the boundary of a village or home or to ward of danger, or[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Ikugui (wife) Tsunogui Tsunogui (角杙神, Swelling Tip) was the brother and husband of Ikugui. He with his sister were the 4th Generation of Shinto kami. Tsuno can be read as horn, but also has connotations for the growth of buds. Gui can refer to stakes[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Uhijini (husband) Suhijini Suhijini (須比智邇神, Little Silted Mud) was the sister and wife of Uhijini. She with her brother were the 3rd Generation of Shinto kami. Her name represents the sedimentation of a delta.1 According to the Nihongi she and her brother were the 4th[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Suhijini (wife) Uhijini Uhijini (宇比邇神, Little Floating Mud) was the brother and husband of Suhijini. He with his sister were the 3rd Generation of Shinto kami.1 According to the Nihongi he and his sister were the 4th Generation of kami, also stating his name can[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: N/A Toyokumono Toyokumono (Abundent Clouds Moor, 豊雲野神) was the 2nd kami in a Generation of Seven kami to come into existence in the kojiki. Like the other kami before, the kami concealed itself after coming into existence.1 One version of the nihongi states he was[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Awaji Shima Family: Izanami (mother) Izanagi (father) Awajinohonosawake Awajinohonosawake (淡道之穂之狭別島 – Lord First Plumes of Foamway) was the very first child of Izanami and Izanagi not to be born deformed. He was the kami of Awaji Shima, the first of the Great Land of Eightfold Isles[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Tsushima Family: Izanami (mother) Izanagi (father) Amenosadeyorihime Amenosadeyorihime (天之狭手依比売 – Lady Dip Net of Heaven) was the kami that dwelt on the island of Tsushima. The kami name refers to the conical nets which were used by fishermen.1 Footnotes 1. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt.[...]

Katari Be This is a redirect page for the Katari Be. 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[...]

Co-ordinates: N/A (Mythical) Region: Kansai Region Prefecture: Shiga Prefecture The Dragon King’s Palace The Dragon King’s Palace (龍宮城) is the home of The Dragon King, located at the bottom of Lake Biwa. It is noted in the Folktale My Lord Bag of Rice that it is ‘beautiful’ and ‘built of[...]

Co-ordinates: 35.0503°N 136.0378°E Region: Kansai Region Prefecture: Shiga Prefecture Height: 432 m. Mount Mikami Mount Mikami (三上山) is a mountain within Shiga Prefecture. It is mentioned as the home of The Giant Centipede Seta in the Japanese Folktale My Lord Bag of Rice where Fujiwara Hidesato kills the Giant Centipede[...]

Creature type: Centipede Home: Mount Mikami Seta Seta is a creature, more specifically a Giant Centipede, known from the Folktale My Lord Bag of Rice living on Mount Mikami, described as having eyes that glowed like two balls of fire, its body so big its body wrapped around the mountain[...]

Co-ordinates: 35°20′N 136°10′E Region: Kansai Region Prefecture: Shiga Prefecture Depth: 104 metres. Lake Biwa Lake Biwa (琵琶湖) is a lake within Shiga Prefecture. The Seta-no-Karashi Bridge is built on the lake.1 According to Buddhist tradition, Mount Fuji rose from the earth in 286 BC after an earthquake that also created[...]

Co-ordinates: Region: Kansai Region Prefecture: Shiga Prefecture Seta no Karashi Bridge Seta no Karashi Bridge is a bridge over Lake Biwa. It is featured in the Japanese Folktale My Lord Bag of Rice where Fujiwara Hidesato walks over the body of a dragon lying asleep across it who later reveals[...]

