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Longevity

Longevity

Longevity Longevity (Chosei Furo – 長生不老) is one of many Japanese folktales, this one centered around a man known as Sentarō. Synopsis This tale has also been given the name of The Man who did not wish to die and goes as follow. There was a man called Sentarō and[...]

Rashōmon no oni

Rashōmon no oni

Rashōmon no oni Rashōmon no oni (羅城門の鬼 or 羅生門の鬼) was an oni said to have dwelt in the Rashōmon Gate of Heian-kyō. He is said to have been taller than the Gate, with hairy arms, eyes that flash like mirrors and flames which shot out of its mouth. The only salvation for[...]

The Clever Boar and Monkey

The Clever Boar and Monkey

The Clever Boar and Monkey The Clever Boar and Monkey (賢い猿と猪) is one of Japan’s many folktales. Synopsis In the province in Shinshin there was a man who travelled around making a living by taking a monkey and around and making it do tricks. One day he returns home angry, saying[...]

The Oni of Adachigahara

The Oni of Adachigahara

The Oni of Adachigahara The Oni of Adachigahara is one of many Japanese folktales, this one centering around an evil oni. Synopsis In Mutsu there was said to be oni who took the form of an old woman. People would go missing in the area and it was thought she was[...]

The Mirror of Matsuyama

The Mirror of Matsuyama

The Mirror of Matsuyama The Mirror of Matsuyama, known in Japanese as Matsuyama kagami (松山鏡) is one of Japan’s many folktales. Synopsis In the province of Echigo lived a man and a wife who had one daughter aged seven. One day the man finds himself summoned to the capital in Kyoto,[...]

The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter

The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter

The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, in Japanese known as the Taketori Monogatari (竹取物語) is one of the famous folktales from Japan. Synopsis There was an old man and woman who had no child. He would go every day and cut bamboo and made[...]

Chūjō-hime

Chūjō-hime

Chūjō-hime Chūjō-hime (中将姫), also known as Princess Hase, is said to have been the daughter of Fujiwara no Toyonari and a ‘Princess Murasaki.’ A folktale has sprung up around her life. Synopsis In Nara lived Fujiwara no Toyonari married to Princess Murasaki. They had no child, which caused them sadness[...]

Kintarō

Kintarō

Kintarō Kintarō (金太郎) is a Japanese folktale centered around the life of a boy with the same name as the story. There are several versions of this tale and as we come across more of them we will add them to the website. Synopsis There was a man called Kintoki who[...]

Divine Treasures

Divine Treasures

See also: Sacred Regalia Divine Treasures Divine Treasures appear to be some form of previous items gifted to Japan or brought to Japan by kami in the distant past. Reign of Sujin Under the rule of this Emperor there is made mention of Sacred Treasures which had been brought to[...]

Tajima Mori

Tajima Mori

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: – Death: – Tajima Mori Tajima Mori (田道間守) is a man seen during the reign of Emperor Suinin, and is said to be the ancestor of the Miyake no muraji.2 In the 90th year of his reign, he sends Tajima Mori to[...]

Kiyohiko

Kiyohiko

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: Prince Amanohihoko (great-grandfather) Birth: – Death: – Kiyohiko Kiyohiko was a man from the time of Emperor Suinin, said to have been the great-grandson of Prince Amanohihoko. Late in his reign the Emperor sends for the Divine Treasures brought at the start of his[...]

Ōhatanushi

Ōhatanushi

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: ōkannushi Family: – Birth: – Death: – Ōhatanushi Ōhatanushi is seen mentioned within the made Jinnō Shōtōki where it states he was made the first Head Priest (ōkannushi) of the Ise Grand Shrine.1 Footnotes 1. Varley, H.P (1980) “A Chronicle of Gods and Sovereigns: Jinnō Shōtōki[...]

Otanomikoto

Otanomikoto

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: Sarudabiko (ancestor) Birth: – Death: – Otanomikoto Otanomikoto also known as Okitama was a man mentioned within the Jinnō Shōtōki. He is said to have been a descendant of Sarudabiko and met with Yamatohime. During the establishment of the area to be used for the[...]

Yamatohime

Yamatohime

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Princess / Established the Ise Shrine Family: Emperor Suinin (father) Hibasuhime (mother) Emperor Keikō (brother) Inishikinoiribiko (brother) Ohonakatsuhiko (brother) Wakakiiribiko (brother) Birth: – Death: – Yamatohime Yamatohime (倭比売命 / 倭姫命) was the daughter of Emperor Suinin and Hibasuhime and is creditted with the establishment of the Ise Grand Shrine.1[...]

Inaba Province

Inaba Province

See also: Provinces Inaba Province Inaba Province (因幡国) is one of the many Provinces which once existed in Japan. Legendary Period Yamanobe no Ohotaka passed through here on his way to catch a swan for the Prince Homutsuwake.1 Footnotes 1. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An Account[...]

