Wiki Category: Periods

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Munakata. Family: Susano-o (father) Ichikishimahime (sister) Takitsuhime (sister) Takiribime Takiribime (Lady Mist), also known as Okitsushimahime (Lady Offshore Isle) is a Shinto kami and one of the kami of Munakata. She is the first of three sisters born from the sword of Susano-o after being chewed[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Weaving? Family: – Amenohatorihime Amenohatorihime (Weaver Woman of Heaven) is a kami from Shinto Mythology. In the Kojiki it is said she was weaving in the weaving hall of Heaven with Amaterasu when Susano-o threw a pie-bald colt which had been flayed backwards from its tail[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Rice? Family: Izanagi (original owner) Amaterasu (wearer) Mikuratana Mikuratana (Mighty Storehouse Shelf) is a kami from Shinto mythology. She is a divine necklace, given by Izanagi to his daughter Amaterasu before she ascends to rule Heaven, this is related in the kojiki. Within the nihongi she[...]

Heaven This page about Heaven serves to bring together information we have gathered relating to the various ‘Heaven’s’ from different religions in Japan. As we gather more information this page may be broken down into seperate pages. Takamagahara – Shinto Takamagahara (高天原) is the Shinto version of Heaven. Its origins[...]

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[...]

Bakemono no e The Bakemono no e (化物之繪 – Illustrations of Bakemono) is a Yōkai picture scroll which dates to the Edo Period, and was likely made in the 17th Century. The creator of this work is not known. These ‘indexes’ of supernatural creators were extremely popular during the Edo[...]

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[...]

Co-ordinates: 34°34′N 135°46′E Island: Honshu Region: Kansai Capital: Nara See also: Yamato Province See also: List of Prefectures. Nara Prefecture Nara Prefecture (奈良県 – Nara-ken) is located on the island of Honshu. As a land-locked Prefecture it is bordered on all sides. Kyoto Prefecture to the North, Mie to the West, Wakayama on[...]

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[...]

Kojidan The Kojidan (古事談) is a collection of historical anecdotes written in kiro-kutai (classical Japanized Chinese Writing) compiled between 1211-15 by Minamoto no Akikane1. It is said to contain nine chapters1, or six volumes2 depending on the sources one consults. The story of Fujiwara no Sanekata‘s exile is mentioned in[...]

  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[...]

For all battles on the site see: List of Battles. Period: Azuchi-Momoyama Period Date: 1578 Location: Kyushu Outcome: Defeat of Ōtomo Sōrin’s forces Battle of Mimikawa The Battle of Mimikawa occurred in 1578 on the island of Kyushu. The battle involving the forces of daimyō  Ōtomo Sōrin and his vassal Tsunokumo[...]

See also: List of Provinces Bungo Province Bungo Province (豊後国) was an old Province of Japan, located in what is now Ōita Prefecture.1 Azuchi-Momoyama Period During this period it was ruled over by the daimyō Ōtomo Sōrin, who led his warriors into a battle later known as the Battle of[...]

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[...]

Period: Edo Period Occupation: Writer / Traveler Family: ? Birth: ? Death: ? Yasumi Roan Yasumi Roan (八隅 蘆菴) was an experienced traveler within Japan. He most notable achievement was the book he wrote about his travels entitled the Ryokō yōjinshū which was published in 1810. His work includes detailed tips[...]

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[...]

This page has been created to list the various Japanese Proverbs and Idioms we have come across during our research into our Podcast and this website. Proverbs In Japanese proverbs are known as 諺 (kotowaza). And in old, ancient Japan this word was also used to words conveyed by kami[...]

Tosa Nikki The Tosa Nikki (土佐日記 – Tosa Diary), written in 935AD by Ki no Tsurayuki, is an account (punctuated by poems throughout) of his journey home to Kyoto. The composition of the diary is as if it was written by a women, ie. it is written in kana script.[...]

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[...]

Nihon Kiryaku The Nihon Kiryaku (日本紀略), also known as the Nihon kurui and Hennen kiryaku is a literary compilation of the history of Japan created during the Heian Period. It’s authorship is unknown, with its mythological section being taken from the Nihongi. In total there are 34 chapters, and cover[...]