Creature type: Dragon Home: Palace at the bottom of Lake Biwa The Dragon King The Dragon King also called the Dragon King of the Lake is a Dragon known from the tale My Lord Bag of Rice living in a Palace at the bottom of Lake Biwa, described as having[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Chinjufu-shōgun, Governor Family: Fujiwara no Uona (ancestor) Fujiwara no Murao (father) Birth: – Death: – Fujiwara Hidesato Fujiwara Hidesato (藤原 秀郷) also known as Tawara Tōda (俵藤太)3 is included in the Folktale My Lord Bag of Rice. He is noted to have had the nature of[...]

Hitachi Fudoki The Hitachi Fudoki (常陸 風土記) is an 8th Century piece of Japanese Literature which includes within it the exploits of Yamato Takeru’s life.1 Footnotes 1. Littleton. C.S. (1995) “Yamato-takeru: An Arthurian Hero in Japanese Tradition”. Asian Folklore Studies, Vol. 54, No.2, pp.259-274.[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Oshima Family: Izanami (mother) Izanagi (father) Ōtamaruwake Ōtamaruwake (大多麻流別 – Lord Great Harbor) was the kami which inhabited the island of Ōshima, according to the Kojiki. Nothing more is mentioned of him.1 The Nihongi does not give a name to this kami, simply stating: Izanami and[...]

Coordinates: 33°55′N 132°14′E Region: Chugoku Region Prefecture: Yamaguchi Prefecture Yashiro Island Yashiro Island is an island often attributed to being Ōshima island in the kojiki and Ohoshima in the nihongi. Ōshima (大島 – Great Isle) was, according to the kojiki, the third island born after the Great Land of Eightfold[...]

See also: List of Provinces Etchū Province Etchū Province (越中国) was an old Province of Japan, located in what is now Toyama Prefecture. Legendary Period It is mentioned in the Nihongi alongside that of Echigo Province and Echizen Province. However, they are grouped together and given the name of Koshi.[...]

See also: List of Provinces Echizen Province Echizen Province (越前国) was an old Province of Japan, located in what is now Fukui Prefecture.1 Legendary Period It is mentioned in the Nihongi alongside that of Echigo Province and Etchu Province. However, they are grouped together and given the name of Koshi. Koshi[...]

See also: List of Provinces Echigo Province Echigo Province (越後国) was an old Province of Japan, located in what is now Niigata Prefecture, established in the early 8th Century.1 The folktale called The Mirror of Matsuyama is set in this province.4 Legendary Period It is mentioned in the nihongi alongside[...]

Koshi Koshi is mentioned in the Nihongi as the fifth of the Great Land of Eightfold Isles to have been created by Izanami and Izanagi. This place, however, is not an island, but an amalgamation of the old Echigo, Echizen and Etchū Provinces of Japan.1 Footnotes 1. Aston. W.G. (1896)[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Chikanoshima Family: Izanami (mother) Izanagi (father) Amenooshio Amenooshio (天之忍男 – Grand Men of Heaven) was the kami which inhabited the island of Chikanoshima, according to the Kojiki.1 The Nihongi does not give a name to this kami, simply stating: Izanami and Izanagi then produced the sea,[...]

Co-ordinates: 38°1′N 138°22′E Region: Chūbu Region Prefecture: Niigata Prefecture Sado Island Sado Island (佐渡ヶ島, Marsh Paddy Isle) was, according to the Kojiki, the seventh island born after the Great Land of Eightfold Isles.1 The Nihongi also has this island as one of original Eightfold Isles. Though differs in saying it[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Okigashima Family: Izanami (mother) Izanagi (father) Amenooshikorowake Amenooshikorowake (天之忍許呂別 – Grand-Shaped Lords of Heaven) is the name of a collective group of kami who dwell upon Okigashima according to the Kojiki. No specific names for the kami are given and nothing more is mentioned of them.[...]

