Wiki Category: Religion

Minobi Minobi (蓑火 – Raincoat Fire) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi, also known as mino-mushi. This was a phenomenon in folklore which stated mino raincoats would at times spark during the rain. The only way to stop this was to remove the mino, but[...]

Kazenbō Kazenbō (火前坊 – Bonze Before the Fire) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. This creature is said to rise form the bones of those interred on Mount Toribe when smoke rises over the mountain. This site was also the area where Buddhist monks practised[...]

Co-ordinates: 34°27′18″N 136°43′33″E Region: Kansai Region Prefecture: Mie Prefecture Founded: 4BCE Affiliation: Shinto Ise Grand Shrine The Ise Grand Shrine (伊勢神宮) is a Shinto Shrine dedicated to Amaterasu, located in Mie Prefecture. It is supposedly the resting place of the Sacred Mirror and was established by Yamatohime. Mythological Origins During[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Otanomikoto (descendant) Sarudabiko Sarudabiko (猿田毘古大神 / 猿田彦大神) is a Japanese kami said to be the ancestor of Otanomikoto.1 Footnotes 1. Varley, H.P (1980) “A Chronicle of Gods and Sovereigns: Jinnō Shōtōki of Kitabatake Chikafusa.” New York: Columbia University Press.[...]

Dorotabō Dorotabō (泥田坊 – Mudman) is a type of yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Hyakki Shūi. This creature is described as a dark figure with three fingers (like an Oni) and only one eye who resides in one particular rice paddy. He is also heard to say the phrase “ta kaese![...]

Period: Legendary Period Occupation: Shinto Priest Family: – Birth: – Death: – Ichishinonagaochi Ichishinonagaochi is someone we see mentioned in the nihongi during the reign of Emperor Sujin. Ohominakuchino Sukune alongside Yamatototokamiasachihara Maguhashihime both had dreams saying that Ohotataneko needed to be placed as head priest of Ohomonomushi and Ichishinonagaochi as[...]

Period: Legendary 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[...]

Period: Legendary 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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

See also: List of Provinces Shimōsa Province Shimōsa Province (下総国) was one of the many provinces of Japan. Legendery Period During the time when Yamato Takeru is sent to deal with the Emishi he comes to this province where he finds two Emishi leaders in Take called Shimatsukami and Kunitsukami.[...]

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[...]

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[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Astrologer Family: – Birth: 921AD Death:1005AD Abe no Seimei Abe no Seimei (安倍 晴明) was a member of the Abe Clan living from 921-1005AD. He was an astrologer and was in the court of Emperor Ichijō. He was a part of the onmyōdō and became famous[...]

Man’yōshū The Man’yōshū (万葉集) is an important literary collection of Japanese poetry. Surviving Examples The oldest surviving example of this document is known as the katsura-bon (桂本) which dates to the mid-Heian period.1 Compilation It is generally unknown how the entire piece was compiled, though the Japanese at this time[...]

Buddhist Titles This page serves to list all different job titles associated with the Buddhist faith. We will continue to update as we add to the site. Sami Sami (沙弥) was a title meaning ‘Cleric of Minor Orders.’ This title was given to people by themselves. Until the arrival of[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: sesshō, kampaku Family: Fujiwara no Michinaga (father) Fujiwara no Morozane (son) Fujiwara no Michifusa (son) Fujiwara no Kanshi (daughter) Fujiwara no Genshi (adopted daughter) Fujiwara no Kenshi (sister) Fujiwara no Ishi (sister) Fujiwara no Sonshi (sister) Fujiwara no Kishi (sister) Fujiwara no Seishi (sister) Fujiwara no Shōshi (sister) Fujiwara[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Kotoshironushi (father) Himetatara Isuzuhime (sister) Isuzuyorihime (sister) Nunasoko Nakatsuhime (daughter) Kamo no Ōkimi Kamo no Ōkimi (鴨王) is said to have been the father of Nunasoko Nakatsuhime12 and a son of Kotoshironushi.2 Footnotes 1. Ponsonby, F. (1959) “The Imperial House of Japan.” Kyoto: Ponsonby[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Kotoshironushi (father) Emperor Suizei (husband) Emperor Annei (son) Himetatara Isuzuhime (sister) Kamo no Ōkimi (brother) Isuzuyorihime Isuzuyorihime (五十鈴依媛命) is said to have been the daughter of the kami Kotoshironushi. She was the wife of Emperor Suizei and together they had Emperor Annei.1 She was appointed[...]

