Nara-period court chronicle, completed 720 CE · W. G. Aston, Nihongi: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to A.D. 697 (1896) · Public domain (US; published 1896) · uncorrected OCR — being verified against the scan
THE EMPEROR KAMI-YAMATO IHARE-BIKO.’
(JIMMU TENNO.)
THE Emperor Kami Yamato Ihare-biko’s personal name was
1 Emperor is as near an equivalent as possible of the Chinese FE Si.
Both are foreign words. The Japanese interlinear gloss is Sumera Mikoto
“supreme majesty,” sumera having the same root as suberu, “to unite as a
whole”; hence, ‘‘to have general control of.” See Satow, “ Rituals,”
Salt aXe Aye V bik, ddisetaeoerlag)
Yamato, see above, note to p. 13.
Ihare is the name of a district of Yamato; Hiko means prince.
Jimmu (divine valour) is a posthumous name. These names for the
earlier Mikados were invented in the reign of Kwammu (782—806), after the
“ Nihongi” was written, but it is necessary to mention them, as they are in
universal use by Japanese writers.
In this narrative we have probably a legendary echo of a real movement
of population from Kiushiu eastwards to Yamato, at some time before the
Christian epoch, but it is not safe to go further than this. The details are
manifestly fictitious, some of them, as the quotations from Chinese books put
into the mouth of Jimmu Tenn6, demonstrably so.
Granting foramoment that the narrative of the Conquest of Yamato by Jimmu
Tenn is substantially true, the question arises, Of what race were the tribes
whom he found there? I would suggest that they may have been the Southern
Wa mentioned in the “ Shan hai king,” a very ancient Chinese book, as being,
along with the Northern Wa, subject to the kingdom of Yen. The Chinese in
ancient times had a. notion that Yamato lay to the south of Kiushiu. Yen,
a kingdom of Northern China, had an independent existence from B.C. 1122
to B.C. 265.' Chamberlain has pointed out that the ancient legends of Japan
are connected with three distinct centres—Idzumo, Yamato, and Tsukushi,
which is some indication that these places were also centres of governmental
authority. The names given to the chieftains subdued by Jimmu Tenn6 are
unmistakably Japanese, as are also those of the places which they inhabited.
] cannot agree with Chamberlain in deriving Yamato, Ki, Shima, etc., from
Aino-words, when obvious Japanese explanations are available. There is
another Yamato in Chikugo, where the Aino derivation is surely out of place,
I have no desire, however, to dispute all his Aino derivations of place names
HL 5e
110 NIHONGI.
Hiko-hoho-demi. He was the fourth child ' of Hiko-nagisa-take-
u-gaya-fuki-ahezu no Mikoto. His mother’s name was Tama-
yori-hime, daughter of the Sea-God. From. his birth, this
Emperor was of clear intelligence and resolute will. At the
age of fifteen he was made heir to the throne. When he grew
up, he married Ahira-tsu-hime, of the district of Ata in the
province of Hiuga, and made her his consort. By her he had
Tagishi-mimi no Mikoto and Kisu-mimi no Mikoto.
When he reached the age of forty-five, he addressed his elder
brothers and his children, saying :—‘‘Of old, our Heavenly
Deities Taka-mi-musubi no Mikoto, and Oho-hiru-me no
Mikoto, pointing to this land of fair rice-ears of the fertile reed-
plain, gave it to our Heavenly ancestor, Hiko-ho no ninigi
no Mikoto. Thereupon Hiko-ho no ninigi no Mikoto, throwing
open the barrier of Heaven and clearing a cloud-path, urged on
his superhuman course until he came to rest. At this time the
world was given over to widespread desolation. It was an age
of darkness and disorder. In this gloom, therefore, he fostered
justice, and so governed this western border.’ Our Imperial
ancestors and Imperial parent, like gods, like sages, accumulated
_ happiness and amassed glory. Many years elapsed. From the
date when our ene ancestor descended until now it is over
1,792,470 years.” But the remote regions do not yet enjoy the
blessings of Imperial rule. Every town has always been allowed
to have its lord, and every village its chief, who, each one for
himself, makes division of territory and practises mutual
aggression and conflict.
Now I have heard from the Ancient of the Sea,‘ that in the
East there is a fair land encircled on all sides by blue mountains.
Moreover, there is there one who flew down riding in a
Heavenly Rock-boat. I think that this land will undoubtedly
in this part of Japan, and I think it very probable that the first Japanese who
settled here drove out a population of Aino race.
1 Primogeniture was evidently not recognized in Japan at the time this
story was written.
2 i.e. Kiushiu.
3 This is in imitation of the great number of years ascribed to the reigns
of the early Chinese monarchs.
4 Shiho tsutsu no oji.
Jimmu. III
be suitable for the extension of the Heavenly task,! so that its
glory should fill the universe. It is, doubtless, the centre of
the world.” The person who flew down was, I believe, Nigi-
haya-hi.* Why should we not proceed thither, and make it the
capital ?” oe ;
All the Imperial Princes answered, and said :—‘‘ The truth of
‘this is manifest. This thought is constantly present to our
minds also. Let us go thither quickly.” This was the year
Kinoye Tora (51st) of the Great Year.*
In that year, in winter, on the Kanoto Tori day (the 5th) of
the roth month, the new moon of which was on the day Hinoto
' Mi, the Emperor in person led the Imperial Princes and a naval
force on an expedition against the East. When he arrived at
the Haya-suhi gate,® there was there a fisherman who came
riding in a boat. The Emperor summoned him; and then in-
quired of him, saying :—‘‘ Who art thou?” He answered and
said :—‘‘ Thy servant is a Country-God, and his name is Utsu-
hiko.’ I angle for fish in the bays of ocean. Hearing that
the son of the Heavenly Deity was coming, therefore I forth-
with came to receive him.” Again he inquired of him, saying :—
“‘Canst thou act as my guide?”’ He answered and said:—“ I
will do so.””. The Emperor ordered the end.of a pole of shihi
wood® to be given to the fisher, and caused him to be taken
and pulled into the Imperial vessel, of which he was made pilot.
1 i.e. for the further development of the Imperial power.
2 The world is here the six quarters, N., S., E., W., Zenith, Nadir. This
is, of course, Chinese, as indeed is this whole speech.
* Nigi-haya-hi means soft-swift-sun.
‘4 The great year is the Chinese cycle of sixty years. This system of
reckoning time is described in Legge’s “ Classics,” Chalmers’ “Essay in
prolegomena to Shooking,” “ Japanese, Chronological Tables,” by E.M.S.,
Bramsen’s “ Chronological Tables,” Mayers’ “‘ Chinese Manual,” etc. It was
not in use to record years before the Christian era even in China, and could
hardly have been known in Japan before the introduction of writing in the
5th century, A.D. It ismeedless to add that such dates are, in this part of
the “ Nihongi,” purely fictitious.
> The days of the month are throughout the “ Nihongi” given in this clumsy
fashion. I have not thought it necéssary to follow the example, except in
this one instance.
6 The Quick-suck-gate or Bungo Channel, so called from its rapid tides.
7 Rare-prince. 8 Quercus cuspidata.
B.C, 667.
Reo:
B.C. 666.
B.C. 663.
112 . ‘NIHONGI.
A name was specially granted him, and he was called Shihi-ne-
tsu-hiko.! He was the first ancestor of the Yamato no Atahe.
Proceeding on their voyage, they arrived.at Usa’ in the
Land of Tsukushi. At this time there appeared the ancestors
of the Kuni-tsu-ko* of Usa, named Usa-tsu-hiko and Usa-tsu-
hime. They built a palace raised on one pillar * on the banks
of the River Usa, and offered them a banquet. Then, by
Imperial command, Usa-tsu-hime was given in marriage to the
Emperor’s attendant minister Ama no tane* no Mikoto. Now
Ama no tane no Mikoto was the remote ancestor of the
Nakatomi Uji.’
t1th month, gth day. The Emperor arrived at the harbour
of Oka’. inthe Land of Tsukushi.
12th month, 27th day. He arrived at the province of Aki,
where he dwelt in the Palace of Ye.
The year Kinoto U, Spring, 3rd month, 6th day. Going
onwards, he entered the land of. Kibi,* and built a tem-
porary palace, in which he dwelt. It was called the Palace
of Takashima. Three years passed, during which time he set
in order the helms? of his ships, and prepared a store of pro-
visions. It was his desire by a single effort to subdue the
Empire. ‘ .
The year Tsuchinoye Muma, Spring, 2nd month, 11th day.
The Imperial forces at length proceeded eastwards, the prow of
one ship touching the stern ofanother.. Just when they reached
Cape Naniha they encountered a current of great swiftness.
Whereupon that place was called Nami-haya (wave-swift) or ~
* Prince of shihi root. .
> Usa is now a district (k6ri) in the province of Buzen. Tsukushiis used by
old writers both for the whole island of Kiushiu and for the northern part of it,
3 Or Kuni no miyakko, local hereditary nobles.
4 Vide Ch. K., p. 130, and “Night of the Gods,” p.- 224, where a curious
coincidence with an Irish legend is noted. “In Mailduin’s voyage he came
to an island called Aenchoss, that is One-foot, so called because it was
supported by a single pillar in the middle.” The “ Kojiki” anda note to
the “ Nihongi” have for one pillar, “one foot.” Possibly there is here a
_ reminiscence of a nomadic tent life.
° Heavenly seed.
6 i.e. house, or noble family. "4 In Chikuzen.
8 Including the present provinces of Bizen, Bittchiu, and Bingo. .
® Or oars.
JimMu. eS pe:
Nami-hana (wave-flower). It is now called Naniha,' which is
a corruption of this.
3rd month, roth day. Proceeding upwards against the
stream, they went straight on, and arrived at the port of Awo-
kumo no Shira-date, in the township of Kusaka, in the province
of Kafuchi.?
Summer, 4th month, gth day. The Imperial forces in martial
array marched on to Tatsuta. The road was narrow and pre-
cipitous, and the men were unable to march abreast, so they
returned and again endeavoured to go eastward, crossing over
Mount Ikoma. In this way they entered the inner country.’
Now when Naga-sune-hiko* heard this, he said :—‘‘ The
object of the children of the Heavenly Deity in coming hither is
assuredly to rob me of my country.”’ So he straightway leviedall
the forces under his dominion, and intercepted them at the Hill
of Kusaka. A battle was engaged, and Itsuse no Mikoto was hit
by a random arrow on the elbow. The Imperial forces were
unable to advance against the enemy. The Emperor was vexed,
and revolved in his inmost heart a divine plan, saying :—<‘ I
am the descendant of the Sun-Goddess, and if I proceed
against the Sun to attack the enemy, I shall act contrary to the
way of Heaven. Better to retreat and make a show of weak-
ness. Then sacrificing to the Gods of Heaven and Earth, and
bringing on our backs the might of the Sun-Goddess, let us
follow her rays and trample them down. If we do so, the
enemy will assuredly be routed of themselves, and we shall not
stain our swords with blood.” They all said :—‘“ It is good.”
Thereupon he gave orders to the army, saying :—‘‘ Wait a
while, and advance no further.’”’ So he withdrew his forces,
‘and the enemy also did not dare to attack him. He then re-
tired to the port of Kusaka, where he set up shields, and made
a warlike show. Therefore the name of this port was changed
to Tatetsu,® which is now corrupted into Tadetsu.
Before this, at the battle of Kusaka, there was a man who
* Naniha is now a poetical name for Ohosaka. The current referred to is
no doubt the tide on the bar at the river-mouth, a most dangerous place for
small craft in bad weather.
2 Pronounced Kawachi. 3 Yamato.
* Prince Longshanks. Naga-sune is the name of a place.
® Shield-port or shield-ferry.
RES
IG. Ko},
II4 NIHONGI.
hid in a great tree, and by so doing escaped danger. So
pointing to this tree, he said :—‘‘ I am grateful to it, as to my
mother.”. Therefore the people of the day called that place
Omo no ki no Mura.'
5th month, 8th day. The army arrived at the port of
Yamaki in Chinu [adso called Port Yama no wi|. Now Itsuse
no Mikoto’s arrow wound was extremely painful. He grasped his
sword, and striking a martial attitude, said :—‘‘ How exaspera-
ting it is that a man should die of a wound received at the
hands of slaves, and should not revenge it !”’ The people of that
day therefore called the place Wo no minato.’
Proceeding onwards, they reached Mount Kama in the Land
of Kii, where Itsuse no Mikoto died in the army, and was
therefore buried at Mount Kama.
6th month, 23rd day. The army arrived at the village of
Nagusa, where they put to death the Tohe* of Nagusa. Finally
they crossed the moor of Sano, and arrived at the village of
Kami* in Kumano. Here he embarked in the rock-boat of
Heaven, and leading his army, proceeded onwards by slow
degrees. In the midst of the sea, they suddenly met with a
violent wind, and the Imperial vessel was tossed about. Then
Ina-ihi no Mikoto exclaimed and said :—‘‘ Alas! my ancestors
were Heavenly Deities, and my mother was a Goddess of the
Sea. Why do they harass me by land, and why moreover do
they harass me by sea?’’ When he had said this, he drew
his sword and plunged into the sea, where he became changed
into the God Sabi-mochi.’
Mike Irino no Mikoto, also indignant at this, said :—
‘““My mother and my aunt are both Sea-Goddesses: why
do they raise great billows to overwhelm us?” So treading
upon the waves, he went to the Eternal Land.‘ The Emperor
was now alone with the Imperial Prince Tagishi-mimi no
Mikoto. Leading his army forward, he arrived at Port
Arazaka in Kumano [also called Nishiki Bay|, where he put to
death the Tohe of Nishiki. At this time the Gods belched up
' Mother-tree-village. 2 Port Man (vir).
* Tohe seems to have been a word for chieftain.
* Or it may be of the Deity of Kumano.
® ie. the blade-holder. ° Toko-yo no Kuni.
—
JimMu. 115
a poisonous vapour, from which everyone suffered. For this
reason the Imperial army was again unable to exert itself.
Then there was there a man by name Kumano no Takakuraji,
who unexpectedly had a dream, in which Ama-terasu no Oho-
kami spoke to Take-mika-tsuchi no Kami,! saying :—‘I still
hear a sound of disturbance from the Central Land of Reed-
Plains. Do thou again go and chastise it.” Take-mika-tsuchi
no Kami answered and said :—‘ Even if I go not, I can send
down my sword, with which I subdued the land, upon which the
country will of its own accord become peaceful.” To this
Ama-terasu no Kami assented. Thereupon Take-mika-tsuchi
no Kami addressed Takakuraji, saying :—‘* My sword, which
is called Futsu no Mitama, I will now place in thy storehouse.
Do thou take it and present it to the Heavenly Grandchild.”
Takakuraji said ‘“ Yes,” and thereupon awoke. The next
morning, as instructed in his dream, he opened the storehouse,
and on looking in, there was indeed there a sword which had
fallen down (from Heaven), and was standing upside down? on
the plank floor of the storehouse. So he took it and offered
it to the Emperor. At this time the Emperor happened to be
asleep. He awoke suddenly, and said :—‘ What a long time
I have slept!” On inquiry he found that the troops who had
been affected by the poison had all recovered their senses and
were afoot. The Emperor then endeavoured to advance into
the interior, but among the mountains it was so precipitous
that there was no road by which they could travel, and they
wandered about not knowing whither to direct their march.
Then Ama-terasu no Oho-kami instructed the Emperor in a
dream of the night, saying :—‘ I will now send thee the Yata-
garasu,” make it thy guide through the land.” Then there did
‘ The Thunder-God. 2 i.e. point upwards.
* Yata-garasu. The Chinese characters used here mean “ The crow with
a head eight feet long.” But this is a case where we must put aside the
Chinese characters, and attend solely to the Japanese word which they are
meant to represent. This is undoubtedly yata-garasu, as we know from the
“Kojiki” and from the traditional Kana rendering. Muchhas been written about
this bird by Motowori and other Shinto scholars, which is, I venture to think,
wholly wide of the mark. The clue to its meaning is afforded by the “ Wami6-
sho,” a Chinese- Japanese vocabulary of the tenth century, which says, on the
authority of the “Shiki,” still more ancient commentaries on the “ Nihongi,”
LEE.
ELI.
12.
116 NIHONGI.
indeed appear the Yata-garasu flying down from the Void.
