Wiki Category: Periods

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

First Ruler: – Final Ruler: – Dissolution: – For a full list of Clans: See Clans. Sarume Clan The Sarume Clan were one of the many various clans of Japan. This clan claimed descent from the Shinto kami Ameno Uzume.1 Footnotes 1. Martin, P. (1997) ”The Chrysanthemum Throne”. Gloucestershire: Sutton[...]

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[...]

Period: Asuka Period Occupation: – Family: Soga no Emishi (father) Birth: – Death: – Soga no Iruka Soga no Iruka (蘇我 入鹿) was a member of the Soga Clan and alongside his father Soga no Emishi the two of them were very much in control of the political court. They[...]

Period: Kofun Period Occupation: Minister Family: Soga no Umako (son) Birth: – Death: – Soga no Iname Soga no Iname (蘇我 稲目) was one of the rulers of the Soga Clan, the Emperor Kinmei is known to have taken two of his daughters as consorts. Prior to the reign of[...]

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[...]

First Ruler: – Final Ruler: – Dissolution: – For a full list of Clans: See Clans. Kamo Clan The Kamo Clan (賀茂氏) is one of the various Clans of Japan. They are known to have taken charge of the Onmyōdō alongside the Abe Clan after it was created by Emperor Kōtoku.1[...]

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[...]

For a full list of Clans: See Clans. Kumaso The Kumaso Tribe (熊襲) was a tribe of men that lived on the island of Tsukushi. They fought against the Imperial rule of Japan often rebelling at times against them and had to subdugated many times. Many events surroung their subdugation occur[...]

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[...]

First Ruler: – Final Ruler: – Dissolution: – For a full list of Clans: See Clans. Urabe Clan The Urabe Clan is one of the Clans of Japan. During the reign of Emperor Kōtoku in the 7th Century, this clan alongside the Imbe Clan and Nakatomi Clan were tasked with[...]

Region: All Regions Prefecture: All Prefectures Ōyashimanokuni Ōyashimanokuni (大八洲 – Great Land of Eightfold Isles) is the collective name for the Eight Islands created by Izanami and Izanagi when they created Japan. The term would later come to be a general term for the entirety of Japan.1 The first eight[...]

The Jewelled Spear of Heaven and the Mighty Pillar of Heaven are two items mentioned in the kojiki, kujiki and nihongi. The Jewelled Spear of Heaven The Spear (Amenonuhoko, 天沼矛 or 天之瓊矛 or 天瓊戈) is noted to have been used by Izanami and Izanagi. Using it they churned up the[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Royal Clan Family: Sukunabikona (son) Takamimusuhi Takamimusuhi (高御産巣日神, Lofty Growth) was the second of the first three beings to come into existence when heaven and earth formed. He along with the other two kami (Amenominakanushi and Kamimusuhi), remained apart and concealed themselves from everything. The Engi[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Fertility. Motherhood. Healing. Royal Clan. Family: – Kamimusuhi Kamimusuhi (神産巣日神) aka Kamumusubimioya was the third of the first three beings to come into existence when heaven and earth formed. He along with the other two kami (Amenominakanushi and Takamimusuhi), remained apart and concealed themselves from everything.[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Yomi Family: Amaterasu (sister) Tsukiyomi (brother) Ōkuninushi (son) Takiribime (daughter) Ichikishimahime (daughter) Takitsuhime (daughter) Ōkuninushi (descendant) Numerous other decendants Susano-o Susano-o (須佐之男), also called Hayasusano-o2, is known to be the father of Ōkuninushi and brother to the Sun Amaterasu and Moon Tsukiyomi. He rules over Yomi[...]

Co-ordinates: – Region: Kyushu Prefecture: Nagasaki Prefecture Futagonoshima Futagonoshima (両児島 – Twin Isles) was, according to the kojiki, the sixth and final island born after the Great Land of Eightfold Isles, inhabited by the kami Amefutaya. Located south of the Gotō Peninsula, it is now encompassed into Nagasaki Prefecture.1 The[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Ame Kagami (daughter) Kunitokotachi Kunitokotachi (Ever Standing Land – 国之常立神 – kojiki) (国常立尊 – nihongi) was the 6th singular kami to come into existence in the kojiki. Like the other kami before, they concealed themselves after coming into existence. Born after Ametokotachi to show[...]