Tajima Province

Tajima Province

See also: Provinces Tajima Province Tajima Province (但馬国) is one of the many Provinces which once existed in Japan. Legendary Period During the 3rd year in the reign of Emperor Suinin, Prince Amanohihoko arrives with a gift of three gems (Habuto, Ashidaka and Ukaka) as well as an Idzushi short[...]

Ohokashima

Ohokashima

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Five Daibu / saishu Family: – Birth: – Death: – Ohokashima Ohokashima is a mentioned during the reign of Emperor Suinin. He is said to have been one of the Five Daibu alongside Hikokunifuku, Takehi no Muraji, Tochine no Ōmuraji and Takenumakahawake. They are gathered by[...]

Yatsunada

Yatsunada

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: General Family: – Birth: – Death: – Yatsunada Yatsunada was a general of Emperor Suinin and is seen mentioned in the nihongi. In the fifth year of the Emperors reign, Sahobiko, brother to the Emperors wife Sahobime approached his sister asking who is most dearest to[...]

Amenohihoko

Amenohihoko

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Kiyohiko (great-grandson) Birth: – Death: – Amenohihoko Amenohihoko/Amanohihoko (天之日矛) was a prince from Silla who visit Japan during the 3rd year of Emperor Suinin’s reign. He was the great-grandfather of Kiyohiko. He brought a gift of three gems (Habuto, Ashidaka and Ukaka) as well[...]

Sonaka Cheulchi

Sonaka Cheulchi

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: – Death: – Sonaka Cheulchi Sonaka Cheulchi was a man mentioned during the reign of Emperor Suinin. At the start of his reign, after his marriage to Sahobime and the birth of their son Homutsuwake this man asked the Emperor to return[...]

Palaces

Palaces

Palaces We are creating this page to serve as a place to list all of the different Palaces built and used through Japanese history. We will continue to update this page as we gain more information. Legendary Period Akitsushima Palace Located in Muro this was the palace of Emperor Kōan.5[...]

Kanibatatobe

Kanibatatobe

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Wife Family: Emperor Suinin (husband) Ihatsukuwake (son) Ihatsukubime (daughter). Yamashiro no Ohokuni no Fuchi (father) Karibatatobe (older sister) Birth: – Death: – Kanibatatobe Kanibatatobe (綺戸辺) was the wife of Emperor Suinin and together they had Ihatsukuwake123 and Ihatsukubime.12 The Emperor first heard of her when visiting Yamashiro[...]

Inishikinoiribiko

Inishikinoiribiko

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Emperor Suinin (father) Hibasuhime (mother) Emperor Keikō (brother) Ohonakatsuhiko (brother) Yamatohime (sister) Wakakiiribiko (brother) Birth: – Death: – Inishikinoiribiko Inishikinoiribiko (五十瓊敷入彦命) was the son of Emperor Suinin and Hibasuhime. During his lifetime he is said to have lived in the Kahakami Palace in Totori and[...]

Yamanobe no Ohotaka

Yamanobe no Ohotaka

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: – Death: – Yamanobe no Ohotaka Yamanobe no Ohotaka is a man seen in the kojiki during the exploits to try and get Prince Homutsuwake to speak. Though the prince had grown into a man he still could not speak, however, one[...]

Hinagahime

Hinagahime

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Princess Family: Homutsuwake (husband) Birth: – Death: – Hinagahime Hinagahime (肥長比売) was the wife of Prince Homutsuwake. After the Prince had learnt to speak he was left to live in the palace of Nagaho in Ajimasa. Here he married Hinagahime for a single night where he discovered[...]

Homutsuwake

Homutsuwake

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Emperor Suinin (father) Sahobime (mother) Hinagahime (wife) Birth: – Death: – Homutsuwake Homutsuwake (誉津別命) was the son of Emperor Suinin and Sahobime.123 Birth Nihongi Version Homutsuwake was born prior to the assassination attempt on his father’s life by his mother. His mother, mourning that[...]

Tōdaiki

Tōdaiki

Tōdaiki Tōdaiki (灯台鬼 – Candle Stick Demon) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. This tale can be found in the Wakan Sansai Zue. This creature was made after Minister Karu (軽大臣) was sent to China as an envoy. Once he was there he was poisoned by[...]

Dōjōji no kane

Dōjōji no kane

Dōjōji no kane Dōjōji no kane (道成寺鐘 – The Bell of Dōjōji) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. The story behind this creature relates to the priest Anchin and his love Kiyohime. Kiyohime was the daughter of a wealthy merchant family and that her and[...]