The Emperor said:—‘‘The coming of this crow is in due
accordance with my auspicious dream. How grand! How
splendid! My Imperial ancestor, Ama-terasu no Oho-kami,
desires therewith to assist me in creating the hereditary
institution.” *
At this time Hi no Omi? no Mikoto, ancestor of the Oho-
tomo ® House, taking with him Oho-kume* as commander of
the main body, guided by the direction taken by the crow,
looked up to it and followed after, until at length they arrived
at the district of Lower Uda. Therefore they named the
place which they reached the village of Ukechi’ in Uda.
that the Yang-wu or Sun-crow isin Japanese yata-garasu. The Yang-wu is a
bird with three claws, and ofa red colour, which, according to Chinese myth,
inhabits the sun. If we accept this identifi-
cation, the meaning of the epithet yata becomes
clear. It means eight hands, or, as ya in ancient
Japanese meant also many or several, many
hands, a sufficiently accurate description for
popular myth of the Yang-wu with its three
claws. The late M. Terrien de La-Couperie,
in his ‘“ Western Origin of Early Chinese
Civilization,’ says that “the first allusion to
the three-legged crow supposed to roost in
the sun occurs in the “ Li Sao” of Kiii-yuen,
the poet of Ts’u, 314 B.c. in China. A three-
legged bird in various forms was figured on
coins of Pamphylia and Lycia of older times.
Comte Goblet d’Alviella has reproduced some of
them in his interesting work on “ La Migration
des Symboles,” 1891, p. 222. See a paper on
Sun-crow. theHi si0-maruin'* TAS.J.,7 VOL OCXILL 5 p27;
and Ch. K., p. 136. .The-guidance of con-
querors or colonists to their destination by a supernatural bird or beast
is a familiar feature of old-world story. See Lang, “Custom and Myth,”
Meer Ale
1 The sovereignty. 2 Hi means sun ; Omi, minister.
3 Oho-tomo means “ great companion.” The Oho-tomo were the Imperial
guards.
4 Oho-kume, as Chamberlain points out, probably means simply a great
force. But when the “ Kojiki” and “ Nihongi” were written, this meaning
was forgotten, and it was supposed to be a man’s name.
’ Ugatsu means to pierce, and the name was given because they penetrated
the mountains to this place. All these derivations are very fanciful.
JIMMv. | KE?
_ At this time, by an Imperial order, he commended Hi no
Omi no Mikoto, saying :—‘‘ Thou art faithful and brave, and
art moreover a successful guide. Therefore will I give thee a
new name, and will call thee Michi no Omi.’’!
Autumn, 8th month, 2nd day. The Emperor sent to
summon Ukeshi the Elder and Ukeshi the Younger. These
two were chiefs of the district of Uda. Now Ukeshi the
Elder did not come. But Ukeshi' the Younger came, and
making obeisance at the gate of the camp, declared as
follows :—‘‘ Thy servant’s elder brother, Ukeshi the Elder,
shows signs of resistance. Hearing that the descendant of
Heaven was about to arrive, he forthwith raised an army with
which to make an attack. But having seen from afar the might
of the Imperial army, he was afraid, and did not dare to oppose
it. Therefore he has secretly placed his troops in ambush, and
has built for the occasion a new palace, in the hall of which
he has prepared engines. It is his intention to invite the
Emperor to a banquet there, and then to do him a mischief.
I pray that his treachery be noted, and that good care be taken
to make preparation against it.” The Emperor straightway
sent Michi no Omi no Mikoto to observe the signs of his
opposition. Michi no Omi no Mikoto clearly ascertained his
hostile intentions, and being greatly enraged, shouted at him
in a blustering manner :—‘‘ Wretch! thou shalt thyself dwell
in the house which thou hast made.” So grasping his sword,
and drawing his bow, he urged him and drove him within it:
Ukeshi the Elder being guilty before Heaven, and the matter
not admitting of excuse, of his own accord trod upon the
engine and was crushed to death. His body was then brought
out and decapitated, and the blood which flowed from it
reached above the ankle. Therefore that place was called
Uda no Chi-hara.? After this Ukeshi the Younger prepared a
great feast of beef and sake,® with which he entertained the
1 The Minister of the Road. 2 The bloody plain of Uda.
* We might be inclined to infer from this (what was probably the case )
that the Ancient Japanese lived more on animal food than their descendants
in modern times. But there is much room for suspicion that this statement
s nothing more than a reminiscence of a passage in a history of the Later
Han dynasty of China, which speaks of beef and sake being presented to
the Emperor Kwang Wu Ti, who came to the throne A.D. 25.
PUL sre
BETA.
BEI V5:
118 NIHONGI.
Imperial army. The Emperor distributed this flesh and sake
to the common soldiers, upon which they sang the following
verses :—
tree
I set a snare for woodcock,
And waited,
But no woodcock came to it ;
A valiant whale came to it.}
* % % %
* * * *
In the high Lae ; of Uda
This is calleda Kume’ song. At the present time, when the
Department of Music performs this song, there is still the?®
measurement of great and small by the hand, as well as a
distinction of coarse and fine in the notes of the voice. This
is by a rule handed down from antiquity.
After this the Emperor wished to inspect the Land of
Yoshino, so taking personal command of the light troops, he
made a progress round by way of Ukechi mura in Uda.
- When he came to Yoshino, there was a man who came out
_ of a well. He shone, and had a tail. The Emperor inquired
of him, saying :—‘‘ What man art thou?” He answered and
said :—‘‘ Thy servant is a local Deity, and his name is Wi-
hikari.””* He it is who was the first ancestor of the Yoshino no
Obito. Proceeding a little further, there was. another man
with a tail, who burst open a rock and came forth from it.. The
Emperor inquired of him, saying :—“ What man art thou?”
He answered and said :—‘‘ Thy servant is the child of Iha-oshi-
1 Ki in the first line of this poem means probably both tree and castle.
The words are put into the mouth of Ukeshi the Elder, who found a whale
(the Emperor) in his springe instead of the harmless woodcock he expected.
The wild boar is now called the yama-kujira or mountain-whale, and ‘is
perhaps the animal intended here.
I confess that I can make no satisfactory sense of the remainder of this
poem. ‘The version given by Chamberlain (Ch. K., p. 140), following Moribe,
is as good as any, but it seems to me very conjectural. It should be noted,
however, that this part of the poem contains an indication of the polygamous
customs of the Japanese at this time in the use of two words signify-
ing respectively elder wife (konami) and younger wife (uhanari), The
“ Nihongi” omits the interjectional refrain given in the “ Kojiki.”
> Kume means no doubt “soldier” in this passage.
3 Beating time is perhaps meant. * Well-brightness.
JimMu. 119
wake.”' It is he who was the first ancestor of the Kuzu® of
Yoshino. |
Then skirting the river, he proceeded westward, when, there
appeared another man, who had made a fish trap and was
catching fish. On the Emperor making inquiry of him, he
answered and said :—‘“‘ Thy servant is the son of Nihe-motsu.” *
He it is who was the first ancestor of the U-kahi of Ata.’ |
gth month, 5th day. The Emperor ascended to the peak of
Mount Takakura in Uda, whence he had a prospect over all
the land. On Kuni-mi*® Hill there were descried eighty
bandits. Moreover at the acclivity of Me-zaka°® there was
posted an army of women, and at the acclivity of Wo-zaka‘
there was stationed a force of men. At the acclivity of Sumi-
zaka* was placed burning charcoal. This was the origin of
the names Me-zaka, Wo-zaka and Sumi-zaka.
Again there was the army of Ye-shiki,’ which covered all the
village of Ihare. All the places occupied by the enemy ”
were strong positions, and therefore the roads were cut off and
‘obstructed, so that there was no room for passage. The
Emperor, indignant at this, made prayer on that night in
person, and then fell asleep. The Heavenly Deity appeared to
him in a dream, and instructed him, saying :—‘‘ Take earth
from within the shrine !' of the Heavenly Mount Kagu, and of it
make eighty Heavenly platters. Also make sacred jars” and
therewith sacrifice to the Gods of Heaven and Earth. More-
over pronounce a solemn imprecation. If thou doest so, the
’ Rock-push-divide.
Kuzu were local chiefs. They are mentioned again in Ojin’s reign.
Food-holder or purveyor.
U-kahi means cormorant-keepers. Fishing with cormorants is still
practised in Japan.
> Land-view. ® Women’s acclivity.
7 Men’s acclivity. The terms Me-zaka and Wo-zaka are now applied to
two roads or stairs leading up to the same place, one of which (the women’s)
is less precipitous than the other. .
8 Sumi-zaka means charcoal acclivity.
® Shiki the Elder. 10 Lit. Robber-slaves or prisoners.
” A shrine, like a templum, might be merely a consecrated plot of ground.
Kagu-yama is a mountain in Yamato.
% Idzube. The platters were for rice, the jars. for sake. See Satow’s
“ Rituals” in J.A.S.T.,” VIL., ti. ps 109.
LiteenGs
120 NIHONGI.
enemy will render submission of their own accord.” The
Emperor received with reverence the directions given in his
dream, and proceeded to carry them into execution.
Now Ukeshi the Younger again addressed the Emperor,
saying :—‘‘ There are in the province of Yamato, in the village
of Shiki, eighty Shiki bandits. Moreover, in the village of
Taka-wohari [some say Katsuraki] there are eighty Akagane’
bandits. All these tribes intend to give battle to the Emperor,
and thy servant is anxious in his own mind on his account.
It were now good to take clay from the Heavenly Mount
Kagu, and therewith to make Heavenly platters with which to
sacrifice to the Gods of the Heavenly shrines and of the Earthly
shrines. If after doing so, thou dost attack the enemy, they
may be easily driven off.” The Emperor, who had already
taken the words of his dream for a good omen, when he now
heard the words of Ukeshi the Younger, was still more pleased
in his heart. He caused Shihi-netsu-hiko* to put on ragged
garments and a grass hat, and to disguise himselfas an old man,
He also caused Ukeshi the Younger to cover himself with a
winnowing tray, so as to assume the appearance of an old
woman, and then addressed them, saying :—‘‘ Do ye two pro-
ceed to the Heavenly Mount Kagu, and secretly take earth from
its summit. Having done so, return hither. By means of
you I shall then divine whether my undertaking will be
successful or not. Do your utmost and be watchful.”
Now the enemy’s army filled the road, and made all passage
impossible. Then Shihi-netsu-hiko prayed, and said :—‘ If it
will be possible for our Emperor to conquer this land, let the
road by which we must travel become open. But if not, let
the brigands surely oppose our passage.” Having thus spoken
they set forth, and went straight onwards. Now the hostile
band, seeing the two men, laughed loudly, and said :—‘‘ What
an uncouth old man and old woman!’ So with one accord
they left the road, and allowed the two men to pass and proceed
to the mountain, where they took the clay and returned with
it. Hereupon the Emperor was greatly pleased, and with this
* Akagane means red metal, i.e. copper, but the text is doubtful. The
“ Kiujiki” has a different reading.
* See above, p. 11k.
JimMu. 121
clay he made eighty platters, eighty Heavenly small jars and
sacred jars,' with which he went up to the upper waters of the
River Nifu and sacrificed to the Gods of Heaven and of Earth.
Immediately, on the Asa-hara plain by the river of Uda, it
became as it were like foam on the water, the result of the curse
cleaving to them.’
Moreover the Emperor went on to utter a vow, saying :—‘‘ I
will now make ame? in the eighty platters without using water.
If the ame is formed, then shall I assuredly-without effort and
without recourse to the might of arms reduce the Empire to
peace.” So he made ame, which forthwith became formed of
itself.*
- Again he made a vow, saying :—‘‘I will now take the sacred
jars and sink them in the River Nifu. If the fishes, whether
great or small, become every one drunken and are carried down
the stream, like as it were to floating maki* leaves, then shall
I assuredly succeed in establishing this land. ‘But if this be
not so, there will never be any result.” Thereupon he sank
the jars in the river with their mouths downward. After a
while the fish all came to the surface, gaping and gasping as
they floated down the stream. Then Shihi-netsu-hiko, seeing
this, represented it to the Emperor, who was greatly rejoiced,
and plucking up a five-hundred-branched masakaki tree of the
* The reader who wishes to realize what the ancient pottery of Japan was
like should visit the British Museum and inspect the Gowland collection.
There is also a collection in the Uyeno Museum in Tokio. Ninagawa
Noritane’s work entitled “‘ Kwan-ko-dzu-setsu” gives very good drawings of
ancient pottery. The common Japanese name for this ware is Gidgi-yaki,
Giodgi being the name of a Buddhist priest who lived 670-749, and who is
credited with the invention of the potter’s wheel. But the wheel was cer-
tainly known in Japan long before his time. This very passage contains an
evidence of this fact. Both the Chinese characters and the Japanese word
ta-kujiri given in the ancient commentary for the small jars. here mentioned
mean “hand-made,” leading to the conclusion that this was exceptional.
Indeed, nearly all the pottery of the Nihongi period which has come down to
us is wheel-made.
* Foam on water is a favourite emblem of the transitoriness of human
life.
* Ame (sweetness) is usually made of millet, malted, and is nearly identical
in composition with what our chemists call “ malt extract.” It is a favourite
sweetmeat in the far East.
+ Cf. Judges vi. 36. * Podocarpus macrophylla.
JU leg 2X0}5
122 NIHONGI.
upper waters of the River Nifu, he did worship therewith to all
the Gods. It was with this that the custom began of setting
sacred jars.’
At this time he commanded Michi no Omi no Mikoto, say-
ing :—‘‘ We are now in person’? about to celebrate a public’
festival to Taka-mi-musubi no Mikoto,.and I appoint thee
Ruler of the festival, and grant thee the title of Idzu-hime.*
The earthen jars which are set up shall be called the Idzube
or sacred jars, the fire shall be called Idzu no Kagu-tsuchi or
sacred-fire-elder, the water shall be called Idzu no Midzu-ha
no me or sacred-water-female, the food shall be called Idzu-
uka no me or sacred-food-female, the firewood shall be called
Idzu no Yama-tsuchi or sacred-mountain-elder, and the grass
shall be called Idzu no No-tsuchi or sacred-moor-elder.”’
Winter, roth month, 1st day. The Emperor tasted® the
food of the Idzube, and arraying his troops set forth upon his
march. He first.of all attacked the eighty bandits at Mount
Kunimi, routed and slew them. It was in this campaign that
the Emperor, fully resolved on victory, made these verses,
saying :—
Like the Shitadami
Which creep around
The great rock
Of the Sea of Ise
Where blows the divine wind —
Like the Shitadami,
My boys! my boys!
We will creep around,
And smite them utterly,
And smite them utterly.°
' A note says that they were set up in the courtyard.
2 The Mikado deputed most of his priestly functions to the Nakatomi.
3 The ancient commentary gives the Japanese word utsushi, i.e. manifest,
visible. This suggests that there was a distinction between esoteric and
exoteric in the Shinto rites of this time.
4 Idzu-hime means dread or sacred princess. The “'Tsusho ” commentator
says that the persons entrusted with this function were usually women, as may
be seen in the case of the priestesses of Ise, Kamo, and Kasuga. But as no
women were available at this time, Michi-no-Omi was given a feminine title
for the occasion.
>.The interlinear Kana has tatematsuri, i.e. offered. The reference is to
the feast of Nihiname described above. See p. 86. ,
6 The shitadami is a small shell of the turbinide class. Its introduction
JIMMu. Lee
In this poem, By the great rock is intended the Hill of
Kunimi.
After this the er which remained was still numerous, and
their disposition could not be fathomed. So the Emperor
privately commanded Michi no Omi no Mikoto, saying :—‘‘ Do
thou take with thee the Oho-kume, and make a great muro at
the village of Osaka." Prepare a copious banquet, invite the
enemy to it, and then capture them.” Michi no Omi no
Mikoto thereupon, in obedience to the Emperor’s secret behest,
dug a muro at Osaka, and having selected his bravest soldiers,
stayed therein mingled with the enemy. He secretly arranged
with them, saying :—‘‘ When they have got tipsy with sake,
I will strike up a song. Do you, when you hear the sound of
my song, all at the same time stab the enemy.” Having
made this arrangement they took their seats, and the drinking-
bout proceeded. The enemy, unaware that there was any plot,
abandoned themselves to their feelings, and promptly became
intoxicated. Then Michi no Omi no Mikoto struck ue the
following song :—
At Osaka
In the great muro-house,
Though men in plenty
Enter and stay,
We the glorious
Sons of warriors,
Wielding our mallet-heads,
Wielding our stone-mallets,
Will smite them utterly.”
Now when our troops heard this song, they all drew at the
here does not seem very appropriate. Perhaps the meaning is “in number
like the turbinidee.” Cf. Ch. K., p. 143. The “ Shukai” editor thinks that the
shitadami represent the bandits. The great rock is, perhaps, the Miydto-
seki at Futami, so often represented in Japanese pictures. See Anderson's
Catalogue, p. 320, or Satow and Hawes’ Handbook, p. 150.
. * In Yamato. To be distinguished from the city of Ohosaka.
* The muro-ya is a pit-dwelling (see above, p. 71). The poem speaks of
mallet-heads, but the text which follows of mallet-headed swords. I have
little doubt that the former is the true phrase, and that. stone weapons are
referred to. The stone-mallets are unmistakably the weapons figured above
(p. 87). The mallet-heads and stone-mallets are perhaps the same thing
under different names.
TIiL-2k.