First ruler: – Final ruler: – Dissolution: – For a full list of Clans: See Japanese Clans. Imbe Clan The Imbe Clan (忌部氏, 斎部氏) were one of the many various clans of Japan. This clan claimed descent from the Shinto kami Ameno Futodama.3 The kami Hiwashi is said to be[...]

Shinto Shinto (神道) is one of the main relgions of Japan and is native to the country. Founding Mythology Founding Kami See also: List of Shinto Kami. The original three kami of Shinto which appeared when Heaven and Earth formed, as related in the Kojiki were known as follows:1 Amenominakanushi[...]

See also: List of Provinces Co-ordinates: 33°47′N 129°43′E Region: Kyushu Prefecture: Nagasaki Prefecture Ikinoshima Creation Ikinoshima (壱岐島, Onward Isle) was the fifth of the Great Land of Eightfold Isles to have been born by Izanami and Izanagi, inhabited by the kami Amehitotsubashira. It is a large island of the N.W coast[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Amaterasu (grand-mother) Susano-o (great-uncle) Emperor Jimmu (grand-son) Ninigi Ninigi (瓊瓊杵尊) is stated to have been the grandson of Amaterasu the Sun kami who was attended by a myriad of other kami, including his principle lieutenants who would become the ancestors of many Japanese clans. Upon[...]

For a full list of Clans: See Clans. Emishi The Emishi (蝦夷 – Eastern Barbarians), also called at time the Ezo People1, were a Clan of people living on the periphery of the Yamato borders. Some scholars believe they could be the ancestors of the Ainu.2 Historically they are known[...]

Nihongi The Nihongi (日本紀 – Japanese Chronicles) also called the Nihon Shoki (日本書紀 – The Chronicles of Japan) is one of the oldest documents we have concerning early and mythological Japanese history. Creation and Sources The document was completed in AD7201, however, its inception may have begun in AD714 when[...]

Tengu The Tengu (天狗) are a type of Yōkai depicted as a type of Raven in the Gazu Hyakki Yagyō. They have deep associations with the Shugendō Religion, seen as guardians of Mountains and some legends state that martial artists such as Miyamoto no Yoshitsune learned their tricks from these[...]

Birth: 1712 Death: 1788 Period: Edo Period Occupation: Artist Toriyama Sekien Toriyama Sekien (鳥山 石燕) was born 1712 and died 1788. Most notably known for his four compendiums on the yōkai he was the first person to systematically categorise them. He was born Sano Toyofusa and was part of the[...]

First Ruler: – Final Ruler: – Dissolution: – For a full list of Clans: See Japanese Clans. Mononobe Clan The Mononobe Clan (物部氏) are known to have made up the Imperial Guard. This clan is said to be the descendant of Ōhesoki.1 Legendary Period 80 Mononobe are said to have[...]

First Ruler: Soga no Ishikawa Final Ruler: Soga no Emishi Dissolution: 645AD For a full list of Clans: See Japanese Clans. Soga Clan The Soga Clan (蘇我氏) was a very powerful clan in ancient Japan, orchestrating the placing of several rulers on the Imperial Throne. Legendary Founding The kojiki lists[...]

First Ruler: – Final Ruler: – Dissolution: – Cadet Branches: Fujiwara Clan For a full list of Clans: See Japanese Clans. Nakatomi Clan The Nakatomi Clan (The Intercessors1– 中臣氏) are known to have been the Hereditary Chief Custodians of Shinto and Rituals claiming descent from the Shinto kami Ameno Koyane.2 [...]