Co-ordinates: 36°10′16.1″N 133°8′40.8″E Region: Chūgoku Region Prefecture: Shimane Prefecture Okigashima Okigashima (隠岐の島, Isles in the Offing/Oki Islands) is a small archipelago off the coast of Honshu.1 According to the kojiki this island is the third of the Great Land of Eightfold Isles to have been born by Izanami and Izanagi,[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Anakashikone (wife) Omodaru Omodaru (淤母陀琉神, Entirely Engorged) was the brother and husband of Anakashikone. He with his sister were the 6th Generation of Shinto kami. His name can also be read as Surface Complete or Fully Formed.1 The Nihongi agrees he was the 6th[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Omodaru (husband) Izanagi (son) Izanami (daughter) Anakashikone Anakashikone (阿夜訶志古泥神, Awesome Indeed) was the sister and wife of Omodaru. She with her brother were the 6th Generation of Shinto kami. Her name refers to the magical powers possessed by a woman’s genitalia.1 The Nihongi agrees[...]

Reign: 131-190AD Born: Period: Legendary Period Family: Emperor Keikō (father) Yasakairihime (mother) Ohotakara no iratsume (wife)  Wakanuke (son) Yamato Dake (brother) Emperor Chuai (nephew) Burial Place: misasagi in Tatanami near Saki. Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Keikō * Successor Emperor Chuai Emperor Seimu Emperor Seimu (成務 天皇) was the thirteenth Emperor[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Tsukushi Family: Toyohiwake (brother), Shirahiwake (brother), Takehiwake(brother) Takehimukaitoyokujihinewake Takehimukaitoyokujihinewake (建日向日豊久士比泥別 – Little Lord Wondrous Wealthy Sunward Brave) was one of the four kami of Tsukushi according to the Kojiki, residing in the South-West part of the island called Hi. Nothing more is mentioned of him.1 Footnotes[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Tsukushi Family: Toyohiwake (brother), Shirahiwake (brother), Takehimukaitoyokujihinewake (brother) Takehiwake Takehiwake (建日別 – Lord Sun Brave) was one of the four kami of Tsukushi according to the Kojiki, residing in the South-West part of the island where the Bear Folk lived. Nothing more is mentioned of him.1[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Tsukushi Family: Toyohiwake (brother), Takehiwake (brother), Takehimukaitoyokujihinewake (brother) Shirahiwake Shirahiwake (白日別 – Lord Bright Son) was one of the four kami of Tsukushi according to the Kojiki, residing in the Northern part of the island called Tsukushi. He is noted to have a shrine in Fukuoka[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Tsukushi Family: Shirahiwake (brother), Takehiwake (brother), Takehimukaitoyokujihinewake (brother) Toyohiwake Toyohiwake (豊日別 – Lord Abundant Sun) was one of the four kami of Tsukushi according to the kojiki, residing in the North-West part of the island called Toyo. Nothing more is mentioned of him.1 Footnotes 1. Yasumaro.[...]

Period: Nara Period Occupation: Katari Be? Hiyeda no Are Hiyeda no Are (稗田 阿礼) is known to have helped create the Kojiki which was completed in 712AD. Whether he was a man or woman it isn’t known. The whole document was written by Ō no Yasumaro, from the recitations of[...]

Period: Kamakura Period Occupation: Ōnakatomi Sadayo Ōnakatomi Sadayo was a member of the Aristocracy who in 1266 wrote a copy of the Kojiki which was used later by the Monk Ken’yuu in 1371.1 Footnotes 1. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An Account of Ancient Matters”. New York:[...]

Period: Muromachi Period Occupation: Buddhist Monk Shin’yu Shin’yu was a Buddhist Monk who acted as editor for Ken’yuu when he created a new copy of the Kojiki during the Muromachi Period.1 Footnotes 1. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An Account of Ancient Matters”. New York: Columbia University[...]

Period: Muromachi Period Occupation: Buddhist Monk, Author. Ken’yuu Ken’yuu was a Buddhism who copied early records of the Kojiki. He began copying the 2nd and 3rd book in 1371 from a manuscript written by court aristocrat Ōnakatomi Sadayo in 1266, belonging to Ise-born textual lineage. One year later he uses[...]

