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61-472: Azumino is a combination of two words, "Azumi" and "no". "Azumi" comes from the Azumi people , who are said to have moved to the "no" (plain) in ancient times. The Azumi people originally lived in northern Kyushu , and were famed for their skills in fishing and navigation. "The Azumi people" can be translated as "the people who live on the sea." The reason why the seafaring people migrated to this mountainous region

122-498: A mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city legislature of 22 members. Azumino has ten public elementary schools and seven public middle schools. The city has four public high schools operated by the Nagano Prefectural Board of Education. [REDACTED] Media related to Azumino, Nagano at Wikimedia Commons Azumi people The Azumi ( 阿曇氏 or 安曇族 ) were

183-522: A close herd of deer on the seas. In the ancient beliefs of Shinto , deer were believed to be spiritual messengers, or specifically ‘Messengers to God’. Today in Nara, the modern capital of Japan, this belief and symbolism of the deer has continued, as over one thousand deer freely roam the Kasuga Grand Shrine, remaining intrinsically linked with both the kami revered there and the descendants of

244-497: A dragon palace on the seafloor were said to control the tides and weather patterns. They believed that the king dragon which resided in the palace did not show himself due to his ugly outward appearance; his body covered with abalone , barnacles and shellfish . However, it is suggested that the ‘ kagura’ dance possessed the ability to lure out the dragon, leading the Azumi people to his endless supply of ‘treasure’: divine knowledge of

305-560: A group of people who navigated the waters of West Japan (Tsushima), Korea and China. They also performed trade with China and Korea and were responsible for the transport of iron from the Korean Peninsula to Northern Kyushu. According to some historians, the Azumi were "the oldest known maritime force of [Japan's] emerging imperial state." The Azumi people were extremely skilled seafarers and their extensive knowledge of water currents, tidal changes, weather and star constellations

366-471: A sea journey. This deity, known as ‘ Azumi no Isora ’ is placed at the centre of the Azumi tradition and is believed to embody the seas which surround Japan. ‘Azumi no Isora’ is also believed to emerge during the Muromachi period , around the same time as three similar Watatsumi deities: Sokotsu, Uwatsu and Ojin. These three deities, once representing the seas that surround Japan, were said to infuse into

427-407: A single being known as Isora. The spirit of Isora is represented as a seahorse , and is considered a symbol of purity, providing spiritual guidance to the Azumi people throughout their day-to-day life. Additionally, Azumi no Isora is suggested to be the primordial human ancestor as it was him that first performed the dance ritual known as “Sei-no-no” (also known as Seino and Kuwashi-O). The dance

488-827: A warrior clan and tribe who originated during the Jōmon period in Japan , whose cultures and beliefs are considered to be one of Japan's earliest sea religions. Their existence dates back to the early 3rd – 7th centuries, when their extensive knowledge of navigation between waters made them the naval force of Yamato Japan in Kyushu. They originally lived in Northern Kyushu , especially in an area called Chikuzen , now part of modern-day Fukuoka Prefecture . Their knowledge and ability to use tidal changes, weather patterns and star constellations ensured their successful routing and voyaging on

549-661: A warrior tribe from northern Kyushu . They were extremely skilled seafarers. The Azumi gained early contact with the Yamato Court and provided maritime trade links and influenced the Yamato Court's military and diplomatic approach in the seas. Thus the Japanese imperial government employed them as their naval force from the 3rd to 5th centuries. Certain experts regard the Azumi as "the oldest known maritime force of [Japan's] emerging imperial state." Some Japanese historians think they were of Austronesian origin and related to

610-547: Is 1,108.7 mm (43.65 in) with September as the wettest month. The temperatures are highest on average in August, at around 24.7 °C (76.5 °F), and lowest in January, at around −0.8 °C (30.6 °F). The mountainous portions of the city are considered part of the snow country of Japan, with heavy accumulations of snow in winter. The area of present-day Azumino was part of ancient Shinano Province . The area

