The Oni of Adachigahara is one of many Japanese folktales, this one centering around an evil oni.

Synopsis

In Mutsu there was said to be oni who took the form of an old woman. People would go missing in the area and it was thought she was eating them.

One day a priest was walking all day and could not find anyone to help him as he had lost his way. Tired, in the evening, he saw a slither of light in a group of trees and thought himself lucky to have found a house. The house was run down, but he found an old woman who was sat spinning wool.

He asked her if he could rest and spend the night here, and she eventually consents. They set up a fire in the home and she went to cook some rice for him. The fire died and she said she would collect some more wood, but while she gone he was not to look in the inner room of her home.

Curiosity eventually overcomes him and he found a room of bones, with blood covering the floor. He fled the house and heard the woman behind him. Screaming for him to stop, asking why he looked into the room. She chased him with a knife, but by morning she disappeared. The priest was very happy to have made it out alive.¹

Footnotes

1. Ozaki, Y.T. (2015) “Japanese Fairy Tales” USA: Cavalier Classics.

	Check out the Japan Archives, our Japanese History Podcast. Instagram (Japan): @japan_archives
	Check out our Gaming Channel on Youtube. Instagram (Minecraft): @mycenria
	Find the website useful? Please consider donating to help up keep the website running.

The post The Oni of Adachigahara appeared first on . A History . . of Japan . 日本歴史.

• See also: List of Provinces

Dewa Province

Dewa Province (出羽国) was one of the many provinces of Japan.

Nara Period

The Nara Period fortess called Akitajō (秋田城) was establised here in 733 as an aide to subjugating the Ezo People. It was used between the 8th and 10th centuries before being abandoned and replaced by a new construction close by.¹

Azuchi-Momoyama Period

During the life of Date Masamune he extended his clans territories by taking over 30 districts in Mutsu and Dewa ultimately defeating the Ashina Family in 1589 before moving his base to a castle in Aizu.¹²

Footnotes

1. Kodansha. (1993) ”Japan: An Illustrated Encyclopedia”. Tokyo: Kodansha Ltd.
2. Louis Frederic, translated by Kathe Roth (2002) “Japan Encyclopedia”. London: Harvard University Press.

Former Provinces of Japan
Kinai	Izumi * Kawachi * Settsu * Yamashiro * Yamato
Tōsandō	Dewa * Hida * Kōzuke * Mino * Mutsu * Omi * Shimotsuke * Shinano
Hokurikudō	Echigo * Echizen * Etchū * Kaga * Koshi * Wakasa
San’indō	Hōki * Inaba * Izumo * Tajima * Tamba * Tango
Tōkaidō	Ise * Kai * Kazusa * Mikawa * Owari * Sagami * Shimōsa * Suruga * Tōtōmi
Nankaidō	Awa * Iyo * Kii * Sanuki * Tosa
San’yōdō	Aki * Harima * Mimasaka
Saikaidaō	Bungo * Chikuzen * Hizen * Hyūga * Iki * Tsushima
Pre-Taihō Code	Kibi

	Check out the Japan Archives, our Japanese History Podcast. Instagram (Japan): @japan_archives
	Check out our Gaming Channel on Youtube. Instagram (Minecraft): @mycenria
	Find the website useful? Please consider donating to help up keep the website running.

The post Dewa Province appeared first on . A History . . of Japan . 日本歴史.

• Period: Heian Period
• Occupation: –
• Family: Abe no Yoritoki (father) Abe no Munetō (brother)
• Birth: 1019AD
• Death: 1062AD

Abe no Sadatō

Abe no Sadatō (安倍 貞任) was a member of the Abe Clan living from 1019-1062AD. Like his father Abe no Yoritoki, he was from Mutsu Province.

He fought alongside his father in the Earlier Nine Years War, in particular the Battle of Kinomi where they destroyed the forces of Minamoto no Yoriyoshi.

Later in 1062 he would find himself killed by Yoriyoshi at Kuriyagawa Palisade.¹

Footnotes

1. Kodansha. (1993) ”Japan: An Illustrated Encyclopedia”. Tokyo: Kodansha Ltd.

	Check out the Japan Archives, our Japanese History Podcast. Instagram (Japan): @japan_archives
	Check out our Gaming Channel on Youtube. Instagram (Minecraft): @mycenria
	Find the website useful? Please consider donating to help up keep the website running.

The post Abe no Sadatō appeared first on . A History . . of Japan . 日本歴史.