Priest Dōin

Priest Dōin

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet Family: Birth: 1090AD Death:  c.1179AD Priest Dōin Priest Dōin (道因), also known as Fujiwara no Atsuyori, was a japanese poet who lived from 1090-c.1179AD. He was known for being mean. In addition to being a poet he also reached the fifth court rank and[...]

Fujiwara no Michimasa

Fujiwara no Michimasa

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Poet Family: Fujiwara no Korechika (father) Birth: 992AD Death: 1054AD   Fujiwara no Michimasa Fujiwara no Michimasa (藤原 道雅) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan, more specifically the Hokke Branch, living from 992-1054AD. He was the son of Fujiwara no Korechika and acted as Master of[...]

Fujiwara no Tsugukage

Fujiwara no Tsugukage

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Governor of Ise Province Family: Birth: – Death: – Fujiwara no Tsugukage Fujiwara no Tsugukage (藤原 継蔭) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan. He was the father of Lady Ise and acted as Governor of Ise Province in his lifetime.1 Footnotes 1. MacMillan, P. (2018)[...]

Ise Province

Ise Province

See also: Provinces Izumi Province Ise Province (伊勢国) was one of the many provinces in Japan. Legendary Period During the reign of Emperor Suinin his daughter Yamatohime is entrusted with the care of Amaterasu. She goes searching for a place to enshrine Amaterasu travelling through Sasahata in Uda, then Mino[...]

Lady Ise

Lady Ise

Period: Heian Period Occupation: – Family: Fujiwara no Tsugukage (father) Nakatsukasa (daughter) Birth: c.875AD Death: c.938AD Lady Ise Lady Ise (伊勢) was the daughter of Fujiwara no Tsugukage, and therefore a member of the Fujiwara Clan. She was also the mother to Nakatsukasa. She is thought to have lived from[...]

Ihiirine

Ihiirine

For the member of the Imperial Family see: Irine For the ancestor of the Haji Clan see: Iirine Period: Legendery Period Occupation: – Family: Izumo Furune (brother) Umashikarahisa (brother) Birth: – Death: – Ihiirine Ihiirine (飯入根) was the brother of Izumo Furune and Umashikarahisa. He gives over some sacred treasures[...]

Izumo Furune

Izumo Furune

Period: Legendery Period Occupation: – Family: Ihiirine (brother) Umashikarahisa (brother) Birth: – Death: – Izumo Furune Izumo Furune (出雲振根) was a man who resided over the Izumo Shrine, and the Sacred Treasures there that had once been brought to earth by the kami Takehiratori. He is said to have been[...]

Takemorosumi

Takemorosumi

Period: Legendery Period Occupation: – Family: – Birth: – Death: – Takemorosumi Takemorosumi (武諸隅命) is mentioned during the reign of Emperor Sujin. He is sent by the Emperor to Izumo Shrine to retrieve Sacred Treasures that had once been brought to earth by the kami Takehiratori. He is said to[...]

Atabime

Atabime

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Princess Family: Takehaniyasuhiko (husband) Birth: – Death: – Atabime Atabime (吾田媛) was the wife of Takehaniyasuhiko. The nihongi relates how she and her husband led armies to attack Emperor Sujin. Her army attacked from Ohosaka and her husband from Yamashiro Province. Her army was attacked by Kibitsuhiko[...]

Hikokunibuku

Hikokunibuku

Period: Legendery Period Occupation: Warrior / Five Daibu Family: – Birth: – Death: – Hikokunibuku Hikokunibuku is mentioned in the nihongi and kojiki. Reign of Emperor Sujin During the reign of Emperor Sujin he joins Ohobiko during the war against Takehaniyasuhiko going with him to Yamashiro Province to fight against[...]

Tamba Province

Tamba Province

See also: Provinces Tamba Province Tamba Province (丹波国) is one of the many provinces of Japan. During the reign of Emperor Sujin, a man known as Tambanochinushi was sent here under the Emperor’s orders to subdue the people there.1 Yamanobe no Ohotaka passed through here on his way to catch[...]

Tambanochinushi

Tambanochinushi

Period: Legendery Period Occupation: Shido-Shogun Family: – Birth: – Death: – Tambanochinushi Tambanochinushi is mentioned in the nihongi as one of the four men sent out to subdue the provinces during the 10th year of the reign of Emperor Sujin.1 The kojiki does not make mention of him during this[...]

Harumichi no Tsuraki

Harumichi no Tsuraki

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Governor Family: Birth: Death: 920AD Harumichi no Tsuraki Harumichi no Tsuraki (春道 列樹) was a Japanese poet who died in 920AD. He graduated from the Imperial Univeristy in his lfietime and then became a Greater Secretary at Dazaifu. He was then given the position[...]

