Wiki Category: Periods

Period: Heian Period / Kamakura Period Occupation: Poets Family: Birth: 1155AD Death: 1216AD Fujiwara no Ariie Fujiwara no Ariie (藤原 有家) lived from 1155 to 1216 and was a renowned poet.1 He was a part of the Bureau of Poetry and helped alongside five others in the compilation of the Shin-Kokinshū.1 Footnotes[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Poets Family: Fujiwara no Akihira (father) Fujiwara no Atsumitsu (brother) Birth: – Death: – Fujiwara no Atsumoto Fujiwara no Atsumoto was a member of the Fujiwara Clan. He was the son of Fujiwara no Akihira and brother to Fujiwara no Atsumitsu and was a renowned poet.1[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Udajin, Sadaijin Family: Fujiwara no Yamakage (grandfather) Birth: 891AD Death: 970AD Fujiwara no Arihira Fujiwara no Arihira (藤原 在衡) was the grandson of Fujiwara no Yamakage. Living from 891-970 he served as Udajin and later Sadaijin. He also was known as Awada no Sadaijin.1 Footnotes 1.[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Statesman, Poet, Musician Family: Fujiwara no Tokihira (father) Fujiwara no Akitada (brother) Fujiwara no Yasutada (brother) Fujiwara no Hōshi (sister) Birth: 906AD Death: 943AD Fujiwara no Atsutada Fujiwara no Atsutada (藤原敦忠) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan, more specifically the Hokke Branch of this clan. He was[...]

Period: Edo Period Occupation: Hatamoto Family: – Birth: – Death: – Hotta Masanobu Hotta Masanobu (堀田 正信) was a hatamoto1 of Shimōsa Province.2 Within the province he ruled over the village of Kozu and heavily taxed all the residents of the Province for their rice causing almost all to be[...]

Period: Edo Period Occupation: Peasant Family: Wife and 4 children. Birth: Death: September 24th 1653 Sakura Sōgorō Sakura Sōgorō (佐倉 惣五郎) also known as Kiuchi Sōgorō (木内 惣五郎) was a peasant living in the village of Kozu, now close to modern day Narita.1 At the time this was in the[...]

Ryokō yōjinshū The Ryokō yōjinshū (旅行用心集) was a travel guide published in 1810, written by Yasumi Roan. Chapter themes are included below with choice examples from each one: Introduction from the author. Sixty One tips on travel. You should not reach out your hands for fruit grown in gardens at[...]

Period: Nara Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: – Death: – Izumo no Omi Hiroshima Izumo no Omi Hiroshima (出雲臣廣嶋) was one of the two compilers of the Izumo Fudoki. He was kuni no miyatsuko of Izumo Province, and district leader (dairyō) of the Ou District.1 Footnotes 1. Carlqvist, A.[...]

Period: Nara Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: – Death: – Miyake no Omi Kanatari Miyake no Omi Kanatari (神宅臣金太理) was one of the two compilers of the Izumo Fudoki. It is likely he was well versed in Chinese classical literature from the style of Fudoki. He was a local[...]

First Ruler: – Final Ruler: Takeda Katusyori Dissolution: Suicide of Katsuyori in 1582. Cadet Branches: Aki, Kai, Wakasa For a full list of Japanese Clans see: Clans. Takeda Clan The Takeda Clan (武田氏) was a prominent clan and military house during the Kamakura, Muromachi and Azuchi-Momoyama Periods, taking their name[...]

Period: Muromachi Period / Azuchi-Momoyama Occupation: daimyo Family: Takeda Shingen (father) Birth: 1546AD Death: 1582AD Takeda Katsuyori Takeda Katsuyori (武田 勝頼), also known as Takeda Shirō, was a daimyo and member of the Kai branch of the Takeda Clan.12 As daimyo he ruled over the Kai, Shinano, Suruga and Kōzuke Provinces,[...]

