Yamatai and Queen Himiko

“Yamatai” existed in Japan during the 3rd century. Its queen, Himiko, sent envoys to Wei in China and received the title “King of Wa Friendly to Wei.” Let us examine the early Japanese state.

Basic Knowledge

Yamatai is considered to have been the leading state of a confederation of small states that existed in Japan around the 3rd century. It is described in detail in the Chinese historical work Account of the Wa People in the Records of Wei, which was completed around the end of the 3rd century.
Yamatai's queen, Himiko, united approximately 30 small states and ruled the people through magic called kido. Records state that in 239 (or 238), she sent an envoy to Wei and received from the emperor the title King of Wa Friendly to Wei, a gold seal, and 100 bronze mirrors.
Himiko remained unmarried throughout her life, lived deep inside a palace, and was assisted in politics by her younger brother. After her death, a male king took power, but disorder broke out. The 13-year-old girl Iyo (also called Toyo) then became queen and ruled the country, according to the Account of the Wa People in the Records of Wei.

Further Study (Background and Impact)

Where Yamatai was located is one of the greatest mysteries in Japanese history. There are two main theories.
・Kyushu theory: Northern Kyushu, including Fukuoka, Saga, and Oita; the Yoshinogari Site is a candidate
・Kinki theory: The Makimuku Site in Nara Prefecture is a candidate, and in recent years the Hashihaka Tumulus has also been considered a strong candidate for Himiko's tomb
The issue remains unsettled because the locations and distances described in the Account of the Wa People in the Records of Wei are ambiguous.
Himiko's existence shows that Japan was becoming incorporated into the investiture system centered on Chinese dynasties. The title “King of Wa Friendly to Wei” was evidence that Wei recognized Himiko as the legitimate ruler of Wa and established diplomatic relations with her. It is also the first important record of Japan's appearance in the international community.
Himiko's “kido” is considered magic or shamanism, suggesting that she governed through religious authority. This is a typical example of the unity of religion and government often seen in early states, and it influenced the later imperial system. The Book of Han, Book of the Later Han, and Account of the Wa People in the Records of Wei are all Chinese historical works and valuable primary sources for understanding early Japanese history.

Points to Note (Easily Confused)

① The gold seal reading “King of Na of Han” (57, Later Han) and the gold seal reading “King of Wa Friendly to Wei” (239, Wei) are different. Do not confuse their dates or dynasties. The actual “King of Na of Han” seal was discovered on Shikanoshima Island in Fukuoka Prefecture in 1784 and still exists. ② Himiko's envoy to Wei was sent in 239 or 238, depending on the textbook. 239 is easier to remember. ③ Yamatai's location is undetermined. Remember both the Kyushu and Kinki theories. ④ No site has been confirmed as Himiko's tomb, although the Hashihaka Tumulus in Nara Prefecture is a strong candidate. ⑤ The formal title of the Account of the Wa People in the Records of Wei is the “Wa People” section of the Eastern Barbarians chapter of the Wei Book in the Records of the Three Kingdoms.

Practice

1. State the year when Himiko sent an envoy to Wei and the title she received.
2. State the two main theories about the location of Yamatai.
3. The king of which country received a gold seal from the Later Han emperor in 57?