671-625: Is a mystery. Azumino is located in the Azumino Plateau on the northwestern end of the Matsumoto Basin, between mountain ranges to the west and east. The range of mountains on the western border is known as the Northern Alps ( Hida Mountains ) and is popular among hikers all over Japan. To the south is the city of Matsumoto , Nagano prefecture's second largest city. To the north lies the city of Ōmachi , and north of Ōmachi

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732-680: Is an era in the history of Japan from around 250 to 538. The word kofun is Japanese for the type of burial mounds dating from this era. During the Kofun period , elements of Chinese culture continued to influence culture in the Japanese archipelago , both through waves of migration and through trade, travel, and cultural change. Archaeological evidence indicates contacts between the mainland and Japan also during this period. Most scholars believe that there were massive transmissions of technology and culture from China via Korea peninsula to Japan which

793-600: Is another on the north side of Japan known as the Hodaka shrine. This ritualistic shrine is thought to be a ‘mini-museum’, solely dedicated to preserving the rich culture and history of the Azumi People. When the Azumi migrated to and established themselves in the Azumi Basin around 1000 years ago, the first folklore about them was recorded. It was here where the Azumi people made up legends to warn their children of

854-593: Is believed that they still maintained their intrinsic connection to their past ancestors through regularly praying to the deity Isora, thankful for the water which flowed from Kamikochi's mountains granting them successful crop irrigation. The Azumi people who did not choose to engage with the farming lifestyle in Shinshu ended up in the Azumi Basin. Here, they formed a small fishing village and developed their language, continuing to practice their core spirituality to

915-405: Is believed to have been passed down from generation to generation. Their ability to navigate the seas, especially at night, made them useful to the Japanese imperial government during the 3rd to early 5th centuries and they were effectively the naval force of Yamato Japan . With the new responsibility and accountability accorded to them, the Azumi people became the biggest influence in controlling

976-542: Is evidenced by material artifacts in tombs of both states in the Proto–Three Kingdoms of Korea and Kofun period, as well as the later wave of Baekje refugees to Yamato. Archaeological records and ancient Chinese sources Book of Song indicate that the various tribes and chiefdom of the Japanese Archipelago did not begin to coalesce into more centralized and hierarchical polities until 300 (well into

1037-621: Is named after the Asuka region, south of modern Nara , the site of numerous temporary imperial capitals established during the period. The Asuka period is known for its significant artistic, social, and political transformations, which had their origins in the late Kofun period . Artistically, the term Tori Style is often used for the Asuka period. This is from the sculptor Kuratsukuri Tori , grandson of Chinese immigrant Shiba Tatto. Tori Style inherits Chinese Northern Wei style. The arts during

1098-645: Is now known as Azumino Valley or Azumi Basin in Nagano prefecture . They also spread toward the imperial center, settling in Settsu province around what is now Osaka . Remnants of Azumi culture are also found on Awaji Island in Hyogo prefecture . Being a leading tribe during the Yayoi period , the Azumi held the common belief of a deity who would allow for safe navigation of rough seas if prayed to before embarking on

1159-505: Is the village of Hakuba . Hakuba was the site of many of the ski events during the 1998 Winter Olympic Games . Mount Jōnen at 2,857 metres (9,373 ft) is the highest elevation in the city. The city has a climate characterized by characterized by hot and humid summers, and relatively mild winters ( Köppen climate classification Cfa ). The average annual temperature in Azumino is 11.8 °C (53.2 °F). The average annual rainfall

1220-800: The Shinsen Shōjiroku in 815 as a directory of aristocrats which lists 1182 names of clans which were in Kinai area, it lists a number of clans from Mainland Asia. According to the directory, 120 clans have roots in Baekje , 48 clans in Goguryeo , 17 clans in Silla , 9 clans in Gaya and the other 174 clans "Kan (漢)" (now obsolete general term for ancient Koreans) of the Korean peninsula . The Azumi people were

