Queen Himiko- Why female, Himiko became a queen -

ShihoHistories of East Asia,2009

Who is Queen Himiko?

ひみこ （ Himiko) (Pimiko or Pimiku) 卑弥呼 “ Sun-daughter, Sun-princes” (AD 175? - 248?) - A female influential ruler

Kitagawa, J M 1974

Out line

Back ground of this period

The accomplishment as a Queen

Religion - Shamanism-

Back ground of this period

The Shinsyo Nihonshi Zusetsu(The New detailed source book of Japanese history) 1993

What was happening in the nation?

War time Male ruler (148-189) Yamato Kingdom Female ruler (200?-270?) Himiko Iyo

The Shinsyo Nihonshi Zusetsu(The New detailed source book of Japanese history) 1993

Yamataikoku (Yamato Kingdom)

- Northern Kyusyu theory

- Kinki theory

The Shinsyo Nihonshi Zusetsu(The New detailed source book of Japanese history) 1993

Himiko [ Charactoristic ]

- old and unmarried woman - lived in a hill top fortress - scarcely appear out side - only her brother managed to communicate with her

Mysterious empress

Kitagawa, J M 1974

The accomplishment as a Queen

(AD239) Himiko sent messengers to China (Gi). She was conferred the title as a queen. (Gold seal, bronze mirror)

Himiko established the “imperial rule” as a model herselfto keep the blood and the talent.

The Shinsyo Nihonshi Zusetsu(The New detailed source book of Japanese history) 1993, Heritage of Japan 2009, Kitagawa, J M 1974

Himiko’s death (AD 248?)

The Japan Times, 2000

- A huge mound was constructed for her.

- More than 1000 people were buried in the grave as a sacrifice for the great empress.

Himiko had enormous power and be sacred.

Religion – shamanism

People believed shaman who is gifted to talk to spirits, in order to predict the whether or cure illnesses etc… in this era.

Weirdwildrealm 2009

Summary

- Himiko was a female shamanic ruler.

- She provided the ‘imperial rule’.

- Shamanism was essential for Japanese people in this period.

Discussion

• Do you believe the legend of Queen Himiko? Why?

2. What do you think about the significance of emperor in Japan in modern days?

(for people, for the nation)

Reference ListHeritage of Japan 2009, viewed 13 March 2009,

http://heritageofjapan.wordpress.com/yayoi-era-yields-up-rice/lifestyle-and-society-of-the-land-of-wa/who-was-queen-himiko/

Histories of East Asia 2009, viewed 13 March 2009,http://people.cohums.ohio-

state.edu/bender4/eall131/EAHReadings/module02/m02japanese.html

The Japan Times 2000, ‘Nara tomb discovery may stir debate over site of Queen Himiko's realm’, 29 March, viewed13 March 2009

http://www.trussel.com/prehist/news186.htm

Kitagawa, J M ‘The Japanese "Kokutai" (National Community) History and Myth’ History of Religions, vol. 13, no. 3 (Feb., 1974), pp. 209-226 , viewed 13 March 2009,

http://www.jstor.org/stable/pdfplus/1061814.pdf

The Shinsyo Nihonshi Zusetsu(The New detailed source book of Japanese history) (1993, pp.14-15)

The Shinsyo Nihonshi Zusetsu(The New detailed source book of Japanese history) 1993

Weirdwildrealm 2009, viewed 11 April 2009,http://www.weirdwildrealm.com/filmimages/himiko.jpg