Amekumabito Amekumabito is a Shinto kami mentioned in the nihongi. She is tasked with going to the body of Ukemochi, by Amaterasu, after Tsukiyomi has killed her. Upon the body of Ukemochi she finds and brings back from her body ox, horse, millet, silkworm, panic, rice, wheat, large beans and smalls[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: ??? Ukemochi Ukemochi (保食神) was a Shinto kami, mentioned in the Nihongi, that dwelt upon Japan. Amaterasu learns of her existence and so sends her brother Tsukiyomi to go and attend her. Upon his arrival she turns her head towards the land causing boiled mouth[...]

Co-ordinates: : 32°58′N 129°48′E Island: Kyushu Region: Kyushu Region Capital: Nagasaki See also: Iki Province, Tsushima Province, Hizen Province. See also: List of Prefectures. Nagasaki Prefecture Nagasaki Prefecture (長崎県 – Nagasaki-ken) is located on the island of Kyushu. It is bordered by the Genkai Sea and Tsushima Strait on its northern edge, by Saga[...]

Co-ordinates: 36°43′N 137°9′E Island: Honshu Region: Chūbu Capital: Toyama See also: Etchū Province. See also: List of Prefectures. Toyama Prefecture Toyama Prefecture (富山県 – Toyama-ken) is located in central Honshu, with its capital city being Toyama. It is bordered on the north by the Sea of Japan, Nagano and Niigata Prefectures on[...]

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[...]

Saku A Saku (柵 – also pronounced ki) is a type of stockade or palisade constructed in frontier regions. Notably, most were constructed between the 7th and 9th centuries in northern Honshu to defend against the northern Ezo People, as well as to provide administration to the surrounding areas. Known[...]

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[...]

Nutari no Ki Nutari no Ki (渟足柵) was a type of Saku (fortified frontier) erected in 647AD in the old Province of Echigo, close to the city of Niigata. It’s construction was carried out to serve as an outpost for the military to continue campaigns against the Ezo People of[...]

Iwafune no Ki Iwafune no Ki (磐舟柵) also known as Iwafune no Saku was a type of ‘Saku‘ (fortified frontier) in the old Province of Echigo, modern day Niigata Prefecture, close to the city of Murakami. It was established in 648AD as part of a campaign against the Ezo tribes in[...]

Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki The Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki (今昔画図続百鬼 – The Illustrated Demon Horde from Past and Present) is a compendium of yōkai, demons and ghosts compiled by Toriyama Sekien, published in 1779. The books were inspired by the 10th Century Demon Horde’s Night Parade. These books, alongside the previous book, the Gazu Hyakki[...]

Kyūji The Kyūji (旧辞) is an ancient piece of Japanese literature which was compiled during the 6th century AD. It was known to have contained collections of both myths and legends surrounding Japan. However, this work no longer exists. It is thought that this document, alongside the Teiki to have[...]

Privy Seal The Privy Seal (天皇御璽) is one of the official seals of the Imperial Family and has ‘Tenno Gyoji‘ carved onto it. The seal is used for documents such as the following: Sentences of law. Cabinet orders. Letters to authorize foreign consuls and several other type of documents. Dismissal[...]

Tachibana River The Tachibana River, though its modern day location is unknown, is said to have historically been located in the area known as ‘Awaki‘ in Himuka Province. Due to this it would have been located in modern day Miyazaki Prefecture. This is the river mentioned in both the Kojiki[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: The Moon Family: Izanami? (mother) Izanagi (father) Susano-o (brother) Amaterasu (sister) Tsukiyomi Tsukiyomi (月読) is the moon kami in Shinto mythology, brother to Amaterasu and Susano-o. Birth According to both the Kojiki and the Nihongi this kami was born from Izanagi after cleansing himself from the[...]

Co-ordinates: 36°N 138°E Prefectures: ”To be completed.” Honshu Honshu (本州) is the main of the four islands of Japan. Mythological Creation According to the kojiki, this island (dubbed Yamato) was the last of the Great Land of Eightfold Isles made by the kami Izanami and Izanagi, inhabited by the kami Amenomisoratoyoakitsunewake.1[...]

Yamato Sanzan Yamato Sanzan (大和三山, Three Hillls of Yamato) are located near the city of Kashihara in Nara Prefecture, Kansai Region. These three mountains are Unebiyama, Amanokagushima and Miminashiyama. All three of them are formed of igneous rock and are mentioned in the Man’yōshū.1 Mount Unebi Co-ordinates: 34°29′32.5″N135°47′06″E Height: 199.2m Mount[...]

