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Hibasuhime

Hibasuhime

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Empress Family: Emperor Suinin (husband) Inishikinoiribiko (son) Emperor Keikō (son) Ohonakatsuhiko (son) Yamatohime (daughter) Wakakiiribiko (son) Tanika no hiko Tatatsumichinoushi (father) Taniha no Kahakami no Masu no Iratsume (mother) Mikadawake (brother) Matonuhime (sister) Otohime (sister) Nubatanoiribika (sister) Azaminoiribime (sister) Takanohime (sister) Utakorihime (sister) Yehime (sister) Birth: –[...]

Sugawara no Takasue no Musume

Sugawara no Takasue no Musume

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Author Family: Sugawara no Takasue Birth: 1008 Death: after 1059 Sugawara no Takasue no Musume Sugawara no Takasue no Musume (菅原孝標女) was a member of the Sugawara Clan and daughter of Sugawara no Takasue, born in 100812 she died some time after 1067.2 Though we know[...]

Sugawara no Kiyogimi

Sugawara no Kiyogimi

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Statesman. Minister. Family: Sugawara no Koreyoshi (son) Birth: 770 Death: 842 Sugawara no Kiyogimi Sugawara no Kiyogimi, also known as Sugawara no Kiyotomo (菅原 清公) was a member of the Sugawara Clan living from 770-842. He was the father of Sugawara no Koreyoshi and during his life[...]

Sugawara no Koreyoshi

Sugawara no Koreyoshi

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Scholar, Tutor. Family: Sugawara no Kiyogimi (father) Sugawara no Michizane (son) Birth: 812 Death: 880 Sugawara no Koreyoshi Sugawara no Koreyoshi (菅原 是善) was a member of the Sugawara clan living from 812 to 880. He was the son of Sugawara no Kiyogimi and had a[...]

Sugawara no Michizane

Sugawara no Michizane

See also: Sugawara no Michizane Poems Period: Heian Period Occupation: Udaijin, Governor, Poet Family: Haji no Mimichi (ancestor) Sugawara no Koreyoshi (father) Sugawara no Fumitoki (grandson) Birth: 845 Death: 903 Sugawara no Michizane Sugawara no Michizane (菅原 道真/菅原 道眞) was a member of the Sugawara Clan living during the Heian[...]

Tsuchigumo

Tsuchigumo

    Tsuchigumo Tsuchigumo (土蜘蛛) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien and various other literature such as the Bakemono no e. The creature is an oversized spider type of creature. Yōkai Connections It is said Minamoto no Yorimitsu killed one of[...]

Haji no Sukune Furuhito

Haji no Sukune Furuhito

Period: Nara Period Occupation: Lieutenant Governor of Tōtōmi Family: Haji Clan (ancestors) Sugawara Clan (decendants) Birth: Death: Haji no Sukune Furuhito Haji no Sukune Furuhito (土師 宿禰古人) later Sugawara no Furuhito (菅原古人) was a member of the Haji Clan until he requested their name be changed to Sugawara. During his[...]

Haji no Umate

Haji no Umate

Period: Asuka Period Occupation: Retainer in the Office of Crown Lands Family: Haji Clan Birth: Death: 711AD Haji no Umate Haji no Umate (馬手) was a member of the Haji Clan known to have fought in the Jinshin War during his lifetime. When the future Emperor Tenmu left to become[...]

Haji no Ushikatsu

Haji no Ushikatsu

Period: Nara Period Occupation: Lieutenant Governor of Kazusa Province Family: Haji Clan Birth: Death: Haji no Ushikatsu Haji no Ushikatsu (土師 牛勝) was a member of the Haji Clan who we see mentioned as Lieutenant Governor of Kazusa Province in 738AD. In 745 we see him in the capital with[...]

Haji Clan

Haji Clan

First Ruler: Nomi no Sukune (dubious) Final Ruler: – Dissolution: – Cadet Branches: Sugawara Clan, Akishino Clan, Ōe Clan, Niehaji. For a full list of Clans: See Japanese Clans. Haji Clan The Haji Clan (土師氏) was a Japanese clan which claimed descent from the Shinto kami Amenohohi in the 12[...]