NN eh
124 NIHONGI,
same time their mallet-headed swords, and simultanously slew
the enemy, so that there were no eaters left.!| The Imperial
army were greatly delighted; they looked up to Heaven and
laughed. Therefore he made a song, saying :—
Though folk say
That one Yemishi
Is a match for one hundred men,
They do not so much as resist.”
The practice according to which at the present time the
Kume sing this and then laugh loud, had this origin.
Again he sang, saying :—
Ho! now is the time ;
Ho! now is the time ;
Ha! Ha! Psha!
Even now
My boys !
Even now
My boys 1*
All these songs were sung in accordance with the secret
behest of the Emperor. He had not presumed to compose
them of his own motion.
Then the Emperor said :—“ It is the part of a good general
when victorious to avoid arrogance. The chief brigands have
now been destroyed, but there are ten bands of villains of a.
similar stamp, who are disputatious. Their disposition cannot
* That is, none were left alive.
The Yemishi are the Ainos, or more correctly Ainus, of whom a remnant
of some ten thousand souls now inhabit the island of Yezo.. When the
“ Nihongi” was written they still occupied a large part of the main island of
Japan, and in earlier times, as we gather from the evidence of place-names
(See Chamberlain’s Essay published by the Imperial University), they ex.
tended west even of Yamato. But it would not be safe to draw any con-
clusion from their mention in this poem. ‘The writer of the “ Nihongi” is in the
habit of fitting ancient poetry into his narrative in a very arbitrary manner.
The “ Kojiki” omits it. Yemishi or Yebisu is also applied to barbarous tribes
generally, and this is probably its primary meaning. It ought, perhaps, to
be added to the group of onomatopoetic words ending in sz or siz, mentioned
at p. 65, the 4 or m having the same function as these letters in the words
barbarian, babble, murmur, etc. See Index—Yemishi.
® Nothing could well be more primitive than this. 'The metre is irregular,
and, like all Japanese poetry, there is no rhyme, quantity or regular recur-
rence of accent to distinguish it from prose.
IMMU. 25
J 5
be ascertained. Why should we remain for a long time in one
place? By so doing we could not have control over emer-
gencies.”’ Soheremoved his camp to another place.
11th month, 7th day. The Imperial army proceeded in great
force to attack the Hiko’ of Shiki. First of all the Emperor
sent a messenger to summon Shiki the Elder, but he refused to
obey. Again the Yata-garasu was sent to bring him. When
the crow reached his camp it cried to him, saying :—‘‘ The
child of the Heavenly Deity sends for thee. Haste! haste!”
Shiki the Elder was enraged at this, and said :—‘‘ Just when I
heard that the conquering Deity of Heaven was coming and
was indignant at this, why shouldst thou, a bird of the crow tribe,
utter such an abominable cry?” So he drew his bow and
aimed at it. The crow forthwith fled away, and next proceeded
to the house of Shiki the Younger, where it cried, saying :—
“The child of the Heavenly Deity summons thee. Haste!
haste!’”’ Then Shiki the Younger was afraid, and, changing
countenance, said :—‘‘ Thy servant, hearing of the approach of
the conquering Deity of Heaven, is full of dread morning and
evening. Well hast thou cried to me, O crow.” He straight-
way made eight leaf-platters,” on which he disposed food, and
entertained the crow. Accordingly, in obedience to the crow,
he proceeded to the Emperor and informed him, saying :—‘‘ My
elder brother, Shiki the Elder, hearing of the approach of the
child of the Heavenly Deity, forthwith assembled eighty bandits
and provided arms, with which he is about to do battle with
thee. It will be well to take measures against him without delay.”
The Emperor accordingly assembled his generals and inquired
of them, saying :—‘‘It appears that Shiki the Elder has now
rebellious intentions. I summoned him, but again he will not
come. What is to be done?” The. generals said :—‘ Shiki
the Elder is a crafty knave. It will be well, first of all, to send
Shiki the Younger to mdke matters clear to him, and at the
same time to make explanations to Kuraji the Elder and
Kuraji the Younger. If after that they still refuse submission,
it will not be too late to take warlike measures against them.”
Shiki the Younger was accordingly sent to explain to them
* Princes.
* Or trays, made of the leaves of Kashiha, a kind of evergreen oak.
Ibe. Bish
126 NIHONGI.
their interests. But Shiki the Elder and the others adhered to
their foolish design, and would not consent to submit. Then
Shihi-netsu-hiko advised as follows :—‘‘ Let us first send out
our feebler troops by the Osaka road. When the enemy sees
them he will assuredly proceed thither with all his best troops.
We should then straightway urge forward our robust troops,
and make straight for Sumi-zaka.'| Then with the water of the
River Uda we should sprinkle the burning charcoal, and
suddenly take them unawares, when they cannot fail to be
routed.” The Emperor approved this plan, and sent out the
feebler troops towards the enemy, who, thinking that a power-
ful force was approaching, awaited them with all their power.
Now up to this time, whenever the Imperial army attacked,
they invariably capturedy and when they fought they were
invariably victorious, so that the fighting men were all wearied
out. Therefore the Emperor, to comfort the hearts of his
leaders and men, struck off this verse :— .
As we fight, .
Going forth and watching
From between the trees
Of Mount Inasa,
We are famished.
Ye keepers of cormorants
(Birds of the island),
Come now to our aid.”
In the end he crossed Sumi-zaka with the stronger troops,
and, going round by the rear, attacked them from two sides
and put them to the rout, killing their chieftains Shiki the
Elder and the others.
12th month, 4th day. The Imperialarmyat length attacked
Naga-sune-hiko and fought with him repeatedly, but was
unable to gain the victory. Then suddenly the sky became
overcast, and hail fell. There appeared a wondrous kite of a
golden colour which came flying and perched on the end of
the Emperor’s bow. The lustre of this kite was of dazzling
' The charcoal acclivity.
2 The metre is nearly regular naga-uta, which consists of alternate lines of
five and seven syllables, with an additional line of seven syllables at the
end. The cormorant-keepers were appealed to to supply fish for the army’s
food.
JimMu. 127
brightness, so that its appearance was like that of lightning.
In consequence of this all Naga-sune-hiko’s soldiers were
dazzled and bewildered so that they could not fight stoutly.
Nagasune was the original name of the village, whence it
became the name of a man. But in consequence of the
Imperial army obtaining the favourable omen of the Kite, the
men of that time called it Tobi no mura.’ It is now called
Tomi, which is a corruption of this.
Ever since Itsuse no Mikoto was hit by an arrow at the
battle of Kusaka and died, the Emperor bore this in mind, and
constantly cherished resentment for it. On this campaign it
was his desire to put all to death, and therefore he composed
these verses, saying :—
My mouth tingles
With the ginger planted
At the bottom of the hedge
By the glorious
Sons of warriors—
I cannot forget it ;
Let us smite them utterly.
Again he sang, saying :—
In the millet- field
Is one stem of odorous garlic :—
The glorious
Sons of warriors
Binding its stem
And binding its shoots
Will smite it utterly.
Then again letting loose his army, he suddenly attacked him.
In general, all these songs composed by the Emperor are
termed ume uta, in allusion to the persons who took and sang
them.
Now Naga-sune-hiko sent a foot-messenger, who addressed
the Emperor, saying :—‘‘ There was formerly a child of the
1 Kite-village.
2 “ As the taste of ginger remains in the mouth for a long time after it is
eaten, so do my feelings of resentment for my brother’s death remain present
to my mind. I cannot forget it, so let us revenge it by destroying the enemy
utterly.”
The word for shoots is me, which. also means females. This is no
doubt intentional. Naga-sune-hiko is to be destroyed with all his family.
Riess
Lie 26
127;
128 NIHONGI.
Heavenly Deity, who came down from Heaven to dwell here,
riding in a Rock-boat of Heaven. His name was Kushi-dama
Nigi-haya-hi no Mikoto. He took to wife my younger sister
Mi-kashiki-ya-bime’ [also called Naga-sune-hime, or Tomi-ya-
hime]? of whom he at length had a child, named Umashi-ma-te®
no Mikoto. Therefore did I take Nigi-haya-hi no Mikoto for my
Lord, and did service to him. Can it be that there are two
seeds of the children of the Heavenly Deity? Why should
any one else take the name of Child of the Heavenly Deity
and therewith rob people of their dominions? Ihave pondered
this in my heart, but have as yet failed utterly to believe it.”
The Emperor said :—‘‘ There are many other children of the
Heavenly Deity. If he whom thou has takenasthy Lord were
truly a child of the Heavenly Deity, there would be surely
some object which thou couldst show to us by way of proof.”
Naga-sune-hiko accordingly brought a single Heavenly-
feathered-arrow of Nigi-haya-hi no Mikoto, and a foot-quiver,’
and exhibited them respectfully tothe Emperor. The Emperor
examined them, and said :—‘‘ These are genuine.” Then in
his turn he showed to Naga-sune-hiko the single Heavenly-
feathered-arrow and quiver which he wore. When Naga-sune-
hiko saw the Heavenly token he became more and more em-
barrassed. But the murderous weapons were algeady prepared,
and things were in such a state that he was unable to pause in
his career. Therefore he adhered to his misguided scheme,
and would not alter his purpose.
Nigi-haya-hi no Mikoto, knowing from the first that the
Heavenly Deity had simply generously bestowed the Empire
on the Heavenly Grandchild, and that in view of the perverse
disposition of Naga-sune it would be useless to instruct him
inthe relation of Heaven to Man,’ put him to death. He then
came with his army and made submission. The Emperor,
who from the first had heard that Nigi-haya-hi no Mikoto had
come down from Heaven, finding that he now had actually
performed faithful service, accordingly praised him, and was
gracious to him. He was the ancestor of the Mono no Be House.”
1 Three-cook-house-princess. ? Wealth-house. 3 Sweet-true-hand.
4 A foot-soldier’s quiver is meant. > i.e. of Lord and Vassal.
6 The Mononobe were soldiers. Here, however, the hereditary chiefs
only are meant, the Mononobe no Muraji.
Jimmu. — 120
The year Tsuchi no to Hitsuji, Spring, 2nd month, 2oth
day. The Emperor commanded his generals to exercise the
troops. Atthis time there were Tsuchi-gumo ! in three places,
viz.:—The Tohe* of Nihiki at Tada no Oka-zaki® in the
district of Sofu, the Kose Hofuri at Wani no Saka-moto,’* and
the Wi-Hofuri* at Hosomi no Nagara no Oka-zaki. All of these,
‘The Tsuchi-gumo are mentioned in four or fie passages of the
“‘Nihongi” and one passage of the “ Kojiki,” all of which belong to the
highly legendary period of Japanese history. We gather from them that
the Tsuchi-gumo were usually, though not invariably, outlaws who defied the
Imperial authority. They had Japanese names, and inhabited such long-
settled parts of Japan as Yamato, Harima, and even Kiushiu. There is’
nothing, if we put aside the mention of Yemishi at p- 124, to suggest that
they were not of Japanese race. The “short bodies,” etc., of the “Nihongi”
description I take to be nothing more than a Biotic: of the popular
noe nen working on the hint contained in the name Tsuchi-gumo, which
is literally “earth spider.” Some etymologists prefer the derivation which
connects £umo (or gumo) with komori, to hide, thus making tsuchi-gumo
the “earth-hiders.” But this is probably a distinction without a difference,
these two words containing the same root, and the animal which we call
the spider, i.e, spinner, being in Japan.termed the “hider,” an epithet of
which no one who has observed its habits will dispute the appropriateness.
An ancient Japanese book says Tsuchi-gumo is a mere nickname, to be
compared therefore with our clod-hopper or bog-trotter.
In one of the passages above referred to, the Tsuchi-gumo are described
as inhabiting a rock-cave, but in others they are said to live in muro or
pit-dwellings, and this is obviously the origin of the name.
There are several notices of Tsuchi-gumo in the ancient “ Fudoki,” or
“County Histories,” but they are probably mere echoes of the older legends
related in the “ Nihongi” and “ Kojiki,” and in any case they add nothing of
importance to our information about them. It may be noted, however, that
Hiuga and Higo are mentioned in them as habitats of bands of these Rea
An amusing expansion by a modern writer of the spider conception of the
Tsuchi-gumo will be found at p. 140 of Anderson’s B.M. Catalogue. See
also Ch. K., p. 141, and Index.
A little wok called “ Kek-kio-k6,” in a collection entitled ““Haku-butsu-
s0-sho,” published by the Japanese Imperial Museum, has brought together
all the available information respecting Muro and Tsuchi-gumo.
Chiefs:
* Oka-zaki means hill-spur, and is perhaps to be so understood here, and
not as a proper name.
* Saka-moto (acclivity bottom) may be also a description and not a proper
name.
* Hofuri is a kind of Shintd priest. It is unlikely that persons not of
Japanese race should be so called. .
K
B.Ce 662.
130 NIHONGI.
-. trusting to their valour, refused to present themselves at Court.
The Emperor therefore sent detachments separately, and put
them all to death. There were, moreover, Tsuchi-gumo at the
village of Taka-wohari, whose appearance was as follows :—
They had short bodies, and long arms and legs. They were
of the same class as the pigmies. The Imperial troops wove
nets of dolichos, which they flung over them and then slew
them. Wherefore the name of that village was changed to
Katsuraki.! It is in the land of Ihare. Its ancient name was
Kataru, or Katatachi. When our Imperial forces routed the
enemy, a.great army assembled and filled that country. Its
name was accordingly changed to Ihare.”
Another account says that when the Emperor on a previous
occasion tasted the food of the sacred jars, he moved forward
his army on an expedition towards the West. At this time the
eighty bandits of Katsuraki were encamped together there. A
great battle with the Emperor followed, and they were at
length destroyed by the Imperial army. Therefore that place
was called the village of Ihare.* Again, the place where the
Imperial troops made a warlike stand was called Takeda.’
The place where he built a castle was named Kita.’ More-
over, the place where the enemy fell in battle, their dead bodies
prostrate, with their forearms for pillows, was called Tsura-
maki-da.°®
The Emperor, in Autumn, the gth month of the previous
year, secretly took clay of the Heavenly Mount Kagu, with,
which he made eighty platters, and thereafter performing
abstinence in person, sacrificed to all the Gods. He was
thereby at length enabled to establish the world’ in peace.
Therefore he called the place where the clay was taken Hani-
yasu.®
1 Dolichos Castle.
2 The interlinear Kana gives for “fill,” ihameri, a word which I do not know.
3 The “ original commentary” says that the Japanese word corresponding
to the Chinese characters rendered “encamp” is ihami, a word not otherwise
known to me.
4 Brave-field. ® Castle-field. 6 Face-pillow-field.
7 “World” is not quite a merely rhetorical expression for the Empire of
Japan. Hirata justifies Hideyoshi’s invasion of Corea on the grounds that
the sovereigns of Japan are de jure lords of the whole earth.
s Clay-easy or clay-peace.
JimMv. 131
3rd month, 7th day. The Emperor made an order,! say-
ing :—‘‘ During the six years that our expedition against the
East has lasted, owing to my reliance on the Majesty of
Imperial Heaven, the wicked bands have met death. It is
true that the frontier lands are still unpurified, and that a
remnant of evil is still refractory. But in the region of the
Central Land there is no more wind and dust. Truly we
should make a vast and spacious capital, and plan it great
and strong.’
At present things are in a crude and obscure condition, and
the people’s minds are unsophisticated. They roost in nests
or dwell in caves.> Their manners are simply what is customary.
Now if a great man were to establish laws, justice could not
fail to flourish. And even if some gain should accrue to
the people, in what way would this interfere with the Sage’s *
action? Moreover, it will be well to open up and clear the
mountains and forests, and to construct a palace. Then I may
reverently assume the Precious Dignity, and so give peace to
my good subjects. Above, I should then respond to the
kindness of the Heavenly Powers in granting me the Kingdom,
and below, I should extend the line of the Imperial descendants
and foster rightmindedness. Thereafter the capital may be
extended so as to embrace all the six cardinal points, and the
eight cords may be covered so as to form a roof. Will this
not be well ?
When I observe the Kashiha-bara® plain, which ies
’ This whole speech is thoroughly Chinese in every respect, and it is
preposterous to put it in the mouth of an Emperor who is supposed to have
lived more than a thousand years before the introduction of Chinese learning
into Japan. The strange thing is that it is necessary to make this remark.
Yet there are still writers who regard this part of the “ Nihongi” as
historical.
? The Kana rendering is mi-araka, “an august shrine” or “an august
palace.” This would imply a different reading, jf instead of ie
° The reader must not take this as any evidence of the manners and’
customs of the Ancient Japanese. It is simply a phrase suggested by the
author’s Chinese studies. .
4 Meaning the Emperor’s action.
* The character for roof 4 also means the universe. The eight cords,
or measuring tapes, simply mean “ everywhere.”
° Kashiha is an evergreen oak, the Quercus dentata. Hara means plain.
JS aed
JMS 2%e%,
Bec. 661.