Period: Muromachi Period Occupation: shugo / daimyo Family: Takeda Nobutora (father) Takeda Katsuyori (son) Birth: 1521AD Death: 1573AD Takeda Shingen Takeda Shingen (武田 信玄) was a daimyo of Kai Province living from 1521-73. Also going by the name of Takeda Harunobu, he was from long line of shugo of this[...]

Period: Muromachi Period/Azuchi-Momoyama Period Occupation: shugo Family: Takeda Shingen (son) Birth: 1498AD Death: 1574AD Takeda Nobutora Takeda Nobutora (武田 信虎) was from the Kai branch of the Takeda Family living from 1498-1574.1 His son Takeda Shingen displaced him in 1541.12 He was from long line of shugo of Kai Province[...]

Period: Muromachi Period/Azuchi-Momoyama Period Occupation: Family: Birth: 1552AD Death: 1582AD Takeda Motoaki Takeda Motoaki (武田 元明) was a member of the ‘Wakasa branch’ of the Takeda Clan, living from 1552 to 1582. After the assassination of Oda Nobunaga he sided with the assassin Akechi Mitsuhide, however he was eventually captured[...]

Period: Kamakura Period Occupation: Family: Takeda Nobumitsu Birth: – Death: 1186AD Takeda Nobuyoshi Takeda Nobuyoshi  (武田 信吉) was the father of Takeda Nobumitsu, a member of the ‘Kai Branch’ of the Takeda Clan. He fought in the Taira-Minamoto war for Minamoto no Yorimoto and died in 1186.1 Footnotes 1. Kodansha.[...]

Period: Kamakura Period Occupation: Shugo Family Takeda Nobuyoshi (father) Birth: – Death: 1248AD Takeda Nobumitsu Takeda Nobumitsu (武田信光) was a member of the Takeda Clan and son of Takeda Nobuyoshi. He is known to have died in 1248AD. In 1221, for the Kamakura Shogunate, he aided them during the Jōkyū[...]

Co-ordinates: 35° 48′ 25.9″ N, 138° 51′ 20.6″ E Region: Chūbu Region Prefecture: Yamanashi Prefecture Oiran Buchi Oiran Buchi (花魁淵/おいらん淵 – The Courtesan’s Abyss) is a gorge/waterfall located in Yamanashi Prefecture. The area is known from an event from around the 1570’s (Sengoku Period) involving the Takeda Clan at the time. During the Sengoku Period, to[...]

Period: Nara Period, Heian Period Occupation: sadaijin, poet Family: Fujiwara no Uchimaro (father) Fujiwara no Yoshifusa (son) Fujiwara no Junshi (daughter) Fujiwara no Nagara (son) Fujiwara no Yoshisuke (son) Fujiwara no Yoshikado (son) Fujiwara no Koshi (daughter) Fujiwara no Yoshiyo (son) Fujiwara no Manatsu (brother) Fujiwara no Onatsu (sister) Birth: 775AD Death:[...]