Co-ordinates: Region: Kyushu Chikanoshima Chikanoshima (知訶島 – Near Isles) was, according to the Kojiki, the fifth island born after the Great Land of Eightfold Isles, inhabited by the kami Amenooshio. The island forms part of the Gotō Peninsula, west of Nagasaki. It is often the first island seen by foreigners[...]

Co-ordinates: 33°N 131°E Prefectures: Fukuoka Prefecture, Kagoshima Prefecture, Kumamoto Prefecture, Miyazaki Prefecture, Nagasaki Prefecture, Oita Prefecture, Okinawa Prefecture, Saga Prefecture Kyushu Kyushu (九州, Nine Provinces) also called Tsukushi (筑紫島, Lands End) in the kojiki and nihongi is one of the four main islands of Japan, the islands older name of[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Emperor Keikō (father) Harima no Inabi no Ōiratsume (mother) Yamato Hime (aunt) Emperor Chūai (son) Ōsu (brother) Kushitsunuwake (brother) Wakayamatoneko (brother) Kamukushi (brother) several other wives and children see below Birth: – Death: – Yamato Takeru Yamato Takeru (小碓命, Prince Wosu – The Brave of[...]

Reign: 71-130AD Period: Legendary Period Family: Emperor Suinin (father) Hibasuhime (mother) Yasakairihime (wife) Emperor Seimu (son) many children see below Burial place: misasagi in Yamanobe Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Suinin * Successor Emperor Seimu Emperor Keikō Emperor Keikō (景行天皇) was the twelfth Emperor of Japan also known as Ōtarashihiko Oshirowake[...]

Reign: 29BC-70AD Born: Period: Legendary Period Family: Emperor Sujin (father) Mimakihime (mother) many wives and children, see below. Burial place: misasagi in Fushimi, Sugahara Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Sujin * Successor Emperor Keikō Emperor Suinin Emperor Suinin (垂仁天皇) was the eleventh Emperor of Japan also known as Ikumeiribikoisachi (活目入彦五十狭茅天皇)123. He ruled from[...]

Reign: 97-30BC Born: 148BC Period: Legendary Period Family: Emperor Kaika (father) Ikagashikome (mother) Many wives and children see below. Burial place: misasagi in Isonokami Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Kaika * Successor Emperor Suinin Emperor Sujin Emperor Sujin (崇神 天皇) was the 10th Emperor of Japan also known as Mimakiiribikoiniye (御眞木入日子印恵命)1[...]

Co-ordinates: 35°00′48″N 135°51′10″E Region: Kansai Region Prefecture: Shiga Prefecture Founded: 672AD Affiliation: Buddhism Miidera (三井寺,御井寺) is a Buddhist Temple located close to Lake Biwa in Otsu city. Folktales It is mentioned in the Japanese Folktale My Lord Bag of Rice. According to the story, Fujiwara Hidesato donated a bell to[...]

Birth: – Death: – Period: Heian Period Occupation: Buddhist Monk Raigō Raigō was a Buddhist monk who lived during the reign of Emperor Shirakawa, residing at Mii-dera. During his lifetime he was tasked by Shirakawa to pray for the safe birth of his son, with the promise of his temple[...]

Furaribi The Furaribi (ふらり火) (Wander-Flame), also known as the Burari-bi, is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō by Toriyama Sekien. The word ‘furari’ meaning to wander without a destination. The Yōkai appears, similarly depicted, in the Hyakkai Zukan by Sawaki Sūshi shown as a white bird-like[...]

Kamikiri The Kamikiri (髪切り) (Hair Cutter) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Hyakkai Zukan by Sawaki Sūshi.1 The image from the Hyakki Zukan shows a grey colored creatures, whose beak and hand resembles the blades of scissors, with a like for cutting hair. Other Depictions Footnotes 1. Yoda,[...]