Igakashikowo

Igakashikowo

Period: Legendery Period Occupation: Shinto Priest Family: – Birth: – Death: – Igakashikowo Igakashikowo (伊香色雄命) is a man who lived during the reign of Emperor Sujin. In the kojiki we see that he was instructed by Emperor Sujin to make 80 heavenly platters and to establish shrines to the earthly[...]

Mount Miwa

Mount Miwa

Co-ordinates: 34° 32′ 6″ N, 135° 52′ 0″ E Region: Kansai Region Prefecture: Nara Prefecture Height: 467.1m Mount Miwa Mount Miwa (三輪山, Miwa-yama) also known as Mount Mimoro (三諸山, Mimoro-yama) is a mountain located in Nara Prefecture. Name Notation in the kojiki says that tname ‘Mi wa’ comes from the three twists of hemp from the tale[...]

Suyetsumimi

Suyetsumimi

Period: Legendery Period Occupation: – Family: Ikutamayoribime (daughter) Birth: – Death: – Suyetsumimi Suyetsumimi was the father of Ikutamayoribime.123 When his daughter became pregnant he thought she had conceived by herself, however, she said she had not. So they devised a way to find out who the father was. He instructed[...]

Ikutamayoribime

Ikutamayoribime

Period: Legendery Period Occupation: – Family: Ōkuninushi (husband) Suyetsumimi (father) Kushimigata (son) Ohotataneko (son?) Birth: – Death: – Ikutamayoribime Ikutamayoribime (活玉依毘売) was a woman who became pregnant from Ōkuninushi and together they had Kushimigata (ancestor to Ohotataneko23). It is said she was the daughter of Suyetsumimi.123 The kojiki tells us[...]

Ohotataneko

Ohotataneko

Period: Legendery Period Occupation: Shinto Priest Family: Ōkuninushi (ancestor) See ancestry below Birth: – Death: – Ohotataneko Ohotataneko (大田田根子) was a man who later became a prominent Shinto Priest in his lifetime do to the intervention of the kami Ōkuninushi. Ancestry The nihongi states that he is the son of Ōkuninushi[...]

Toyokiiribiko

Toyokiiribiko

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Princes Family: Emperor Sujin (father) Tohotsunoayumemekuhashi (mother) Toyosukiiribime (sister) Birth: – Death: – Toyokiiribiko Toyokiiribiko (豊城入彦命) was the son of Emperor Sujin and Tohotsunoayumemekuhashi.123 He is said to be the ancestor of the Kamitsuke no kimi and Shimotsuke no kimi.123 In the 48th year of his father reign,[...]

Fudoki

Fudoki

Fudoki Fudoki (風土記) are ancient records concerning the old provinces of Japan. These records being ordered by Empress Genmei in 713AD.1 Surviving Examples The most substantial ones which have survived at the Bungo Fudoki, Harima Fudoki, Hitachi Fudoki, Hizen Fudoki and Izumo Fudoki, with the Izumo version the only one[...]

Toyosukiiribime

Toyosukiiribime

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Princess Family: Emperor Sujin (father) Tohotsunoayumemekuhashi (mother) Toyokiiribiko (brother) Birth: – Death: – Toyosukiiribime Toyosukiiribime (豊鍬入姫命) was the daughter of Emperor Sujin and Tohotsunoayumemekuhashi. The kojiki states that she was High Priestess at the Ise Grand Shrine.12 The Jinnō Shōtōki states that during the reign of Sujin,[...]

Matonuhime

Matonuhime

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Princess Family: Tanika no hiko Tatatsumichinoushi (father) Taniha no Kahakami no Masu no Iratsume (mother) Hibasuhime (sister) Mikadawake (brother) Otohime (sister) Nubatanoiribika (sister) Azaminoiribime (sister) Takanohime (sister) Utakorihime (sister) Yehime (sister) Birth: – Death: – Matonuhime Matonuhime (真砥野比売命) was the daughter of Taniha no Kahakami no Masu[...]

Sahobime

Sahobime

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Princess Family: Emperor Suinin (husband) Homutsuwake (son) Hikoimasu (father) Sahonoohokuramitome (mother) Sahobiko (brother) Murobiko (brother) Wozaho (brother) Birth: – Death: – Sahobime Sahobime (狭穂姫命) also known as Sahajihime was the daughter of Hikoimasu and Sahonoohokuramitome. She would later go on to marry Emperor Suinin and together have a[...]

Sahobiko

Sahobiko

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Hikoimasu (father) Sahonoohokuramitome (mother) Wozaho (brother) Sahobime (sister) Murobiko (brother) Birth: – Death: – Sahobiko Sahobiko (沙本毘古王) was the son of Hikoimasu and Sahonoohokuramitome. He is said to be the ancestor of the Kusakabe no muraji and Kahi no kuni no miyatsuko.12 During the[...]

