Wiki Category: Occupations

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

See also: List of Provinces Kaga Province Kaga Province (加賀国) was an old Province of Japan, located in what is now Ishikawa Prefecture. The area for a long period of time came under the control of the Maeda Family.1 Sakanoue no Korenori is known to have acted as Governor of[...]

See also: List of Provinces Hizen Province Hizen Province (肥前国), also known as Bizen, was an old Province of Japan, located in what is now Nagasaki and Saga Prefecture.1 Legenedary Period Legends state that the sword Orochi no Aramasa eventually came to dwell in Isonomaki in Bizen Province.2 Kamakura/Muromachi Period[...]

See also: List of Provinces Shimotsuke Province Shimotsuke Province (下野国) was an old Province of Japan, located in what is now Tochigi Prefecture.1 Fujiwara Hidesato is known to have acted as Governor of this Province.12 Footnotes 1. Louis Frederic, translated by Kathe Roth (2002) “Japan Encyclopedia”. London: Harvard University Press.[...]

Court Titles See also: Imperial Titles, Provincial Titles, Be, Uji, Sesshō and Kampaku This pages serves to list the various Court Titles used in the past and up to this day. No doubt this page will continue to be updated as we continue our research. Daijin Daijin – From 645AD[...]

Imperial Titles See also: Court Titles, Provincial Titles, Be, Uji, Sesshō and Kampaku This pages serves to list the various Imperial Titles used in the past and up to this day. No doubt this page will continue to be updated as we continue our research. Emperor Dajō-Hōō – (Priestly-Retired Emperor)[...]

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

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

Chinjufu-shōgun The Chinjufu-shōgun (鎮守府将軍) was a military position or district for the ‘pacification of defence of Japan.’ This position was overseen by a sei-i-tai-shōgun. Created during the Nara Period it was centred in Northern Honshu to fight Ezo tribes there, located originally at Tagajō. Later, in 801 it was moved[...]

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

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

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

See also: List of Provinces Tosa Province Tosa Province  (土佐国) was an old Province of Japan, situated now in modern day Kōchi Prefecture on the Island of Shikoku.1 The kojiki states that the kami Takeyoriwake dwelt here.2 During the Heian Period, in 930AD, Ki no Tsurayuki was appointed Governor of[...]

Mon Mon (紋), also known as monshō (紋章)1 were in essence family crests of Japanese families. Design The crests are almost always created monochromatically1, and are stylised designs in a circle or geometric pattern.2 Origins Many of the first depictions were merely elaborate patterns dating back to the Nara and[...]

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[...]

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: Muromachi Period Occupation: Warlord (daimyo) Family: Rokkaku Clan Birth: 1521 Death: 1598 Rokkaku Yoshitaka Rokkaku Yoshitaka (六角 義賢), born in 1521 and dying in 1958, was a Samurai and later Buddhist Monk under the name of Shōtei1. He was also a warlord (daimyo) who approached Koga clan, with the[...]

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[...]

  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: Muromachi Period Occupation: Ninja / Sniper Family: Koga Clan Birth: – Death: 1573 Sugitani Zenjubo Sugitani Zenjubo (杉谷善住坊) was born to one of the 53 families of the Koga Clan, acting as Ninja and Sniper for them until his death in 1573. He was best known for his use[...]

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: Azuchi-Momoyama Period Occupation: Daimyō (Feudal Lord) Family: ? Birth: ? Death: 1587 Ōtomo Sōrin Ōtomo Sōrin (大友 宗麟) was a daimyō (Feudal Lord) in the Province of Bungo in Kyushu. He had as his vassal the Samurai Tsunokuma Sekiso who was famed for his supernatural abilities to control weather. His[...]

See also: Six Poetic Geniuses, Thirty Six Women Poetic Geniuses, Thirty Six Poetic Geniuses, Thirty-Six Poetic Geniuses of the Late Classical Period Poets This page serves as a list page for all the poets we have gathered on our website. They are ordered by the period in which they lived[...]