Bunbuku Chagama Bunbuku Chagama (分福茶釜 or 文福茶釜) is a Japanese Folktale about a Tanuki who rewards the man who rescued him. Synopsis A Buddhist Priest comes across an old battered tea kettle amongst a pile of lumber. He takes the kettle and proceeds to clean it, and began to use[...]

Gensuke Gensuke was a victim to the practise of Hitobashira in 1608. This event occured at the Matsue Ohashi Bridge. Attempts were being made to construct a bridge over the Ohashi river here, however, the pillars kept being washed away. A sacrifice was chosen (this being the next soul to[...]

Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga The Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga (鳥獣人物戯画 – Scrolls of Frolicking Animals) Chōjū-giga (鳥獣戯画) are a group of 4 emakimono scrolls with varying animal and human depictions, many of the animals having human characteristics. They are also notable as they contain no text.12 The scrolls measure 31cm high and are around 1 metre[...]

Provincial Titles See also: Court Titles, Imperial Titles, Be, Uji, Sesshō and Kampaku This pages serves to list the various Provincial Titles used in the past and up to this day. No doubt this page will continue to be updated as we continue our research. This page may also merge[...]

Period: Nara Period / Heian Period Occupation: – Family: Fujiwara no Oguromaro (father) Birth: – Death: – Fujiwara no Kadanomaro Fujiwara no Kadanomaro (藤原 葛野麻呂) was a member of the Fujiwara Clan living around the late 8th and early 9th century. He was the son of Fujiwara no Oguromaro. In[...]

Period: Muromachi Period Occupation: – Family: Fujiwara no Kintada (father) Birth: – Death:- Fujiwara no Izuko Fujiwara no Izuko was a member of the Fujiwara Clan. A daughter to Fujiwara no Kintada she lived from 1351-1406AD marrying Emperor Go-En’yu. Together they had a child who would become Emperor Go-Komatsu. In[...]

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[...]

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[...]

Ama no Hayekiri / Orochi no Karasabi / Orochi no Aramasa Ama no Hayekiri, Orochi no Karasabi and Orochi no Aramasa are the names of swords used by Susano-o to kill the Dragon Yamata no Orochi. The name changes as within the nihongi there are several alternative versions of the same[...]

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:[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Mizokuhi (wife) Himetatara Isuzuhime (daughter) Isuzuyorihime (daughter) Kamo no Ōkimi (son) Kotoshironushi Kotoshironushi (事代主神) is a Shinto kami seen in the Nihongi as husband to Mizokuhi and father of Himetatara Isuzuhime (wife of Emperor Jimmu). It is said he was transformed into a Wani before joining[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Ōmiwa (father?) Kotoshironushi (father) Mizokuhi (mother) Emperor Jimmu (husband) Emperor Suizei (son) Isuzuyorihime (sister) Kamo no Ōkimi (brother) Himetatara Isuzuhime Himetatara Isuzuhime (媛蹈鞴五十鈴媛) is a Shinto kami said in one version of the Nihongi to have been the daughter of Ōmiwa. In another version she is[...]