First Ruler: – Final Ruler: Dissolution: – For a full list of Clans: See Japanese Clans. Abe Clan The Abe Clan (安倍氏) is one of the various Clans of Japan. Families This particular clan finds itself in two different areas of Japan. (This could make it difficult in piecing together[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Japan Family: Izanagi (brother/husband) Awokashikine (mother) Numerous children (see below) Izanami Izanami (伊弉冉尊 or 伊邪那美命, She Who Beckons2) was the sister and wife of Izanagi, born as the 7th Generation of kami. Through sexual congress, the two of them gave birth to Japan, the seas, mountains,[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Aha Nagi (son) Ame Kagami (father) Ame Yorodzu Ame Yorodzu (天万尊) is a kami of Shinto mentioned only in one version of the nihongi where he is stated to be the father of the kami Aha Nagi and son of a kami called Ame[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Sarume Clan Ameno Uzume Ameno Uzume (天宇受売命, 天鈿女命) is known to be the ancestor of the Sarume Clan.2 She is mentioned in the nihongi and kojiki during the time when Amaterasu hides herself in the Sacred Rock Cave because of the actions of her brother[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: The Universe Family: – Amenominakanushi Amenominakanushi (天御中主 – Master Mighty Center of Heaven) was the first of three beings to come into existence when heaven and earth formed. This kami is identified as the Ancestor of The Intercessors. He along with the other two kami (Takamimusuhi[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: The Sun Family: Izanami? (mother) Susano-o (brother) Tsukiyomi (brother) Ninigi (grand-son) Ōkuninushi (nephew) Amenooshihomimi (son) Amenohohi (son) Amatsuhikone (son) Ikutsuhikone (son) Kumanokusubi (son) Amaterasu Amaterasu (天照 – Heaven Shining) also known as Ōhirume-no-muchi-no-kami (大日孁貴神) is the Sun kami of Shinto, born in some accounts from the kami[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Kogotomusuhi (father) Nakatomi Clan Ameno Koyane Ameno Koyane (天児屋命, 天児屋根命) is a Shinto kami mentioned in both the kojiki and nihongi.12 This kami is claimed as the ancestor to the Nakatomi Clan1, with the nihongi listing this kami’s father as Kogotomusuhi.2 We see them[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Protecting Homes. Family: Izanami (mother) Izanagi (father) Amenofukio Amenofukio (天之吹男神 – Heaven`s Thatching Man/Heaven`s Blowing Man) was known as the kami charged with protecting homes from the elements. He was the fifth of ten kami created after Izanami and Izanagi had created the Eightfold Isles and[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Ame Yorodzu (son?) Kunitokotachi (father) Ame Kagami Ame Kagami is a kami of Shinto mentioned only in one version of the nihongi where he is stated to be the father of the kami Ame Yorodzu and son of the kami Kunitokotachi.1 Footnotes 1. Aston. W.G.[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Imbe Clan Ameno Futodama Ameno Futodama (布刀玉, 太玉 or 天太玉) is a Shinto kami mentioned in both the kojiki and nihongi.12 The Gleanings of Ancient Words1 as well as the nihongi2 list Futodama as the ancestress of the Imbe Clan. The Engi Shiki lists[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Himejima Family: Izanami (mother) Izanagi (father) Amehitotsune Amehitotsune (天一根 – Single Root of Heaven) was the kami which inhabited the island of Himejima, according to the kojiki. Nothing more is mentioned of her.1 The nihongi does not give a name to this kami, simply stating Izanami[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Ikinoshima Family: Izanami (mother) Izanagi (father) Amehitotsubashira Amehitotsubashira (天比登都柱 – Single Pillar of Heaven) was the kami that dwelt on the island of Ikinoshima mentioned in the kojiki. The kami name suggests a sailor seeing an island distantly upon the horizon.1 Footnotes 1. Yasumaro. O, translated[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Futagonoshima Family: Izanami (mother) Izanagi (father) Amefutaya Amefutaya (天両屋 – Twin Huts of Heaven) was the kami which inhabited the island of Futagonoshima, 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[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Izanagi (son?) Ame Yorodzu (father?) Hayaakitsuhiko (father) Hayaakitsuhime (mother) Awa Nami (sister) Tsuranagi (brother) Tsuranami (sister) Amenomikumari (sibling) Kuninomikumari (sibling) Amenokuizamochi (sibling) Kuninokuizamochi (sibling) Aha Nagi Aha Nagi (沫那藝神 – Calm Foam Man2) is a kami of Shinto mentioned only in one version of the nihongi where he is stated to[...]