Period: Azuchi-Momoyama Period Occupation: Gunbaisha (Military Strategist) Family: ? Birth: ? Death: 1578AD Tsunokuma Sekiso Tsunokuma Sekiso (角隈 石宗) was a Gunbaisha (Military Strategist) and Vassal during the Azuchi-Momoyama Period for the Warlord Ōtomo Sōrin. He died during the Battle of Mimikawa in 1578. Records from his life state that[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

Period: Nara Period Occupation: Buddhist Monk Family: – Birth: – Death:- Dōkyō Dōkyō (道鏡) was a Buddhist Priest who lived during the Nara Period and the reign of Empress Kōken. At the time he was renowned as the medical authority and so when Kōken became ill he was called upon[...]

Reign: 758-764AD Period: Nara Period Family: Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Empress Kōken * Successor Empress Shōtoku Emperor Junnin Emperor Junnin (淳仁天皇) was the 47th Emperor of Japan, nominated for the crown by Fujiwara no Nakamarō due to his blood ties to the Emperor, Nakamarō also forced the Crown[...]

Reign: 749-758AD, 764-770AD Period: Nara Period Family: Fujiwara no Asukabehime (mother) Emperor Shōmu (father) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: 1st Reign: Predecessor Emperor Shōmu * Successor Emperor Junnin 2nd Reign: Predecessor Emperor Junnin * Successor Emperor Kōnin Empress Kōken Empress Kōken  (孝謙天皇) was the 46th Emperor of Japan, reigning from 749-758AD, returning[...]

Period: Nara Period Occupation: Prince Family: Fujiwara no Fubito (father) Empress Kōken (daughter) Emperor Shōmu (husband) Fujiwara no Miyako (sister) Fujiwara no Fusasaki (brother) Fujiwara no Umakai (brother) Fujiwara no Maro (brother) Fujiwara no Muchimaro (brother) Birth: – Death:- Fujiwara no Asukabehime Fujiwara no Asukabehime (藤原 安宿媛), later known as Empress[...]

Reign: 724-749AD Period: Nara Period Family: Emperor Monmu (father) Fujiwara no Miyako (mother) Fujiwara no Asukabehime (wife) Empress Kōken (daughter) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Empress Genshō * Successor Empress Kōken Emperor Shōmu Emperor Shōmu (聖武天皇) was the 45th Emperor of Japan. He was the son of Emperor Monmu and Fujiwara no[...]

Period: Asuka Period Occupation: Prince Family: Emperor Tenmu (father) Birth: – Death:- Prince Ōtsu Prince Ōtsu (大津皇子) was a Prince. He was disposed of by Empress Jitō as she considered him an obstacle in the ascension of her son Prince Kusakabe.1 Footnotes 1. Tsurumi, P. (1981) “Early Female Emperors” Historical[...]

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: 697-707AD Period: Asuka Period Family: Prince Kusakabe (father) Empress Genmei (mother) Empress Jitō (grandmother) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Empress Jitō * Successor Empress Genmei Emperor Monmu Emperor Monmu (文武天皇) was the 42nd Emperor of Japan. He was the son of Prince Kusakabe and Empress Genmei, and he was father[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Samurai Miyamoto no Yoshitsune Miyamoto no Yoshitsune (源 義経) was a known martial artist and a Samurai during his lifetime. According to legend, he learnt his skills in martial art from the Yōkai known as the Tengu.1 Footnotes 1. Yoda, H. and Alt, M. (2016) “Japandemonium:[...]

Born: 1831 Died: 1889 Period: Edo Period Occupation: Artist Kawanabe Kyōsai Kawanabe Kyōsai (河鍋 暁斎) (1831-1889) was a Ukiyo-e artists who was associated with the Utagawa School. As a great artist he created many striking portrayals of Yōkai and Yurei inspired by Toriyama Sekien.1 Footnotes 1. Yoda, H. and Alt,[...]

Birth: 1839 Death: 1902 Period: Edo Period Occupation: Artist Tsukioka Yoshitoshi Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (月岡 芳年) (1839-1902) was an Ukiyo-e artist who was associated with the Utagawa School. As a great artist he created many striking portrayals of Yōkai and Yurei inspired by Toriyama Sekien.1 Known Works Footnotes 1. Yoda, H.[...]