Nomi no Sukune

Nomi no Sukune

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Sumo Wrestler, Master Potter Family: Haji Clan (descendants) Haji no Mino (great-grandson) Amenohohi (ancestor) Others see below. Birth: Death: Nomi no Sukune Nomi no Sukune (野見 宿禰) was said to have been a descendant of the kami Amenohohi in the 14th generation and great-grandfather to Haji[...]

Haji no Mimichi

Haji no Mimichi

See also: Haji no Mimichi Poems Period: Nara Period Occupation: Poet Family: Sugawara no Michizane (descendant) Birth: Death: Haji no Mimichi Haji no Mimichi (土師 水通 / 土師 御通) was a member of the Haji Clan living during the Nara Period. In the Haji Clan he is seen as the[...]

Kobayashi Issa

Kobayashi Issa

See also: Kobayashi Issa Poems Period: Edo Period Occupation: Haiku Poet Family: Kiku (wife) 8 children Birth: 1763 Death: 1827 Kobayashi Issa Kobayashi Issa (小林 一茶) was a renowned haiku poet living from 1763 to 1827.1234 He went by other names in his life such as Kobayashi Yatarō and Kobayashi[...]

Mizokuhi

Mizokuhi

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Kotoshironushi (husband) Himetatara Isuzuhime (daughter) Mizokuhi Mizokuhi also known as Tamakushihime (玉櫛媛) is a Shinto kami mentioned in the Nihongi as the wife of Kotoshironushi and mother of Himetatara Isuzuhime. It is said she is from Mishima Island.1 Footnotes 1. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi Volume 1:[...]

Sukunabikona

Sukunabikona

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Takamimusuhi (father) Sukunabikona Sukunabikona (少彦名神) is a Shinto kami seen in two differing narratives inside of the Nihongi. In the first version he works with Ōkuninushi to make the ‘sub-celestial world,’ during this time they determine how to heal the diseases of men, and prtoects against[...]

Ōmiwa

Ōmiwa

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Himetatara Isuzuhime (daughter) Kimi of Kamo (descendants) Kimi of Ōmiwa (descendants) Ōmiwa Ōmiwa is a Shinto kami seen mentioned in the Nihongi. He is said to be the ancestor of the Kimi of Kamo and Kimi of Ōmiwa. His daughter was Himetatara Isuzuhime. He is[...]

Ōkuninushi

Ōkuninushi

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Amenofuyukinu (father) Sashikuniwakahime (mother) Susano-o (ancestor) Yamatotohime (wife) Ikutamayoribime (wife) Kushimigata (son) Ohotataneko (descendant) Ōkuninushi Ōkuninushi (大国主神 – Great Land Master1) is a Shinto kami. Family The kojiki states he is the son of Amenofuyukinu and Sashikuniwakahime, due to this he is a decendant of Susano-o.1[...]

Kushinadahime

Kushinadahime

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Ashinadzuchi (father) Tenadzuchi (mother) Susano-o (husband) Ōkuninushi (son?) Yashimajinumi (son) Suga-no-yu-yama-nushi Mitsu-na-saro-hiko-yamaa-shino (son) Kushinadahime Kushinadahime (櫛名田比売 / 奇稲田姫 – Lady Wondrous Rice Paddies2) is a Shinto kami seen within the Kojiki and Nihongi narrative with connections to Susano-o and the Dragon Yamata no Orochi.12[...]

Ashinadzuchi

Ashinadzuchi

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Tenadzuchi (wife) Kushinadahime (daughter) Ōyamatsumi (father) Ashinadzuchi Ashinadzuchi ( 足名椎 / 脚摩乳命) is a Shinto kami seen in the texts of the Kojiki and Nihongi in relation to their dealings with Yamata no Orochi. He is the husband of Tenadzuchi and father to Kushinadahime in both the Nihongi[...]

Tsumatsuhime

Tsumatsuhime

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Trees? Family: Susano-o (father) Isotakeru (brother) Oyatsuhime (sister) Tsumatsuhime Tsumatsuhime is a Shinto kami mentioned alongside his father in alternative versions of the Nihongi. The tale states Susano-o was jealous of the land of Han and its riches, and so from his body he pucked many[...]

