Himiko facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Himiko |
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Model of Queen Himiko at Osaka Prefectural Museum of Yayoi Culture
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| Queen of Yamataikoku | |
| Reign |
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| Successor | Iyo |
| Born | c. 170 AD Yamatai, Japan |
| Died | c. 248 AD (aged c. 78) Hashihaka Kofun burial mound (箸墓古墳) near Nara (Japan) |
Himiko (卑弥呼, c. 170–248 AD) was a powerful queen who ruled an ancient Japanese kingdom called Yamataikoku. This kingdom was part of a larger region known as Wakoku (倭国). She was also a shamaness, which means she was believed to have special connections to spirits and the divine.
Himiko was known by another name: Shingi Waō (親魏倭王). This means "Ruler of Wa, Friend of Wei." This name shows her strong connection with the Cao Wei Kingdom in China. Ancient Chinese history books tell us that people chose Himiko as their ruler after many years of fighting among different kings in Wa. This happened during the Yayoi period in Japan.
Japanese history books from early times do not mention Himiko directly. However, some historians think she might be linked to legendary figures. One such figure is Empress Consort Jingū. She is said to have ruled Japan as a regent (someone who governs for a king or queen who is too young or unable to rule) from 201 to 269 AD.
Historians have debated for a long time about who Himiko was and where her kingdom, Yamatai, was located. Some think it was in northern Kyūshū, while others believe it was in the traditional Yamato Province near modern-day Kinki. This argument is called the "Yamatai controversy." It is considered one of the biggest debates in ancient Japanese history. Many scholars now believe she might be buried at Hashihaka Kofun in Nara Prefecture.
Himiko's Legacy
The name Himiko has been used in many different ways, not just in Japan. It has even been used in space!
Himiko in Transportation
A train on the Amagi Railway Amagi Line is named Himiko (卑弥呼). There is also a special water bus in Tokyo Bay called Himiko. This boat was designed by a famous artist named Leiji Matsumoto.
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An Amagi Railway train, Himiko, at Kiyama Station
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A water bus taxi in Tokyo Bay named Himiko
Himiko in Space
In 2009, scientists discovered a huge cloud of hydrogen gas far out in space. They named this cloud Himiko. It is thought to be a very early galaxy, called a protogalaxy. This "Himiko" blob is incredibly big, about 40 billion times the size of our sun! It is also very far away, about 12.9 billion light years from Earth, in the constellation Cetus. As of 2014, it was the largest and farthest object of its kind known.
Himiko in Horse Racing
A very valuable horse, a filly (young female horse), was named Himiko in 2015. Her father was American Pharoah, a famous horse who won the American Triple Crown. Her mother was Untouched Talent, who also had a successful racing child named Bodemeister.
See also
- Empress Jingu
- List of female castellans in Japan
- Onna-musha