Aketatsu

Aketatsu

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Ohōmata (father) Unakami (brother) Birth: – Death: – Aketatsu Aketatsu (曙立王) was the son of Ohōmata. He is said to have been the ancestor of the Homujibe no kimi and the Ise no Sana no miyatsuko. We see him later mentioned in the kojiki during[...]

Yenahime

Yenahime

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Wife Family: Hikoimasu (husband) Ohōmata (son) Womata (son) Shibumi no Sukune (son) Birth: – Death: – Yenahime Yenahime (山代之荏名津比売- Yamashiroenatsuhime?) also known as Karibatatobe (苅幡戸辨) was the wife of Hikoimasu. It is said she married him in Yamashiro Province and together they had three sons called Ohōmata,[...]

Fujiwara no Kanesuke

Fujiwara no Kanesuke

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Poet, chūnagon Family: Fujiwara no Toshimoto (father) Fujiwara no Tametoki (grandson) Murasaki Shikibu (great-granddaughter) Birth: 877AD Death: 933AD Fujiwara no Kanesuke Fujiwara no Kanesuke (藤原 兼輔) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan, more specifically the Hokke Branch of the family. He lived from 877-933AD. He was[...]

Hikoimasu

Hikoimasu

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince / Shido Shogun Family: Emperor Kaika (father) Oketsuhime (mother) Many wives and children see below. Birth: – Death: – Hikoimasu Hikoimasu (彦坐王) was the son of Emperor Kaika and Oketsuhime.123 He is additonally said to have had several wives and many children. Family With his first wife[...]

Dragons

Dragons

Dragons Currently this page will aim to serve as a place to gather the different Dragons on the website. Further down the line we will change this page to include the imagery and culture behind them in Japan. Currently we have the following Dragons listed on the site: Yamato no[...]

Emperor Kaika

Emperor Kaika

Reign: 158-98BC Born: 208BC Period: Legendery Period Family: Emperor Kōgen (father) Uchishikome (mother) Takanohime (wife) Hikoyumusumi (son) Ikagashikome (wife/step mum) Emperor Sujin (son) Mimatsuhime (daughter) Oketsuhime (wife) Hikoimasu (son) Washihime (wife) Taketayohadzurawake (son) Burial place: misasagi in Isakaha Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Kōgen  * Successor Emperor Sujin Emperor Kaika[...]

Jien

Jien

Period: Heian Period / Kamakura Period Occupation: Buddhist Monk, daisōjō Family: Fujiwara no Tadamichi (father) Kanoe no Motozane (brother) Fujiwara no Motofusa (brother) Kujō no Kanezane (brother) Fujiwara no Kanefusa (brother) Fujiwara no Masako (sister) Fujiwara no Ikushi (adopted sister) Fujiwara no Teishi (adopted sister) Birth: c.1155AD Death: 1225AD Jien Jien[...]

Awa Province

Awa Province

See also: List of Provinces Awa Province Awa Province (阿波国) was one of the many provinces of Japan. According to the kojiki the kami Ōgetsuhime dwelt here.1 Footnotes 1. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An Account of Ancient Matters”. New York: Columbia University Press.[...]

Shimōsa Province

Shimōsa Province

See also: List of Provinces Shimōsa Province Shimōsa Province (下総国) was one of the many provinces of Japan. Edo Period During this time there was a hatamoto known as Hotta Masanobu (堀田 正信) who heavily taxed the residents of the province. He ignored there please to ease the taxes, and[...]

Iyo Province

Iyo Province

See also: List of Provinces Iyo Province Iyo Province (伊予国) was one of the many provinces of Japan. Branches of the Date Clan are known to have controlled the Yoshida and Uwajima Domains in this province.1 The kojiki states that this place is inhabited by the kami Ehime. Heian Period[...]

Sanuki Province

Sanuki Province

See also: List of Provinces Sanuki Province Sanuki Province (讃岐国) was one of the many provinces of Japan. The kojiki states it is inhabited by the kami Iiyorohiko.3 Heian Period In 866AD we see Sugawara no Michizane appointed as Governor of this province. A position which he held for 4[...]

Tōtōmi Province

Tōtōmi Province

See also: List of Provinces Tōtōmi Province Tōtōmi Province (遠江国) was one of the many provinces of Japan. Nara Period We see Haji no Sukune Furuhito made Lieutenant Governor of this province one month after recieving the rank of junior fifth rank, lower grade.1 Footnotes 1. Borgen, R. (1975) “The[...]

Kazusa Province

Kazusa Province

See also: List of Provinces Kazusa Province Kazusa Province (上総国) was one of the many provinces of Japan. Nara Period In 738AD we see Haji no Ushikatsu mentioned as lieutenant Governor of this province.1 Heian Period Sugawara no Takasue no Musume is known to have grown up in this province[...]