Oyatsuhime

Oyatsuhime

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Trees? Family: Susano-o (father) Isotakeru (brother) Tsumatsuhime (sister) Oyatsuhime Oyatsuhime (大屋都比賣神 / 大屋津姫命) is a Shinto kami mentioned alongside his father in alternative versions of the Nihongi. The tale states Susano-o was jealous of the land of Han and its riches, and so from his body he[...]

Isotakeru

Isotakeru

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Trees? Family: Susano-o (father) Oyatsuhime (sister) Tsumatsuhime (sister) Isotakeru Isotakeru (五十猛神) is a Shinto kami mentioned alongside his father in alternative versions of the Nihongi. The first mentions that after his father was banished from Heaven he went to dwell in Silla with Isotakeru. Before leaving[...]

Kamu Ōichihime

Kamu Ōichihime

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: ? Family: Susano-o (husband) Ōyamatsumi (father) Ashinadzuchi (brother?) Kushinadahime (niece?) Kamu Ōichihime Kamu Ōichihime (神大市比売 – Lady Sacred Great Market) is mentioned in the text of the Kojiki as the second wife of Susano-o. Potentially by tracing the family tree, she would be the aunt of Kushinadahime,[...]

Yamata no Orochi

Yamata no Orochi

Yamata no Orochi Yamata no Orochi (ヤマタノオロチ, also 八岐大蛇 , 八俣遠呂智 or 八俣遠呂知, 大蛇) was a giant serpentine Dragon mentioned in the Shinto Mythologies in association with Susano-o. The Dragon and Susano-o can be found in old texts such as the Kojiki and Nihongi.12 The appaearance of the Dragon in[...]

Fujiwara no Hirotsugu

Fujiwara no Hirotsugu

Period: Nara Period Occupation: – Family: Fujiwara no Umakai (father) Fujiwara no Momokawa (brother) Fujiwara no Yoshitsugu (brother) Fujiwara no Kiyonari (brother) Fujiwara no Kurajimaro (brother) Birth: 715 Death: 740AD Fujiwara no Hirotsugu Fujiwara no Hirotsugu (藤原 広嗣) was a member of the Fujwiara Clan, and leader of the Shikike Branch,[...]

Yamatsuchi

Yamatsuchi

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: – Yamatsuchi Yamatsuchi is a Shinto kami seen in an alternative writing of the Nihongi. In this version they are tasked with gathering Sakaki Tree’s as part of the offerings to try and coax Amaterasu out of the Sacred Rock Cave.1 Footnotes 1. Aston.[...]

Hinomahe

Hinomahe

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Ishikoridome (creator) Hinomahe Hinomahe is a Shinto kami mentioned in an alternative writing of the Nihongi. It states that Ishikoridome formed a Sun Spear made out of copper from Mount Kagu to help get Amaterasu out of the cave as well as Heavenly Bellows[...]

Amenoakarudama

Amenoakarudama

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Izanagi (father) Amenoakarudama Amenoakarudama is a Shinto kami mentioned in an alternative writing of the Nihongi where he said to be the child of Izanagi and is instructed with making jewels to try and coax Amaterasu out of the Sacred Rock Cave.1 Under another name of[...]

Hiwashi

Hiwashi

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: – Hiwashi Hiwashi (天日鷲神) is a Shinto kami mentioned in the Nihongi. They are seen in an alternative writing of the Nihongi during the time when Amaterasu is hiding in the Sacred Rock Cave. He is instructed to gather tree fibres as one of[...]

Amenonukado

Amenonukado

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Ishikoridome (daughter) Amenonukado Amenonukado (天抜戸命) is the father of Ishokoridome. He is mentioned in the Nihongi as such, but also in one alternative writing of the Nihongi it states that he was the kami who fashioned the mirror that coaxed Amaterasu out of the Rock[...]

Fujiwara no Gōshin

Fujiwara no Gōshin

Period: Muromachi Period Occupation: Painter Family: Birth: ? Death: ? Fujiwara no Gōshin Fujiwara no Gōshin (藤原 豪信?) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan living around the late 15th Century. He was born to a courtesan and a monk and became a painter of the Yamato-e style. One of[...]

Fujiwara no Hidehira

Fujiwara no Hidehira

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Lord of Mutsu Province Family: Fujiwara no Yasuhira (son) Fujiwara no Motohira (father) Fujiwara no Kiyohira (grandfather) Birth: 1096AD Death: 1187AD Fujiwara no Hidehira Fujiwara no Hidehira (藤原 秀衡) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan, more specifically the Ōshū-Fujiwara, living from 1096-1187AD. He was the[...]

