ᵇᵘʳʸ ᵗʰᵉ ˡⁱᵍʰᵗ ᵈᵉᵉᵖ ʷⁱᵗʰⁱⁿ

A shamaness-queen of Japan, Queen Himiko (170-248 CE) is a semi-legendary female ruler who unified a warring country, successfully treatied with neighbouring countries, and held political, magical, and divine power over her people.

[Statue of Queen Himiko at Kanzaki station]

Himiko was chosen as ruler of the Yayoi people after decades of warfare from foolish male kings. Himiko brought peace, perhaps through magic. She did not marry, but controlled a large palace. The Cao Wei Empire (now China) was reportedly impressed with her values and befriended her. She also sent a diplomatic envoy to Silla (now Korea).

After her death, she was buried in a large raised mound. A king was crowned, but the people would not follow him, and he was assassinated. Instead, another girl named Toyo (sometimes Iyo) who was a relative of Himiko was made queen, and order was restored.