Cultural Astronomy of the Japanese Archipelago

<p>Goto introduces the diverse and multilayered skylore and cultural astron- omy of the peoples of the Japanese Archipelago.</p><p>Going as far back as the Jomon Yayoi and Kofun periods this book examines the significance of constellations in the daily life of farmers fishermen sailors priests and the ruling classes throughout Japan’s ancient and medieval history. As well as covering the systems of the dominant Japanese people he also explores the astronomy of the Ainu people of Hokkaido and of the people of the Ryukyu Islands. Along the way he discusses the importance of astronomy in official rituals mythol- ogy and Shinto and Buddhist ceremonies.</p><p>This book provides a unique overview of cultural astronomy in Japan and is a valuable resource for researchers as well as anyone who is inter- ested in Japanese culture and history.</p>