Fujiwara no Akihira

Fujiwara no Akihira

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Monjō Hakase, Poet Family: Fujiwara no Atsumoto (son) Fujiwara no Atsumitsu (son) Birth: 989AD Death: 1066AD Fujiwara no Akihira Fujiwara no Akihira (藤原 明衡) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan living from 989-1066.12 He was the father of two sons Atsumoto and Atsumitsu and during[...]

Hotta Masanobu

Hotta Masanobu

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[...]

Sakura Sōgorō

Sakura Sōgorō

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[...]

Izumo no Omi Hiroshima

Izumo no Omi Hiroshima

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.[...]

Miyake no Omi Kanatari

Miyake no Omi Kanatari

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[...]

Takeda Clan

Takeda Clan

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[...]

Takeda Katsuyori

Takeda Katsuyori

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,[...]

Takeda Shingen

Takeda Shingen

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[...]

Takeda Nobutora

Takeda Nobutora

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[...]

Takeda Nobumitsu

Takeda Nobumitsu

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[...]

Oiran Buchi

Oiran Buchi

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[...]

Mujina

Mujina

Mujina Mujina (貉) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien and are known to be shapeshifters like the tanuki or kitsune. One story involving this creature details how it liked to take the form of a monk and would perform devotions everyday[...]

Mount Kurama

Mount Kurama

Co-ordinates: 35° 7′ 26″ N, 135° 46′ 17″ E Region: Kansai Region Prefecture: Kyoto Prefecture Height: 584 metres. Mount Kurama Mount Kurama (鞍馬山) is located towards the northern end of Kyoto and has the temple of Kuramadera upon its slopes, founded in 796AD. The mountain itself is 584 metres high[...]

Mount Atago

Mount Atago

Co-ordinates: 35° 3′ 36″ N, 135° 38′ 3″ E Region: Kansai Region Prefecture: Kyoto Prefecture Height: 940 metres. Mount Atago Mount Atago (愛宕山) makes up one of the Tamba Mountains and is located to the north-west of Kyoto. At a height of 924 metres the Atago Shrine can be found[...]

Minamoto no Yorimasa

Minamoto no Yorimasa

  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[...]

Inson

Inson

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[...]

Mukai Kyorai

Mukai Kyorai

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[...]

Ōtomo no Tabito

Ōtomo no Tabito

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[...]

Sakanoue no Iratsume

Sakanoue no Iratsume

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[...]

Date Masamune

Date Masamune

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[...]

Date Clan

Date Clan

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[...]

Date Sōdō

Date Sōdō

For all battles on the site see: List of Battles. Date Sōdō The Date Sōdō (伊達騒動 – Date Disturbance) was a small clash in the Date Clan at the hands of Date Munekatsu. between the years of 1660-1670.12 Date Tsunamura replaced his fathed Tsunamune as daimyō of the Sendai Domain,[...]

Date Munekatsu

Date Munekatsu

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

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[...]

Date Tsunamura

Date Tsunamura

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[...]

Date Tsunamune

Date Tsunamune

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

Itazuke Remains

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”.[...]

Kashin Koji

Kashin Koji

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[...]

Mount Hiei

Mount Hiei

Co-ordinates: 35° 4′ 0″ N, 135° 50′ 18″ E Region: Kansai Region Prefecture: Kyoto Prefecture, Shiga Prefecture Height: 848 metres. Mount Hiei Mount Hiei (比叡山) is a mountain located on the border between Kyoto and Shiga Prefectures standing at a height of 848 metres. On the eastern slope you can find the temples of Enryakuji and[...]

Tango Fudoki

Tango Fudoki

Tango Fudoki Tango Fudoki (丹後国風土記) is an eight century provincial record of the Province of Tango. You can find the tale of Urashima Taro inside of it,1 in the Tango Fudoki version Urashima given the name Shima no Ko.2 Footnotes 1. Louis Frederic, translated by Kathe Roth (2002) “Japan Encyclopedia”.[...]

Megijima

Megijima

Megijima Megijima (女木島) is a small island within the Seto Inland Sea, north of the city of Takamatsu on Shikoku Island. Its small size only reaches 2.7km squared. The island is made famous due to its associations with the folktale of Momotaro where this island is known as Onigashima, an[...]