• Period: Heian Period
• Occupation: Lord of Mutsu Province
• Family: Fujiwara no Yasuhira (son) Fujiwara no Motohira (father) Fujiwara no Kiyohira (grandfather)
• Birth: 1096AD
• Death: 1187AD

Fujiwara no Hidehira

Fujiwara no Hidehira (藤原 秀衡) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan, more specifically the Ōshū-Fujiwara, living from 1096-1187AD. He was the Lord of Mutsu Province and also was appointed Chinjufu-shōgun.

He took in Minamoto no Yoshitsune when he fled to Mutsu in 1185.

His body was mummified after death and was found under the main alter of Konjiki-dō at Chūson-ji, Hiraizumi. His body was found alongside with father Motohira, grandfather Kiyohira and the head of his son Yasuhira.¹

Footnotes

1. Louis Frederic, translated by Kathe Roth (2002) “Japan Encyclopedia”. London: Harvard University Press.

	Check out the Japan Archives, our Japanese History Podcast. Instagram (Japan): @japan_archives
	Check out our Gaming Channel on Youtube. Instagram (Minecraft): @mycenria
	Find the website useful? Please consider donating to help up keep the website running.

The post Fujiwara no Hidehira appeared first on . A History . . of Japan . 日本歴史.

Mujina

Mujina (貉) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien and are known to be shapeshifters like the tanuki or kitsune.

One story involving this creature details how it liked to take the form of a monk and would perform devotions everyday at 6AM, however, it was eventually discovered after its tail fell out as it slept after a meal.

One is also included in the Nihongi. It states in Mutsu Province one sung a song infront of the Empress Suiko in the form of a human in the 35th year of her reign (627AD).¹

Lafcadio Hearn‘s book entitled Kwaidan, tells the story of ‘Mujina‘ which was inspired by the Nopperabo. Though Mujina are a type of badger, their oconography became integrated with that of the Nopperabo due to Hearn’s stories.²

External Links

• View the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki online here: Konjaku Online.

Footnotes

1. Yoda, H. and Alt, M. (2016) “Japandemonium: Illustrated: The Yokai Encyclopaedia of Toriyama Sekien.”. New York: Dover Publications, Inc.
2. Yoda, H & Alt, M. (2008) “Yokai Attack: The Japanese Monster Survival Guide” Tokyo: Kodansha International Ltd.

	Check out the Japan Archives, our Japanese History Podcast. Instagram (Japan): @japan_archives
	Check out our Gaming Channel on Youtube. Instagram (Minecraft): @mycenria
	Find the website useful? Please consider donating to help up keep the website running.

The post Mujina appeared first on . A History . . of Japan . 日本歴史.

• Period: Muromachi Period / Azuchi-Momoyama Period
• Occupation: Daimyō
• Family: Date Teramune (Father)
• Birth: 1567
• Death: 1635

Date Masamune

Date Masamune (伊達 政宗) was a daimyō of Mutsu Province living from 1567 to 1635, during his life he had the nickname of One Eye Dragon (Dokuganryū) as he had a lost an eye to disease. The son of Date Teramune, he was also Lord of Yonezawa Castle¹² coming to lead the Date Clan aged 17.¹

He was an excellent waka poet. Studied Noh, insence ceremonies and calligraphy.² 

He extended the clan terrotories by taking over 30 districts in Mutsu and Dewa Provinces ultimately defeating the Ashina Family in 1589 before moving his base to a castle in Aizu. A year later he was made to give up the castle to Toyotomi Hideyoshi.¹²

In 1592 and 1597 he helped Hideyoshi with his invasions of Korea² and later uring the Battle of Sekigahara he sided with Tokugawa Ieyasu and so was awarded the Sendai Domain for his efforts.¹²

Here he built up Sendai, promoted land reclamation, and started a salt industry.¹ Additionally he set up silk industries, horse breeding, gold and silver mining, and under toook a census of his lands.²

He also became intrested in Christianity and allowed christians to build a church in 1611. Later considering relations with the King of Spain and the Pope he sent Father Sotelo and Hasekura Tsunenaga to Mexico and Rome in 1613. Unfortunately he later turned his back on Christianity after he had to ban Christians from his territory after the shogunate banned the religion.²

Footnotes

1. Kodansha. (1993) ”Japan: An Illustrated Encyclopedia”. Tokyo: Kodansha Ltd.
2. Louis Frederic, translated by Kathe Roth (2002) “Japan Encyclopedia”. London: Harvard University Press.

