Shinto Mythology and Early Japanese History

Izunagi and Izunami no omikami

Exalted male and Female who Invites

Amaterasu no omikami

Sun Goddess

Ninigi

Grandson who establishes Imperial Rule on Earth

Kogami

Mirror of Wisdom

Kusanagi

Sword of Strength

Magatama

Jewel of Nobility

Jimmu Tenno

Founder of Yamato Clan, first ruler of Japan

Uji

Ruling clan of a region claiming descent from powerful deities

Tutelary deity

Protective deity of the clan/region

Kojiki

One of the two official histories commissioned by the Yamato clan, written in the 8th Century

Nihongi

One of the two official histories commissioned by the Yamato clan, also known as Nihonshoki, written in the 8th Century

Paleolithic Period

Period characterized by flake technology, microblade technology, projectile points, microliths, and possible heating stones for cooking meat

Jomon Period

Period from ca 14,000 BCE to 300 CE, characterized by cord/rope impressed pottery, affluent hunter/gatherers, sedentism, pit houses, bow and arrow, shell middens, and early ceramics

Dogu

Clay figurines from the Jomon Period, often depicting fertility with large breasts and abdomen

Sekibu

Stone 'clubs' from the Jomon Period, often considered phallic symbols

Vaginal Shrine

Shrines built around naturally occurring formations, often for fertility reasons