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,[...]

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[...]

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: 672AD Period: Asuka Period Family: Emperor Tenji (father) Emperor Tenmu (uncle) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Tenji * Successor Emperor Tenmu Emperor Kōbun Emperor Kōbun (弘文天皇) (Prince Otomo2) was the 39th Emperor of Japan who ruled in 672AD. His father was the Emperor Tenji and was[...]

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[...]

Reign: 645-654AD Period: Asuka Period Family: Emperor Kogyoku (sister) Prince Naka (nephew) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Empress Kogyoku * Successor Empress Saimei Emperor Kōtoku Emperor Kōtoku (孝徳天皇) was the 36th Emperor of Japan, reigning from 645-654AD.1 His name prior to ascension was Karu.2 Reign Kōtoku came to[...]

Reign: 642-645 (Kōgyoku) 655-661 (Saimei) Period: Asuka Period Family: Emperor Jomei (husband) Prince Naka (son) Emperor Kotoku (brother) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: 1st Reign Predecessor Emperor Jomei * Successor Emperor Kōtoku 2nd Reign Predecessor Emperor Kōtoku * Sucessor Emperor Tenji Empress Kōgyoku Empress Kōgyoku (皇極天皇) was the thirty-fifth[...]

Reign: 629-641AD Period: Asuka Period Family: Emperor Bidatsu (grand-father) Empress Kōgyoku (wife) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Empress Suiko * Successor Empress Kōgyoku Emperor Jomei Emperor Jomei (舒明天皇) was the thirty-fourth Emperor of Japan. He was the grandson of the Emperor Bidatsu1 and husband of Empress Kōgyoku.12 This[...]

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[...]

Reign: 587-592AD Period: Asuka Period Family: Soga no Umako (uncle) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Yomei * Successor Emperor Suiko Emperor Sushun Emperor Sushun (崇峻天皇) was the thirty-second Emperor of Japan. He was placed on the throne by Soga no Umako after winning a skirmish against Mononobe[...]

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[...]

Reign: 585-587AD Period: Asuka Period Family: Emperor Kinmei (father) Empress Suiko (sister) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Bidatsu * Successor Emperor Sushun Emperor Yōmei Emperor Yōmei (用明天皇) was the thirty-first Emperor of Japan. He is known to have been the son of Emperor Kinmei and father to[...]

Reign: 572-585AD Period: Asuka Period Family: Emperor Kinmei (father) Empress Suiko (wife) Emperor Yōmei (half-brother) Emperor Jomei (grand-son) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Kinmei * Successor Emperor Yōmei Emperor Bidatsu Emperor Bidatsu (敏達天皇) was the thirtieth Emperor of Japan. During his reign there were several court power[...]

Period: Asuka Period Occupation: Emperor Emperor Kudara Emperor Kudara is the name ascribed to an Emperor who gifted the image of the Buddha as well as Buddhist scriptures to the Emperor Kinmei which would eventually lead to the adoption of the religion in Japan.1 Footnotes 1. Martin, P. (1997) ”The[...]

Reign: 539-571AD Period: Asuka Period Family: Emperor Keitai (father) Emperor Senka (brother) Emperor Bidatsu (son) Emperor Yomei (son) Empress Suiko (daughter) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Senka * Successor Emperor Bidatsu Emperor Kinmei Emperor Kinmei (欽明天皇) is the twenty-ninth Emperor of Japan. His brother was the Emperor[...]

Reign: 536-539AD Period: Kofun Period Family: Emperor Keitai (father) Emperor Ankan (brother) Emperor Kinmei (brother) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Ankan * Successor Emperor Kinmei Emperor Senka Emperor Senka (宣化天皇) was the twenty-eighth Emperor of Japan. Prior to his reign the Emperor both ruled as well as[...]