He 30
B.C. 660.
Il, 32.
is - NIHONGI.
S.W. of Mount Unebi, it seems the Centre of the Land. I
must set it in order.” —
Accordingly he in this month commanded officers to set
about the construction of an Imperial Residence.
Year Kanoye Saru, Autumn, 8th month, 16th day. The
Emperor, intending to appoint a wife, sought afresh '
children of noble families. Now there was a man who made
representation to him, saying :—‘ There is.a child who was
born to Koto-shiro-nushi no Kami by his union with Tama-
kushi-hime, daughter of Mizo-kuhi-ni no Kami of Mishima.
Her name is Hime-tatara-i-suzu-hime no Mikoto. She is a
woman of remarkable beauty.”” The Emperor was rejoiced,
and on the 24th day of the gth month he received Hime-
tatara-i-suzu-hime no Mikoto and made her his wife.
Year Kanoto Tori, Spring, 1st month, 1st day. The
Emperor assumed the Imperial Dignity in the Palace of
Kashiha-bara. ‘This year is reckoned the first -year of his
reign? He honoured his wife by making her Empress. The
children born to him by her were Kami-ya-wi-mimi no Mikoto
and Kami-nunagaha mimi no Mikoto.
Therefore® there is an ancient saying in praise of this, as
follows :—‘‘ In Kashiha-bara in Unebi, he mightily established
his palace-pillars on the foundation of the bottom-rock, and
reared aloft the cross roof-timbers to the Plain of High Heaven.’
This afterwards became a proper name. Here it is perhaps simply a
description.
1 He had already a consort, but she was apparently not considered a
wife. :
2 Japanese History is often said to begin with this year. The fact is that
nothing which really deserves the name of history existed for nearly a
thousand years more. This date is very much like that given for the
foundation of Rome by Romulus, B.c. 753. The very calendar by which the
reckoning was made was not invented or known in Japan until many
centuries after. See Bramsen’s “‘ Chronological Tables,” and “Early Japanese
History ” in“ T.A.S.J.”
3 As above remarked, the author often introduces this word without much
reason. ;
4 It was a mark of Shrines or Imperial Palaces to have the rafters at each
end of the roof projecting upwards for several feet beyond the roof-tree,
as in the illustration. These were called Chigi. See Ch. K., p. 311. Shinto
temples at the present day are thus distinguished. What would those Japanese
Jimmu. 33
The name of the Emperor who thus began to rule the as
was Kami Yamato Ihare-biko Hohodemi.”’
On the day on which he first began the Heavenly institution,
Michi no Omi no Mikoto, the ancestor of the Ohotomo House,
accompanied by the Oho-kume Be, was enabled, by means of
a secret device received from the Emperor, to use incantations
and magic formulz so as to dissipate evil influences. The use
of magic formule had its origin from this.
and year, Spring, 2nd month, 2nd day. The Emperor ascer-
tained merit and dispensed rewards. To Michi no Omi no
PO LE RI RE Te
Shrine at Ise.
Mikoto he granted a site for a house in which to dwell at the
village of Tsuki-zaka, thereby showing him special favour.
Moreover, he caused the Oho-kume to dwell at a place on the
river-bank, west of Mount Unebi, now called Kume no mura."
Such was the origin of this name. Utsu-hiko was made
Miyakko of the land of Yamato. Moreover, he gave to Ukeshi
‘the younger the village of Parone constituting him oe
Euhemerists who think Takama ga hara (the Plain of High Heaven) to
be the name of a country, make of this passage?
i ive. the villagé of the kume or soldiers.
B.C. 659.
Wi
Hii
HII
ey NIHONGI.
nushi’ of Takeda. He was the ancestor of the Mohi-tori? of
Uda. Shiki the younger, whose personal name was Kuro-haya,
was made Agata-nushi of Shiki. Moreover, he appointed a
man called Tsune to be Miyakko- of the Land of Katsuraki.
The Yata-garasu was also included in the ranks of those who
received rewards. His descendants are the Agata-nushi of
Katsurano and the Tonomori® Be.
4th year, Spring, 2nd month, 23rd day. The Emperor issued
the following decree :—“ The spirits of our Imperial ancestors
reflecting their radiance down from Heaven, illuminate and
assist us. All our enemies have now been subdued, and there
Is peace within the seas. We ought to take advantage of this
to perform sacrifice to the Heavenly Deities, and therewith
develop filial duty.”
He accordingly established spirit-terraces amongst the Tomi
hills, which were called Kami-tsu-wono no Kaki-hara and
‘Shimo-tsu-wono no Kaki-hara.‘| There he worshipped his
Imperial ancestors, the Heavenly Deities.’
gist year, Summer, 4th month, ist day. The Imperial
palanquin ® made a circuit, in the course of which the Emperor
ascended the Hill Waki Kamu no Hotsuma. Here, having
viewed the shape of the land on all sides, he said :—‘‘Oh!
what a beautiful country we have become possessed of!
Though a blessed land of inner-tree-fibre,’ yet it resembles a
dragon-fly licking its hinder parts.” From this it first received
the name of Akitsu-shima.*
* Ruler of district. _
* The Mohi-tori, afterwards mondori or mondo, were originally the
officials charged with the water supply of the Palace. The designation
Mondo no Kami remained until quite recent times.
* Tonomori, guardian of a palace or shrine.
* These names mean respectively the Persimmon plain of Upper Little-
moor and the Persimmon plain of Lower Little-moor. The “ spirit terraces”
(a Chinese phrase) seems meant for the plots of ground consecrated for
Shint6 worship. See above, p. 81.
° The union of the offices of priest and king is to be noted all through this
narrative.
* It is considered respectful to speak of the Imperial car or palanquin
when the Emperor himself is meant.
* The inner-tree-fibre is the inner bark of the paper mulberry, used for
weaving into cloth. It is here an ornamental epithet.
* The real meaning of Aki-tsu-shima is the “region of harvests.” See
_ JiwMu. 1135
Of old, Izanagi no Mikoto, in naming this country, said :—
““Yamato is the Land of Ura-yasu:? it is the Land of Hoso-
hoko no Chi-taru :? it is the Land of Shiwa-Kami-Ho-tsu-ma.” *
Afterwards Oho-namuchi no Oho-kami named it the Land
of Tama-gaki no Uchi-tsu-kuni.*
Finally, when Nigi-haya-hi no Mikoto soared across the
Great Void in a Heaven-rock-boat, he espied this region and
descended upon it. Therefore he gave it a name and called it
Sora-mitsu-Yamato.® .
42nd year, Spring, ist month, 3rd day. He appointed Prince
Kami-nunagaha-mimi no Mikoto Prince Imperial.
76th year, Spring, 3rd month, r1th day. The Emperor died
in the palace of Kashiha-bara. His age was then 127.6 The
following year, Autumn, the 12th day of the gth month, he was
buried in the Misasagi’ N.E. of Mount Unebi.
above, p. 13. It has nothing to do with akitsu, the dragon-fly. This insect
may often be seen with its tail touching its mouth, so that its body forms a
ring. The appearance of the province of Yamato, which is a plain sur-
rounded by a ring of mountains, suggested the simile in the text. Later
historians have converted this into a comparison of Japan to a dragon-fly
with outstretched wings. j
1 Bay-easy. Explained to mean “ which has peace within its coasts.”
2 Slender-spears-thousand-good. ‘‘ Well supplied with weapons,” say the
commentators.
3 Rock-ring-upper-pre-eminent-true (land).
* Jewel-fence-within-land.
® Sky-saw-Yamato. But Sora-mitsu really means “that fills the sky,” i.e.
that reaches to the farthest horizon. These names are merely poetical
inventions. They were never in actual use.
6 The “ Kojiki” makes him 137.
7 The Misasagi are still to be seen in large numbers in Japan, especially
in the Gokinai or five metropolitan provinces. They are particularly
numerous in Kahachi and Yamato.
In the most ancient times, say the Japanese antiquarians, the Misasagi or
tombs of the Mikados were simple mounds. At some unknown period,
Misasagi, side view.
however, perhaps a few centuries before the Christian epoch, a highly
specialized form of tumulus came into use for this purpose, and continued
for several hundreds of years without much change. It consists of two
535,
B.C. 619.
B.C. 585.
136 NIHONGI.
-mounds, one having a circular, the other a triangular base, merging into
each other after the manner shown in the illustration, the whole being
surrounded by a moat, or sometimes by two concentric moats with a narrow
strip of land between. The interment took place n the circular mound, the
other probably serving as a platform on which were performed the rites in
honour of the deceased. Seen from the side the appearance is that of a
saddle-hill, the circular mound being somewhat higher than the other.
There are sometimes two smaller mounds at the base of the larger ones,
filling up the angle where they meet. The slope of the tumulus is not
Ground plan of Misasagi.
regular, but is broken up by terraces, on which are placed in’ rows, a few
inches apart, curious cylinders made of baked clay shaped in a mould, and
measuring from 1 to 2 feet in height, and from 6 to 14 inches in diameter.
They are buried in the earth, their upper rims being just level with the
surface.
- In some, perhaps in most cases, the Misasagi contains a large vault of
great unhewn stones without mortar. The walls of the vault converge
JimMu. 137
gradually towards the top, which is roofed in by enormous slabs of stone
weighing many tons each. The entrance was by means of a gallery roofed
with similar stones.
Sarcophagi of stone or pottery have been found in some Misasagi.
The above description is quoted from an article by the present writer in
Chamberlain’s “ Things Japanese.” I would ask travellers in China and
Corea to compare with it any ancient tumuli which they may discover in
those countries.
I learn from Mr. W. Gowland, who has visited the spot recognized officially
as the Misasagi of Jimmu Tenno, that there are here two enclosures, the
inner of which contains two low mounds each about 18 feet in diameter and
2 feet in height. A Chokushi or Imperial Envoy visits this Misasagi annu-
ally on the 3rd April with offerings of products of mountain, river, and sea,
viz., tahi, carp, sea-weed, salt, water, sake, mochi (a preparation of rice),
warabi (fern flour ?), pheasants and wild ducks.
The site of Jimmu’s tomb is a question even with Japanese antiquaries,
and European scholars may be pardoned if they are somewhat sceptical
about it. Véde “San-rio-shi” ({If S& FR), p. 9.
EVE 22.
Book 4
THE EMPEROR KAMI-NUNAGAHA-MIMI.
(SUIZEI TENNO.)
Tue Emperor Kami-Nunagaha-mimi was the third child of the
Emperor Kami-Yamato-Ihare-biko Hohodemi. His mother’s
name was Hime-tatara-Isuzu no Mikoto, the eldest daughter of
Koto-shiro-nushi no Kami.
This Emperor was of distinguished manners and appearance.
As a child he possessed the vigour of manhood ; when he grew
to manhood, his form was gigantic. He excelled in warlike
accomplishments, and his will was resolute in the extreme.
When he reached the age of forty-eight, the Emperor Kami-
Yamato-Ihare-biko died. Now Kama-Nunagaha-mimi no
Mikoto’s disposition was profoundly filial, and his grief and
longing knew no bounds. He made the funeral ceremonies
his especial care.
His elder half-brother,’ Tagishi-mimi no !Mikoto, was now
advanced in years,’ and had a long experience of matters of
’ This book contains the reigns of eight emperors, and covers a period of
483 years, giving an average of over sixty years for each reign. This is far
too much for real history, especially when we consider the ages to which
these sovereigns are said to have reached. Kdéshé lived to the age of 114,
K6éan to 137, and so on. Most of it is not even legendary. The account of
the period previous to the accession of Suizei seems to contain a genuine
ancient tradition, but the rest is plainly fictitious and the invention of some
one imbued with Chinese ideas.
Kami means upper or lord ; Nunagaha is the name of a river; mimi
means august body.
Suizei means quiet, tranquil.
? The word employed indicates that the mother of this prince was not of
full rank, but there is no such stigma as is implied by our word “ bastard.”
* As he was present with his younger brother at a council held by the
Emperor Jimmu before starting on his expedition to the East, B.C. 667, we
_ SUIZEI. 139
state. Therefore he was again charged with the conduct of
affairs, and the Emperor treated him as an intimate friend. This
prince, however, was of a perverse disposition, and his natural
bent was opposed to justice. During the period of sincere
seclusion * his authority at last became independent, and con-
cealing his malicious purposes, he plotted the destruction of
his two younger brothers.
Now in the year Tsuchinoto U of the cycle, Winter, the
11th month, Kami-Nunagaha-mimi no Mikoto and his elder
brother Kami-Ya-wi-mimi no Mikoto learnt privately his
intentions and effectively prevented him. When the business
of the misasagi was ended, they caused Yumi Be no Waka-
hiko to make a bow, and Yamato no Kanuchi? Ama-tsu-ma-
ura’ to make a true-deer arrow-point, and the Ya‘ Be to
prepare arrows. When the bow and arrows were ready,
Kami-Nunagaha-mimi no Mikoto wished therewith to shoot
to death Tagishi-mimi no Mikoto, who happened just then to
be in a great muro at Kataoka, lying alone on a great couch.
Then Kami-Nunagaha-mimi no Mikoto spake to Kami-Ya-wi
may suppose that he was at that time twenty years of age at least. We are
now in B.C. 585, so that he must have been over 100.
* i.e. of mourning.
* Yumi-be is the Be of bow-makers ; Kanuchi, smith.
* Ama-tsu-ma-ura. This name is obviously identical with that of the
smith-god, Ama-tsu-mara, mentioned in the “Kojiki” (see Ch. K., p. 55), upon
which Chamberlain remarks, “ Obvius hujus nominis sensus foret ‘ Czlestis
Penis.” Ma-ura means literally true-heart, or inwards, and hence came to
be used as a decent term for penis, corresponding somewhat to our word
“nakedness.” In modern times it is a very vulgar word. This is Hirata’s
view. Another derivation connects it with Mara, the Indian God of lust,
sin, and death.
If Ama-tsu-ma-ura or mara stood alone, we might be disposed with
Motowori to pass it by as a proper name of doubtful derivation. But Hirata
(“ Koshiden ” v. 48) quotes from old books three other names of deities which
contain this element, viz. Oho (great) mara no Mikoto, Ama-tsu-aka (red)
mara no Mikoto and Ama-teru (shining) mara take-wo (brave male) no
Mikoto. He thinks it sufficient to say that as these are the names of Gods,
a phallic interpretation is inadmissible, but in this European scholars will
hardly agree with him. There is a Mara no Sukune in the Japanese
peerage of the ninth century, known as the Seishiroku. See Index—
Phallic worship.
4 Ya, arrow.
TV
Vad
B.C. 581.
B.C. 580.
140 NIHONGI.
no Mikoto, saying :—‘‘ The right time has now arrived. In
words, secrecy is to be prized: in deeds, caution is advisable.
Therefore, we have never had any partner in our conspiracy, and
the enterprise of to-day is to be carried out by thee and me alone.
I will first open the door of the muro. Do thou then shoot
him.’ They accordingly went forward and entered in together.
Kami-Nunagaha-mimi no Mikoto pushed open the door,
while Kami-Ya-wi-mimi no Mikoto’s arms and legs trembled
so that he was unable to let fly the arrow. Then Kami-
Nunagaha-mimi no Mikoto snatched.the bow and arrows which
his elder brother held and shot Tagishi-mimi no Mikoto.
The first shot struck him on the breast, the second on the
back, and so at length he killed him. Hereupon Kami-Ya-wi-
mimi no Mikoto was troubled and submitted himself, yielding
the sovereignty to Kami-Nunagaha-mimi no Mikoto, saying :—
“IT am thy elder brother.! But I am timid and weak, and
unfit for effective action. On the present occasion thou hast
specially displayed divine valour, and hast thyself put to death
our chief enemy. Is it not expedient that thou shouldst
illuminate the Celestial station? and take over the functions of
our Imperial ancestors? I will be thy assistant and will
attend to the worship of the Gods of Heaven and Earth.” He
was the first ancestor of the Oho no Omi.
ist year, Spring, rst month, 8th day. Kami-Nunagaha-mimi
no Mikoto assumed the rank of Emperor. He made his
capital at Katsuraki. It was called the palace* of Takaoka.
He honoured the Empress by granting her the title of Kwo-
dai-go or Grand Empress.* This was the year Kanoye Tatsu
of the cycle. |
and year, Spring, rst month. Isuzu-yori-bime was appointed
Empress.
One writing says :—‘‘ Kaha-mata-bime, daughter of the
Agata-nushi of Shiki.”
' In this and other passages of the “ Nihongi,” there is a sort of recog-
nition of a right of primogeniture, but cases are numerous where the eldest
son is ignored or set aside without very strong reason in favour of a
brother, widow, or younger son of the deceased sovereign.
2 i.e. the rank of Emperor.
3 Capital and palace are interchangeable terms in this narrative.
4 Equivalent to Empress Dowager. This is a Chinese title.
_ANNEI. . 141
One writing says :—“ Itori-hime, daughter of Ohohimoro,
Agata-nushi of Kasuga.”