Settsu Province

Settsu Province

See also: List of Provinces Settsu Province Settsu Province (摂津国) was one of the many provinces of Japan. The Haji Clan is known to have dwelt in this province as well as Yamashiro, Yamato and Izumi according to the Shinsen Shojiroku.1 Heian Period The Priest Noin is known to have[...]

Wakasa Province

Wakasa Province

See also: List of Provinces Wakasa Province Wakasa Province (若狭国) was one of the many provinces of Japan. Muromachi Period An offshoot of the Takeda Clan, the Aki Branch had a long lineage of military governors that dwelt in Wakasa Province from 1440. These Takeda were known for cultural pursuits,[...]

Kōzuke Province

Kōzuke Province

See also: List of Provinces Kōzuke Province Kōzuke Province (上野国) was one of the many provinces of Japan. Azuchi-Momoyama Period During the life of Takeda Katsuyori he ruled as daimyō over the Kai, Shinano, Suruga and Kōzuke Provinces.1 Footnotes 1. Louis Frederic, translated by Kathe Roth (2002) “Japan Encyclopedia”. London:[...]

Suruga Province

Suruga Province

See also: List of Provinces Suruga Province Suruga Province (駿河国) was one of the many provinces of Japan. Legendary Period Yamato Takeru was tasked to go subdue the Yemishi who lived on the periphery of the realm, on his way he travels through Suruga according to the Nihongi. However the[...]

Shinano Province

Shinano Province

See also: List of Provinces Shinano Province Shinano Province (信濃国) was one of the many provinces of Japan. Folktales The folktale The Clever Boar and Monkey is set in this province.5 Legenedary Period Yamanobe no Ohotaka passed through here on his way to catch a swan for the Prince Homutsuwake.4[...]

Dewa Province

Dewa Province

See also: List of Provinces Dewa Province Dewa Province (出羽国) was one of the many provinces of Japan. Nara Period The Nara Period fortess called Akitajō (秋田城) was establised here in 733 as an aide to subjugating the Ezo People. It was used between the 8th and 10th centuries before[...]

Mimasaka Province

Mimasaka Province

See also: List of Provinces Mimasaka Province Mimasaka Province (美作国) was one of the many provinces of Japan. Legends state that the Haji Clan came directly from Izumo Province to Yamato, however, archaeological evidence shows that they slowly emmigrates here leaving settlements in Mimsaka and Harima Provinces.1 Footnotes 1. Borgen,[...]

Mikawa Province

Mikawa Province

See also: Provinces Mikawa Province Mikawa Province (三河国) was one of the many provinces of Japan. Nara Period Priest Manzei was made General of Owari, Mikawa and Shinano Provinces.1 Azuchi-Momoyama Period Takeda Katsuyori invade the province, going against Tokugawa Ieyasu,2 however here he was routed by Ieyasu and Oda Nobunaga[...]

Kibi Province

Kibi Province

See also: Provinces Kibi Province Kibi Province (吉備国) was one of the many provinces in Japan. Legendary Period According to one tale in the Nihongi, Susano-o killed the dragon Yamata no Orochi using the blade Orochi no Karasabi. This sword was eventually given into the care of the Kambe of[...]

Aki Province

Aki Province

See also: Provinces Aki Province Aki Province (安藝國/安芸国) was one of the many provinces in Japan. Legendary Period According to one version of events in the Nihongi, the kami Susano-o comes to the River Ye, in Aki Province. Here he meets Ashi-nadzu-te-nadzu and his wife Inada no Miya-nushi Susa no[...]

Kawachi Province

Kawachi Province

See also: Provinces Kawachi Province Kawachi Province (河内国) was one of the many provinces in Japan. It is now included in Osaka. Haji Clan From information inside of the nihongi we know that members of the Haji Clan dwelt here. After the dissolution of the Haji Clan and their connections[...]

Izumi Province

Izumi Province

See also: Provinces Izumi Province Izumi Province (和泉国) was one of the many provinces in Japan. It is now included in Osaka. The Engi Shiki list shrines to the kami Ameno Futodama here1 with the Shinsen Shōjiroku stating the Haji Clan dwelt in this province amongst others.2 Reign of Emperor[...]

Takehaniyasuhiko

Takehaniyasuhiko

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Emperor Kōgen (father) Haniyasuhime (mother) Atabime (wife) Birth: – Death: – Takehaniyasuhiko Takehaniyasuhiko (武埴安彦命) was the son of Emperor Kōgen and Haniyasuhime.123 During the reign of Emperor Sujin he planned to rise up against him and attack.123 In the kojiki it says that Ohobiko[...]