Birth: – Death: – Period: Edo Period Occupation: Artist, Author Sawaki Sūshi Sawaki Sūshi (佐脇 嵩之) is the creator of the Hyakkai Zukan, a Yōkai scroll which inspired much of Toriyama Sekien’s first book on Yōkai.1 Footnotes 1. Yoda, H. and Alt, M. (2016) “Japandemonium: Illustrated: The Yokai Encyclopaedia of[...]

Hyakkai Zukan The Hyakkai Zukan (百怪図巻, Illustrated Creeps), published in 1737, is a collection of picture scrolls depicted various types of Yōkai created by Sawaki Sūshi. These images greatly inspired the Yōkai works of Toriyama Sekien, in fact Volume three of his work the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō consists entirely of[...]

Co-ordinates: – Region: Chugoku Region Prefecture: Okayama Prefecture Kibi no Ko Kibi no Ko (吉備児島, Little Isle of Broomcorn Millet) was, according to the kojiki, the first island born after the Great Land of Eightfold Isles, inhabited by the kami Takehikatawake. It is a peninsula, and was once a major[...]

Kojiki The Kojiki (古事記 – Records of Ancient Matters or An Account of Ancient Matters) is one of the earliest Japanese Chronicles we have from Japan. Creation and Authorship In AD682 the Emperor Tenmu commissioned his Princes and High Officials to prepare: a history of the Emperor’s and of matters[...]

Reign: 581-549BC Born: 633/632BC Period: Legendary Period Family: Emperor Jimmu (father) Himetatara Isuzuhime (mother) Isuzuyorihime (wife) Emperor Annei (son) Kamiyawimimi (brother) Tagishimimi (half-brother) Burial place: Tsukidaoka Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Jimmu  * Successor Emperor Annei Emperor Suizei Emperor Suizei (綏靖 天皇) was the second Emperor of Japan and is[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: – Umashiashikabihikoji Umashiashikabihikoji (宇摩志阿斯訶備比古遅神, Fine Budding Reed Lad) is the fourth kami to come into existence in the kojiki. He, alongside the other kami Ametokotachi again hid themselves after they came into being. He is the first kami to have a gendered name.1 An[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: – Ametokotachi Ametokotachi (天之常立神, Ever-Standing Heaven) is the fifth kami to come into existence in the Kojiki and he, alongside the other kami Umashiashikabihikoji hid themselves after they came into being. The name refers to the tip of a reed thrusting skywards. The Shinsen[...]

Period: Nara Period Occupation: Scribe, Ason Family:- Birth: – Death: AD723 Ō no Yasumaro Ō no Yasumaro (?-AD7231) (太 安万侶) (Yasumaro Futo no Ason in the Konin Shiki2 ) is known to have been the compiler of the Kojiki from the recitations of Hiyeda no Are2, signing his name with[...]

See also: List of Folktales My Lord Bag of Rice My Lord Bag of Rice (俵藤太, Tawara Tōda) is a Japanese Folktale about Fujiwara Hidesato and The Dragon King. Synopsis Fujiwara, also known as Tawara Toda, wished for adventure and so one day set out. Reaching Seta-no-Karashi Bridge on Lake[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Iyo Family: Otoshi (father?), Izanami (mother?), Izanagi (father?),  Ehime (sister), Takeyoriwake (brother), Iiyorohiko (brother) Ōgetsuhime Ōgetsuhime (大宣都比売) was one of the four kami of the Land of Groves according to the kojiki, residing in the East part of the island called ‘Awa’. As a female food kami[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Iyo Family: Ehime (sister), Iiyorohiko (brother), Ogetsuhime (sister) Takeyoriwake Takeyoriwake (建日別 – Lord Summoned Brave) was the last of the four kami in the Land of Groves according to the kojiki, residing in the Southern part of the Island called ‘To-sa’. Nothing more is mentioned of[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Iyo Family: Ehime (sister), Takeyoriwake (brother), Ogetsuhime (sister) Iiyorohiko Iiyorohiko (飯依比古 – Food Summon Lad) was one of the four kami of the Land of Groves according to the kojiki, residing in the North part of the island called ‘Sandy Hollows’, nothing more is mentioned of[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Iyo Family: Takeyoriwake (brother), Iiyorohiko (brother), Ogetsuhime (sister) Ehime Ehime (愛比売 – Lady Lovely) was one of the four kami of the Land of Groves according to the kojiki, residing in the South-West part of the Island called ‘Groves’. Nothing more is mentioned of her.1 Footnotes[...]