1281-509: The Asuka and Nara periods are similar to contemporaneous art in China and Korea. One example of this is Tori Busshi 's Shaka Triad which reflects the style of early to mid-sixth-century Chinese style. According to Nihon Shoki , Mahāyāna Buddhism ( 大乗仏教 , Daijō Bukkyō ) was officially introduced to the Yamato court through Baekje in 552, while it is widely recognized Buddhism

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1342-463: The Asuka period (538–710), the actual start of Yamato rule is disputed. The Yamato court's supremacy was challenged during the Kofun period by other polities centered in various parts of Japan. What is certain is that Yamato clans had major advantages over their neighbouring clans in the 6th century. This period is divided by the relocation of the capital to Asuka, in modern Nara Prefecture. However,

1403-509: The Fujiwara clan ) opposed not on religious grounds, but more so as the results of feelings of nationalism and a degree of xenophobia . With the dawn of the Asuka period, the use of elaborate kofun tombs by the imperial family and other elite fell out of use because of prevailing new Buddhist beliefs, which put greater emphasis on the transience of human life. Commoners and the elite in outlying regions, however, continued to use kofun until

1464-764: The Hayato people who lived in southern Kyushu. The Yamato Court questioned their loyalty and banished them sometime before the 7th century. The Kofun period was a critical stage in Japan's evolution toward a more cohesive and recognized state. This society was most developed in the Kansai Region and the easternmost part of the Inland Sea . Japan's rulers of the time even petitioned the Chinese court for confirmation of royal titles. The Yamato polity , which emerged by

1525-664: The Neolithic period, and its continuation also at least in the Kofun period. The rice-growing, politically fragmented Yayoi culture either evolved into the new Japanese culture characterized by the more centralized, patriarchal, militaristic Kofun period or came to be dominated and eventually overrun by Yamato society. By this time, Japonic had also spread to the Ryukyu Islands such as Okinawa . The Ryukyuan languages and Japanese most likely diverged during this period. The Kofun period ( 古墳時代 , Kofun-jidai )

1586-437: The Azumi people's comradery and supposed obedience to them. This gesture confused the Yamato Court, and led them to doubt and question the loyalty of the Azumi People. The ruling dynasty banished the Azumi sometime before the 8th century. Today, the places to which the Azumi people voyaged to have been named after their presence (Kakojima, Kagoshima, Kashima, Shikashima) and there are still traces of their existence remaining in

1647-458: The Azumi. Before voyaging, the Azumi people often performed rituals of sea-worship to the oceanic deities as they believed this assisted them to establish control and territory in various regions of the sea. However, when they faced defeat at the Bay of Hakunsonko in 633, Azumi no Hirafu, along with other members of the Azumi tribe spread along to the various regions of Japan, with the majority leaving

1708-457: The Chinese court, from which they obtained a great wealth of Confucian philosophical and social structure. In addition to ethics and government, they also adopted the Chinese calendar and many of its religious practices, including Confucianism and Taoism (Japanese: Onmyo ). A millennium earlier, the Japanese archipelago had been inhabited by the Jōmon people. In the centuries prior to

1769-571: The Eight Islands of Japan and creating kami – their attempts lead to other unfortunate events, including the death of Izanami. This angers Izanagi to commit various tainted acts becoming decayed and polluted within himself. Eventually, Izanagi chooses to repent and attempts to clean and purify himself of the stain. This is when the kami of the Watatsumi and Sumiyoshi appeared. These two kami are extremely important as they are believed to be

1830-415: The Kofun period is an archaeological period while the Asuka period is a historical period. Therefore, many think of this as an old division and this concept of period division is no longer applicable. At the era of Prince Shōtoku in the early 7th century, a new constitution was prescribed for Japan based on the Chinese model. After the fall of Baekje (660 AD), the Yamato government sent envoys directly to

1891-625: The Kofun period was very receptive to influence from China. Chinese and Korean immigrants played an important role in introducing elements of Chinese culture to early Japan. Yamato links to the mainland and the Liu Song dynasty in 425 and 478 were facilitated by the maritime knowledge and diplomatic connections of China and the Three Kingdoms of the Korean peninsula , especially Baekje . Many important figures were immigrants from East Asia . Yamato Imperial Court officially edited