	Check out the Japan Archives, our Japanese History Podcast. Instagram (Japan): @japan_archives
	Check out our Gaming Channel on Youtube. Instagram (Minecraft): @mycenria
	Find the website useful? Please consider donating to help up keep the website running.

The post Date Masamune appeared first on . A History . . of Japan . 日本歴史.

• First Ruler: Date Tomomune
• Final Ruler: –
• Dissolution: –
• For a full list of Japanese Clans see: Clans.

Date Clan

The Date Clan (伊達氏) are descendants of Isa Tomomune, who later changed his name to Date Tomomune. After helping Minamoto no Yoritomo defeat his brother Yoshitsune in 1189 he was given the Date Dictrict of Mutsu Province from which he made the clan name.¹²

Acting as daimyō from the Kamakura to the Edo Period,¹ they fought on the side of the Southern Court, siding with the Ashikaga Clan.²

In 1536, Date Tanemune created a familial and provinsial code called the Jinkaishū.²

During the Battle of Sekigahara, under the leadership of Date Masamune, they fought on the side of Tokugawa Ieyasu, and so due to aiding him they retained their lands in the aftermath,¹² they were also given the Sendai Domain in Mutsu Province for their help in the battle.¹

Between the years of 1660 and 1670 the family underwent a succession struggle, called the Date Sōdō, between Date Tsunamune, Date Tsunamura and Date Munekatsu.²

Branches of this familiy are known to have controlled the Yoshida and Uwajima Domains in Iyo Province.¹

Members of the Clan

• Isa Tomomune –
• Date Masamune – 1567-1635
• Date Munekatsu – 1621-1679
• Date Tanemune – 1488-1565
• Date Teramune – d.1584
• Date Tsunamune – 1640-1711
• Date Tsunamura – 1659-1719

Footnotes

1. Kodansha. (1993) ”Japan: An Illustrated Encyclopedia”. Tokyo: Kodansha Ltd.
2. Louis Frederic, translated by Kathe Roth (2002) “Japan Encyclopedia”. London: Harvard University Press.

	Check out the Japan Archives, our Japanese History Podcast. Instagram (Japan): @japan_archives
	Check out our Gaming Channel on Youtube. Instagram (Minecraft): @mycenria
	Find the website useful? Please consider donating to help up keep the website running.

The post Date Clan appeared first on . A History . . of Japan . 日本歴史.

• Period: Heian Period
• Occupation: Waka Poet, Statesman, Imperial Advisor.
• Family: –
• Birth: 802AD
• Death: 852AD

Ono no Takamura

Ono no Takamura (小野 篁) was a Heian Period statesman, living from 802 to 852, who was also known for his poetry.¹

In 834 he was ship wrecked during a mission to China, however, he later then refused to re-embark due to illness. During his life many legends have become attached to his name.³ Additionally, from evidence which has been pieces together, he most likely grew up in Mutsu Province where his father was governor. He later became an Imperial Advisor (sangi), later developing his knowledge of Chinese literature and poetry.⁴

In regards to his poetry it is said he was both good in the genres of Chinese and Japanese. Sadly entire collections his Chinese works have now been lost. However, some poems and prose do survive in other Chinese poetry collections, such as the Keikokushū, Wakan rōeishū and Honchō monzui.¹ Other poems of his have survived through them being adopted as lyrics for songs and dances.⁴

Takamura has a personal poetry collection which goes by many names. These being the Takamurashū, Ono no Takamura shū, Takamura nikka and Takamura Monogatari. Inside only 32 are attributed to him, but it is unlikely that many of these poems are actually by him. This piece of work could possibly even have been written in the 11th century, long after his death.⁴

12 of his poems can be found in Imperial Anthologies⁴, specifically six of them in the Kokinshū, and a single poem of his (No.11) can be found in the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu and goes as follows:¹

Japanese text2	Romanized Japanese1	English translation1
わたの原 八十島かけて こぎ出ぬと 人には告げよ あまのつり舟	Wata no hara yaso shima kakete hito ni wa tsugeyo ama no tsuribune	Fishing boats upon the sea, Tell whoever asks That I have sailed away, Out past countless inlets To the vast ocean beyond.