She was the Emperor’s aunt. The Empress bore a son, the
Emperor Shiki-tsu-hiko-tama-demi.
4th year, Summer, 4th month. Kami-Ya-wi-mimi no Mikoto
died, and was buried on the Northern side of Mount Unebi.
25th year, Spring, ist month, 7th day. The Imperial Prince
Shiki-tsu-hiko-tama-demi no Mikoto was made heir to the
Imperial throne. |
33rd year, Summer, 5th month. The Emperor took ill, and
on the roth day of the same month, he died, at the age of
eighty-four.
THE EMPEROR SHIKI-TSU-HIKO-TAMA-DEMI.
(ANNE! TENNO.)
The Emperor Shiki-tsu-hiko-tama-demi was the eldest child
of the Emperor Kami-Nunagaha-mimi. His mother’s name
was Isuzu-yori-bime no Mikoto, the younger daughter of
Koto-shiro-nushi no Kami. This Emperor had been made
Prince Imperial in the 25th year of the Emperor Kami-
Nunagaha-mimi. He was then twenty-one’ years of age. In
the 5th month, Summer, of the 33rd year of his reign, the
Emperor Kami-Nunagaha-mimi died. In the 7th month of
that year, on the 3rd day of the month, the Prince Imperial
assumed the Imperial Dignity.
Ist year, Winter, roth month, r1th day. The Emperor
Kami-Nunagaha-mimi was buried in the Misasagi on Tsukida
Hill in Yamato. :
The Emperor honoured the Empress with the title of Kwo-
dai-go.
* Anneli means peace.
* The editor of the Shukai edition alters this to eleven, in order to agree
with other passages. But when the whole chronology is utterly fanciful,
there is no use attempting to make it consistent.
* For purposes of chronology, these reigns begin with the next year
following the previous Emperor’s death. The first year of Annei’s reign is
therefore B.C.’ 548, although his predecessor died B.C. 549.
B.C. 578.
BAs-587.
B.C. 549.
B.C. 548.
142 NIHONGI.
This was the year Midzunoto Ushi of the cycle.
2nd year. The capital was removed to Katashiho. It was
called the Palace of Ukiana.
3rd year, Spring, rst month, 5th day. Nuna-soko-naka-tsu
. hime no Mikoto was appointed Empress.
Others call her Nuna-so hime.
One writing says :—‘“‘ Kaha-tsu hime, daughter of Haye,
Agata-nushi of Shiki.”
One writing says :——‘‘ Daughter of Ohoma no Sukune.” !
Before this, his consort had given birth to two Imperial
princes. The first was called Ikishi-mimi no Mikoto, the
second, the Emperor Oho-Yamato-hiko-suki-tomo.
One version says :—‘“‘ She bore three princes, the first of
whom was called Toko-tsu-hiko-iro-ne; the second, the
Emperor Oho-Yamato-hiko-suki-tomo; and the third,
Shiki-tsu-hiko no Mikoto.”
11th year, rst month, rst day. Oho-Yamato-hiko-suki-tomo
no Mikoto was made Prince Imperial. His younger brother,
Shiki-tsu-hiko no Mikoto was the first ancestor of the Wi-tsu-.
kahi no Muraji.
38th year, Winter, 11th month, 6th day. The Emperor died
at the age of 57.°
THE EMPEROR OHO-YAMATO-HIKO-SUKI-TOMO.
(ITOKU® TENNO.)
The Emperor Oho-Yamato-hiko-suki-tomo was the second
child of the Emperor Shiki-tsu-hiko-tama-demi. His mother’s
name -was Nuna-soko-naka-tsu-hime, grandchild of Koto-shiro-
nushi no Kami, and daughter of the Prince* of Kamo. He was
made Prince Imperial in the 11th year, Spring, the Ist month
1A title, derived by Yamada from Sukuna, small, and e or ye, elder
brother.
2 The “ Kojiki” makes him 49.
* Admirable virtue. . ;
4 Prince is here =f, a lower rank than && -f or Imperial Prince.
IToKv. 143
of the Emperor Shiki-tsu-hiko-tama-demi’s reign. He was then
16 years of age. In the 38th year of that reign, Winter, the
12th month, the Emperor Shiki-tsu-hiko-tama-demi died.!
Ist year, Spring, 2nd month, 4th day. The Prince Imperial
assumed the Imperial Dignity.
Autumn, 8th month, rst day. The Emperor Shiki-tsu-hiko-
tama-demi was buried in the Misasagi above Mihodo no wi,
south of Mount Unebi.
gth month, 14th day. The Empress was honoured with the
title of Grand Empress. This was the year Kanoto U of the
cycle. |
and year, Spring, Ist month, 5th day. The capital was
removed to Karu.” It was called the Palace of Magariwo.
2nd month, 11th day. Ama-toyo-tsu-hime no Mikoto was
made Empress.
One version has :—‘“‘ Idzumi hime, daughter of Oto-wite,
son of Haye, Agata-nushi of Shiki.”
One version has:—‘‘Ihi-hime, daughter of Futo-ma-
waka-hiko, Agata-nushi of Shiki.”
This Empress was the mother of the Emperor Mi-matsu-
hiko-Kayeshine.
One version has:—‘‘ The Emperor’s younger brother
by the mother’s side,* Takeshi-hiko-kushi-tomo se no
Mikoto.” *
22nd year, Spring, 2nd month, 12th day. Mi-matsu-hiko-
Kayeshine no Mikoto was made Prince Imperial. He was
then 18 years of age.
34th year, Autumn, gth month, 8th day. The Emperor
died.
* These repetitions seem intended to conceal the want of any real
information about this period.
2 In Yamato.
3 The Japanese word for brother by the mother’s side is hara-kara, “ of
the same belly,” as to which a paper by the present writer on the “ Family
in Ancient Japan,” contributed to the Japan Society’s Journal, may be con-
sulted.
4 It is not clear what is meant by this.
B.C. 510.
B.C. 509.
B.C. 489.
B.C. 477
TVS 20%
BOAT 5
B.C. 447.
Bc. 408,
144 NIHONGI.
THE EMPEROR MI-MATSU-HIKO-KAYESHINE.
(KOSHO' TENNO.)
The Emperor Mi-matsu-hiko-Kayeshine was the eldest son
of the Emperor Oho-Yamato-hiko-suki-tomo. The name of
the Empress, his mother, was Ama-toyo-tsu-hime no Mikoto.
She was the daughter of Ikishi-mimi no Mikoto.
The Emperor had been made Prince Imperial in Spring, the
second month of the 22nd year of the reign of the Emperor Oho-
Yamato-hiko-suki-tomo. The Emperor Oho-Yamato-hiko-
suki-tomo died in autumn, the ninth month of the 34th year of
his reign. On the 13th day of the roth month of the following
year, the Emperor Oho-Yamato-hiko-suki-tomo was buried in
the Misasagi over the Masago Valley to the south of Mount
Unebi. '
Ist year, Spring, ist month, 9th day. The Prince Imperial
assumed the Imperial Dignity.
Summer, 4th month, 5th day. The Empress was honoured
with the title of Grand Empress.”
7th month. The capital was removed to Wakigami.* It
was called the Palace of Ikegokoro. This year was the year
Hinoye Tora of the cycle.
2gth year, Spring, Ist month, 3rd day. Yoso-tarashi-hime
was appointed Empress.
One version says:—‘‘ Nunaki-tsu hime, daughter of
Haye, Agata-nushi of Shiki.” .
One version has :—‘‘ Oho-wi-hime, daughter of Toyo-
aki-sata-wo of the Land of Yamato.”
The Empress gave birth to Ama-tarashi-hiko-kuni-oshi-bito
no Mikoto, and to the Emperor Yamato-tarashi-hiko-kuni-oshi-
bito.
68th year, Spring, 1st month, 14th day. Yamato-tarashi-
hiko-kuni-oshi-bito no Mikoto was made Prince Imperial. He
} Filial piety manifested. * Kwo-dai- 6.
* In Yamato.
Koan. 145
was twenty years of age. Ama-tarashi-hiko-kuni-oshi-bito no
Mikoto was the first ancestor of the Wani no Omi,
83rd year, Autumn, 8th month, 5th day. The Emperor B.c. 393.
died.
THE EMPEROR YAMATO-TARASHI-HIKO-KUNI-OSHI-BITO.
(KOAN' TENNO.)
The Emperor Yamato-tarashi-hiko-kuni-oshi-bito was the IV. to.
second child of the Emperor Mi-matsu-hiko-kayeshine. His
mother’s name was Yoso-tarashi-hime. She was the younger
sister of Okitsu Yoso, the ancestor of the Ohari no? Muraji.
The Emperor was made Prince Imperial in Spring, the rst
month of the 68th year of the reign of the Emperor Mi-matsu-
hiko-kayeshine. The Emperor Mi-matsu-hiko-kayeshine died
in Autumn, the 8th month of the 83rd year of his reign.
Ist year, Spring, ist month, 7th day. The Prince Imperial 8.c. 392.
assumed the Imperial Dignity.
Autumn, 8th month, 1st day. The Empress was honoured
with the title of Grand Empress. This year was the year
Tsuchi no to Ushi of the cycle.
2nd year, Winter, roth month. The capital was removed to 2.c. 391.
Muro. It was called the Palace of Akitsushima.
26th year, Spring, 2nd month, 14th day. The Emperor 2.c. 367.
appointed his niece,® Oshi-bime, Empress.
One version has:—‘‘ Naga-hime, daughter of Haye,
Agata-nushi of Shiki.”
One version has :—‘‘ Isaka-hime, daughter of Isaka-hiko,
Agata-nushi of Tohochi.”
The Empress was the mother of the Emperor Oho-Yamato-
neko-hiko-futo-ni.
38th year, Autumn, 8th month, 14th day. The Emperor Mi- B.c. 355.
matsu-hiko-kayeshine was buried in the Misasagi on Mount
Hakata in Wakigami.
76th year, Spring, ist month, 5th day. Oho-Yamato-neko- Iv. 11.
B,C. 317%
' Filial piety-peace. ? Or Owari. 3 A brother’s daughter.
E
BiG, 201,
B.C. 290.
MINAS Seay.
B.C. 289.
146 NJHONGI.
hiko-futo-ni no Mikoto was made’ Prince Imperial. He was
then twenty-six years of age.
_ Io2znd year, Spring, 1st’ month, gth, day. The Emperor
died.
THE EMPEROR OHO-YAMATO-NEKO!-HIKO-FUTO-NI.
(KOREI? TENNO.)
The Emperor Oho-Yamato-neko-hiko-futo-ni was the eldest
child of the Emperor Yamato-tarashi-hiko-kuni-oshi-bito. His
mother’s name was Oshi-bime. He had been appointed Prince
Imperial in Spring, the 1st month of the 76th year of the reign
of the Emperor Yamato-tarashi-hiko-kuni-oshi-bito. In Spring,.
the 1st month of the ro2nd year of his reign, the Emperor
Yamato-tarashi-hiko-kuni-oshi-bito died. In. Autumn, the gth,
month, 13th day, the Emperor Yamato-tarashi-hiko-kuni-oshi-.
bito was buried in the Misasagion Tamade Hill.
Winter, 12th month, 4th day. The Prince Imperial removed
the capital to Kuroda.* It was called the Palace of Ihodo. . |
1st year, Spring, ist month, 12th day. The Prince Imperial
assumed the Imperial Dignity. He honoured the Empress
with the title of Grand Empress. This year was the year
Kanoto Hitsuji of the cycle.. — | Te
_ 2nd year, Spring, 2nd month, 11th day. Hoso- Pume. no Mi-
koto was appointed Empress.
One version. has :—‘‘ Kasuga no Chichi- eee yamaka-
hime.”
One version has :—‘‘ Mashita- -bime, daughter of sey
Agata-nushi of Tohochi.”
The Empress was the mother of the Panaiee Oho- nate.
neko-hiko-kuni-kuru. A concubine named Yamato no kuni-ka-
hime [aéso called Haye-irone| was the mother of Yamato-to-to-
1 Several of the Emperors’ names have the element Yamato-neko (neko
is a honorific), and one Emperor styles himself Yamato-neko in an edict,
although this was not his name. It may be suspected that Yamato- neko was
at one time a general title for the sovereigns of Japan.
? Filial piety-spirit. .. > * In ¥amato,
KocEn. - 4g
hi-momo-so bime no Mikoto and of Hiko-i-saseri-hiko no Mikcto
[also. called Kibi-tsu-hiko no ee and Yamato- toto-waka-
ya-bime no Mikoto.:
Another concubine Haye-iroto was the mother of : PKS!
sajima no Mikoto and of Waka-take-hiko no Mikoto. - The’
younger of these, namely, Waka-take-hiko no sap de was the
-first ancestor of the Kibi no Omi.?
36th year, Spring, ist month, rst day. Hiko-kuni-kuru-no
Mikoto was made Prince Imperial.
76th year, Spring, 2nd month, 8th day. The Emperor d died.
THE EMPEROR OHO-YAMATO-NEKO-HIKO-KUNI-KURU.
(KOGEN? TENNO.)
B.C. 255.
BiG. 254;
DVR a
The Emperor Oho- Yamato-neko-hiko-kuni-kuru was the eldest |.
child of the Emperor Oho-Yamato-neko-hiko-futo-ni. His
mother’s name was Hoso-bime, daughter of Oho-me,* Agata-
nushi of Shiki. He had been created Prince Imperial in Spring,
the rst month of the 36th year of the reign of the Emperor Oho-
Yamato-neko-hiko-futo-ni. He was then nineteen years of age.
The Emperor Oho-Yamato-neko-hiko-futo-ni died in Spring,
the 2nd month of the 76th year of his reign.
Ist year, Spring, ist month, 14th day. The Prince Imperial
assumed the Imperial Dignity. He honoured the Empress with
the title of Grand Empress. This year was the year Hinoto I
of the cycle. .
4th year, Spring, 3rd month, 11th day. The capital was
removed to Karu. It was called the Palace of Sakahibara. ~
6th year, Autumn, gth month, 6th day. The Emperor Oho-
Yamato-neko-hiko-futo-ni was buried in the Misasagi on ] Muma-
Zaka* at Kataoka.
* The “ Kojiki” genealogies differ‘a good deal, One must be wrong ; and
both, doubtless, leave much to be desired in accuracy.
? Filial-duty- -origin.
3 Great-eyes..
* The horse-acclivity.
BIC era
B.C, 211.
B.C. 209.
BiCae200+
VSS 514.
LE
B.C. 16s
B.C, 158.
148 | NIHONGI.
“th year, Spring, 2nd month, 2nd day. Uchi-shiko-me’ no
Mikoto was appointed Empress. She had three children, two
boys and one girl. The name of the eldest was Oho-hiko no
Mikoto; of the second, the Emperor Waka-Yamato-neko-hiko.
Oho-hihi; and of the third, Yamato-toto-hime no Mikoto.
One version has:—‘‘The Emperor’s brother by the
mother’s side was Sukuna-biko-wo-kokoro ' no Mikoto.”
A concubine named Ika-shiko-me no Mikoto was the mother
of Hiko-futo-woshi-makoto no Mikoto. The next concubine,
named Hani-yasu-hime, daughter of Awotama of Kahachi, was
the mother of Take-hani-yasu no Mikoto.
The elder brother Oho-hiko no Mikoto was the first ancestor
of the Abe no Omi, the Kashihade? no Omi, the Ahe no Omi,
the Sasaki-yama no Kimi, the Tsukushi no Miyakko, the Koshi
no Miyakko and the Iga no Omi, in all seven families.
Hiko-futo-woshi-makoto no Mikoto was the grandfather of
Takechi no Sukune.
22nd year, Spring, 1st month, 14th day. Waka-Yamato-
neko-hiko-oho-hihi no Mikoto was made Prince Imperial. He
was sixteen years of age.
57th year, Autumn, gth month, 2nd day. The Emperor
died.
THE EMPEROR WAKA-YAMATO-NEKO-HIKO-OHO-HIHI.
(KAIKWA* TENNO.)
The Emperor Waka-Yamato-neko-hiko-oho-hihi was the
second child of the Emperor Oho- Yamato-neko-hiko-kuni-kuru.
His mother’s name was Uchi-shikome, the ancestor of ‘the
Hodzumi no Omi, and younger sister of Uchi-shiko-wo no.
Mikoto.
The Emperor had been created Prince Imperial in Spring,
the rst month of the 22nd year of the reign of the Emperor
Oho-Yamato-neko-hiko-kuni-kuru. He was then sixteen years.
of age.
1 Small-prince-manly-heart. 2 This word means steward.
3 Civilization.
KarIkwa. 149
The Emperor Oho-Yamato-neko-hiko-kuni-kuru died in
Autumn, the 9th month of the 57th year of his reign.