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1952-450: The Kofun period), when large tombs begin to appear while there were no contacts between the Wa and China . Some describe the "mysterious century" as a time of internecine warfare as various local monarchies competed for hegemony on Kyūshū and Honshū . Japan of the Kofun age was positive in the introduction of Chinese culture. Several kinds of goods were imported. Books from China were one of

2013-557: The Kofun period, exercised power over clans in Kyushu and Honshu , bestowing titles, some hereditary, on clan chieftains. The Yamato name became synonymous with all of Japan as the Yamato rulers suppressed the clans and acquired agricultural lands. Based on Chinese models (including the adoption of the Chinese written language ), they developed a central administration and an imperial court attended by subordinate clan chieftains but with no permanent capital. Asuka period mid-seventh century,

2074-475: The Myojin Pond accommodates many visitors as the water that lays within is a reminder of the culture, tradition, and history of the Azumi people. Fukuoka prefecture is home to what is considered the ancestral shrine of the Azumi, Shikaumi Shrine . The shrine is presided over by a priest descended from the Azumi clan, and its biennial gojinkosai ceremony is designated an intangible cultural property by

2135-595: The Shikaumi-jinja Shrine Okitsu-gu on Shinkanoshima Island has become the basis for worshipping Isora as well as the basis for preserving these folktales for future generations. The Myojin Pond in Kamikochi, Japan attracts both traditional descendants of the Azumi people, as well as tourists. It has a clear, mirror-like reflection, and is classified as one of the most revered places to worship

2196-538: The Urabe Diviners and their history is symbolised by three deity stones in the shape of a sea turtle. Today, there are multiple shrines which are dedicated to the Azumi People. There is one in Genkai Bay on Shikanoshima Island dedicated to Azumi no Isora which contains sacred stones to represent the sea turtles, as well as over a thousand deer antlers to maintain their relationship with the deities. There

2257-456: The Yamato period by some Western scholars since this local chieftainship arose to become the Imperial dynasty at the end of the Kofun period. The Asuka period ( 飛鳥時代 , Asuka-jidai ) is generally defined as from 538 to 710. The arrival of Buddhism marked a change in Japanese society and affected the Yamato government. The Yamato state evolved much during the Asuka period, which

2318-411: The ancestors-deities of the Azumi tribe, playing a vital role in their emergence. Additionally, these two kami, along with Isora became known to be worshipped by the Azumi people as they were associated with skill, strategy, and seafaring. Another folktale included the powers of their divine deity ‘Isora’. The Azumi generations detail the creation story of Isora and how his once hidden jewels located in

2379-500: The areas they commonly voyaged through (Islands of Tsushima Straits, Kyushu, Shikoku, Awaji Islands). According to Japanese historians, they were of Austronesian origin, related to the Hayato people . They were in early contact with the Yamato court , providing important maritime trade links to the Japanese capital and influencing the court's military and diplomatic efforts at sea. Some Azumi migrated further inland, settling in what

2440-692: The beginning of the Yamato period, elements of the Northeast Asian and Chinese civilizations had been introduced to the Japanese archipelago in waves of migration. According to Kojiki , the oldest record of Japan, Amenohiboko , Korean prince of Silla , came to Japan to serve the Japanese Emperor and he lived in Tajima Province . His descendant is believed to be Tajimamori . Archaeological evidence indicates contacts between mainland China, Korea, and Japan since prehistory of

2501-495: The dangers associated with wandering near the water, telling stories of a golden koi fish leaping from the water to snatch children away if they were near a river or shore alone. An origin folktale exploring the emergence of the Azumi people and their ancestor-deities is known as “The Pyroclastic Birth of Takemikatsuchi”. This follows the story of Izanami and Izanagi ; sacred deities of the Shinto religion. They were believed to be

