Glossary

2.1 Kojiki and Nihon Shoki: Japan's earliest chronicles

3 min read•august 9, 2024

Japan's earliest chronicles, and , are foundational texts of Japanese literature. Compiled in the early 8th century, they blend mythology, history, and politics to create a unified national narrative.

These works trace Japan's origins from to the imperial line. They establish key cultural concepts like and , shaping Japan's identity and influencing later art and literature.

Origins and Compilation

Development of Early Japanese Chronicles

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  • Kojiki (Record of Ancient Matters) compiled in 712 CE serves as Japan's oldest extant chronicle
  • Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan) completed in 720 CE presents a more detailed historical narrative
  • initiated the compilation process in 673 CE to establish an official history
  • transcribed and edited the Kojiki based on the recitations of
  • formed the foundation for these written accounts, preserving ancient myths and legends

Compilation Process and Cultural Context

  • Court scholars gathered and synthesized various clan histories and local legends
  • Chinese writing system adapted to represent Japanese language and concepts
  • Compilation efforts aimed to create a unified and historical narrative
  • Process involved careful selection and interpretation of existing oral and written sources
  • Final versions reflected political and cultural influences of the (710-794 CE)

Mythological Content

Creation Myths and Cosmology

  • Japanese explain the origins of the world and the
  • Primordial chaos described as a formless void from which the first deities emerged
  • Concept of kami encompasses a wide range of and natural forces
  • and depicted as the divine couple responsible for creating the Japanese islands
  • Creation process involved Izanagi and Izanami stirring the primordial sea with a jeweled spear

Central Deities and Their Roles

  • , the sun goddess, emerges as the most prominent deity in the Japanese pantheon
  • , the storm god, plays a significant role in various myths and conflicts
  • , the moon god, completes the celestial triad with Amaterasu and Susanoo
  • Lesser kami associated with specific natural phenomena, locations, or concepts (mountains, rivers, fertility)
  • explore the interactions and conflicts between various kami

Political Significance

Establishment of Imperial Authority

  • traced back to the sun goddess Amaterasu through her grandson
  • Legitimacy of rule reinforced by claiming divine ancestry for the imperial family
  • Chronicles present a continuous line of emperors descending from the gods
  • Political rivals and conquered peoples incorporated into the mythological narrative
  • Emphasis on the unique and sacred nature of the Japanese imperial institution

Cultural and Social Implications

  • Mythological accounts used to justify social hierarchies and political structures
  • Divine ancestry concept influenced the development of
  • Chronicles provided a framework for understanding Japan's place in the world
  • Narratives fostered a sense of national identity and
  • Stories and legends from the chronicles influenced later literature and art forms (Noh theater, poetry)

Key Terms to Review (24)