Gazu Hyakki Yagyō The Gazu Hyakki Yagyō (画図百鬼夜行), also called the Gazu Hyakki Yakō (The Illustrated Demon Horde’s Night Parade) is a compendium of Yōkai, demons and ghosts compiled by Toriyama Sekien, published in the Autumn of 1776. The books were inspired by the 10th Century Demon Horde’s Night Parade.[...]

Kurozuka The Kurozuka (黒塚) is a Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō by Toriyama Sekien. She was also known as the Onibaba. This Yōkai is detailed in a 10th Century Poem in the Yamato Monogatari stating: At Kurozuka, in Adachi of Mutsu Province, lurks a demon, they say. Could[...]

See also: List of Provinces Mutsu Province Mutsu Province (陸奥国) is one of the many old Provinces of Japan. Originally known as Michinoku (陸奥 or 道奥) it was also known as Ōshu (奥州) or Rikushū and is categorized as one of the eight Tōsandō (Eastern Mountain Road) Provinces.12 The Province[...]

Onogoroshima Onogoroshima (淤能碁呂島) is the island formed by both Izanami and Izanagi using the Jewelled Spear of Heaven whilst standing upon the Floating Bridge of Heaven. The island formed after they used the Spear to churn up the ocean below, the salt which fell from the Spear piling up to[...]

Floating Bridge of Heaven The Floating Bridge of Heaven (天浮橋) is a mythological bridge where Izanagi and Izanami first came together to begin attempts at creating land on Earth. From here they thrust down the Jewelled Spear of Heaven into the Ocean, the salt that fell from the Spear forming[...]

Reign: 660-584BC Period: Legendary Period Family: Emperor Suizei (son) Burial Place: Near Mount Unebi. Order of Succession: Predecessor N/A  * Successor Emperor Suizei Emperor Jimmu Emperor Jimmu (神武天皇) was the first legendary Emperor of Japan, dated in the Nihongi to have begun his rule on 11th February 660BC in Kashihara,[...]

Taiheiki The Taiheiki (太平記, Chronicle of Great Peace) is a 14th Century chronicle. Within it contains several mentionings to certian Yōkai. One is that of Raigō, a monk, who dies from hunger strike. This is the result of the Emperor Shirakawa reneging on a promise he had made, causing him[...]

Tesso Tesso (鉄鼠) is a Yōkai depicted in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō by Toriyama Sekien. His tale is related in the Taiheiki. This Yōkai takes the form of a plague of rats created by the Monk Raigō after his spirit was reborn, dying from a hunger strike, the hunger strike[...]

Period: Edo Period Occupation: Dentist, Author, Artist Birth: – Death: Terajima Ryōan Terajima Ryōan (寺島良安) was an Osaka Dentist but also was the creator of the Wakan Sansai Zue which would later greatly inspire Toriyama Sekien in his depictions of Yōkai. He spent years cataloguing Chinese information on astronomy, botany,[...]

First Ruler: Fujiwara no Kamatari Final Ruler: – Dissolution: – Parent House: Nakatomi Clan For a full list of Japanese Clans see: Clans. Fujiwara Clan The Fujiwara Clan (藤原氏) is a descendant of the Nakatomi Clan and came into existence after Nakatomi no Kamatari had his family name changed by[...]