Momotarō

Momotarō

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[...]

Kejōrō

Kejōrō

Kejōrō Kejōrō (毛倡妓 – Dangling hair) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. She is depicted as a women hiding her face with her hair all the way down passed her chin. Sekien’s depiciton here is set in the Yoshiwara pleasure quarters[...]

Ōnakatomi no Yoshinobu

Ōnakatomi no Yoshinobu

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[...]

Harima Province

Harima Province

See also: Provinces Harima Province Harima Province (播磨国) is one of the many Provinces which once existed in Japan.1 It also went by the name of Banshū (播州) and is now located in the modern prefecture of Hyōgo.2 One version of the folktale known as banchō sarayashiki is set in[...]

Ono no Takamura

Ono no Takamura

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[...]

Aoyama Tessan

Aoyama Tessan

Aoyama Tessan Aoyama Tessan was a man who has connections to the story of Banchō Sarayashiki, his role is slightly different depending on the version of the folktale. In the Harima Province version, he is a Samurai who serves the lord of the Province. Aoyama wants to be ruler instead[...]

Danshiro

Danshiro

Danshiro Danshiro was a man who has connections to the story of Banchō Sarayashiki. In the tale he is tasked with finding the person who attempted to poison the Lord of Harima Province. He finds out it is a woman called Okiku but says he will keep it a secret[...]

Banchō Sarayashiki

Banchō Sarayashiki

Banchō Sarayashiki Banchō Sarayashiki (番町皿屋敷, The Dish Mansion at Banchō) is a Japanese Folktale from 1741 involving the woman known as Okiku. There are various versions to this tale. Harima Province Version Okiku was from Harima Province, working as a maid servant for the Samurai Aoyama Tessan. Tessan wanted to[...]

Okiku

Okiku

Okiku Okiku (お菊)is a well known ghost in Japan. Known from the 1741 folktale by the name of Banchō Sarayashiki, she falls into the category of an Onryō (vengeful ghost) Harima Province Version Okiku was from Harima Province, working as a maid servant for the Samurai Aoyama Tessan. Tessan wanted[...]

Yatsukamizu Omitsuno

Yatsukamizu Omitsuno

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[...]

Mount Daisan

Mount Daisan

Co-ordinates: 35°22′16″N 133°32′47″E Region: Chūgoku Region Prefecture: Tottori Prefecture Height: 1729 metres. Mount Daisan Mount Daisan (大山) resides in Tottori Prefecture and reached a height of 1729 meters is the tallest in the region. During the time the Izumo Fudoki was compiled this Mountain was called Hikami High Mountain (火神岳).[...]

Mount Sanbe

Mount Sanbe

Co-ordinates: – Region: Chūgoku Region Prefecture: Shimane Prefecture Height: 1126 metres. Mount Sanbe Mount Sanbe (三羝山) resides in Shimane Prefecture, and once stood in Izumo Province. The mountain rises to a height of 1126 meters above sea level. During the time the Izumo Fudoki was compiled this Mountain was called[...]

Izumo Fudoki

Izumo Fudoki

Izumo Fudoki Izumo Fudoki (出雲国風土記)  is a Fudoki (Regional Report) about Izumo Province, originally compiled in 733AD. Authorship and Layout Compiled by Miyake no Omi Kanatari and Izumo no Omi Hiroshima it consists of 11 Chapters in total. The first Chapter introduces the province and the procedures used to make[...]

Ōtomo no Yakamochi

Ōtomo no Yakamochi

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[...]

Ariwara no Narihira

Ariwara no Narihira

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[...]

Priest Kisen

Priest Kisen

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Monk Family: Birth: mid 9th Century Death: – Priest Kisen Priest Kisen (喜撰) was a Buddhist monk and Japanese poet living around the mid 9th century. Sadly not much is known about him other than he lived in the area of Uji and according[...]

Akitajō

Akitajō

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

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

Be

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[...]

Tōtaro

Tōtaro

Tōtaro Tōtaro is the name of the main character from the tales known as The Gratitude of the Samebito. This man gives shelter to the creature known as the Samebito. After a few months he sees a girl during a festival at Miidera and falls in love with her. However,[...]