Fujiwara no Junshi can refer to two people with the same name. Daughter of Fuyutsugu Period: Heian Period Occupation: Family: Emperor Ninmyō (husband) Emperor Montoku (son) Fujiwara no Fuyutsugu (father) Fujiwara no Yoshifusa (brother) Fujiwara no Yoshiyo (brother) Fujiwara no Nagara (brother) Fujiwara no Yoshisuke (brother) Fujiwara no Yoshikado (brother)[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: dajō daijin, sesshō Family: Fujiwara no Fuyutsugu (father) Fujiwara no Akirakeiko (daughter) Emperor Seiwa (grandson) Fujiwara no Mototsune (adopted son) Fujiwara no Yoshiyo (brother) Fujiwara no Junshi (sister) Fujiwara no Nagara (brother) Fujiwara no Yoshisuke (brother) Fujiwara no Yoshikado (brother) Fujiwara no Koshi (sister) Birth: 804AD Death:[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Family: Emperor Montoku (Husband/Cousin) Fujiwara no Yoshifusa (father) Fujiwara no Junshi (aunt) Birth: 829AD Death: 900AD Fujiwara no Akirakeiko Fujiwara no Akirakeiko (藤原 明子) also known as Fujiwara no Akiko1 and Fujiwara no Meishi2 was a member of the Fujiwara Clan (more specifically the Hokke Branch).[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: sesshō, kampaku Family: Fujiwara no Kaneie (father) Takashina no Takako (wife) Fujiwara no Teishi (daughter) Fujiwara no Korechika (son) Fujiwara no Takaie (son) Fujiwara no Michikane (brother) Fujiwara no Michitsuna (brother) Fujiwara no Michinaga (brother) Fujiwara no Senshi (sister) Fujiwara no Suishi (sister) Fujiwara no Chōshi (sister) Birth: 954AD Death:[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Udaijin, sesshō, dajō daijin. Family: Fujiwara no Morosuke (father) Fujiwara no Yoshitaka (son) Fujiwara no Yoshikane (son) Fujiwara no Kaishi (daughter) Fujiwara no Kanemichi (brother) Fujiwara no Kaneie (brother) Fujiwara no Kinsue (brother) Fujiwara no Tamemitsu (brother) Birth: 924AD Death: 972AD Fujiwara no Koretada Fujiwara[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Udaijin Family: Fujiwara no Tokihira (father) Fujiwara no Motosuke (son) Fujiwara no Atsutada (brother) Fujiwara no Yasutada (brother) Fujiwara no Hōshi (sister) Birth: 898AD Death: 953AD Fujiwara no Akitada Fujiwara no Akitada (藤原顕忠) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan, more specifically the Hokke Branch of this[...]

  Period: Heian Period Occupation: Warrior / Poet / Monk Family: – Birth: 1104AD Death: 1180AD Minamoto no Yorimasa Minamoto no Yorimasa (源 頼政 was a poet and warrior living from 1104-80.12 As a buddhist monk he went by the name of Gensan-in Nyūdo2, but also was known as Genzanmi[...]

Period: Heian Period, Kamakura Period Occupation: Buddhist Sculptor Family: – Birth: 1120 Death: 1198 Inson Inson was a Buddhist sculptor known to have lived during the late Heian Period and early Kamakura Period from 1120AD to 1198. During his lifetime he lived in Heiankyō as was the lead representative of[...]

Period: Edo Period Occupation: Poet Family: – Birth: 1651 Death: 1704 Mukai Kyorai Mukai Kyorai (向井 去来), real name Mukai Kanetoki2, lived from 1651 to 1704, born to a physician from Nagasaki.1 As he grew up he excelled in martial arts, but by the age of 23 he decided to[...]

Period: Nara Period Occupation: Poet, , Chūnagon, Dainagon Family: Ōtomo no Yakamochi (son) Sakanoue no Iratsume (half-sister) Birth: 665 Death: 731 Ōtomo no Tabito Ōtomo no Tabito (大伴 旅人) was a member of the Ōtomo Clan, living from 665-731. Family He was father to Ōtomo no Yakamochi and half-brother to[...]

Period: Nara Period Occupation: – Family: Sakanoue no Iratsume (half-sister/wife) Birth: – Death: – Ōtomo no Sukunamaro Ōtomo no Sukunamaro lived during the Nara Period. Though he was the older half brother of Sakanoue no Iratsume, they married one another and had two daughters together.1 Footnotes 1. Kodansha. (1993) ”Japan: An[...]

Period: Nara Period Occupation: – Family: Fujiwara no Fubito (father) Sakanoue no Iratsume (wife) Fujiwara no Hamanari (son) Fujiwara no Miyako (sister) Fujiwara no Asukabehime (sister) Fujiwara no Fusasaki (brother) Fujiwara no Umakai (brother) Fujiwara no Muchimaro (brother) Birth: 695 Death: 737 Fujiwara no Maro Fujiwara no Maro (藤原 麻呂) was the son[...]