Co-ordinates: – Region: Chūgoku Region Prefecture: Shimane Prefecture (now), Izumo Province (historically) Ifuya Pass The Ifuya Pass (Ifuya zaka), according to the Kojiki, is located in Izumo Province. This mountain pass was said to contain the location to the entrance to Yomi known as Hirasaka and is mentioned in the[...]

Co-ordinates: – Region: Chūgoku Region Prefecture: Border of Izumo and Hahaki Province Height: – Hibayama Hibayama (Mount Spirit Court) is stated in the Kojiki to be the location of the burial mound of Izanami. Sadly, its exact location is unknown, however, it is stated to be on the border between[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: – Death: – Hyōbu-taifu Hyōbu-taifu was a man who holds links to the Yōkai known as the Hyōsube. During his lifetime he is said to have dealt with these Yōkai after they became a threat to the people living near Shiomi Jinja temple[...]

Co-ordinates: 34°40′53″N 135°50′54″E Region: Kansai Prefecture: Nara Prefecture Founded: 768AD Affiliation: Shinto Kasuga Taisha Kasuga Taisha (春日大社) is a Shinto Shrine located in Nara. According to folklore, it is said to have been built with the help of the Yōkai known as the Hyōsube.1 External Links Official Shrine Website Footnotes[...]