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: Sashikuniwakahime (daughter) Sashikuniō Sashikuniō (刺国大神 – Land Marker Parent) is a Shinto kami mentioned in the Kojiki as the father of Sashikuniwakahime. The ‘sashi’ in his name could be a reference to a sliver of land.1 Footnotes 1. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki.[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Amenofuyukinu (husband) Ōkuninushi (son) Sashikuniō (father) Sashikuniwakahime Sashikuniwakahime (刺国若比売 – Young Lady Land Marker) is a Shinto kami mentioned in the Kojiki as the child of Sashikuniō and wife of Amenofuyukinu. With her husband they have the child Ōkuninushi. Her name is suggestive of being a[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Clothing Family: Futemimi (mother) Yatsukamizu Omitsuno (father) Sashikuniwakahime (wife) Ōkuninushi (son) Amenofuyukinu Amenofuyukinu (天之冬衣神 – Padded Winter Robe of Heaven1) is a Shinto kami mentioned in both the Kojiki and Nihongi. In the Kojiki he is said to have been the son of Futemimi and Yatsukamizu Omitsuno.[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Clothing Family: Futemimi (daughter) Funozuno Funozuno (布怒豆怒神 – Master Twined Vines) is a Shinto kami mentioned in the Kojiki as the father of Futemimi. He is a kami that represents clothing, with vines of his made into clothes after being bleached in limestone rich water.1 Footnotes[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Clothing Family: Yatsukamizu Omitsuno (husband) Amenofuyukinu (son) Funozuno (father) Futemimi Futemimi (布帝耳神 – Robed Majestic Might) is a Shinto kami mentioned in the Kojiki. She is said to have married Yatsukamizu Omitsuno with whom she had a child called Amenofuyukinu. She is also stated as the child[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Fukabuchinomizuyarehana (husband) Omizunu (son) Amenotsudoechine Amenotsudoechine (天之都度閇知泥神 or 阿麻乃都刀閇乃知尼 – Gathered Waterways of Heaven / Assembly of Heaven) is a Shinto kami mentioned in the Kojiki. They marry the kami Fukabuchinomizuyarehana and together they had the child Omizunu.1 Footnotes 1. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt.[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Rivers? Family: Hikawahime (mother) Fuwanomojikunusunu (father) Amenotsudoechine (wife) Omizunu (son) Fukabuchinomizuyarehana Fukabuchinomizuyarehana (深淵之水夜礼花神 – First Flow from Still Pools / Blossoms Torn in Still Pools) was a Shinto kami mentioned in the Kojiki. He is said to have been the child of Hikawahime and Fuwanomojikunusunu. He married[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family:  Hikawahime (daughter) Hinarashihime (daughter) Okami Okami  (淤加美神 – Rain Serpent) is a Shinto kami mentioned in the Kojiki. He is said to have been a serpentine kami who was the father of Hikawahime and Hinarashihime.1 Footnotes 1. Yasumaro. O, translated by Gustav Heldt. (2014) “Kojiki. An[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family:  Okami (father) Fuwanomojikunusunu (husband) Fukabuchinomizuyarehana (son) Hikawahime Hikawahime (日河比売 – Lady Spirit River / Lady Sunny River) is a Shinto kami mentioned in the Kojiki. She is stated to have been the daughter of Okami who married Fuwanomojikunusunu. With her husband they had a son known[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Yashimajinumi (father) Konohanachiruhime (mother) Hikawahime (wife) Fukabuchinomizuyarehana (son) Fuwanomojikunusunu Fuwanomojikunusunu (布波能母遅久奴須奴神 – Budding Noble Land Dwelling Master) is a Shinto kami mentioned in the Kojiki. He was the son of Yashimajinumi and Konohanachiruhime and through his marriage to Hikawahime he had a child called Fukabuchinomizuyarehana. The[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Ōyamatsumi (father) Yashimajinumi (husband) Fuwanomojikunusunu (son) Konohanachiruhime Konohanachiruhime (木花知流比売 – Lady Tree Blossoms Scattering) is a Shinto kami mentioned in the Kojiki. She is stated to be the daughter of Ōyamatsumi and wife of Yashimajinumi with whom she has a son called Fuwanomojikunusunu. The blossoms in[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Family: Susano-o (father) Kushinadahime (mother) Konohanachiruhime (wife) Fuwanomojikunusunu (son) Yashimajinumi Yashimajinumi (八島士奴美神 – Mighty Master Ruling Eightfold Isles) is a Shinto kami mentioned in the Kojiki as the son of Susano-o and Kushinadahime. He married Konohanachiruhime and together they had the child Fuwanomojikunusunu. His name would suggest[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Susano-o (father) Kushinadahime (mother) Suganoyuyamanushi Mitsunasarohikoyamaashino Suganoyuyamanushi Mitsunasarohikoyamaashino is a Shinto kami found mentioned in an alternative version of the Nihongi. Here he is stated to be the son of Kushinadahime and Susano-o, the only other thing mentioned about him is that Ōkuninushi was[...]

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: Agricultural? Family: Ashinadzuchi (husband) Kushinadahime (daughter) Tenadzuchi Tenadzuchi ( 手名椎 / 手摩乳命) is a Shinto kami seen in the texts of the Kojiki and Nihongi in relation to their dealings with Yamata no Orochi. She is the wife of Ashinadzuchi and mother to Kushinadahime in both[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Harvest Family: Susano-o (father) Kamu Ōichihime (mother) Ukanomitama (sister) Ōtoshi Ōtoshi (大歳神 – Great Harvest) was the son of Susano-o and his second wife Kamu Ōichihime. He is also the brother of Ukanomitama and is known as a harvest kami.1 Footnotes 1. Yasumaro. O, translated by[...]