Period: Nara Period Occupation: Poet Family: Ōtomo no Tabito (half-brother) Ōtomo no Sukunamaro (half-brother) Ōtomo no Yakamochi (nephew) Birth: – Death: – Sakanoue no Iratsume Sakanoue no Iratsume (大伴坂上 郎女) was the female head of the Ōtomo Clan active from 728 to 746AD.2 During her life she was the favourite[...]

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[...]

Period: Muromachi Period Occupation: – Family: Date Masamune (Son) Birth: – Death: 1584 Date Teramune Date Teramune (伊達 輝宗) was a member of the Date Clan and father of Date Masamune. He died in 1584.1 Footnotes 1. Kodansha. (1993) ”Japan: An Illustrated Encyclopedia”. Tokyo: Kodansha Ltd.    [...]

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[...]

Period: Edo Period Occupation: Daimyō Family: Date Tsunamura (nephew) Date Tsunamune (brother) Birth: 1621 Death: 1679 Date Munekatsu Date Munekatsu (伊達宗勝) was a daimyō and member of the Date Clan, brother to Date Tsunamune and uncle of Date Tsunamura.1 He lived from 1621-1679.2 He devised  a plot to have his[...]

Jōgū Shōtoku Hōōtei setsu Jōgū Shōtoku Hōōtei setsu (上宮聖徳法王帝説 – Traditions concerning His Holiness, Prince Shōtoku) is a one volume piece of literature of unknown authorship concerning Shōtoku Taisha. Background The original document is said to have been housed in the temple of Hōryū-ji in Nara, however, the only remaining[...]

Period: Heian Period / Kamakura Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: – Death: – Isa Tomomune Isa Tomomune, later Date Tomomune (伊達 朝宗) was the founder of the Date Clan. He founded the clan after aiding Minamoto no Yoritomo defeat his brother Yoshitsune in 1189 and after was gifted with[...]

Period: Muromachi Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: 1488 Death: 1565 Date Tanemune Date Tanemune (伊達 稙宗) was a member of the Date Clan who lived fom 1488-1565. He authored their Date provincial code known as the Jinkaishū in 1536.12 Footnotes 1. Kodansha. (1993) ”Japan: An Illustrated Encyclopedia”. Tokyo: Kodansha[...]

Period: Edo Period Occupation: Daimyō of the Sendai Domain Family: Date Tsunamune (father) Date Munekatsu (uncle) Birth: 1659 Death: 1719 Sendai Domain Daimyō Succession: Predecessor Date Tsunamune * Successor Date Yoshimura Date Tsunamura Date Tsunamura (伊達綱村) was a daimyō of the Sendai Domain, living from 1659-1719.1 A member of the[...]

Period: Edo Period Occupation: Daimyō of the Sendai Domain Family: Date Tsunamura (son) Date Munekatsu (brother) Birth: 1640 Death: 1711 Sendai Domain Daimyō Succession: Predecessor Date Tadamune * Successor Date Tsunamura Date Tsunamune Date Tsunamune (伊達 綱宗) was a daimyō of the Sendai Domain, living from 1640-1711.1 A member of the[...]

Itazuke Remains The Itazuke Remains is a prehistoric site dating to the late Jomon Period, located in Shizuoka Prefecture. The site contains many Jomon artifacts as well as preserved footprints of both adults and children dating to about 400BC.1 Footnotes 1. Louis Frederic, translated by Kathe Roth (2002) “Japan Encyclopedia”.[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Poet, Monk Family: Fujiwara no Akisuke (father) Birth: c.1130 / c.1160 Death: c.1210 / c.1207 Kenshō Kenshō (顕昭) (c.1130-12101 / c.1160-12072 ) was the adopted son of Fujiwara no Akisuke and was both poet and Buddhist monk during his lifetime.12 He acted as leader of the[...]