Yamatotohime

Yamatotohime

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Princess Family: Emperor Kōgen (father) Uchishikome (mother) Emperor Kaika (brother) Ohobiko (brother) Birth: – Death: – Yamatotohime Yamatotohime (倭迹迹姫命) was the daughter of Emperor Kōgen and Uchishikome and so was the sister of Ohobiko and Emperor Kaika. She is also given the name of Yamatotohimomosobime1. She does not[...]

Ohobiko

Ohobiko

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince / Shido Shogun Family: Emperor Kōgen (father) Uchishikome (mother) Emperor Kaika (brother) Sukunabikookokoro (brother) Yamatotohime (sister) Takenumakahawake (son) Hikoinakoshiwake (son) Mimakihime (daughter) Birth: – Death: – Ohobiko Ohobiko (大彦命) was the son of Emperor Kōgen and Uchishikome. Family He was the brother to Emperor Kaika, Yamatotohime12 and[...]

Emperor Kōgen

Emperor Kōgen

Reign: 214-158BC Born: 273BC Period: Legendery Period Family: Emperor Kōrei (father) Kuwashi Hime (mother) Uchishikome (wife) Ohobiko (son) Emperor Kaika (son) Sukunabikookokoro (son) Yamatotohime (daughter) Ikagashikome (concubine) Hikofutooshimakoto (son) Haniyasuhime (concubine) Takehaniyasuhiko (son) Burial place: misasagi on Tsurugi Lake Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Kōrei  * Successor Emperor Kaika Emperor Kōgen[...]

Kibitsuhiko

Kibitsuhiko

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince / Shido Shogun Family: Emperor Kōrei (father) Yamatonokunikahime (mother) Yamatototowakayabime (sister) Yamatototohimomosobime (sister) Hikosashikatawake (brother) Birth: – Death: – Kibitsuhiko Kibitsuhiko (吉備津彦命) was the son of Emperor Kōrei and Yamatonokunikahime. He was the brother of Yamatototohimomosobime, Yamatototowakayabime12 and Hikosashikatawake.1 In the kojiki he is given an alternative name[...]

Hikosajima

Hikosajima

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Emperor Kōrei (father) Haeirode (mother) Wakatakehiko (brother) Birth: – Death: – Hikosajima Hikosajima (彦狭島命) was the son of Emperor Kōrei and Haeirodo12 and brother to Wakatakehiko.2 In the kojiki his name differs slightly to the nihongi where he is called Hikosamame.2 He is listed as the Ancestor[...]

Wakatakehiko

Wakatakehiko

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Emperor Kōrei (father) Haeirode (mother) Hikosajima (brother) Birth: – Death: – Wakatakehiko Wakatakehiko (稚武彦命) was the son of Emperor Kōrei and Haeirodo12 and brother of Hikosajima.2 He is listed as the ancestor to the Kibi no Omi1 more specifically the ancestor to the Shimotsumichi in Kibi[...]

Chijihayamawaka

Chijihayamawaka

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Concubine Family: Emperor Kōrei (husband) Chijihayahime (daughter) Birth: – Death: – Chijihayamawaka Chijihayamawaka (千千速真若比売) was the concubine of Emperor Kōrei. We see her mentioned in the Kojiki as coming from Kasuga. With the Emperor she had a daughter called Chijihayahime.12 Footnotes 1. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav[...]

Emperor Kōrei

Emperor Kōrei

Reign: 290-215BC Born: 342BC Period: Legendery Period Family: Emperor Kōan (father) Oshihime (mother) Kuwashi Hime (wife) Emperor Kōgen (son) Haeirodo (concubine) Wakatakehiko (son) Hikosajima (son) Yamato no kunikahime (concubine) Yamatototohimomosobime (daughter) Kibitsuhiko (son) Yamatototowakayabime (daughter) Hikosashikatawake (son) Chijihayamawaka (concubine) Chijihayahime (daughter) Burial place: misasagi on Mumazaka at Kataoka. Order of[...]

Fujiwara no Nagataka

Fujiwara no Nagataka

Period: Kamakura Period Occupation: Painter, Monk Family: Fujiwara no Ienobu (father) Fujiwara no Takasuke (son) Birth: – Death: – Fujiwara no Nagataka Fujiwara no Nagataka was a member of the Fujiwara Clan living in the 13th Century. He was a painter in the Yamato-e style and was also a Buddhist[...]

Fujiwara no Ienobu

Fujiwara no Ienobu

Period: Kamakura Period Occupation: – Family: Fujiwara no Nagataka (son) Birth: – Death: – Fujiwara no Ienobu Fujiwara no Ienobu was a member of the Fujiwara Clan from the 13th Century. It is known that he studied alongside his son Fujiwara no Nagataka in Kyoto.1 Footnotes 1. Louis Frederic, translated[...]