Footnotes

1. MacMillan, P. (2018) ”One Hundred Poets, One Poem Each: A Treasury of Classical Japanese Verse”. St. Ives: Penguin Classics.
2. Suzuki, H. et al. (1997) ”Genshoku: Ogura Hyakunin Isshu”. Tokyo: Bun’eidō.
3. Louis Frederic, translated by Kathe Roth (2002) “Japan Encyclopedia”. London: Harvard University Press.
4. Kodansha. (1993) ”Japan: An Illustrated Encyclopedia”. Tokyo: Kodansha Ltd.

	Check out the Japan Archives, our Japanese History Podcast. Instagram (Japan): @japan_archives
	Check out our Gaming Channel on Youtube. Instagram (Minecraft): @mycenria
	Find the website useful? Please consider donating to help up keep the website running.

The post Ono no Takamura appeared first on . A History . . of Japan . 日本歴史.

Izawajō (胆沢城) was a Heian Period fortress built in 802 within Mutsu Province, located close to the confluence of the Izawa and Kitakami Rivers.

It was here that Sakanoue no Tamuramaro transferred his headquarters (Chinjufu) to so that he could continue his attempts at subjugating the Ezo People.

Today the ruins of this place can be found in Mizusawa City, Iwate Prefecture.¹²

Footnotes

1. Kodansha. (1993) ”Japan: An Illustrated Encyclopedia”. Tokyo: Kodansha Ltd.
2. Louis Frederic, translated by Kathe Roth (2002) “Japan Encyclopedia”. London: Harvard University Press.

	Check out the Japan Archives, our Japanese History Podcast. Instagram (Japan): @japan_archives
	Check out our Gaming Channel on Youtube. Instagram (Minecraft): @mycenria
	Find the website useful? Please consider donating to help up keep the website running.

The post Izawajō appeared first on . A History . . of Japan . 日本歴史.

Provinces

The Japanese provinces (国 kuni or koku) were geographical areas which were establsihed by the Kokugun System and the Taika Reforms came into being in 645AD.

Initially they comprised of 58 kuni with 3 islands provinces, however by 822AD this had changed to 66 kuni and 2 islands provinces.

These areas existed under the Meiji Restoration and were offically abolished in 1871 and replaced with the current Prefectural System.¹ When the Prefectures were established the old provinces were grouped by geographical location into the ‘Five Provinces of Kinai’ and the ‘Seven Circuits.²

During their existence they were lead by Kokushi (Provisional Governors) and Gunji (District Officials).¹

Here follows a list of Provinces on our site. This is not yet completely and will continued to be added to over time.

Provinces of the Kinai

• • Izumi Province
  • Kawachi Province
  • Settsu Province
  • Yamashiro Province
  • Yamato Province

Tōsandō Circuit

• • Dewa Province
  • Hida Province
  • Kōzuke Province
  • Mino Province
  • Mutsu Province
  • Omi Province
  • Shimotsuke Province
  • Shinano Province

Hokurikudō Circuit

• • Echigo Province
  • Echizen Province
  • Etchū Province
  • Kaga Province
  • Koshi Province
  • Wakasa Province

San’indō Circuit

• • Hōki Province (also called Hahaki Province)
  • Inaba Province
  • Izumo Province
  • Tajima Province
  • Tamba Province
  • Tango Province

Tōkaidō Circuit

• • Ise Province
  • Kai Province
  • Kazusa Province
  • Mikawa Province
  • Owari Province
  • Sagami Province
  • Shimōsa Province
  • Suruga Province
  • Tōtōmi Province

Nankaidō Circuit

• • Awa Province
  • Iyo Province
  • Kii Province
  • Sanuki Province
  • Tosa Province

San’yōdō Circuit

• • Aki Province
  • Harima Province (also called Banshu Province)
  • Mimasaka Province

Saikaidaō Circuit

• • Bungo Province
  • Chikuzen Province
  • Hizen Province
  • Hyūga Province (also called Himuka Province)
  • Iki Province
  • Tsushima Province

Pre-Taihō Code

• • Kibi Province

Footnotes

1. Kodansha. (1993) ”Japan: An Illustrated Encyclopedia”. Tokyo: Kodansha Ltd.
2. Louis Frederic, translated by Kathe Roth (2002) “Japan Encyclopedia”. London: Harvard University Press.

	Check out the Japan Archives, our Japanese History Podcast. Instagram (Japan): @japan_archives
	Check out our Gaming Channel on Youtube. Instagram (Minecraft): @mycenria
	Find the website useful? Please consider donating to help up keep the website running.

The post Provinces appeared first on . A History . . of Japan . 日本歴史.