Wiki Category: People

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[...]

  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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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: 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[...]

Reign: 400-406AD Period: Kofun Period Family: Emperor Hanzei (brother) Emperor Kenzo (grand-son) Emperor Ninken (grandson) Oshinumi (granddaughter) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Nintoku  * Successor Emperor Hanzei Emperor Richū Emperor Richū (履中天皇) is the seventeenth Emperor of Japan, claiming the throne after a dispute with a rival[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

Region: Kansai Region Prefecture: Osaka Prefecture Naniwa Naniwa (難波京) was an Ancient Capital of Japan. It is stated the Emperor Nintoku had a Palace here, which was repaired after a three-year period when he lessened the taxes of his people causing his Palace to fall into disrepair.1 It later became[...]

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[...]

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[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: War Family: – Hachiman Hachiman (八幡神) is a Shinto kami associated as being the kami of War. The Emperor Ojin was apotheosised as him after his death.1 Footnotes 1. Martin, P. (1997) ”The Chrysanthemum Throne”. Gloucestershire: Sutton Publishing Limited.[...]

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:[...]

  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[...]

Co-ordinates: Region: Chūbu Region Prefecture: Aichi Prefecture Founded: Affiliation: Shinto Atsuta Shrine The Atsuta Shrine (熱田神宮) is a Shinto Shrine located in Nagoya. Legendary Period In the 51st year of Emperor Keikō’s reign the Sacred Sword kusanagi was enshrined here.1 Footnotes 1. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi Volume 1: Chronicles of[...]

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[...]

Region: Kansai Region Prefecture: Shiga Prefecture Co-ordinates: 35°1′N 135°51′E Ōtsu Ōtsu (大津市) is a city in Shiga Prefecture. Legendary Period It is stated that close to this city Yamato Takeru died after falling ill from a hailstorm unleashed upon him by the kami of Mount Ibuki.1 Footnotes 1. Littleton. C.S.[...]

Co-ordinates: 35°25′04″N 136°24′22″E Region: Kansai Region, Chubu Region Prefecture: Gifu Prefecture, Shiga Prefecture Height: 1,377m Mount Ibuki Mount Ibuki (伊吹山) is located in both Gifu and Shiga Prefectures. Legendary Period It is the apparent mountain Yamato Takeru visited in the hopes of killing barehanded the kami that dwelt upon it.[...]

Co-ordinates: 35°07′N 139°23′E Sagami Bay Sagami Bay (相模湾) is a stretch of water lying to the south of Kanagawa Prefecture. Legendary Period The Bay is mentioned during the exploits of Yamato Takeru when he sails across it to subdue the Emishi. Crossing the bay a kami living in the water[...]

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[...]

Takehiko Takehiko. 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 with us[...]

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.[...]

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[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Princess Family: Yamato Takeru (husband) Miyazu Hime Miyazu Hime was a Princess living in the land of Owari. Yamato Takeru visits her before going to subdue the Emishi promising to marry her upon his return. When he returns, they do marry. Yamato then leaving for one[...]

Emperors of Japan Here follows a list of all Emperors (天皇) of Japan on our website so far. Legendary Emperors Kofun Period Asuka Period[...]

Yamato Hime Yamato Hime. 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[...]

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 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[...]

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,[...]

Reign: c.201-269AD Period: Legendary Period Family: Okinaga no sukune (father) Kadzuraki no Takanukahime (mother) Emperor Chuai (husband) Emperor Ojin (son) Soratsuhime (sister) Okinagahiko (brother) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Chuai * Successor Emperor Ojin Empress Jingu Empress Jingu (神功天皇) also known as Jingu Kogo (神功皇后)1 and Okinagatarashihime[...]

Reign: 192-270AD Period: Legendary Period Family: Yamato Takeru (father) Futajirihime (mother) Emperor Seimu (uncle) Empress Jingu (wife) Burial Place: – Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Seimu * Successor Empress Jingu Emperor Chūai Emperor Chūai (仲哀天皇) also known as Tarashinakatsuhiko (足仲彦天皇) was the fourteenth Emperor of Japan.1 He was made crown[...]

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,[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince / Ōomi / Prime Minister Family: Hikofutooshimakoto (father/grandfather?) Yamashitakage (mother?) Hatanoyashiro (son) Kosenookara (son) Soga no Ishikawa (son) Hegurinotsuki (son) Kinotsunu (son) Mato of Kume (daughter) Princess Nunoiro (daughter) Kadzurakinonagayenosotsubiko (son) Wakugo (son) Birth: – Death: – Takeuchi no Sukune Takeuchi no Sukune (武内宿禰) was a legendery[...]

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[...]

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[...]

Region: ? Prefecture: ? Takahashi Takahashi is known to have been the home of a man named Ikuhi. During his life he went on to be the Brewer to the Great Diet of Grain Crops.1 Where this place was located is unknown as the modern day city of Takahashi was[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Priest Ikuhi Ikuhi (活日) was a man who lived during the reign of Emperor Sujin. He was appointed as the Brewer of Ōkuninushi in the 8th year of his reign. Later that same year he presented sake to the Emperor and sang as song which went[...]

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°04′14″N 135°50′28″E Region: Kansai Region Prefecture: Shiga Prefecture Founded: 788AD Affiliation: Buddhism Enryaku-ji Enryaku-ji (延暦寺) is a Buddhist Temple overlooking Kyoto. The temple itself is build upon Mount Hiei, situated in the old Province of Omi. Built during the Heian Period, the temple gained control of many estate lands[...]

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[...]

Onmyōdō Onmyōdō (陰陽道) is a concept in Japan which used the ideoogy of Ying and Yang which originated in China. Emperor Richū (400-406AD) is said to have died from a lack of harmony in the ‘elements of water and earth’ within him showing that the concept of Ying and Yang[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

Co-ordinates: 34°31′N 135°48′E Region: Kansai Region Prefecture: Nara Prefecture Kashihara Kashihara (橿原市) is located within the modern day Nara Prefecture (Ancient Yamato). Historically the city is seen as the place where the first Emperor Jimmu descended to earth on the 11th February 660BC and began his rule in Japan.1 Footnotes[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

Period: Asuka Period Occupation: Naidaijin Family: Fujiwara no Fubito (son) Fujiwara no Higami no Iratsume (daughter) Fujiwara no Ioe no Iratsume (daughter) Birth: 614 Death: 669 Nakatomi no Kamatari Nakatomi no Kamatari (中臣 鎌足) was a member of the Nakatomi Clan and later founder of the Fujiwara Clan. Kamatari lived[...]

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[...]

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[...]

Yatagarasu The Yatagarasu or Sun Crow (八咫烏) is noted to be a sign from the divine in Shinto mythology. One instance has the Sun Crow being sent to Emperor Jimmu after he and his men reached an impasse during their military exploits. Amaterasu the Sun-Goddesses told him in a dream[...]

Period: Asuka Period Occupation: – Family: Soga no Iname (father) Soga no Emishi (son) Emperor Sushun (nephew) Birth: – Death: – Soga no Umako Soga no Umako (蘇我 馬子) was a member of the Soga Clan noted to have been even more powerful than his father, Soga no Iname. During[...]