Fujiwara no Sumitomo

Fujiwara no Sumitomo

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Provincial Officer of Iyo Province Family: Fujiwara no Yoshinori (father) Birth: – Death: 941AD Fujiwara no Sumitomo Fujiwara no Sumitomo (藤原 光隆) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan. He was the son of Fujiwara no Yoshinori and died in 941AD after leading a failed rebellion.1[...]

Fujiwara no Tadabumi

Fujiwara no Tadabumi

Period: Nara Period / Heian Period Occupation: General of the Imperial Troops, sei-i-tai-shōgun Family: Fujiwara no Tsuneyoshi (father) Birth: 873AD Death: 947AD Fujiwara no Tadabumi Fujiwara no Tadabumi (藤原 忠文) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan, living from 873-947, he was the son of Fujiwara no Tsuneyoshi. He was also[...]

Matsudono Motofusa

Matsudono Motofusa

Period: Heian Period / Kamakura Period Occupation: Sesshō, Dajō daijin, kampaku Family: Fujiwara no Tadamichi (father) Matsudono Moroie (son) Matsudono Tadafusa (son) Fujiwara no Iefusa (son) Fujiwara no Takatada (son) Birth:1144AD Death: 1230AD Matsudono Motofusa Matsudono Motofusa (松殿 基房), also known as Fujiwara no Motofusa (藤原 基房) was a member of the Fujiwara[...]

Ariwara no Yukihira

Ariwara no Yukihira

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Third Rank of the office of chūnagon Family: Prince Abo (father) Ariwara no Narihira (brother) Birth: 818 Death: 893 Ariwara no Yukihira Ariwara no Yukihira (在原 行平) was a member of the Ariwara Family and a known poet during his time, living from 818-893AD.[...]

Minamoto no Tōru

Minamoto no Tōru

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Sadaijin Family: Emperor Saga (father) Emperor Ninmyō (brother) Minamoto no Makoto (brother) Minamoto no Tokiwa (brother) Birth: 822AD Death: 895AD Minamoto no Tōru Minamoto no Tōru (源 融) was a member of the Imperial Family living from 822-895AD1. The son of Emperor Saga he[...]

Ōkaburo

Ōkaburo

Ōkaburo Ōkaburo (大禿 – Great Kaburo) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien.  Annotations alongside the Yōkai says that there was an immortal called Hōso who was some 700 years old and who called himself Yū-Jidō (Chrysanthemum Boy). Is this then what[...]

Nakatomi no Omimaro

Nakatomi no Omimaro

Period: Asuka Period Occupation: Head of the National Shrines of Ise. Family: Nakatomi no Kamatari Birth: – Death: 711AD Nakatomi no Omimaro Nakatomi no Omimaro (中臣 意美麻呂) was a member of the Nakatomi Clan and nephew to Nakatomi no Kamatari. He died in 711AD. When his uncle founded the Fujiwara Clan,[...]

Fujiwara no Takamitsu

Fujiwara no Takamitsu

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Writer, Monk Family: Fujiwara no Morosuke (father) Fujiwara no Tamemitsu (brother) Fujiwara no Koretada (brother) Fujiwara no Kanemichi (brother) Fujiwara no Kaneie (brother) Fujiwara no Kinsue (brother) Birth: – Death: 994AD Fujiwara no Takamitsu Fujiwara no Takamitsu (藤原 高光) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan, more[...]

Fujiwara no Takaie

Fujiwara no Takaie

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Governor Family: Fujiwara no Michitaka (father) Fujiwara no Korechika (brother) Fujiwara no Teishi (sister) Birth: 974AD Death: 1044AD Fujiwara no Takaie Fujiwara no Takaie (藤原 隆家) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan, more specifically the Hokke Branch of this clan. Living from 974-1044 he was the[...]

Priest Genbō

Priest Genbō

Period: Nara Period Occupation: Buddhist Monk, sōjō Family: – Birth: – Death: 746AD Priest Genbō Priest Genbō (玄昉) was a Buddhist Priest and court official known to have died on 746AD. In 717 he was sent to China alongside Abe no Nakamaro and Kibi no Makibi where he studied the[...]

Kibi no Makibi

Kibi no Makibi

Period: Asuka Period, Nara Period Occupation: Scholar, udajin Family: – Birth: 695AD Death:775AD Kibi no Makibi Kibi no Makibi (吉備 朝臣 真備) was a scholar, born into a powerful family in the Kibi Region, who lived from 695-775AD. In his lifetime he was well versed in confucian classics, as well[...]

Abe no Nakamaro

Abe no Nakamaro

Period: Asuka Period, Nara Period Occupation: Poet Family: – Birth: 698AD1 701AD3 Death:770AD Abe no Nakamaro Abe no Nakamaro (阿倍 仲麻呂) was a member of the Abe Clan living from 698-770AD.1 He is known to have been born in Abe, Nara Prefecture.2 During his lifetime he was both a poet[...]