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2562-530: The deities of the Azumi people. At the Hotaka Shrine in Azumino City, there is an annual festival at which people express their gratitude for the gift of water. In the city, there is a traditional spot in which all three rivers (Azusa, Karasu and Nakabusa), as well as the water from the melted snow of Kamikochi's mountains, meet. Kamikochi mountain holds a great significance to the Azumi people as

2623-455: The deity Isora. Over time, they became known as “the people who lived at the sea.” In the late 7th Century, the Azumi people also had a key role in maintaining peace for the Yamato Court's maritime and became core allies in warfare. However, this rapport became troubled during the ‘Tenumu Reign’ in 682. Emperor Tenumu invaded South Kyushu, but instead of inflicting war on the Yamato Court, they offered tokens of their gratitude in appreciation of

2684-521: The divine beings who created the universe and formed the Island of Japan by churning it with their adorned spear. However, their initial attempt at creating life was unsuccessful, with Izanami birthing a leech. It was believed to result from her disobedience in following the Japanese social construct of a woman – she initiated the sexual intercourse, a role assumed to be dominated by men. Although they eventually achieve success with their creation – birthing

2745-537: The imperial state. The Azumi became prominently known for specialising in preparing imperial meals later in the clan's history as this formed as an additional part of the responsibility that they owed the imperial government. Although some of the Azumi people stayed and continued the traditional life as sea goers, for those who decided to leave sea life, many ended up on the small island of Shinshu, where they became heavily involved in farming and agriculture. During these times, even though they were no longer seafarers, it

2806-417: The late 5th century, was distinguished by powerful great clans or extended families, including their dependants. Each clan was headed by a patriarch who performed sacred rites to the clan's kami to ensure the long-term welfare of the clan. Clan members were the aristocracy, and the kingly line that controlled the Yamato court was at its pinnacle. The Kofun period of Japanese culture is also sometimes called

2867-479: The late Kofun period, the distinctive burial chambers, originally used by the ruling elite, were also built for commoners. The biggest kofun are believed to be the tombs of emperors like Emperor Ōjin (応神天皇 Ōjin Tennō ) and Emperor Nintoku (仁徳天皇 Nintoku Tennō ). Kofun are also classified according to whether the entrance to the stone burial chamber is vertical (縦穴 tate-ana ) or horizontal (横穴 yoko-ana ). Japan of

2928-529: The late seventh century, and simpler but distinctive tombs continued in use throughout the following period. Buddhism only started to spread after Mononobe no Moriya lost in the Battle of Shigisan in 587 where the Mononobe clan was defeated and crushed, and Empress Suiko openly encouraged the acceptance of Buddhism among all Japanese people. In 607, in order to obtain copies of Sutras , an imperial embassy

2989-666: The most important trade goods. Chinese philosophy that had been introduced in this era, had a big influence on the history of Japan. Decorated bronze mirrors ( Shinju-kyo ) were imported from China. Japan imported iron from Korean peninsula until the latter half of the 6th century. In this period, Baekje received military support from Japan. According to the Samguk Sagi , King Asin of Baekje sent his son Jeonji to Japan in 397 and King Silseong of Silla sent his son Misaheun to Japan in 402 in order to solicit military aid. Kofun (古墳, "old tomb") are burial mounds which were built for

3050-423: The night to the melody of flutes. This dance has been passed down through Azumi tribe generations as a ritualistic way to explore their connection to Azumi no Isora and express their praise. It was also performed with the shells of sea turtles by the ‘Urabe Diviners’ (the first adherents of Azumi no Isora) as a gateway to determine which days were safe for voyages to sea. Additionally, the Azumi people's kinship to

3111-619: The people of the ruling class during the 3rd to 7th centuries. The Kofun period takes its name from these distinctive earthen mounds which are associated with the rich funerary rituals of the time. The mounds contained large stone burial chambers. Some are surrounded by moats . Kofun came in many shapes, with round and square being the simplest. A distinct style is the keyhole kofun ( 前方後円墳 zenpō kōen fun ), with its square front and round back. Many kofuns were natural hills, which might have been sculpted to their final shape. Kofun range in size from several meters to over 400 meters in length. By