In Winter, the 11th month, 12th day, the Prince Imperial
assumed the Imperial Dignity.
ist year, Spring, Ist month, 4th day. The Empress was
honoured with the title of Grand Empress.
Winter, roth month, 13th day. The capital was removed to
Kasuga. It was called the Palace of Isa-kaha. This year
was the year Kinoye Saru of the cycle.
5th year, Spring, 2nd month, 6th day. The Emperor Oho-
Yamato-neko-hiko-kuni-kuru was buried in the Misasagi on the
island of Tsurugi-ike.’
6th year, Spring, Ist month, 14th day. Ika-shiko-me no
Mikoto was appointed Empress. [She was his father’s concu-
éine.| The Empress was the mother of the Emperor Mimaki-
ir1-hiko-i-niye.
The Emperor had previously taken to himself as concubine
Taniha no Takano-hime. She was the mother of Hiko-yu-
musumi no Mikoto. [AJdso called Hiko-komosu no Mtkoto.| There
was a subordinate concubine named Oke-tsu-hime, younger
sister of Oke-tsu no Mikoto, the ancestor of the Wani no Omi,
She was the mother of Prince *? Hiko-imasu.
28th year, Spring, rst month, 5th day. Mimakzi-iri- bike no
Mikoto was created Prince Imperial. He was nineteen years
of age.
60th year, Summer, 4th month, 9th day. The Emperor
died.
Winter, roth month, 3rd day. He was buried in the Saka-
moto Misasagi at Isa-kaha in Kasuga.
One version has :—‘‘ The Misasagi of Saka no kami.’’*
His age was then 115.
1 Ike means a pond or artificial lake.
2 Where Prince stands alone without the word Imperial before or after it,
it represents the Chinese character =E, which in the “ Nihongi” is applied
sometimes to the kings or princes of Corea, but more usually to Japanese
princes who did not belong to the family of the reigning sovereign.
3 It is difficult to say whether Saka-moto and Saka no kami are proper
names or merely descriptions. They mean respectively the “bottom of the
acclivity” and the “ top of the acclivity.”
BO: Days
Worag ou
B.Ge 152.
PV2995
BGs 130
B.C. 98.
BRE OF.
THE EMPEROR OHO-TARASHI-HIKO-OSHIRO-WAKE.
' (KEIKO' TENNO.)
THE Emperor Oho-tarashi-hiko-oshiro-wake was the third
child of the Emperor Iku-me-iri-hiko-isachi. The Empress
his mother was named Hibasu-hime no Mikoto. She was the
daughter of Prince Michi no ushi of Tamba. The Emperor
Iku-me-iri-hiko-isachi, in the 37th year of his reign, raised him
to the rank of Prince Imperial. He was then twenty-one
years of age. In the goth year of his reign, Spring, the second
month, the Emperor Iku-me-iri-hiko-isachi died. | |
ist year, Autumn, 7th month, 11th day. The Prince Imperial
assumed the Imperial Dignity. The chronological epoch was
altered accordingly. This year was the year Kanoto Hitsuji
(8th) of the Cycle.
2nd year, Spring, 3rd month, 3rd day. The elder lady* of
Inabi in Harima was appointed Empress.
Another version has :—‘‘ The younger lady of Inabi in
Harima.”
She had two sons, the first of whom was named the Imperial
Prince Oho-usu, and the second Wo-usu no Mikoto.
In one writing it is said:—‘‘ The Empress bore three
sons. The third was named the Imperial Prince Waka-
Yamato-neko.”
The Imperial Prince Oho-usu and Wo-usu no Mikoto were
born as twins* on the same day with the same placenta. The
' Great road or great conduct. ? Oho-iratsume.
’ There seems to have been a question which of twins was to be con-
sidered the elder. One idea was that the last born should be senior, because
he occupied the higher place in the womb.
_KEIKO. 189
Emperor, wondering at this, informed the mortar.’ Therefore
he gave these two Princes the names of Great Mortar (Oho-
usu) and Little Mortar (Wo-usu). Now this Wo-usu no
Mikoto was also called Yamato Woguna and again Yamato-
dake no Mikoto.?. Whilst a child he had a manly spirit; when
he arrived at manhood his beauty was extraordinary. He was
a rod in height, and his strength was such that he could lift a
tripod.’ | .
3rd year, Spring, 2nd month, 1st day. Divination was made a.p. 73.
as to whether the Emperor should make a progress to the
Land of Kii to perform sacrifices to all the Gods of Heaven and
Earth. It was found to be unlucky, and the Imperial car was
accordingly countermanded. Ya-nushi-oshiho-dake-wo-goro
1 The Chinese character used here is fff, which properly means a pestle,
and is more particularly applied to that arrangement of a mortar and pestie
in which the latter is set on a pivot and worked
by the foot. This is called the Kara-usu in
Japan. Here, however, is one of those cases
where we must put aside the Chinese character
and be guided by the Japanese word, which is
unquestionably wswz, a term applied to any
arrangement for hulling or grinding grain.
The usu is properly the mortar rather than the
pestle (Acme), but it is used for the combination
of both, and for querns or hand-mills, which
are also in use in Japan.
The usu here referred to is probably of the
kind shown in the annexed illustration. Stone
pestles resembling in shape that in the right
hand upper corner are among the stone, im-
plements figured in Kanda’s work on this
subject.
Hardy, in his “ Manual of Buddhism,” p. 158,
says :—‘‘The eastern pestle is found in every
house, and is connected with as many super-
stitions and ceremonies as the besom among Pestle and Mortar.
the old wives of Europe.”
The “ Shukai” editor suggests that by Great Mortar and Little Mortar the
lower and upper stones of the hand-mill were meant. But there is no
reason to doubt the statement below (A.D, 610) that hand-mills were first
introduced in Suiko’s reign.
2 Woguna means boy, Yamato-dake means hero of Yamato. It is by the
last of these names that he is best known to posterity.
3 A Chinese phrase.
A.D. 74.
WA Eig
190 NIHONGI.
no Mikoto [one version has Take-wi-goro] was sent and caused
to do sacrifice. Hereupon Ya-nushi-oshiho-dake-wo-goro no
Mikoto went thither, and stayed at Kashihara in Abi, where he
sacrificed to the Gods of Heaven and Earth. He lived here
for nine years, and took to wife Kage-hime, the daughter of
Uji-hiko, who was the ancestor of the Ki no Atahe.'' She was
the mother of Takechi no Sukune.
4th year, Spring, 2nd month, 11th day. The Emperor made
a progressto Mino. Hiscourtiers represented to him, saying :—
“In this province there is a handsome woman named Oto-hime,
of perfect beauty. She is the daughter of the Imperial Prince
Yasaka Irihiko.” The Emperor wished to obtain her to be
his consort, and went to the house of Oto-hime.? Oto-hime,
hearing that the Emperor was coming in his carriage, straight-
way concealed herself in a bamboo-grove. Hereupon the
Emperor provisionally caused Oto-hime to go and reside in
the Kuguri Palace, and letting loose carp in a pond, amused
himself by looking at them morning and evening. Now
Oto-hime wished to see the carp sporting, so she came
secretly and stood over the. pond. The Emperor forthwith
detained her, and had intercourse with her. Hereupon Oto-
hime thought :—‘‘ The way of a husband and wife is the
prevailing rule both now and of old time. But for me it is not
convenient.” So she besought the Emperor, saying :—‘‘ Thy
handmaiden’s disposition is averse to the way of conjugal
intercourse. Unable to withstand the awe of the Imperial
commands, she has been placed for a while within the curtain.
But it gives her no pleasure. Her face too is hideous, and sheis
unworthy of being added to the side courts. Thy handmaiden,
however, has an elder sister, by name Yasaka Iri-hime, of a
beautiful countenance, and also of a virtuous disposition. Let
her be placed in the hinder palace.” The Emperor assented,
and having summoned Yasaka Iri-hime, made her his consort.
She bore to him seven sons and six daughters. The name of
1 In this passage the province now known as Kii is called indifferently
Kz or K7i.
2 Oto-hime means simply “ younger lady.” There are frequent cases in the
‘““Nihongi” where a woman seems to have no other name than ‘elder
lady” or ** younger lady.”
~KEIKO. Igl
the first was the Emperor Waka-tarashi-hiko, of the second
the Imperial Prince Iho-ki Iri-hiko, of the third the Imperial
Prince Oshi-wake, of the fourth the Imperial Prince Waka-
Yamato-neko, of the fifth the Imperial Prince Oho-su-wake, of
the sixth the Imperial Princess Nunoshi, of the seventh the
Imperial Princess Nunaki, of the eighth the Imperial Princess
Thoki no Iri-hime, of the ninth the Imperial Princess Kako-
yori-hime, of the tenth the Imperial Prince Isaki no Iri-hiko,
of the eleventh the Imperial Prince Kibi no Ye-hiko, of the
twelfth the Imperial Princess Takaki no Iri-hime, and of the
thirteenth the Imperial Princess Oto-hime.
Again he took as consort the Lady’* Midzuha, younger sister
of Ihaki-wake, of the Miho House, who bore to him the Imperial
Princess Ihono. His next consort, named Ikaha-hime, bore to
him the Imperial Prince Kami-kushi’? and the Imperial Prince
Inase no Iri-hiko. The elder of these two, the Imperial Prince
Kami-kushi, was the first ancestor of the Miyakko of Sanuki.
The younger, the Imperial Prince Inase no Iri-hiko, was the
first ancestor of the Harima no Wake.*® His next consort was
named Takada-hime, daughter of Kogoto of the Abe House,
who bore to him the Imperial Prince Take-kuni Kori-wake.
He was the first ancestor of the Wake of Mimura, in the
Province of Iyo. His next consort, named Oho-tane-hime, of
_Kami-naga in Hiuga, bore the Imperial Prince Hiuga no Sotsu-
hiko. He was the tirst ancestor of the Kimi of Amu.* His
next consort, named Sotake-bime, bore the Imperial Prince
Kuni-chi-wake, the Imperial Prince Kuni-se-wake [one version
has the Imperial Prince Miya-chi-wake] and the Imperial
Prince Toyoto-wake. The elder of these, the Imperial Prince
Kuni-chi-wake, was the first ancestor of the Wake of Minuma.
The youngest brother, the Imperial Prince Toyo-to-wake, was
the first ancestor of the Wake of the Province of Hi.’
Now the children of the Emperor, male and female, from
first to last, numbered eighty in all. With the exception,
however, of Yamato-dake no Mikoto, the Emperor Waka-
' Tratsume. 2 Divine-comb.
3 Wake, separation, branch, was a title which implied descent from the
Imperial line.
* In Nagato. 5 Now Hizen and Higo in Kiushiu.
VII 5s.
De O2s
invasion 7s
192 NIHONGI.
tarashi-hiko and the Imperial Prince Ihoki no Iri-hiko, the
other seventy and odd children were all granted fiefs! of
provinces and districts, and each proceeded to his own province.
Therefore, those who at the present time are called Wake of
the various provinces are the descendants of these separated
(wakare) Princes.’
In this month, the Emperor, hearing that the daughters of
Kambone, Mino no Miyakko, the elder’s name being Ane-toho-
ko, and the younger’s being Oto-toho-ko, were both of distin-
guished beauty, sent Oho-usu’ no Mikoto with orders to
examine the countenance of these women. Now Oho-usu no
Mikoto had secret intercourse with them, and did not report
his mission. For this reason the Emperor was wrath with
Oho-usu no Mikoto. |
Winter, the 11th month, rst day. The Emperor returned
from Mino and removed the capital to Maki-muku. This was
called the palace of Hi-shiro.
12th year, Autumn, 7th month. The Kumaso? rebelled, and
did not bring tribute.
8th month, 15th day. The Emperor made a progress to
Tsukushi.* |
gth month, 5th day. On arriving at Saha in Suwo, the
Emperor, standing with his face to the south,’ addressed his
Ministers, saying :—‘‘ To the southwards, smoke rises abun-
dantly. There must certainly be brigands there.” So he
halted, and sending in advance Take-moro-gi, ancestor of the
Omi of Oho, Unade, ancestor of the Omi of Kusaki, and
Natsu-bana, ancestor of the Kimi of the Mononobe, made them
to reconnoitre. Now there was here a woman, by name
* This points to something like a feudal system. But the analogy to
European feudalism must not be too closely pressed. Cf. Ch. K., p. 203.
? This omits to notice that Wake is a much older term.
3 The country of the Kumaso was the southern part of the island of Kiu-
shiu corresponding to the present provinces of Hiuga, Ohosumi, and Sat-
suma. Kuma and So are the names of two tribes.
* Tsukushi is used in two senses. It sometimes stands for the whole
island of Kiushiu, sometimes for only the northern part of it, viz. the two
provinces of Chikugo and Chikuzen. .
° The Emperor of China stands with his face to the south on state occa-
sions. But here it seems only to mean that the Emperor looked southwards.
KEIKO. 193
Kamu-nashi-hime, whose. followers were exceedingly numerous.
She was the chieftain of that whole country. When she heard
that the Emperor’s messengers had arrived, she broke off
branches of the hard wood of Mount Shitsu. On the upper
branch ' she hung an eight-span sword, on the middle branch
she hung an eight-hand mirror, and on the lower branch a
Yasaka jewel. She also hoisted a white flag on the bow of her
ship, and having come to meet them, addressed them, saying :—
“I beseech you, do not have recourse to arms. None of my
people, I assure you, are rebellious. They will presently
submit themselves to virtue? But there are mischievous
brigands. The name of one is Hanatari.? He has assumed
an unauthorized title. In the mountains and valleys he has
called men together, and is encamped at Kahakamiin Usa.
Another is called Mimi-tari.t| He is a mischievous brigand,
tapacious, frequently plundering the people. He dwells at
Kahakami in Mike. The third is called Asa-hagi. He has
secretly assembled a following, and dwells at Kahakami in
Takaha. Thename of the fourth is Tsuchi-wori-wi-wori.’ He
lives concealed at Kahakami‘ in Midori no, and relying solely
on the difficulties of the mountains and rivers, plunders the
people greatly. All the places to which these four have betaken
themselves are strong places. Each of them therefore makes
his relations chiefs of one place, and they all say they will not
obey the Imperial command. I pray you attack them suddenly,
and fail not.”
Hereupon Take-moro-gi and the others first enticed the
followers of Asa-hagi, and gave them presents of trowsers of
red material and all manner of curious objects. Then having
made them beckon to the four unsubmissive men, who came
accompanied by their followers, they seized them and put them
all to death.
The Emperor ultimately pursued his journey to Tsukushi,
and arrived at the district of Nagawo in the province of Buzen,
* It was the ancient custom in Japan to deliver letters or presents fastened
to branches of trees.
To the Emperor’s virtuous influence. 3 Nose-depend.
4 Ear-depend. ® Earth-break-well-break.
6 Kaha-kami means the upper course of a river.
Nel eSs
“VII. 9.
194 NIHONGI.
where he erected a travelling palace and dwelt there. There-
fore the name of that place was called Miyako.’
Winter, roth month. He arrived in the Land of Ohokida.
The form of this region is wide and beautiful. Therefore it
was called Ohokida.’
When he came to the village of Hayami, there was there a
woman named Haya-tsu-hime. She was chieftain® of one
place. When she heard that the Imperial car was coming,
she went out in person to meet the Emperor, and reported to
him, saying :—‘‘ In this mountain there is a great cavern called
the Rat’s Cave. There are two Tsuchi-gumo* who dwell in
this cave. One is called Awo,*® and the other Shira.’ Again
at Negino, in the district of Nawori, there are three Tsuchi-
gumo. The name of the first is Uchi-zaru,’ of the second
Yata,® and of the third Kunimaro.® These five men are alike
mighty of frame, and moreover have numerous followers. They
all say that they will not obey the Imperial command. If their
coming is insisted on, they will raise an army and offer resist-
ance.” The Emperor, provoked by this, could not advance on
his journey. So he halted at the village of Kutami, where he
erected a temporary palace muro, and dwelt therein. Then he
consulted with his Ministers, saying :—‘‘ Let us now put in
motion ‘a numerous army.and slay the Tsuchi-gumo. If, fearing
the might of our arms, they should conceal themselves in the
mountains and moors, they will assuredly do future mischief.”
Accordingly he gathered camellia trees, and made of them
mallets for weapons. Then selecting his bravest soldiers, he
gave them the mallet-weapons. Therewith they pierced through
the mountains, cleared away the grass, and attacking the
Tsuchi-gumo of the cave,’ defeated them at Kahakami in
Inaba. The whole band were killed, and their blood flowing
reached to the ancle. Therefore the men of that day called —
* Capital. 2 Great field.
3 The reader will observe that there are numerous cases of the “ monstrous.
regiment of women ” in these old legends.
+ See.above, p. 129. 5 Green or blue. 6 White.
7 Strike-monkey. 8 Hight-fields.
° Country-fellow. Note again that the Tsuchi-gumo have; Japanese
names, and inhabit old-settled parts of Japan.