Wakan Sansai Zue The Wakan Sansai Zue (和漢三才図会 – Illustrated Sino-Japanese Encyclopedia of the Three Realms) was published around 1712, and created by Terajima Ryōan. Toriyama Sekien was greatly inspired by this book for his Yōkai.1 Yōkai mentioned in the book include: Amanozako – Describes her appearance as a mix[...]

Kujiki The Kujiki (旧事紀) also known as the Kuijiki (English: Chronicles of Old Matters of Former Ages) is one of the earliest literary chronicles still in existence from Japan compiled in AD620. The text was entrusted to the Soga Clan. However when the house fell in AD645 a large part[...]

Period: Asuka Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: – Death: – Mononobe no Moriya Mononobe no Moriya (物部 守屋) was head of the Mononobe Clan during the reign of Emperor Sushun. He, not wishing to have Sushun on the throne, and to promote a different candidate, ended up in a[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Wealth and Prosperity Family: Izanami (mother) Izanagi (father) Ebisu Ebisu (恵比寿), also known as the Leech Child (蛭子, Hiru-ko) was according to the kojiki the first child of Izanami and Izanagi. He was a limbless child and so they placed him in a reed boat and cast[...]

Period: Asuka Period Occupation: – Family: Soga no Umako (father) Soga no Iruka (son) Birth: – Death:- Soga no Emishi Soga no Emishi (蘇我 蝦夷) was a powerful leader of the Soga Clan. Such was his political power he placed on the throne the Emperor Jomei making the Emperor a[...]

See also: List of Provinces Co-ordinates: 34°25′N 129°20′E Region: Kyushu Prefecture: Nagasaki Prefecture Tsushima Creation Tsushima (Port Isle, 対馬) was the sixth of the Great Land of Eightfold Isles to have been born by Izanami and Izanagi, inhabited by the kami Amenosadeyorihime. It acted as an important harbour between Kyushu and[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Ōyamatsumi (father) Kayanohime (mother) Amenosazuchi (sister) Amenosagiri (sister) Kuninosagiri (brother) Amenokurado (sister) Kuninokurado (brother) Ōtomatohiko (brother) Ōtomatohime (sister) Kuninosatsuchi Kuninosatsuchi (国狭槌尊 – Land’s First Soil) is a Shinto kami who in one version of the Nihongi is said to have been the second kami to come into[...]

See also: Divine Treasures Sacred Regalia The Sacred Regalia (三種の神器) are the three Sacred Items of the Imperial Throne, consisting of the Sword Kusanagi (草薙劍), the Jewel Yasakani no Magatama (八尺瓊勾玉) and the Mirror Yata no Kagami (八咫鏡). The Sacred Regalia is known to have been given by Amaterasu to[...]

Co-ordinates: 34°30′49″N 134°17′08″E Region: Shikoku Prefecture: Kagawa Prefecture Shōdoshima Shōdoshima (小豆島) was historically known as Azuki-shima (Read Bean Isle) and was, according to the kojiki, the second island born after the Great Land of Eightfold Isles, inhabited by the kami Ōnodehime. This island is located between Shikoku and the western[...]

Co-ordinates: 33°45′N 133°30′E Prefecture: Ehime Prefecture, Kagawa Prefecture, Kochi Prefecture, Tokushima Prefecture. Shikoku Shikoku (四国, Four Provinces) also historically called Iyo (伊予, Land of Groves) in the kojiki and nihongi is one of the four main islands of Japan. Mythical Creation According to both the kojiki and the nihongi this[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Japan Family: Izanami (sister/wife) Awokashikine (mother) Aha Nagi (father) Children (numerous – see below) Izanagi Izanagi (伊邪那岐 or 伊弉諾, He Who Beckons2) was the brother and husband of Izanami, born as the 7th Generation of kami. Through sexual congress, the two of them gave birth to[...]