Period: Muromachi Period Occupation: Magician Family: Birth: 1524 Death: – Kashin Koji Kashin Koji (果心居士) was said to have been a magician born in 1524 who also went by the name of Shippo Gyoja (Pilgrim of the Seven Treasures). His ancestry is unfortunately not known and we can often find[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Minister Family: Fujiwara no Mototsune (father) Fujiwara no Akitada (son) Fujiwara no Atsutada (son) Fujiwara no Yasutada (son) Fujiwara no Hōshi (daughter) Fujiwara no Tadahira (brother) Fujiwara no Nakahira (brother) Fujiwara no Kanehira (brother) Fujiwara no Raishi (sister) Fujiwara no Baishi (sister) Fujiwara no Onshi I[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Poet Family: Birth: – Death: 1165. Fujiwara Norikane Fujiwara Norikane was both a minister and poet from the Heian Period. He died in 1165.1 He compiled and wrote Thirty Six Women Poetic Geniuses inside a compilation known as the Poetry Tournament of Thirty-Six Women Poetic Geniuses (Nyōbō[...]

See also: List of Folktales Momotarō Momotarō (桃太郎 – Peach Boy) is a Folktale about a man with the same name, as well as a Dog, Monkey and Pheasant and their journey to the island of Onigashima to stop the Oni.1 There are many verisons of the tale (and will[...]

See also: Six Poetic Geniuses, 36 Poetic Geniuses, 36 Poetic Geniuses of the Late Classical Period Thirty Six Women Poetic Geniuses The Thirty Six Women Poetic Geniuses (Nyōbō Sanjūrokkasen 女房三十六歌仙) was a list of female poets compiled by Fujiwara no Norikane inside a compilation known as the Poetry Tournament of[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Poet Family: Fujiwara no Akisue (father) Fujiwara no Kiyosuke (son) Kenshō (adopted son) Birth: 1090AD Death: 1155AD Fujiwara no Akisuke Fujiwara no Akisuke (藤原顕輔) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan living from 1090-1155AD. He was the son of Fujiwara no Akisue, father of Fujiwara no[...]

Yoryūdo The Yoryūdo (寄人 – Dependant People) is a role which can be applied both to scribes and laborers depending on the period. In term of farmers and laborers it applies from the 10th to 13th Centuries for those who offered their services to estates that they did not belong[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Poet Family: Fujiwara no Akisuke (son) Fujiwara no Kiyosuke (grandson) Birth: 1054AD Death: 1122AD Fujiwara no Akisue Fujiwara no Akisue (藤原 顕季) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan and founder of the Rokujo House of Poetry12, living in the Heian Period from 1054-1122AD.2 He was[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Poet Family: Fujiwara no Akisuke (father) Fujiwara no Akisue (grandfather) Birth: 1104AD Death: 1177AD Fujiwara no Kiyosuke Fujiwara no Kiyosuke (藤原清輔) was a Heian Period poet living from 1104-1177AD.13 As a member of the Fujiwara Clan he was the second son of Fujiwara no Akisuke and[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Nashitsubo no Gonin, Poet Family: Kiyohara no Fukayabu (grandfather) Sei Shonagon (daughter) Birth: 908AD Death: 990AD Kiyohara no Motosuke Kiyohara no Motosuke (清原 元輔) was a Heian Period poet living between 908 and 990AD. He was the grandson of Kiyohara no Fukayabu,1 and was the father[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Nashitsubo no Gonin, Poet Family: – Birth: 911AD Death: 983AD Minamoto no Shitagō Minamoto no Shitagō (源 順) also known as Minamoto no Shitagau was a Heian Period poet living from 911 to 983AD.12 Later in life he became a Buddhist Monk and took the name[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Nashitsubo no Gonin, Poet Family: Ki no Tsurayuki (father) Birth: 10th Century Death: – Ki no Tokibumi Ki no Tokibumi (紀 時文) was a poet from the 10th Century. As a member of the Nashitsubo no Gonin, he helped in compiling the the Gosenshū1 and was tasked[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Nashitsubo no Gonin, Poet Family: – Birth: 10th Century Death: – Sakanoue no Mochiki Sakanoue no Mochiki (坂上望城)  was a poet from the 10th Century. He was a part of the Nashitsubo no Gonin, and as part of it he helped in compiling the Gosenshū1 and[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Hereditary High Official, Nashitsubo no Gonin Family: Ōnakatomi no Yorimoto Birth: 921AD Death: 991AD Ōnakatomi no Yoshinobu Ōnakatomi no Yoshinobu (大中臣 能宣) was a Heian Period poet, as well as holding the position of Hereditary High Official of the Department of Religious Affairs.1 Additionally, he[...]