10 The interlinear gloss has iha-muro, rock-muro.
KEIKo. 195
the pees where the camellia mallets were made Tsubaki-no-
ichi," and the place where the blood flowed they called Chida.?
Then, in order to attack Uchi- -zaru, he crossed straight over
Mount Negi. At this time the arrows of the enemy, shot cross-
wise from the mountain, fell like rain in front of the Imperial
army. The Emperor retreated to Shiro-hara, where he made
divination on the river-bank, and accordingly arraying his
troops, he first attacked Yata on the moor of Negi, and defeated
him. Upon this Uchi-zaru felt that he could not gain the
victory, and prayed that his submission should be accepted.
This, however, was refused, and they all flung themselves into a
ravine and were killed. In the beginning, when the Emperor
was about to attack the enemy, he made a station on the great
moor of Kashihawo. On this moor there was a stone six feet
in length, three feet in breadth, and one foot five inches in
thickness. The Emperor prayed, saying:—‘“If we are to
succeed in destroying. the Tsuchi-gumo, when we kick this
stone, may we make it mount up like a Kashiha leaf.” Accord-
ingly he kicked it, upon which, like a Kashiha leaf, it arose to
the Great Void. Therefore that stone was called Homishi2
The Gods whom he prayed to at this time were the God of
Shiga, the God of the Mononobe of Nawori, and the God of
the Nakatomi of Nawori—these three Gods. .
11th month. He arrived at the Land of Hiuga, and erected
a travelling palace, wherein he took up his residence. This
was called the palace of Takaya.
12th month, 5th day. Counsel was held how they should
attack the Kumaso. Hereupon the Emperor addressed his
Ministers, saying :—‘‘ We have heard that in the Land of the
Kumaso there are two men named Atsukaya and Sakaya, who
are the leaders of the Kumaso. Their followers are exceedingly
numerous, and are called the eighty Kumaso braves. It will be
better not to touch their spear-points. For if we raise a small
force, it will be insufficient to exterminate the brigands, while if
a large army is put in motion, the people will suffer harm. Is
there no means of subduing this country without active
measures, and without resorting to the might of arms?” Then
' Camellia market. 2 Blood-field.
° For fumi-ishi, i.e. kicking-stone.
Oe?
Wika eto:
WA a6 tr,
WORE Teele
PND RS els $s
AeDaroy
196 NIHONGI.
one of the ministers stood forward and said :—‘‘A Kumaso
brave has two daughters, the elder named Ichi-fukaya, and
the younger Ichi-kaya. Their beauty is perfect, and their hearts
are brave. Offer valuable presents, and under the pretence of
bestowing them beneath thy standard, take advantage of this
to gain intelligence of the enemy, and attack them unawares.
So without ever a sword-edge being stained with blood, the
enemy will surely yield themselves up.” The Emperor gave
command, saying :—‘‘ Let it be so.” Thereupon the presents
were offered, and the two women, deceived by them, were
bestowed beneath the tent. The Emperor straightway had
intercourse with Ichi-fukaya, and made.a show of affection for
her. Then Ichi-fukaya told the Emperor, saying :—‘‘ Be not
anxious lest the Kumaso should not submit. Thy handmaiden
has an excellent plan. Let me have one or two soldiers to
follow me.” She then returned to her home, and prepared
much strong sake, which she made her. father drink. He _ be-
came drunk and lay down to sleep. Ichi-fukaya then secretly
cut her father’s bowstring. Thereupon one of the soldiers who
had escorted her came up and killed the Kumaso brave. The
Emperor was provoked by such excessively unfilial conduct
and put Ichi-fukaya to death. But Ichi-kaya he gave to the
Miyakko of the Land of Ki.
13th year, Summer, 5th month. The Kumaso country having
been all subdued, the Emperor accordingly dwelt in the palace
of Takaya. When he had lived there six years, there was a
beautiful woman in that country named Mihakashi-hime.! So
he took her and made her his concubine. ' She bore to him the
Imperial Prince Toyo-kuni-wake. He was the first ancestor
of the Miyakko of the Land of Hiuga.
17th year, Spring, 3rd month, 12th day. The Emperor
made a progress to the district of Koyu,® where he visited the
little moor of Nimo. Then looking down towards the east, he
said to his courtiers :—‘‘ This country faces directly the quarter
of the Rising Sun.” Therefore he named that country Hiuga.?
On this day he mounted upon a great stone in the middle of the
moor, and feeling a longing.for the capital, made this poetry :—
* The lady of the august sword. ? In Hiuga.
* For Hi-muka, i.e. sun-fronting.
K EIKO. 197
Oh! how sweet !
From the quarter of my home,
Clouds arising come hither !
Yamato
Is the most secluded of lands.
Yamato
Retired behind Mount Awo-gaki,
Which encompasses it in its folds,
Is beautiful.
Let those whose lives are sound
Stick (in their hair) by way of headdress
Branches of the white evergreen oak
Of Mount Heguri—
(Fold within fold).
This child !?
This is called a song of longing for one’s country.
Nill ors
18th year, Spring, 3rd month. The Emperor, when about to 4-D: 88.
turn his way towards the capital, made a tour of inspection to
the Land of Tsukushi.* He first arrived at Hina-mori. There
was at this time on the bank of the River Ihase a crowd of
men assembled. The Emperor, looking down on them from
afar, addressed his courtiers, saying :—‘‘ Who are these men
who are assembled? Are they an enemy?” So he sent two
men, Hinamori the Elder and Hinamori the Younger, to
see. Now Hinamori the Younger returned and reported,
saying :—‘‘Idzumi-hime, the Kimi of Muro-kata, is about to
offer your Majesty a banquet, and therefore have people
gathered together.”
Summer, 4th month, 3rd day. The Emperor arrived at the
district of Kuma. In this place there were two brothers called
Kuma-tsu-hiko.* The Emperor first sent to summon Kuma
the Elder to him. Accordingly he came along with the
messenger. Then he summoned Kuma the Younger, but he
would not come. Therefore he sent soldiers and put him to
death.
* The text and interpretation of this poem present considerable difficulty,
and the above rendering is in parts only tentative. The “ Kojiki” makes three
distinct poems of it, and attributes them to Yamato-dake no Mikoto. Cf.
Ch. K., p. 219. Awo-gaki means green-fence. ‘ Fold within fold” is a mere
epithet, or makura-kotoba, of Mount Heguri.
* Tsukushi is here evidently the northern part of the island.
5 Prince of Kuma.
VII.
Wilts.
198 NIHONGI.
11th day. Proceeding by the sea route, he anchored at
a small island in Ashikita, where he partook of food. Then he
told Wo-hidari, ancestor of the Yama no Ahiko,' to give him
some cold water. Just at this time there was no water in the
island, and he did not know what to do. So looking up, he
prayed to the Gods of Heaven and the Gods of Earth, when
suddenly a cool spring bubbled forth from the side of a cliff.
This he drew and put before the Emperor. Therefore that
island was called Midzushima.’ That spring still exists in the
cliff of Midzushima.
5th month, 1st day. Setting sail from Ashikita, he proceeded
to the Land of Hi.* Here the sun went down, and the night
being dark, they did not know how to reach the shore. A fire
was seen shining afar off, and the Emperor commanded the
helmsman, saying :—‘‘ Make straight for the place where the fire
is.” So he proceeded towards the fire, and thus was enabled
to reach the shore. The Emperor made inquiry respecting the
place where the fire was, saying :—‘‘ What is the name of this
village?” The people of the land answered and said :—
“‘Toyomura, in the district of Yatsushiro.”” Again he made
inquiry respecting the fire:—‘‘ Whose fire is this?”, But no
owner could be found, and thereupon it was known that it was
not a fire made. by man. Therefore that country was called
Hi no Kuni.*
6th month, 3rd day. He crossed over from the district of
Takaku to the village of Tamakina. At this time he killed a
Tsuchi-gumo of that place called Tsudzura.
16th day. He arrived at the Land of Aso.’ The level tracts
of that Land were wide and far-reaching, but no dwellings of
men were to be seen. The Emperor said :—‘“‘ Are there any
people in this country?” Now there were two Deities, one
called Aso-tsu-hiko, and the other Aso-tsu-hime, who suddenly
assuming human form, sauntered forward and said:—‘‘ We
1 Ahiko appears to be a title similar to Atahe, Sukune, etc. It is derived
by the Japanese commentators from a, I, my, and hiko, prince.
2 Water-island. 3 Now Hizen and Higo.
4 The Land of Fire. ;
*° The name Aso is preserved in Mount Aso, a very curious volcanic
mountain in the province of Higo.
KEIKO, 199
two are here. How can it be said that there are no men?”
Therefore that place was called Aso.'
Autumn, 7th month, 4th day. He arrived at Mike” in the
further Land of Tsukushi,? where he dwelt in the temporary
Palace of Takata. Now there was here a fallen tree 970 rods
in length. The hundred functionaries passed backwards and
forwards stepping on this tree. The people of that day made
a song, saying :—
The morning hoar-frost #
August tree pole-bridge !
The Lords of the Presence
Pass over it—
The august tree pole-bridge !
The Emperor inquired, saying:—‘‘ What tree is this?”
There was there an old man who said:—‘‘ This tree is a
Kunugi tree.* Before it fell down, when the rays of the
morning sun fell on it, it overshadowed the Hill of Kishima;
when the rays of the evening sun fell on it, it covered Mount
Aso.” The Emperor said :—‘‘ This tree is a divine tree.
Therefore let this country be called the Land of Mike.” °
7th day. He reached the district of Yame, where, crossing
Mount Mahe, he looked down to the south upon Aha no Saki,
and spake, saying :—‘‘ The peaks and glens of this mountain
follow each other fold upon fold. They are exceedingly
beautiful. May it be that a God dwells in this mountain?”
Then Saru-ohomi,’ the Agata-nushi of Minuma, represented to
the Emperor, saying :—‘“‘ There is a female Deity named Yame-
tsu hime, who dwells always among these mountains.” This is
therefore the reason why this country is called the Land of
Yame.
8th month. He arrived at the village of Ikuha,* where he
1 Aso is a dialectical variation for nanzo or nazo, how or why.
{ 3 Augiist tree. 3 Now Chikugo.
* Morning hoar-frost is a makura-kotoba. The only connection between
it and the rest of the poem is that hoar-frost melts, and that ke (for ki) tree
is also the first syllable of kesu, to melt. The Presence is of course the
Imperial Presence.
® Quercus Serrata, Hepburn. ° August tree.
* Monkey-great-sea. 8 In Chikugo.
AAO as 16783
A.D.
74 OF
WOE:
~ ey.
96s
200 NIHONGI.
partook of food. On this day the stewards left behind the
drinking cup. Wherefore the men of that day called the place
where the drinking cup had been forgotten Ukuha, The
present name I[kuha is a corruption of this. In old times the
common people of Tsukushi called a drinking-cup Ukuha.
19th year, Autumn, gth month, zoth day. The Emperor
arrived from Hiuga.
20th year, Spring, 2nd month, 4th day. The Princess
Ihono was made to sacrifice to Ama-terasu no Oho-kami.
25th year, Autumn, 7th month, 3rd day. Takechi no
Sukune was commissioned to inquire into the geography of the
various provinces of the Northern' and Eastern? circuits and
the condition of.the people.
27th year, Spring, 2nd month, 12th day. Takechi no
Sukune returned from the East Country and informed the
Emperor, saying :—“ Inthe Eastern wilds there is a country
. called Hitakami.* The people of this country, both men and
women, tie up their hair in the form of a mallet, and tattoo
their bodies. They are of fierce temper, and their general
name is Yemishi. Moreover, their land is wide and fertile.
We should attack them and take it.”
Autumn, 8th month. The Kumaso again rebelled, and
made unceasing inroads on the frontier districts.
Winter, roth month, 13th day. Yamato-dake no Mikoto
was sent to attack the Kumaso. He was at this time
sixteen years of age. Thereupon Yamato-dake no Mikoto
said :—‘“‘I desire to take with me some good archers. Where
are there any good archers?’ Some one told him, saying :—
‘In the province of Mino there is a good archer named Oto-
hiko-gimi.” Thereupon Yamato-dake no Mikoto sent Miyado-
hiko, a man of Katsuraki, and summoned to him Oto-hiko-
gimi. Therefore Oto-hiko-gimi came and brought with him
Ishiura no Yokotachi, Tako no Inaki,‘ and Chichika no Inaki
of the province of Ohari, and followed Yamato-dake no Mikoto
on his expedition.
1 Including Mutsu and Dewa.
2 Or Adzuma, the region round what is now Tokio.
3 Sun-height. So called from its eastern position. Hi-tachi, sun-rise, is
a name of similar purport.
+ One of the lower ranks of the local nobility.
KEIKO. 201
12th month. Having arrived at the Land of Kumaso, he
inquired into the state of things, and the character of the
country in respect of facilities of access. Now the Kumaso
had a leader named Torishi-kaya, also called the Brave of
Kahakami, who assembled all his relations in order to give
them a banquet. Hereupon Yamato-dake no Mikoto let down
his hair, and disguising himself as a young girl, secretly waited
until the banquet should be given by the Brave of Kahakami.
Then with a sword girded on him underneath his inner
garment, he entered the banqueting muro of the Brave of
Kahakami and remained among the women. The Brave of
Kahakami, enchanted with the beauty of the young girl, forth-
with took her by the hand, and made her sit beside him. He
also offered her the cup, and made her drink, and thus amused
himself with her. By and by the night grew late, and the com-
pany fewer. Also the Brave of Kahakami became intoxicated.
Hereupon Yamato-dake no Mikoto drew the sword which he
had in his inner garments, and stabbed the Brave of Kahakami
in the breast, but did not kill him outright. The Brave of
Kahakami, bowing down his head to the ground, said :—‘‘ Wait
a little. I have something to say.” Then Yamato-dake no
Mikoto stayed his sword and waited. The Brave of Kahakami
addressed him, saying :—‘‘ Who is thine Augustness?”’ He
answered and said:—‘‘I am the child of the Emperor Oho-
tarashi-hiko, and my name is Yamato Woguna.” The Brave
of Kahakami again spake to him, saying :—‘“‘ I am the strongest
man in all this land, and therefore none of the men of this time
can excel me in might, and none refuses to be my follower.
I have met with many valiant men, but none as yet could match
the Prince. Therefore this despicable robber, from his filthy
mouth, offers thine Augustness a title. Wilt thou accept it?”
He said :—‘‘I will accept it.” So he spake to him, say-
ing :—‘‘ Henceforward in speaking of the Imperial Prince, let
him be styled the Imperial Prince Yamato-dake.”’ When
he had done speaking Yamato-dake pierced his breast
through and killed him. Therefore up to the present day
he is styled Yamato-dake no Mikoto. This was the origin
of it. :
’ The champion of Japan.
AAULS Bile)
A.D. 98.
A.D. 110.
202 NIHONGI.
Afterwards he despatched Oto-hiko and the others, who slew
all that band, leaving not a chewer,’ and when this was
done, he returned by sea to Yamato. Arriving at Kibi, he
crossed the Ana Sea. In this place there was a malignant
Deity, whom he forthwith slew. Again, turning northwards,
he arrived at Naniha,’ where he killed the malignant Deity of
the Kashiha ferry.
28th year, Spring, 2nd month, rst day. Yamato-dake no
Mikoto reported to the Emperor haw he had subdued the
Kumaso, saying :—‘‘ Thy servant, trusting. in the Emperor’s
Divine Spirit,? by force of arms, at one blow, suddenly slew the
Kumaso chieftain and reduced that whole country to peace.
In this way the Western Land is now quiet, and the people
are undisturbed. Only the God of the Ferry of Ana in Kibi
and the God of the Ferry of Kashiha at Naniha, both, with
mischievous intent, sent forth a poisonous vapour, by which
travellers were plagued. Both of them formed centres of
calamity. Therefore I killed all those evil Deities, and have
thrown open the roads by land and water alike.” The
Emperor upon this commended the good service done by
Yamato-dake no Mikoto, and bestowed extraordinary affection
on him.
40th year, Summer, 6th month. There was wide rebellion
of the Eastern wilds, and the frontier was in a state of tumult.
Autumn, 7th month, 16th day. The Emperor addressed his
Ministers, saying :—‘‘ The Eastern country is now in an un-
quiet state, and turbulent Deities have sprung up in numbers.
Moreover the Yemishi have rebelled to a man and frequently
carry off the people. Whom shall I send to still this disturb-
ance?” But none of the Ministers knew whom to send.
Then Yamato-dake no Mikoto addressed the Emperor, say-
ing :—‘‘ Thy servant it was who formerly performed the labour
of the expedition to the West. . This campaign must be the
business of the Imperial Prince Oho-usu.” But the Imperial
Prince Oho-usu was afraid, and ran to conceal himself among
the grass. Accordingly a messenger was sent to fetch him.