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3172-438: The prefecture. The shrine and its rituals make use of a deer motif, common to the historic Azumi people. Yamato period The Yamato period ( 大和時代 , Yamato-jidai ) is the period of Japanese history when the Imperial court ruled from modern-day Nara Prefecture , then known as Yamato Province . While conventionally assigned to the period 250–710, including both the Kofun period ( c.  250 –538) and

3233-465: The sea during their regular exploration. In essence, the working of Azumi life was centered around their sea God, Watatsumi and their omnipotent deity ‘ Isora ’, who provided the Azumi people with a strong sense of spiritual guidance throughout their day-to-day life. The Azumi people were a tribe from Northern Kyushu in Southern Japan. They were the oldest group and leaders of the “Ama”,

3294-419: The sea. ‘ Kagura’ directly translates to ‘god-performance’ is linked closely with the religion of Shinto. It is suggested that ‘kagura’ was similar, if not identical to the “Sei-no-no” dance, and has been passed down and carried through the many generations. Now, it involves a masked theatrical re-enactment of Japanese history, where the performers retell the origin stories of Shinto. Today, shrines such as

3355-569: The straits of northern Kyushu. In these voyages, they became involved in other specialities and traditions. One of these roles included preparing and tasting imperial food, otherwise known as “Saba”. Under the Japanese legal system of Ritsuryō , they became affiliated with the department of the Ministry of the Imperial Household responsible for preparing the emperor's food, largely because of their historic role of providing seafood to

3416-609: The various Inland Sea routes to Kyushu along the Inland Coast.  In this role, it was the Grand General of the naval force who was in charge of protecting these seas. Azumi no Hirafu, a member of the Azumi tribe, was appointed this role as Grand General when the emperor sighted him along with a group of men swimming toward their boat on the Inland Sea. These men wore deer antlers covering their heads, appearing as

3477-503: The water which flowed down this mountain was once used to irrigate their crops. Using this water, the people of Japan perform the rituals known as “Omizu-tori” (taking water) and “Omizu-gaeshi” (returning water), whereby the water is deemed to rightfully return to the Myojin Pond. During this celebration, the Azumi People commemorate their direct connection to water and their gratitude for it as it has always assisted them – both in their history as skillful seafarers and crop farmers. Today,

3538-411: Was believed to be performed in two parts with a dialogue intermission in between, spoken by two characters: the deity Isora and the goddess Toyo. In the dialogue, Isora is described to be an old man with white hair. “Sei-no-no” consists of four male dancers: two with small drums to accompany their movements and two without. All four were described to have a white cloth covering their face, dancing along in

3599-475: Was dispatched to Sui dynasty China . The Yamato Imperial Court ( 大和朝廷 , Yamato-Chōtei ) was named because there were many palace capitals in the southern part of the Yamato Plain in Nara during the Kofun period and the Asuka period. The Asuka period is known for its significant artistic, social, and political transformations, which had their origins in the late Kofun period. The second half of

3660-408: Was introduced in 538 based on the biography of Prince Shōtoku ( Jōgū Shōtoku Hōō Teisetsu ) and the record of Gangō-ji ( Gangōji Garan Engi ). Initial uptake of Buddhism was slow. Nihon Shoki records that when Emperor Kinmei discussed about the acceptance of this new foreign religion, Soga no Iname expressed his support while Mononobe no Okoshi and Nakatomi no Kamako (later

3721-498: Was part of the holdings of Matsumoto Domain during the Edo period . The modern city of Azumino was established on October 1, 2005, by the merger of the town of Akashina (from Higashichikuma District ), the towns of Hotaka and Toyoshina , and the villages of Horigane and Misato (all from Minamiazumi District ). Per Japanese census data, the population of Azumino has recently plateaued after several decades of growth. Azumino has

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