Fukuro-sōshi The Fukuro-sōshi (袋草紙) is a Heian Period poetry anthology dated to 1159.1 The poems consist of waka style and it was written by Fujiwara no Kiyosuke.2 Footnotes 1. Yoda, H. and Alt, M. (2016) “Japandemonium: Illustrated: The Yokai Encyclopaedia of Toriyama Sekien.”. New York: Dover Publications, Inc. 2. Louis[...]

Hitodama Hitodama (人魂) is a type of Yurei depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. It is represented as a kind of floating orb or fireball, which are state to be the souls of the dead. There are ways to ensure that when the supernatural apparears, your[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Lieutenant of Imperial Guard Family: Fujiwara no Toshiie (father) Fujiwara no Michinaga (great-grandfather) Birth: 1060AD Death: 1142AD Fujiwara no Mototoshi Fujiwara no Mototoshi (藤原 基俊) also went by the name of Kakushi. He was the son of the Minister Fujiwara no Toshiie1 and great[...]

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[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Relating to water. Family: Fukabuchinomizuyarehana (father) Amenotsudoechine (mother) Futemimi (wife) Amenofuyukinu (son) Yatsukamizu Omitsuno Yatsukamizu Omitsuno (八束水巨津野)1, or simply Omizunu (淤美豆奴神, or 意弥都奴 – Great Water Master2) is a Shinto kami mentioned in several different texts. Name and Ancestry Carlqvist, referenced below, states that ‘Omitsuno’ was[...]

Shokoku Rijin Dan The Shokoku Rijin Dan (Stories of Common Folk – 諸国里人談) was an anthology published in 1743 and is known to have inlcuded tales relating to Yōkai. One tales called ‘The Oil-Stealer’s Fire,’ relates a tale about the Abura akago. There is also a later tale which talks[...]

Period: Nara Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Minister of Military Affairs, Governor of Etchū Province Family: Ōtomo no Tabito (father) Sakanoue no Iratsume (aunt) Ōiratsume (cousin and wife) Birth: 718? Death: 785 Ōtomo no Yakamochi Ōtomo no Yakamochi (大伴 家持) was a Poet who lived from perhaps 718 until 7851. Family[...]

See also: Moriya Sen’an Poems Moriya Sen’an Moriya Sen’an was a Japanese poet, known to have written specifically jisei (death poems). We know that he died in 1838 (Edo Period), but sadly not much more is known. His death poems often included a humorous note to them and the one[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet Family: – Birth: – Death: – Ōtomo Kuronushi Ōtomo Kuronushi (大友 黒主) is known to have been one of the Six Poetic Geniuses, a list of six talented Heian Period Poets created by Ki no Tsurayuki. Out of the six poets he is the[...]