Reign: 531-536AD Period: Kofun Period Family: Emperor Keitai (father) Emperor Senka (brother) Emperor Kinmei (brother) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Keitai * Successor Emperor Senka Emperor Ankan Emperor Ankan (安閑天皇) was the twenty-seventh Emperor of Japan and may have been born when his father was only 13[...]

Reign: 507-531AD Period: Kofun Period Family: Emperor Ankan (son) Emperor Senka (son) Emperor Kinmei (son) Emperor Ojin (ancestor) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Buretsu * Successor Emperor Ankan Emperor Keitai Emperor Keitai (継体天皇) was the twenty-sixth Emperor of Japan. If the records are true he had his[...]

Reign: 498-507AD Period: Kofun Period Family: Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Ninken * Successor Emperor Keitai Emperor Buretsu Emperor Buretsu (武烈天皇) was the twenty-fifth Emperor of Japan. During his reign he became well versed in law and enjoyed physical punishment known to have: Ripped up the belly[...]

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 Provinces Chikuzen Province Chikuzen Province (筑前国) was an old Province of Japan. It is now in modern day Fukuoka Prefecture.1 Around the 700’s AD the waka poet Yamanoue no Okura became Governor of this province.2 Footnotes 1. Louis Frederic, translated by Kathe Roth (2002) “Japan[...]

Period: Asuka Period Occupation: Prince Family: Empress Jito (Mother), Emperor Tenmu (father) Emperor Monmu (son) Princess Abe (wife) Born: 661AD Died: 689AD Prince Kusakabe Prince Kusakabe (草壁皇子) was the son of Empress Jitō and Emperor Tenmu, and father to the later Emperor Monmu. His wife was Princess Abe. He was[...]

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[...]

Born: 1721 Died: 1783 Period: Edo Period Occupation: Poet, Artist, Author. Maki Tōei Maki Tōei (1721-1783) is known to have been a poet during the Edo Period. During his life he wrote under the pen name Rōsan (Old Silkworm) and Shiyō-kan (Hall of Violet Light), amongst others. He wrote the[...]

Reign: 488-498AD Period: Kofun Period Family: Emperor Richu (grandfather) Emperor Kenzo (brother) Oshinumi (sister) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Kenzo * Successor Emperor Buretsu Emperor Ninken Emperor Ninken (仁賢天皇) was the twenty-fourth Emperor of Japan. After the death of Emperor Seinei, there was a succession crisis due[...]

Period: Kofun Period Occupation: Regent Family: Emperor Richu (grandfather) Emperor Kenzo (brother) Emperor Ninken (brother) Oshinumi-no-iitoyo-no-ao Oshinumi-no-iitoyo-no-ao is known to have been a granddaughter of the Emperor Richu. After the death of the previous Emperor Seinei, there was a succession crisis due to the lack of heirs. Two grandsons of[...]

Reign: 485-488AD Period: Kofun Period Family: Emperor Richu (grandfather) Emperor Ninken (brother) Oshinumi (sister) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Seinei * Successor Emperor Ninken Emperor Kenzō Emperor Kenzō (顕宗天皇) was the twenty-third Emperor of Japan. After the death of Emperor Seinei, there was a succession crisis due[...]

Reign: 479-485AD Period: Kofun Period Family: Emperor Yuryaku (father) Emperor Anko (uncle) Prince Mayowa (nephew) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Yuryaku * Successor Emperor Kenzo Emperor Seinei Emperor Seinei (清寧天皇) is the twenty-second Emperor of Japan. His hair was apparently white from birth and he had a[...]

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[...]

Period: Kofun Period Occupation: Prince Family: Emperor Anko (uncle) Emperor Seinei (uncle) Prince Mayowa Prince Mayowa was the nephew of Emperor Anko. He killed his uncle during one of his drunken stupors when he decapitated him.1 Footnotes 1. Martin, P. (1997) ”The Chrysanthemum Throne”. Gloucestershire: Sutton Publishing Limited.[...]

Reign: 453-456AD Period: Kofun Period Family: Emperor Yuryaku (brother) Prince Mayowa (nephew) Emperor Seinei (nephew) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Ingyo * Successor Emperor Yuryaku Emperor Ankō Emperor Ankō (安康天皇) was the twentieth Emperor of Japan. This Emperor killed his brother (the apparent heir) to take the[...]

