Cultural astronomy of the Japanese archipelago : exploring the Japanese skyscape / Akira Goto.

Introduction -- Japanese people and stars : cultural astronomy and star lore of the Japanese -- Stars in mythology and classical literature -- Star lore of the Hokkaido Ainu -- Ethnoastronomy in the Ryukyu Islands -- Archaeoastronomy of prehistoric Japan : a historical survey -- Fallen star legends in Japanese folk beliefs -- Cosmology seen in house and burial orientation of the Hokkaido Ainu, Northern Japan -- The sun and the Kingdom of Ryukyu : an ethnohistorical approach to state formation -- Epilogue.

"Goto introduces the diverse and multi-layered skylore and cultural astronomy of the peoples of the Japanese archipelago. 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, mythology, and Shinto and Buddhist ceremonies. This book provides a unique overview of cultural astronomy in Japan and is a valuable resource for researchers as well as anyone who is interested in Japanese culture and history"-- Provided by publisher.

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