Himiko and Japan's Elusive Chiefdom of Yamatai: Archaeology, History, and Mythology
The third-century Chinese chronicle Wei zhi (Record of Wei) is responsible for Japan’s most enduring ancient mystery. This early history tells of a group of islands off the China coast that were dominated by a female shaman named Himiko. Himiko ruled for more than half a century as head of the largest chiefdom, traditionally known as Yamatai, until her death in 248. Yet no such person appears in the old Japanese literature. Who was Himiko and where was the Yamatai she governed? In this, the most comprehensive treatment in English to date, a senior scholar of early Japan turns to three sources—historical, archaeological, and mythological—to provide a multifaceted study of Himiko and ancient Japanese society.
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Himiko and Japan's Elusive Chiefdom of Yamatai: Archaeology, History, and Mythology
The third-century Chinese chronicle Wei zhi (Record of Wei) is responsible for Japan’s most enduring ancient mystery. This early history tells of a group of islands off the China coast that were dominated by a female shaman named Himiko. Himiko ruled for more than half a century as head of the largest chiefdom, traditionally known as Yamatai, until her death in 248. Yet no such person appears in the old Japanese literature. Who was Himiko and where was the Yamatai she governed? In this, the most comprehensive treatment in English to date, a senior scholar of early Japan turns to three sources—historical, archaeological, and mythological—to provide a multifaceted study of Himiko and ancient Japanese society.
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Himiko and Japan's Elusive Chiefdom of Yamatai: Archaeology, History, and Mythology

Himiko and Japan's Elusive Chiefdom of Yamatai: Archaeology, History, and Mythology

by J. Edward Kidder , Jr.
Himiko and Japan's Elusive Chiefdom of Yamatai: Archaeology, History, and Mythology

Himiko and Japan's Elusive Chiefdom of Yamatai: Archaeology, History, and Mythology

by J. Edward Kidder , Jr.

Overview

The third-century Chinese chronicle Wei zhi (Record of Wei) is responsible for Japan’s most enduring ancient mystery. This early history tells of a group of islands off the China coast that were dominated by a female shaman named Himiko. Himiko ruled for more than half a century as head of the largest chiefdom, traditionally known as Yamatai, until her death in 248. Yet no such person appears in the old Japanese literature. Who was Himiko and where was the Yamatai she governed? In this, the most comprehensive treatment in English to date, a senior scholar of early Japan turns to three sources—historical, archaeological, and mythological—to provide a multifaceted study of Himiko and ancient Japanese society.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780824830359
Publisher: University of Hawaii Press, The
Publication date: 02/28/2007
Edition description: New Edition
Pages: 416
Product dimensions: 6.13(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

J. Edward Kidder, Jr., is professor emeritus, International Christian University, Tokyo.

Table of Contents


List of Illustrations and Tables     vii
Acknowledgments     ix
Introduction     xi
Ancient Texts and Sources     1
The Wei Zhi and the Wa People     8
The Initial Problem and Three Centuries of Compounding It     21
Travel by Land and Water to Neighboring Countries     36
Han Commanderies, Korean Kingdoms, and Wei China     53
Japan in Transition from Yayoi to Kofun     59
The Izumo-Yamato Contention     114
Himiko, Shamans, Divination, and Other Magic     127
Mirrors and Himiko's Allotment     160
The Japanese View of the Wei Zhi Years     186
The Endless Search for Yamatai     229
Makimuku and the Location of Yamatai     239
List of Abbreviations     283
Notes     285
Wei Zhi Text     339
Select Glossary     343
Bibliography     359
Index     391
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History
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History
Asian History
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Japanese History - General & Miscellaneous

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