Realm
The InuYasha series takes place during the Sengoku Jidai, also known as the Warring States Era, which lasted from the middle of the 15th century to the beginning of the 17th century and was part of the Muromachi period (10). This is information given to us in the series. However, Izayoi lived a few hundred years prior to this, but the question is when? Using the information provided in the third InuYasha movie, we can determine that InuYasha was born 200 years prior to where the series is now, and i'm assuming that this age also includes the time InuYasha was pinned to the Goshinboku tree.InuYasha's clothing style reminds me of a suikan kamishiro, a style first worn during the Heian Era, although similar garments are seen during the Kamakura period and the early Muromachi period. Izayoi's kimono is similar in appearance to clothing seen during the Heian period and the Kamakura period. However, both characters' designs are a mixture of styles (11). Despite this, I would say that Izayoi and InuYasha lived sometime during the Heian era, simply based on clothing. My theory is further strengthened by the design of the warrior's outfits worn in the beginning of the third movie. Of course, to make things even more confusing, that would mean that Izayoi and InuYasha lived more than 200 years ago (contrary to the movie). It may fit with movie canon if you suggest that the series takes place at the very beginning of the Sengoku period, and that Izayoi and InuYasha lived at the very end of the Heian or the early part of the Kamakura period ... Despite some slight problems with continuity in the series, I will base this page on the Heian era, since that is the most probably time period based on clothing.
The Heian Era, which translates as "safety and tranquility" in Japanese, began in the year 794 and lasted until 1185. It was a period in Japanese history where the influence of China was at its height. The period is most noted for its art, especially poetry and literature. Women in the Heian Era were offered a great many things that women in other parts of the world were not. Baby girls were a prized treasure, and one of the only way in which a family could gain status. A woman could become the wife of a high-ranking lord, or perhaps even the emperor's concubine. A male child could only be as high-ranking as his father, while a female child could go much higher. Upper class women were expected to learn writing, music and the art of kimono - that is, what color or pattern to wear during a particular season. Women could own propery, become educated, and play influential roles in court. However, women did not have the right to chose their husbands, and often more than one wife was taken.
Izayoi is depicted playing the koto in the third InuYasha movie. A string instrument that originated in China, the koto came to Japan in the 7th or 8th centruy and was initially only played by the royal court. The koto consists of a hollow body made of kiri wood and has 13 strings over 13 bridges. The player can adjust the adjust the pitch by moving these bridges before playing, while using three finger picks (on thumb, forefinger, and middle finger) to pluck the strings.
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