See also: Thirty Six Poetic Geniuses, Thirty Six Women Poetic Geniuses, Thirty-Six Poetic Geniuses of the Late Classical Period Six Poetic Geniuses Six Poetic Geniuses (六歌仙, Rokkasen) were a group of 6 Poets mentioned by Ki no Tsurayuki in the preface of the Kokinshū as the six best poets of[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Provincial Governor, Director of the Imperial Wardrobe Family: Fun’ya no Asayasu (son) Birth: 9th Century Death: – Fun’ya no Yasuhide Fun’ya no Yasuhide (文屋 康秀), also known as Bun’ya no Yasuhide, was a Japanese poet who lived during the second half of the 9th[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet / Painter Family: Prince Abo (father) Ariwara no Munehari (son) Ariwara no Yukihira (brother) Ōe no Chisato (nephew) Birth: 825 Death: 880 Ariwara no Narihira Ariwara no Narihira (在原 業平) was a renowed poet and painter from the early Heian Period living from 825 to 880.4[...]

Akitajō Akitajō (秋田城) was a Nara Period fortress established in 733 as a way to aide in subjugating the Ezo People.12 Constructed in Dewa Province it was used between the 8th and 10th Centuries until it was abandoned and replaced with a new one close by. The only remains surviving[...]

Izawajō 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[...]

Be See also: Court Titles, Imperial Titles, Provincial Titles, Uji, Sesshō and Kampaku Be (部) was the term used for groupings of people prior to the 7th Century who has associations to the Yamato Court or lineage groups (uji). The individual people in a ‘Be’ were known as ‘bumin.’ All[...]

Tagajō Tagajō (多賀城) was an 8th century headquarters established to help in the wars against the Ezo People,1 constructed in 724 by Ōno no Azumahito.2 It consisted of several buildings in a walled area.1 Orignially known as Taga no ki it later became Tagajō, and is located in Shiogama City,[...]

Tōfu Kozō Tōfu Kozō (豆腐小僧 – Tofu Boy) is a type of Japanese Yōkai whose origins we can trace back to the 18th century. Appearance wise you will see a creature who is reminiscent of a small boy who will be walking around at night time. He will be wearing[...]

Co-ordinates: 35°00′48″N 135°51′10″E Region: Kansai Region Prefecture: Osaka Prefecture Founded: 593AD Affiliation: Buddhism Shitennō-ji Shitennō-ji (四天王寺) is a Buddhist Temple said to have been constrcuted by Shōtoku Taisha in thanks to the ‘four heavenly kings’ he believed who had helped him win against the Mononobe Clan. This temple is the oldest[...]

Period: Nara Period, Heian Period Occupation: Poet Family: – Birth: 770/778 Death: 830 Ono no Minemori Ono no Minemori (小野 岑守) is known to have been a poet who lived from around 770/778 until 830. He wrote his poetry in Chinese and is the compiled of a poetry collection known[...]

See also: Japanese Games Ohajiki Ohajiki (おはじき) is a japanese childrens game which can be played using coins, shells or even coin-shaped glass pieces. The origin of the games name comes from from the verb hajiku ‘to flick.’ The game is said to have derived from a Chinese game called[...]

Period: – Occupation: – Family: Fujiwara no Fusasaki (father) Fujiwara no Nagate (brother) Fujiwara no Matate (brother) Fujiwara no Kiyokawa (brother) Fujiwara no Torikai (brother) Birth: – Death: – Fujiwara no Uona Fujiwara no Uona (藤原 魚名) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan, more specifically the Hokke Branch of this clan.1[...]

Period: Asuka Period Occupation: Religious Founder Family: Birth: 634? Death: 701? En no Ozunu En no Ozunu (役小角) lived during the Asuka Period, perhaps from 634-701AD. He was born with the name Kamo-no-e-no-kimi, but over his life he gathered many others such as En no Gyōja (役行者 En the pilgrim), Jinben[...]

Period: Edo Period Occupation: Poet Family: Birth: Death: – Yosa no Buson Yosa no Buson (与謝 蕪村) was an Edo Period poet who lived from 1716 to 1783. He was known for both Haiku as well as Haishi (free form poetry using both Japanese and Chinese). In total we know of[...]