Kōshin Kōshin (庚申) is a religion of Japan which can find its origins around the 9th Century. It contains a mixture of both Buddhist and Taoist teachings, but now it not widely practiced. One of their beliefs sates that worms reside within our bodies, recording both our good and bad[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Sokotsutsuo (parent) Nakatsutsuo (parent) Uhatsutsuo (parent) Utsushihikanasaku Utsushihikanasaku (宇都志日金析 – Daylight Net Weaver) is mention in the kojiki (and not the nihongi) as the child of the three kami of Suminoe by the name of Sokozutsuwo, Nakazutsuwo and Uhazutsuwo. They are the ancestor of the sea folk who[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Uhatsuwatatsumi (sibling) Utsushihikanasaku (child) Uhatsutsuo Uhatsutsuo (Surface Sail Man – 上筒之男神) is the last of two Shinto kami born from Izanagi bathing on the surface of the Tachibana River after wanted to cleanse himself of the evils of Yomi. They are one of[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Uhatsutsuo (sibling) Uhatsuwatatsumi Uhatsuwatatsumi (Surface Ocean Majesty – 上津綿津見神) is the first of two Shinto kami born from Izanagi bathing on the surface of the Tachibana river after leaving Yomi and wishing to cleanse himself of its impurities. This is stated in both[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Nakatsuwatatsumi (sibling) Utsushihikanasaku (child) Nakatsutsuo Nakatsutsuo (Middle Sail Man – 中筒之男神) is the last of two Shinto kami born from Izanagi bathing in the middle of the Tachibana River after wanting to cleanse himself of the evils of Yomi. They are one of[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Nakatsutsuo (sibling) Nakatsuwatatsumi Nakatsuwatatsumi (Middle Ocean Majesty – 中津綿津見神) is the first of two Shinto kami born from Izanagi bathing in the middle of the Tachibana river after leaving Yomi and wishing to cleanse himself of its impurities. This is stated in both[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Sokotsuwatatsumi (sibling) Utsushihikanasaku (child) Sokotsutsunoo Sokotsutsunoo (Bottom Sail Man – 底筒之男神) is the last of two Shinto kami born from Izanagi bathing at the bottom of the Tachibana River after wanting to cleanse himself of the evils of Yomi. They are one of[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Sokotsutsuo (sibling) Sokotsuwatatsumi Sokotsuwatatsumi (Bottom Ocean Majesty – 底津綿津見神) is the first of two Shinto kami born from Izanagi bathing at the bottom of the Tachibana river after leaving Yomi and wishing to cleanse himself of its impurities. This is stated in both[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Medium (Occupation) Family: Izanagi (father) Kaminaobi (sibling) Ōnaobi (sibling) Izunome Izunome (Holy Woman – 伊豆能売) is mentioned in the kojiki (and not the nihongi) as the last of three to be born from Izanagi remedying the evil of Yomi from his body whilst bathing in the[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Good fortune, purity and propriety. Family: Izanagi (father) Kaminaobi (sibling) Izunome (sibling) Ōnaobi Ōnaobi (Great Remedy – 大直毘神) is a Shinto kami of good fortune, purity and propriety.1 They were the last of two kami born from Izanagi remedying the evil of Yomi from his body,[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Good fortune, purity and propriety. Family: Izanagi (father) Ōnaobi (sibling) Izunome (sibling) Kaminaobi Kaminaobi (Sacred Remedy – 神直毘神) is a Shinto kami of good fortune, purity and propriety.1 They were the first of two kami born from Izanagi remedying the evil of Yomi from his body,[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Calamity, evil occurrences, curses and defilement. Family: Izanagi (father) Yasomagatsuhi (sibling) Ōmagatsuhi Ōmagatsuhi (Great Mishap Bringer – 大禍津日神) is a Shinto kami of calamity, evil occurrences, curses and defilement. They are not mentioned in the nihongi, however, the kojiki states they were the second of two[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Calamity, evil occurrences, curses and defilement. Family: Izanagi (father) Ōmagatsuhi (sibling) Yasomagatsuhi Yasomagatsuhi (Many Mishaps Bringer – 八十禍津日神) is a Shinto kami of calamity, evil occurrences, curses and defilement.1 They were the only kami born from Izanagi cleansing away the impurities of Yomi according to the[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Honshu Family: Izanami (mother) Izanagi (father) Amenomisoratoyoakitsunewake Amenomisoratoyoakitsunewake (天御虚空豊秋津根別 – Little Lord Plentiful Autumns Filling Heaven’s Mighty Firmament) was the child of Izanami and Izanagi and is said to be the kami of the island of Yamato (Honshu), the final of the Great Eight Isles according to the Kojiki.[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Hetsukaibera Hetsukaibera (辺津甲斐弁羅神 – Shoreside Tide Lad) was the last of 12 Shinto kami born from Izanagi removing items from his body after wanting to wash and cleanse himself after visiting Yomi. This kami was formed from the armband on his right arm[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Hetsunagisabiko Hetsunagisabiko (辺津那芸佐毘古神 – Shoreside Surf Lad) was the eleventh of 12 Shinto kami born from Izanagi removing items from his body after wanting to wash and cleanse himself after visiting Yomi. This kami was formed from the armband on his right arm[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Hezakaru Hezakaru (辺疎神 – Beyond Shoreside) was the tenth of 12 Shinto kami born from Izanagi removing items from his body after wanting to wash and cleanse himself after visiting Yomi. This kami was formed from the armband on his right arm alongside[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Okitsukaibera Okitsukaibera (奥津甲斐弁羅神 – Offshore Tide Lad) was the ninth of 12 Shinto kami born from Izanagi removing items from his body after wanting to wash and cleanse himself after visiting Yomi. This kami was formed from the armband on his left arm alongside Okizakaru and[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Okitsunagisabiko Okitsunagisabiko (奥津那芸佐毘古神 – Offshore Surf Lad) was the eighth of 12 Shinto kami born from Izanagi removing items from his body after wanting to wash and cleanse himself after visiting Yomi. This kami was formed from the armband on his left arm[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Okizakaru Okizakaru (奥疎神 – Beyond Offshore) was the seventh of 12 Shinto kami born from Izanagi removing items from his body after wanting to wash and cleanse himself after visiting Yomi. This kami was formed from the armband on his left arm alongside[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Akiguinoushi Akiguinoushi (飽咋之宇斯能神 – Master Filled Full) was the sixth of 12 Shinto kami born from Izanagi removing items from his body after wanting to wash and cleanse himself after visiting Yomi. This kami was formed from his hat and this is all related[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Chimata Chimata (道俣神 – Road Fork) was the fifth of 12 Shinto kami born from Izanagi removing items from his body after wanting to wash and cleanse himself after visiting Yomi. This kamiwas formed from his trousers and this is all related in[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Wazurainoushi Wazurainoushi (和豆良比能宇斯能神 – Master Miasma) was the fourth of 12 Shinto kami born from Izanagi removing items from his body after wanting to wash and cleanse himself after visiting Yomi. This kami was formed from his Mantle and this is all related[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Tokihakashi Tokihakashi (時量師神 – Time Keeper Loosed) was the third of 12 Shinto kami born from Izanagi removing items from his body after wanting to wash and cleanse himself after visiting Yomi. This kami was formed from his Satchel and is related in[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Travel Family: Izanagi (father) Michinonagachiha Michinonagachiha (道之長乳歯神 – Long Winding Way Stones) was the second of 12 Shinto kami born from Izanagi removing items from his body after wanting to wash and cleanse himself after visiting Yomi. This kami was formed from his Sash. He is[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Travel and Crossroads Family: Izanagi (father) Tsukitatsufunato Tsukitatsufunato (衝立船戸神 – Post at the Road Bend) was the first of 12 Shinto kami born from Izanagi removing items from his body after wanting to wash and cleanse himself after visiting Yomi. This kami was formed from his[...]

