Around the end of the 2nd century, the lands of Wa (Japan) had been at war for years. The Chinese Records of Wei say that after male kings had ruled for some 70 or 80 years, the country fell into disorder. Himiko's birth year and family are unknown (debated).
The Records of Wei say she excelled in kidō, the arts of divination and ritual, and drew people to her. She is thought to have been a woman of spiritual power who heard the gods and united people through their words.
Weary of war, the kings of the various lands conferred and jointly made her their queen (around this time). The long fighting finally died down, and some 30 lands are said to have united under the queen of Yamatai.
As queen she was rarely seen. A thousand female attendants served her, and a single man brought her meals and relayed her words. She had no husband; her younger brother helped govern. Her palace was guarded by watchtowers, fences and soldiers.
She sent her official Nashime and others to Luoyang, capital of Wei, by way of the Daifang commandery in Korea (some say 238). Pleased, the Wei emperor granted her the title "King of Wa, Friend of Wei", a gold seal and a hundred bronze mirrors, it is said.
Officials from Daifang came to Wa bearing the emperor's edict, the gold seal and gifts. Himiko is recorded as replying with a letter of thanks.
She sent envoys to Wei again with cloth, bows and other gifts. Ties with the great power across the sea also bolstered the queen's authority.
She came into conflict with Himikuko, male king of Kuna to the south, and asked Daifang for help. Wei sent the official Zhang Zheng with a proclamation urging an end to the fighting.
Around this time Himiko died (debated). A great mound over a hundred paces across is said to have been built. A male king followed, but the land fell into disorder again until a girl of her clan, Iyo, became queen. Yamatai's location is still debated, Kyūshū or Kinki among other theories.
People of the Yayoi/Kofun period ・ People by period
Based on facts found in textbooks and biographies. Uncertain points are marked as such.