Period: Heian Period, Kamakura Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Monk Family: – Birth: 1118 Death: 1190 Saigyō Hōshi Saigyō Hōshi 西行法師 (birth name – Satō Norikiyo 佐藤義清) was a poet-monk who lived from 1118 to 1190AD. He also held the position of Officer of the Imperial Guard of the Left. At[...]

See also: Provinces Hyūga Province Hyūga Province (日向国) also known as Himuka Province1 is an old Province of Japan, located in modern day Miyazaki Prefecture.2 Legendary Period The mythical river known as the Tachibana River where Izanagi cleansed himself after visiting Yomi is said to have been located here.1 One[...]

See also: List of Provinces Kai Province Kai Province (甲斐国) was once a Province of Japan, located in what is now Yamanashi Prefecture.12 Established historically during the Taika Reforms,1 it is said this area was also visited previously by Yamato Takeru when he visited from the east.2 Geographically the entire Province[...]

See also: List of Provinces Yamato Province Yamato Province (大和国) was an old Province of Japan, located in what is now Nara Prefecture.12 Inception During its inception, when the Kokugen System came into effect, it stayed as the centre of government and culture from the 4th century until 784. It[...]

See also: List of Provinces Koshi Province Koshi Province (越国) was an old Province of Japan. It is said the inhabitants of this area were of foreign origins, from Manchuria and Korea. These people were known as Koshi-bito.1 Mythical Associations The area known as the Tsutsu Cape located here is[...]

See also: List of Provinces Omi Province Omi Province (近江国) was an old Province of Japan, located in what is now Shiga Prefecture.12 Location Located on the route between the four (later five) capital provinces and eastern provinces its borders came to have three important barrier stations (Seki-sho) called Arachi,[...]

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[...]

Sagoromo Monogatari Sagoromo Monogatari (狭衣物語) is a monogatari written between 1069 and 1081. The author of this piece remains unknown but it is generally thought to have been composed by Seji (Some put forth Daini no Sanmi as the author2). You can find strong influences in this text from the[...]

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[...]

Shiki and Kyaku Shiki and Kyaku (Admnistrative/Ceremonial Procedures and Penal Codes) are two different types of legal documents made to implement the laws of the late 7th and early 8th centuries. The first Shiki and Kyaku were completed in the Kōnin Era, the second in the Jōgan Era. The Engi[...]

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[...]

See also: List of Provinces Yamashiro Province Yamashiro Province (山城国) was an old Province of Japan, located in what is now Kyoto Prefecture.1 The Shinsen Shōjiroku shows the Haji Clan dwelt in this province amongst others.3 Inception One of the 5 central (kinai) provinces, established under the Kokugun System in 646AD,[...]

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

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

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[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Amaterasu (mother) Amenohohi (brother) Amatsuhikone (brother) Ikutsuhikone (brother) Kumanokusubi (brother) Hinohayahi (brother) Amenooshihomimi Amenooshihomimi (Ruling Rice Ears of Heaven) also known as Masa-katsu-a-katsu-kachi-haya-hi-ame-no-oshi-ho-mimi (Truly Winning Have I Won with Rushing Might Ruling Grand Rice Ears of Heaven) is a son of Amaterasu, he was[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Munakata. Family: Susano-o (father) Takiribime (sister) Ichikishimahime (sister) Takitsuhime Takitsuhime (Lady Seething Torrent) is a Shinto kami and one of the kami of Munakata. She is the third of three sisters born from the sword of Susano-o after being chewed up and spat out by Amaterasu according to[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Munakata. Family: Susano-o (father) Takiribime (sister) Takitsuhime (sister) Ichikishimahime Ichikishimahime (Lady Consecrated Isle) also known as Sayoribime (Lady Summons Spirit) is a Shinto kami and one of the kami of Munakata. She is the second of three sisters born from the sword of Susano-o after being[...]