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 (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: – 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.[...]

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: 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[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Wakahirume Wakahirume (稚日女尊) is a Shinto kami mentioned in the Nihongi. She is seen in an alternative writing of the Nihongi where she is startled by the acts of Susano-o whilst in the Weaving Hall of Takamagahara. She injurues herself on the weaving shuttle[...]

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[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Ameno Koyane (daughter) Nakatomi Clan Kogotomusuhi Kogotomusuhi is a Shinto kami seen in the Nihongi. He is stated to have been the father of Ameno Koyane.1 Footnotes 1. Aston. W.G. (1896) “Nihongi Volume 1: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to AD697”. Tuttle Publishing.[...]

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[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Empress Family: Emperor Ichijō (husband) Emperor Go-Ichijō (son) Emperor Go-Suzaku (son) Fujiwara no Michinaga (father) Fujiwara no Kenshi (sister) Fujiwara no Ishi (sister) Fujiwara no Sonshi (sister) Fujiwara no Kanshi (sister) Fujiwara no Seishi (sister) Fujiwara no Kishi (sister) Fujiwara no Nagaie (brother) Fujiwara no Yoshinobu[...]

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[...]

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

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

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

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

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[...]

Period: Heian Period Occupation: Waka Poet, Monk Family: Priest Sosei (son) Birth: 816 Death: 890 Henjo Henjo (遍昭 or 遍照) was a Buddhist monk and poet, entering into religion in 849. Before this he was known as Yoshimine no Munesada (良岑宗貞) and lived between 816 and 890. Before entering into religion[...]

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[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Susano-o (father?) Amenooshihomimi (brother) Amenohohi (brother) Amatsuhikone (brother) Ikutsuhikone (brother) Kumanokusubi (brother) Hinohayahi Hinohayahi is a Shinto kami mentioned in one alternative version of the Nihongi where he is born from Susano-o placing one of the jewels from his hair onto his left foot.1 Footnotes 1. Aston.[...]

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[...]

Onmoraki Onmoraki (陰摩羅鬼 – Shadow Demon) is a type of Yōkai depicted in the Konjaku Gazu Zoku Hyakki by Toriyama Sekien. This particular creature is said to take the appearance of a crane with a black body and glowing eyes. When it flaps its wings it is known to give[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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 (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[...]

Co-ordinates: 35°21′29″N, 138°43′52″E Region: Chūbu Region Prefecture: Shizuoka Prefecture, Yamanashi Prefecture. Height: 3,776m Mount Fuji Mount Fuji (富士山) is the tallest mountain in Japan, reaching a height of 3,776 meters. The mountain itself has 3 subsidiary volcanoes by the names of Komitake, Ko-Fuji and Shin-Fuji. Shin-Fuji being the most active[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Deity of: Blacksmithing Family: – Amatsumara Amatsumara (One Eye of Heaven) (天津麻羅) is the Shinto deity of blacksmiths and acts as the smith of Heaven. Mentioned in the Kojiki, after Amaterasu hides herself in the Sacred Rock Cave, he is asked to come forth and help them figure[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: Advisor of Heaven. Family: – Omoikane Omoikane, (思兼 / 思金) also known as Tokoyo-no-omoi-kane is a kami from Shinto mythology mentioned in both the Kojiki and Nihongi.12 Once Amaterasu flees into the Sacred Rock Cave and the sun disapears from Heaven and Earth, this kami is[...]

Ama no Iwato Ama no Iwato (天岩戸, Sacred Rock Cave) is a sacred and important cave in Shinto mythology. This rock cave surrounds the story of Amaterasu and Susano-o after he scares her causing her to flee into the rock cave.123 Due to Amaterasu hiding here, the sun disappeared from[...]

Affiliation: Shinto Kami of: – Family: Amenohohi (father) Takehiratori Takehiratori (建比良鳥 – Brave Hinterland Bird1) is a Shinto kami mentioned in both the Kojiki and Nihongi.12 The kami also goes by the names of Amenohinatori and Takehinateri.2 He is said to be the son of Amenohohi  and became the ancestor for[...]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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