Reign: 412-453AD Period: Kofun Period Family: Emperor Hanzei (father) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Hanzei * Successor Emperor Anko Emperor Ingyō Emperor Ingyō (允恭天皇) was the nineteenth Emperor of Japan, and supposedly a centenarian when he died. He is noted to have been disabled, with paralysed legs,[...]

Reign: 406-412AD Period: Kofun Period Family: Emperor Richu (brother) Emperor Ingyo (son) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Richu * Successor Emperor Ingyo Emperor Hanzei Emperor Hanzei (反正天皇) was the eighteenth Emperor of Japan. He is reputed to have been over 9 feet tall and had enormous teeth all[...]

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.[...]

Birth: 1842 Death: 1922 Occupation: Archaeologist William Gowland William Gowland was an English Archaeologist working at the newly established mint in Osaka in the 1800’s. He is known to be one of the only Westerners to explore the Kofun tomb of Emperor Nintoku during his lifetime before the Imperial Household[...]

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[...]

This page refers to the person known as the Wan’i, for the creature see: Wani Period: Kofun Period Occupation: Scribe / Treasurer Wan’i Wan’i also known as Wangin1 (王仁, 和邇吉師) was a Chinese Scholar who is believed to have been welcomed at the court of Emperor Ojin, it is known that[...]

Reign: 270-313AD Period: Kofun Period Family: Empress Jingu (mother) Emperor Keitai (descendant) Burial Place:- Order of Succession: Predecessor Empress Jingu * Successor Emperor Nintoku Emperor Ōjin Emperor Ōjin (応神天皇) was the fifteenth Emperor of Japan. He was the son of Empress Jingu, who perhaps ruled on his behalf whilst he[...]

Born: 1753 Died: 1806 Period: Edo Period Occupation: Artist Kitagawa Utamaro Kitagawa Utamaro (喜多川 歌麿) (1753-1806) was an apprentice of Toriyama Sekien, known to have studied with him from childhood later becoming a well renown artist. He also took on apprentices’ of his own whilst working under Sekien, including a[...]

Born: c.1735 Died: 1814 Period: Edo Period Occupation: Artist (Ukiyo-e) Utagawa Toyoharu Utagawa Toyoharu (歌川 豊春) (c.1735-1814) was an apprentice of Toriyama Sekien. He founded the Utagawa School of Ukiyo-e prints and himself took on an apprentice called Utagawa Toyokuni.1 Footnotes 1. Yoda, H. and Alt, M. (2016) “Japandemonium: Illustrated:[...]

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[...]

See also: List of Provinces Sagami Province Sagami Province (相模国) was an old Province in Japan, situated in what is now Kanagawa Prefecture, established during the Taika Reforms in 645.4 This area is called Sagami in the Kojiki1, but Suruga in the Nihongi2. Legendary Period Yamato Takeru travelled through here[...]

Period: Legendary Occupation: Military Nanatsukahagi Nanatsukahagi (七束脛命) was a known companion of Yamato Takeru who accompanied him against the Emishi alongside Takehi no Muraji and Takehiko. He also acted as Steward to Yamato Takeru.12 Footnotes 1. Littleton. C.S. (1995) “Yamato-takeru: An Arthurian Hero in Japanese Tradition”. Asian Folklore Studies, Vol.[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Military / Five Daibu Family: – Birth: – Death: – Takehi no Muraji Takehi no Muraji (大伴武日連命), also known as Otomo no Takehi2 was a known companion of Yamato Takeru who accompanied him against the Emishi alongside Takehiko and Nanatsukahagi.12 During his time with Yamato Takeru, he[...]

See also: List of Provinces Owari Province Owari Province (尾張国) was once a Province of Japan, located in what is now Aichi Prefecture. Created in 646 under the Kokugun System3, it is one of the 15 Provinces traversed by the Tokaido Road.13 This Province is also known as Bishū (尾州).3[...]