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[...]

Period: Nara Period Occupation: – Family: Fujiwara no Muchimaro (father) Fujiwara no Toyonari (brother) Fujiwara no Otomaro (brother) Fujiwara no Kosemaro (brother) Fujiwara no Sadatsugu (brother) Fujiwara no Asukabehime (aunt) Emperor Shōmu (uncle) Birth: 706AD Death:764AD Fujiwara no Nakamarō Fujiwara no Nakamarō (藤原 仲麻呂) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan,[...]

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[...]

Asuka no Kyomihara Ritsuryō The Asuka no Kyomihara Ritsuryō are a collection of Law Codes created through an edict by Emperor Tenmu in 681AD. They were eventually finished under the rule of Empress Jitō.1 Footnotes 1. Tsurumi, P. (1981) “Early Female Emperors” Historical Reflections Vol.8 No.1 pp.41-49.[...]

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: – Family: Fujiwara no Fubito (father) Fujiwara no Asukabehime (sister) Fujiwara no Fusasaki (brother) Fujiwara no Muchimaro (brother) Fujiwara no Umakai (brother) Fujiwara no Maro (brother) Birth: – Death:- Fujiwara no Miyako Fujiwara no Miyako  (藤原宮子) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan and daughter of Fujiwara[...]

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[...]

Kogo Shūi The Kogo Shūi (古語拾遺) is a document containing the achievements of the Imbe Clan. It was written in 807 by Imbe no Hironari.12 As well as the Clans achievements it also contains myths and legends from before the time of Emperor Jimmu, even containing legends not found in the[...]

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[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Thunder Family: None The Eight Thunder Kami The Eight Thunder Kami are the Thunder kami in Shinto Mythology which dwell in the land of Yomi. In the kojiki they are seen crawling on the body of Izanami when her husband looks upon her dead body in Yomi.[...]

Yomi Yomi (黄泉) is the Land of the Dead or Underworld in Shinto Mythology. It is also called the ‘land that lies beneath the hard earth’s roots’ (Nenokatasukuni).2 We first see this place mentioned when Izanami dies after giving birth to the Fire-kami Kagutsuchi. Her husband/brother Izanagi enters into Yomi[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Affiliations with Yomi. Family: None Shikome The Shikome (黄泉醜女) (also called the Hisame) are the names for the Eight Ugly Females of Yomi. The Wamiōsho also gives them the additional name of Gogome and says they were used as a kind of bogey men to scare children.1[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Peaches Family: None Ōkamizumi Ōkamizumi (意富加牟豆美命 – Great Sacred Majesty) is the Shinto kami of the peaches which Izanagi plucked from a tree and held menacingly to scare away The Eight Thunder Kami and Shikome who were chasing him as he fled Yomi.1 This is mentioned[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Boulder covering the entrance to Yomi Family: None Chigaeshinoōkami Chigaeshinoōkami (道返之大神 – Great Spirit Road Retreat) is the Shinto kami of the boulder that Izanagi places in front of the entrance of Yomi so his wife Izanami cannot pursue him.12 This kami has the alternate names[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Mountains Family: Kagutsuchi (father) Masakayamatsu (sibling) Odoyamatsumi (sibling) Kurayamatsumi (sibling) Okuyamatsumi (sibling) Shigiyamatsumi (sibling) Hayamatsumi (sibling) Harayamatsumi (sibling) Toyamatsumi Toyamatsumi (戸山津見神 – Outer Mountain Majesty) is the eighth and last Shinto Mountain kami born from the body of Kagutsuchi after he was beheaded by the sword Itsunoohabari, owned by[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Mountains Family: Kagutsuchi (father) Masakayamatsu (sibling) Odoyamatsumi (sibling) Kurayamatsumi (sibling) Okuyamatsumi (sibling) Shigiyamatsumi (sibling) Hayamatsumi (sibling) Toyamatsumi (sibling) Harayamatsumi Harayamatsumi (原山津見神 – Mountain Field Majesty) is the sixth of eight Shinto Mountain kami born from the body of Kagutsuchi after he was beheaded by the sword Itsunoohabari, owned[...]