Japanese History And Folklore
Articles tagged Japanese History And Folklore.
Tsukumogami: Japan’s Old Tools That Sought Revenge
In medieval Japan, discarded tools became vengeful spirits, then Buddhist monks. The Tsukumogami scrolls reveal the story behind the hundred-year legend.
Did Japan Really Ban Guns After the Samurai Wars?
Japan tightly regulated guns after its civil wars, but samurai, hunters and villagers continued to use firearms throughout the Tokugawa period.
Jorōgumo: Japan’s Shape-Shifting Spider Woman
Edo-period tales portray Jorōgumo as a spider that becomes a woman, creates illusions and haunts waterfalls. The surviving stories give her different powers.
Shogun vs Emperor: How Japan’s Warriors Took Power
Japan's emperors kept the throne while shoguns, regents and lords held power. How military government emerged in 1185 and ended in 1868.
Did Typhoons Stop Kublai Khan’s Invasions of Japan?
Kublai Khan invaded Japan in 1274 and 1281. Storms wrecked his fleets, but samurai resistance and archaeology tell a more complicated story.
How Susanoo Killed Yamata no Orochi With Eight Jars of Sake
Susanoo defeated the eight-headed serpent Yamata no Orochi with strong sake, then found the sword Kusanagi in its tail. The Kojiki and Nihon Shoki...
Did Typhoons Stop Kublai Khan’s Invasions of Japan?
Kublai Khan invaded Japan in 1274 and 1281. Storms wrecked his fleets, but samurai resistance and archaeology tell a more complicated story.
How Susanoo Killed Yamata no Orochi With Eight Jars of Sake
Susanoo defeated the eight-headed serpent Yamata no Orochi with strong sake, then found the sword Kusanagi in its tail. The Kojiki and...