Amaterasu: Amaterasu is the Shinto goddess of the sun and the universe, revered as one of the most important deities in Japanese mythology. She is often seen as the ancestress of the Imperial family and embodies the ideals of light, purity, and harmony. Her stories are primarily recorded in ancient texts, showcasing her significance in the creation myths and the establishment of Japan's divine lineage.
Creation myths: Creation myths are traditional narratives that explain the origins of the world, humanity, and the cultural beliefs of a society. In the context of Japan's earliest chronicles, these myths serve to establish a divine lineage for the Japanese imperial family and provide a framework for understanding the relationship between gods and humans. These stories are not just ancient tales; they reflect cultural values and historical perspectives that shape Japanese identity.
Cultural uniqueness: Cultural uniqueness refers to the distinct characteristics, values, beliefs, and practices that define a particular culture and set it apart from others. This concept is essential in understanding how specific narratives, myths, and histories contribute to a society's identity, influencing its worldview and interactions with other cultures. In the context of Japan’s earliest chronicles, these texts illustrate the cultural uniqueness of Japan through their portrayal of mythology, historical events, and the divine origins of the Japanese imperial lineage.
Divine entities: Divine entities refer to the gods, goddesses, and supernatural beings worshipped in various cultures, particularly in Shinto and early Japanese mythology. These entities are central to the narratives found in ancient texts and are often associated with natural phenomena, ancestral spirits, and the origins of the Japanese people. Their stories and attributes reflect the values, beliefs, and cultural practices of early Japanese society.
Divine imperial ancestry: Divine imperial ancestry refers to the belief that the Japanese imperial family is directly descended from the Shinto deities, specifically the sun goddess Amaterasu. This concept establishes the legitimacy and authority of the emperor, presenting them not just as a political leader but as a divine figure with a sacred connection to the gods. This ancestry is significant in the context of Japan's earliest chronicles, which document these divine origins and shape the cultural identity of the nation.
Emperor Tenmu: Emperor Tenmu was the 40th emperor of Japan, reigning from 673 to 686 CE, and is known for his significant role in the early development of the Japanese state. His reign marked a period of consolidation of imperial power and the establishment of systems that would influence Japan's governance, including the promotion of Confucianism and the compilation of historical texts like the 'Nihon Shoki'.
Hieda no Are: Hieda no Are is a notable figure in early Japanese literature, recognized as a legendary poet and storyteller associated with the composition of the 'Kojiki.' He is often celebrated for his role in transmitting Japan's myths, history, and oral traditions, which are foundational to understanding the cultural narratives within the earliest chronicles of Japan.
Imperial lineage: Imperial lineage refers to the ancestral line of rulers in a monarchy, specifically the line of descent from which an emperor derives their claim to the throne. This concept is crucial in understanding the legitimacy and authority of the imperial family, particularly in Japan, where ancestry is tied to divine origins and mythological narratives.
Izanagi: Izanagi is a significant deity in Japanese mythology, recognized as one of the creators of the Japanese islands and the progenitor of the gods. This figure plays a central role in the creation myth found in ancient texts, symbolizing themes of life, death, and the natural cycle of existence. Izanagi's actions, particularly in relation to his wife Izanami and his journey to the underworld, underscore important cultural beliefs about creation and the afterlife.
Izanami: Izanami is a prominent deity in Japanese mythology, known as the goddess of creation and death. She, along with her counterpart Izanagi, is credited with the creation of the Japanese archipelago and various deities. Their relationship symbolizes the duality of life and death, making Izanami a central figure in the narratives found in early Japanese chronicles.
Japanese Archipelago: The Japanese Archipelago is a chain of islands located in East Asia, comprising four main islands: Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku, along with thousands of smaller ones. This unique geographical feature is crucial in shaping Japan's culture, history, and mythology as seen in early chronicles that narrate the origins and formation of the islands.
Kami: Kami refers to the spirits or deities in Shinto, the indigenous religion of Japan, embodying elements of nature, ancestors, and the divine. They play a vital role in Japanese culture and spirituality, representing both the physical and spiritual world, and are often honored through rituals and offerings.
Kojiki: Kojiki, or 'Records of Ancient Matters,' is Japan's oldest historical text, completed in 712 CE. It chronicles the myths, legends, and genealogies of the imperial family, establishing a foundation for Japan's cultural and historical identity. This text plays a crucial role in understanding the Shinto religion and the early narratives that shaped Japanese culture and society.
Mythological narratives: Mythological narratives are stories that explain the origins, beliefs, and cultural practices of a society, often involving deities, heroes, and supernatural events. These tales serve as a way for people to understand their world, convey moral lessons, and preserve cultural identity. In the context of Japan's earliest chronicles, these narratives help shape the understanding of the nation's creation and its spiritual landscape.
Nara Period: The Nara Period, lasting from 710 to 794, marks a significant era in Japanese history characterized by the establishment of a centralized government and the flourishing of culture, particularly in literature and religion. This period saw the compilation of important literary works and the introduction of Buddhism, which deeply influenced early Japanese literature and art.
National identity: National identity refers to a person's sense of belonging to a nation, characterized by shared elements such as culture, language, history, and traditions. In the context of early Japanese chronicles, national identity is intricately linked to the formation of Japan's historical narrative and the collective memory that shapes the perception of the nation among its people.
Nihon shoki: Nihon Shoki, also known as the 'Chronicles of Japan,' is one of the oldest historical texts in Japan, completed in 720 CE. It serves as a vital source for understanding early Japanese history, mythology, and the establishment of the imperial lineage, while also showcasing the interplay between historical narrative and mythological elements that define Japan's cultural identity.
Ninigi: Ninigi is a significant figure in Japanese mythology, known as the grandson of the sun goddess Amaterasu and an important deity in the creation myths of Japan. He is recognized for his role as the divine ancestor of the Japanese imperial family and for descending from the heavens to establish a new era on earth. His journey and actions serve as a foundation for understanding the divine lineage that supports the legitimacy of Japan's rulers.
ō no yasumaro: Ō no yasumaro was a prominent figure in early Japanese history, known for his role as a compiler and author of the 'Nihon Shoki,' one of Japan's oldest historical texts. This text, completed in 720 CE, serves as an essential chronicle that documents Japan's mythology, history, and the reigns of its emperors. Ō no yasumaro's contributions to these early chronicles helped shape the understanding of Japanese identity and cultural heritage.
Oral traditions: Oral traditions are cultural stories, beliefs, and practices passed down verbally from one generation to another. These traditions often serve to preserve history, convey values, and maintain cultural identity, especially in societies with limited written records. In the context of early Japanese chronicles, such as the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, oral traditions were crucial in shaping the narrative of Japan's mythology and history.
Primordial chaos: Primordial chaos refers to the initial state of existence before the creation of the world, characterized by a formless and unorganized mass. This concept is crucial in understanding the creation myths found in ancient texts, where the universe emerges from this chaotic void, giving rise to order and structure.
Shinto religious practices: Shinto religious practices are the indigenous spiritual beliefs and rituals of Japan, focusing on the worship of kami, which are spirits or deities associated with natural elements and ancestors. These practices emphasize harmony with nature, reverence for the kami, and the importance of rituals and offerings to maintain a connection with the divine.
Susanoo: Susanoo is a prominent deity in Japanese mythology, known as the god of storms and the sea, as well as a warrior associated with the protection of rice and agriculture. His character is deeply rooted in ancient Japanese narratives, particularly in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, where his actions illustrate themes of conflict, redemption, and familial bonds.
Tsukuyomi: Tsukuyomi is a deity in Japanese mythology, specifically associated with the moon. In the context of Japan's earliest chronicles, he is often depicted as a powerful figure who embodies the moon's qualities and is closely linked to the creation myths of Japan, representing the balance between light and darkness.
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