Aka Manto

Aka Manto

Aka Manto Aka Manto (赤マント – Red Cape) is a strange disembodied spirit (or perhaps Yōkai) said to haunt bathrooms. It also goes by the name of Akai-kami-aoi-kami (赤い紙青い紙 – Red Paper, Blue Paper). In relation to the Aka Manto it is said the voice will approach you asking if[...]

Priest Nōin

Priest Nōin

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Priest Family: Birth: 988 Death: 1051? Priest Nōin Priest Nōin (能因) also known as Tachibana no Nagayasu (橘永愷) before entering into religion and changing his name, lived from 988 to around 1051AD. He entered into religion after graduating from the Imperial University aged 25,[...]

Tagajō

Tagajō

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,[...]

Hitotsume Kozō

Hitotsume Kozō

Hitotsume Kozō Hitotsume Kozō (一つ目小僧 – One Eyed Boy) is a type of Japanese Yōkai. Should you run into this creature you will find one which has the appearance of a small child, however, they have extraordinarily long tongues and one large central eye in their forehead. They will be[...]

The Gratitude of the Samebito

The Gratitude of the Samebito

The Gratitude of the Samebito The Gratitude of the Samebito is a Japanese tale about a man known as Tōtarō and the creature called the Samebito. It is said that a man known as Tōtarō had made his way to the Seta Bridge that crosses Lake Biwa and upon the[...]

Samebito

Samebito

Samebito The Samebito is a type of Yōkai known from the story called ‘The Gratitude of the Samebito.’ The creature is said to have in general the body of a man, but with skin that is pitch black in colour. He will have eyes that glow like emeralds, and he[...]

Wanyūdo

Wanyūdo

Wanyūdo Wanyūdo (輪入道 – Wheel Monk) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. The creature itself takes the appearance of a huge wheel with the face of a monk upon it, the creature known to roll about the ground but also the[...]

Katawa guruma

Katawa guruma

Katawa guruma Katawa guruma (片輪車 – Single Wheel) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. More specifically she is a female spirit and can be seen as attached to a wheel. The story surrouding her states that there was a road in[...]

Shitennō-ji

Shitennō-ji

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[...]

Abura akago

Abura akago

Abura akago Abura akago (油赤子 – Oil Baby) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. Stories of this child, seemingly drinking oil from a lantern can find it origins in the town known as Hacchō in the city of Ōtsu; historically this[...]

Hikeshi baba

Hikeshi baba

Hikeshi baba Hikeshi baba (火消婆 – Fire Extinguishing Hag) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. This creatures takes the form of a an older woman, portrayed as extinguishing the fire from a lantern she stands next to. Notes alongside the image[...]

Shiranui

Shiranui

Shiranui Shiranui (不知火 – Unknown Fire) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. Now, this entitiy is not truly a creature, and more of a natural phenomenon. It is the name for strange atmospheric light in which lights seen upon the shoreline[...]

Zenki and Goki

Zenki and Goki

Zenki and Goki Zenki and Goki (前鬼 & 後鬼) are two well known Oni with strong associations with the founder of the Shugendō Religion, En no Gyōja. Said to have dwelt in the mountains ranges close to Nara, they would regularly terrorise the people there by taking their children. En[...]

En no Ozunu

En no Ozunu

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[...]

Shugendō

Shugendō

Shugendō Shugendō (修験道) is a religion in Japan which is a mixture of both Buddhism and native Japanese mountain worship, historically said to have been founded by En no Ozunu upon the slopes of Mount Katsuragi, Nara Prefecture. The religion had a rather quick growth after its onset and the[...]

Izu Ōshima

Izu Ōshima

Co-ordinates: 34°44′19″N, 139°23′58″E Region: Kantō Region Izu Ōshima Izu Ōshima (伊豆大島) is a small island off the coast of Japan. History The man known as En no Ozunu was exilled here for three years after founding the religion of Shugendo. The Emperor at the time (Monmu) saw the new religion[...]

Kaguya Hime

Kaguya Hime

For the member of the Imperial Family see: Kaguyahime. Kaguya Hime Kaguya Hime (かぐや姫)can relate to two different people in japanese folktales. The Bamboo Cutter In this particular folktale, The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, she is found as a small child inside of a piece of bamboo. After growing[...]