Wiki Category: Provinces

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 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, 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,[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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)[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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,[...]

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[...]

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,[...]

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.[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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,[...]

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:[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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,[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

Period: Asuka Period Occupation: General, Governor Family: – Birth: c.575AD Death: 664AD Abe no Hirafu Abe no Hirafu (阿倍 比羅夫) was a member of the Abe Clan who lived during the mid 7th century.1 Louis Frederick gives the period of his life from c.575-664.2 For a part of his life he was[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: – Family: Abe no Yoritoki (father) Abe no Sadatō (brother) Birth: – Death: – Abe no Munetō Abe no Munetō (安倍 宗任) was a member of the Abe Clan who lived sometime in the mid 11th century. He was the son of Abe no Yoritoki and[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: – Family: Abe no Yoritoki (father) Abe no Munetō (brother) Birth: 1019AD Death: 1062AD Abe no Sadatō Abe no Sadatō (安倍 貞任) was a member of the Abe Clan living from 1019-1062AD. Like his father Abe no Yoritoki, he was from Mutsu Province. He fought alongside[...]

See also: Priest Manzei Poems Period: Nara Period Occupation: Governor of Mino, General of Owari, Mikawa and Shinano, Udaiben, Buddhist Monk (sami), bettō, Poet Family: – Birth: – Death:- Priest Manzei Priest Manzei (満誓 沙弥 – He Who Fulfills the Vow/Compleat Votary) was the religous name of Kasa Maro (笠[朝臣][...]

Reign: 475-393BC Born: 507/508BC Period: Legendery Period Family: Emperor Itoku (father) Amatoyotsuhime (mother) Yosotarashi hime (wife) Emperor Kōan (son) Ameoshitarashihiko (son) Takeshihiko (brother) Burial place: misasagi on Hakatayama in Waki no Kami Order of Succession: Predecessor Emperor Itoku  * Successor Emperor Kōan Emperor Kōshō Emperor Kōshō (孝昭 天皇) was the fifth[...]

See also: Provinces Tango Province Tango Province (丹後国) was one of the many provinces in Japan. It is now included in Kyoto Prefecture. The Tango Fudoki, a provincial record, was written concerning this province.1 Footnotes 1. Louis Frederic, translated by Kathe Roth (2002) “Japan Encyclopedia”. London: Harvard University Press.[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Prince Family: Emperor Itoku (father) Amatoyotsuhime (mother) Emperor Kōshō (brother) Birth: – Death: – Takeshihiko Takeshihiko (武石彦奇友背命) was a son of Emperor Itoku and Amatoyotsuhime.1 He is listed as the ancestor of the Lords of Chinu, Lords of Take in Tajima and the District Heads of Ashii.2[...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: – Family: Shikitsuhiko (father) Unknown Name (brother) Haheirode (daughter) Ohoyamatokuniare (daughter) Birth: – Death: – Wachitsumi Wachitsumi is a man mentioned in the Kojiki as a son of the Prince Shikitsuhiko (brother to Emperor Annei). He is said to have had two daughters, these being Haheirode and[...]

Period: Azuchi-Momoyama Period, Edo Period Occupation: Sculptor Family: Birth: c.1548 Death: c.1634 Hidari Jingorō Hidari Jingorō (左 甚五郎) is said to have lived from c.1584-1634,1 and whose real name was Itami Toshikatsu.12 Born in Akashi (now Hyogo Prefecture) he was discipled to a master carpenter of the Imperial Court.2 Said[...]

Shinsen Shōjiroku The Shinsen Shōjiroku (新撰姓氏録 – Revised Geneologies) is a piece of Japanese literature listing the geneologies of many noble families from the Heian Period. Originally created as a collection in 30 chapters1 now only fragments of the original 30 survive.2 Begun in 799AD at the order of Emperor[...]

Harima Fudoki The Harima Fudoki (播磨国風土記) is one of the four fudoki that have been found concerning the Province of Harima.1 This document details aspects of Nomi no Sukune‘s life that are not included in other places. The document tells us how he died in Harima Province whilst travellng between[...]

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[...]

See also: Sugawara no Michizane Poems Period: Heian Period Occupation: Udaijin, Governor, Poet Family: Haji no Mimichi (ancestor) Sugawara no Koreyoshi (father) 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 Period who was famous[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Period: 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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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”.[...]

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[...]

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 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 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 (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 (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[...]

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[...]