Hereupon the Emperor chid him, saying :—‘‘If thou dost not
| he. a living soul. * The modern Ohosaka.
3 Very nearly the Latin mumen.
KEIKO. 203
wish it, shall We insist on sending thee? Why all this alarm,
whilst thou hast not yet confronted the enemy?” Accordingly
he eventually granted him Mino as a fief, and so he went to,
his government. He was the first ancestor of the two houses
of the Kimi of Muketsu and the Kimi of Mori. Upon this
Yamato-dake no Mikoto, striking a martial attitude, said :—
“‘Not many years have passed since I subdued the Kumaso.
Now the Yemishi .of the East have made a fresh rebellion.
‘When shall we arrive at a universal peace? Thy servant,
notwithstanding that it is a labour to him, will speedily quell
this disturbance.”” So the Emperor took a battle-axe,' and
giving it to Yamato-dake no Mikoto, said:—‘‘ We hear that
the Eastern savages are of a violent disposition, and are much
given to oppression: their hamlets have no chiefs, their villages
no leaders, each is greedy of territory, and they plunder one
another. Moreover, there are in the mountains malignant
Deities, on the moors there are malicious demons, who beset
the highways and bar the roads, causing men much annoyance.
Amongst these Eastern savages the Yemishi are the most
powerful, their men and women live together promiscuously,
there is no distinction of father and child. In winter they
dwell in holes, in summer they live in nests. Their clothing
consists of furs, and they drink blood.’ Brothers are sus-
picious of one another. In ascending mountains they are like
flying birds; in going through the grass they are like fleet
quadrupeds. When they receive a favour, they forget it, but
if an injury is done them they never fail to revenge it. There-
fore they keep arrows in their’top-knots and carry swords
within their clothing. Sometimes they draw together their
fellows and make inroads on the frontier. At other times they
take the opportunity of the harvest to plunder the people. If
attacked, they conceal themselves in the herbage ; if pursued,
they flee into the mountains. Therefore ever since antiquity
they have not been steeped in the kingly civilizing influences.
’ Motoori points out this as an instance where the desire to imitate his
Chinese models has caused the author of the “ Nihongi” to introduce
Chinese things which have no business in a Japanese narrative. The
“ Kojiki” says it was a spear of holly eight fathoms long.
* The “ Liki” speaks of the ancient Chinese living on fruits and the flesh of
wild beasts and drinking their blood.
Val 2a
Wika nnas
Vi. 22.
204 NIHONGI.
Now We mark that thou art mighty of stature and thy coun-
tenance is of perfect beauty, thou hast strength sufficient to raise
tripods, thy fierceness is like thunder and lightning, wherever
thou dost turn thy face, there is none to stand before thee;
whenever thou dost attack thou dost surely conquer. This we
know, that whereas in outward form thou art Our child, in reality
thou art a God. Truly Heaven, commiserating Our want of .
intelligence and the disturbed condition of the country, has
ordained that thou shouldst order the Heavenly institution,
and save the monarchy from extinction. Moreover, this
Empire is thy Empire, and this Dignity is thy Dignity. I
adjure thee to exercise profound policy and far-reaching fore-
sight in searching out iniquity and watching against crises.
Admonish with majesty; comfort with kindness. | Avoid
having recourse to arms, and thou wilt naturally inspire loyal
obedience. So by cunning words thou mayst moderate the
violent Deities, and by a display of armed force sweep away
malignant demons.” !
Then Yamato-dake no Mikoto received the battle-axe, and,
bowing twice, addressed the Emperor, saying :—‘ But few
years have elapsed since my former expedition to the West,
when, trusting in the might of the Imperial spirit, I, with a
sword three feet in length, conquered the land of Kumaso, and
the rebel chiefs yielded themselves to punishment. Now again,
trusting in the spirits? of the Gods of Heaven and Earth, and
in reliance on the Imperial might, I am proceeding. to the
frontier. I will admonish them by gentle teaching, and if
any remain unsubmissive, I will smite them with arms.’ So
he again bowed twice. Then the Emperor commanded Kibi
no Take-hiko and Ohotomo no Take-hi no Muraji to follow
Yamato-dake no Mikoto. He also appointed Nana-tsuka-hagi
his steward.
* This speech cannot be received as a document of Japanese history. It
is a cento of reminiscences of Chinese literature.
? Numina.
3 Hirata says that Japanese surnames were taken from offices or avoca-
tions, names of places, parents’ names, circumstances, or objects. I suppose
he would have included under circumstances such personal peculiarities as
that which suggested the name Nana-tsuka-hagi, literally ‘ Seven-span-
shanks.”
KEIKO. 205
Winter, roth month, 2nd day. Yamato-dake no Mikoto set
out on his journey.
7th day. He turned aside from his way to worship at
the shrine of Ise. Here he took leave of Yamato-hime! no
Mikoto, saying :—‘‘ By order of the Emperor, I am now pro-
ceeding on an expedition against the East to put to death
the rebels, therefore I am taking leave of thee.” Hereupon
Yamato-hime no Mikoto took the sword Kusa-nagi and gave it
to Yamato-dake no Mikoto, saying :—‘‘ Be cautious, and yet
not remiss.”
This year Yamato-dake no Mikoto first reached Suruga.
The brigands of this place made a show of obedience, and said,
deceivingly :—‘‘ On this moor there are large deer in very great
plenty. Their breath is like the morning mist, their legs are
like a dense wood. Do thou go and hunt them.” Yamato-
dake no Mikoto believed these words, and, going into the
middle of the moor, sought for game. The brigands, desiring
to kill the Prince, set fire to the moor. But the Prince, seeing
that he had been deceived, produced fire by means of a fire-’
drill,” and, kindling a counter-fire, succeeded in making his
escape.
One version says :—‘‘ The sword Mura-kumo,* which
the Prince wore, wielded itself, and mowed away the
herbage near the Prince, thus enabling him to escape.
Therefore that sword was called Kusa-nagi.” 4
The Prince said :—‘‘I was almost betrayed.” So he burnt
all that robber-band and exterminated them. Therefore that
place was called Yaketsu.’
Next he marched on to Sagami, whence he desired to pro-
ceed to Kadzusa. Looking over the sea, he spake with a loud
voice, and said :—“‘ This is but a little sea:* one might even
’ She was appointed priestess B.C. 5, and we are now at A.D. 110, by the
common chronology.
* The interlinear gloss and the “ Kojiki” (Ch. K., p. 211) have hi-uchi, or
fire-striker, by which a flint and steel is doubtless meant. A fire-drill was
known to the ancient Japanese, as appears from the “ Kojiki” (Ch. K., p. 104)
and other authorities, and it is actually in use at present to produce fire for
sacred purposes. See a paper by Satow, in “J.A.S.T.,” VI. 223.
% Assembled-clouds. 4 The herbage mower.
® Port or ferry of burning. 5 The bay of Yedo.
8 G herria
206 NIHONGI.
jump over it.’ But when he came to the middle of the sea a
storm suddenly arose, and the Prince’s ship was tossed about,
so that he could not cross over. At this time there was a con-
cubine in the Prince’s suite, named Oto-tachibana-hime. She
was the daughter of Oshiyama no Sukune of the Hodzumi
House. She addressed the Prince, saying :—‘‘ This present
uprising of the winds and rushing of the waves, so that the.
Prince’s ship is like to sink, must be due to the wishes of the
God of the Sea. I pray thee let me go into the sea, and so let
the person of thy mean handmaiden be given to redeem the life
of the Prince’s Augustness.” Having finished speaking, she
plunged into the billows. The storm forthwith ceased, and
the ship was enabled to reach the shore. Therefore the people
of that time called that sea Hashiri-midzu.’
Hereupon Yamato-dake no Mikoto, going by way of Kad-
zusa, changed his route, and entered the Land of Michi no
oku.
At this time a great mirror was hung upon the Prince's ship.
Proceeding by the sea route, he went round to Ashi no ura
and crossed aslant to Tama no ura.?, When he arrived at the
Yemishi frontier, the chiefs of the Yemishi, Shima-tsu-kami
and Kuni-tsu-kami,* encamped at the harbour of Take,
with the intention of making resistance. But when they
saw the Prince’s ship from afar, they feared his majesty and
power, and knew in their hearts that they could not gain the
victory over him. They all flung away their bows and arrows,
bowed down towards him, and said :—‘‘ When we look upon
thy face, we see that it is more than human. Art thou per-
chance a Deity? We desire to know thy name.” The Prince
answered and said:—“I am the son of a Deity of visible
men.” Hereupon the Yemishi were all filled with awe. They
gathered up their skirts and, plunging into the waves, of their
own accord assisted the Prince’s ship to reach the shore.
Then, with their hands bound behind them, they submitted
themselves for punishment. He therefore pardoned their
offence, and having made prisoners their chieftains, caused
them to be his personal attendants. The Yemishi having been
’ Running-water. ? In Shimosa.
3 Literally, Gods of the Islands and Gods of the Continent.
KEIKO. . 207
subdued, he returned from the country of Hitakami, and pro-
ceeding to the south-west, passed through Hitachi, and arrived
at the Land of Kahi, where he dwelt in the palace of Sakawori.
At this time a light was kindled and he partook of food. On
this night he made a song, in which he inquired of those in
attendance on him, saying:—
Since I passed Tsukuba,
And Nihibari,
How many nights have I slept?
None of his attendants was able to answer him. Now there
was a man who had charge of the lights, who made a song, in
continuation of the Prince’s, saying :—
Counting the days—
Of nights there are nine nights,
Of days there are ten days.
Therefore the Prince commended his intelligence and liberally
rewarded him.’ oi,
Now while he was residing in this palace, he granted to
Take-hi, the ancestor of the Ohotomo no Muraji, the Yuki? Be.
Thereupon Yamato-dake no Mikoto said :—‘‘ All the wicked
chiefs of the Yemishi have submitted to the punishment of their
crimes. Only in the Land of Shinano and the Land of Koshi.
there are a considerable number who are not yet obedient to
the civilizing influence.” So from Kahi he turned towards the
north, and passing through Musashi and Kodzuke, he went
westward as far as the Usuhi-saka. Now Yamato-dake no
Mikoto always thought with regret of Oto-tachibana-hime.
Therefore, when he ascended to the summit of Usuhi and
looked down towards the south-east, he sighed three times, and
said, ‘‘ Alas! my wife!’’ Therefore the provinces east of the
mountains were given the name-of Adzuma.*
Here he sent Kibi no Takehiko by a different road to the
Land of Koshi, and caused him to examine the character of the
country as regards means of access, and also whether the people
were tractable or not. So Yamato-dake no Mikoto advanced
* Cf Ch. Ka Pp. 214. > Quiver.
3 Now known as the Usuhi Toge (pass) on the Nakasendd road.
4 Aga tsuma means my wife.
Valle so7e
Walle 20;
208 NIHONGI.
into the province of Shinano. This isa Land of high moun-
tains and profound valleys. Verdant summits are piled up ten
thousand fold, so that for men with staff in hand they are hard
to ascend. The cliffs are precipitous, and are girt with flying
bridges.’ Many thousand are the hill-ranges, where even with
slackened reins the horse makes no progress. Yet Yamato-dake
no Mikoto, bursting through the smoke, and braving the mists,
distantly crossed Mount Oho-yama. He had already reached
the summit when he became hungry and had food on the moun-
tain. The God of the mountain plagued the Prince. He
assumed the form of a white deer and stood before him. The
Prince, wondering at this, took a stick of garlic, and jerked it
at the white deer, striking it in the eye and killing it.2) Here
the Prince suddenly lost his way and could find no issue.
Then a white dog came of its own accord, and made a show of
guiding the Prince. Following the dog, he proceeded on his
way, and succeeded in coming out into Mino. Kibi no Take-
hiko, coming out from Koshi, met him. Before this when any
one crossed the Shinano pass, he inhaled so much of the breath
of the Deity that he became ill and lay down. But after the
white deer was killed, the travellers who crossed that moun-
tain chewed garlic,®> and smearing with it men, kine, and
horses, preserved them from being affected by the Deity’s
‘breath.
Yamato-dake no Mikoto, having returned back again to
Ohari, straightway took to wife a daughter of the Ohari
House, by name Miyazu-hime, and tarried there until the next
month. Here he heard that on Mount Ibuki in Afumi there
was asavage Deity. So he took off his sword, and leaving it in
the house of Miyazu-hime, went on afoot. When he arrived at
Mount Ibuki, the God of the mountain took the shape of a
great- serpent, and posted himself on the road. Hereupon
1 Kake-hashi, a bridge supported on poles driven into the side of a cliff.
Common in some mountainous parts of Japan.
= Ghi kes 2h
3.“ Another popular device (in Scotland) for frightening away witches and
fairies was to hang bunches of garlic about the farms.” “ Auld Licht Idylls,”
by J. M. Barrie.
Dennys, in his ‘ Folk-lore of China,” mentions several cases of the use
of garlic or onions to keep away evil spirits.
KEIKO. 209
Yamato-dake no Mikoto, not knowing that it was the master
God who had become a serpent, said to himself :—‘ This
serpent must be the Savage Deity’s messenger. Having already
slain a master God, is a messenger worth hunting after?”
Accordingly he strode over the serpent and passed on. Then
the God of the mountain raised up the clouds, and made an
icy rain to fall. The tops ofthe hills became covered with mist,
and the valleys involved in gloom. There was no path which
he could follow. He was checked and knew not whither to
turn his steps. However, braving the mist, he forced his way
onwards, and barely succeeded in findingan issue. He was still
beside himself like a drunken man. He therefore sat down
beside a spring at the foot of the mountain, and, having drunk
of the water, recovered his senses. Therefore that spring was
called the Wi-same' spring.
It was at this time that Yamato-dake no Mikoto first became
ill. The disease gradually increased and he returned to Ohari.
Here he did not enter the house of Miyazu-hime, but passed
on to Ise and reached Otsu.” Formerly, in the year when
Yamato-date no Mikoto was proceeding eastwards, he halted on
the shore at Otsu and partook of food. At that time he took
off a sword which he laid down at the foot of a fir-tree.
Eventually he went away forgetting it. When he now came to
this place, the sword was still there. Therefore he made a
song, saying :—
Ob ! thou single pine-tree !
That art right opposite
To Ohari—
Ah me—thou single pine-tree !
If thou wert a man,
Garments I would clothe thee with,
A sword I would gird on thee.
When he came to the moor of Nobo, his sufferings became
very severe. So he made an offering of the Yemishi whom he
had captured to the Shrine of the God.* He therefore sent
Kibi no Take-hiko to report to the Emperor, saying :—‘‘ Thy
servant having received the command of the Celestial Court,
undertook a distant expedition to the wilds of the East, where
1 Sit-sober.
2 Not Otsu on the southern shore of Lake Biwa, but a place in Ise.
3 As slaves.
Pp
WAT 305
Willa Bee
210 NIHONGI.
by the favour of the Gods, and trusting in the mighty power
of the Emperor, I made the rebellious to submit themselves for
punishment, and: the violent deities to become moderate.
Therefore I rolled up my armour, laid aside. my weapons, and
was returning peacefully. It was my hope on such a day at such
an hour to report my mission to the Celestial Court.'. But the
life allotted me by Heaven has unexpectedly approached an
end. Passing swiftly as a four-horse carriage passes a crack in
the road, it may not be stayed. Alone I lay me down on the
waste moor with none to say a word tome. But why should
I regret the loss of this body? My only grief is that I cannot
meet thee.”’
Having said so, he died on the moor of Nobo. He was then
thirty years of age. When the Emperor heard it, he could not
sleep peacefully on his couch, nor was the taste of food sweet
to him. Night and day his voice was choked with grief: with
tears and lamentations he beat his breast. Therefore he ex-
claimed aloud, saying :—‘‘Oh! Our son, Prince Wo-usu!
Formerly when the Kumaso revolted he was still a boy. But
for a long time he bore the labour of campaigning. After-
wards he was constantly at Our side, supplying Our deficiencies.
Then when the troubles with the Eastern savages arose, there
was no one else whom We could send to smite them, so in
spite of Our affection for him, We sent him into the country of
the enemy. No day passed that we did not think of him.
Therefore morning and evening We longingly awaited the day
ofhisreturn. Oh! what acalamity! Oh! whatacrime! While
We least expected it, we suddenly lost Our child. Henceforth
with whom to help us shall we manage the vast institution ? ”
So he commanded his ministers and through them
instructed the functionaries? to bury him in the misasagi of
Nobo Moor in the Land of Ise.
Now Yamato-dake no Mikoto, taking the shape of a white
bird, came forth from the misasagi, and flew towards the Land
of Yamato. The Ministers accordingly opened the coffin, and
looking in, saw that only the empty clothing remained, and
1 This sentence is in the “ Shukai” edition introduced at the end of this
speech.
2 Lit. the hundred bureaus.
. KEIKO. 211
that there was nocorpse. Thereupon messengers were sent to
follow in search of the white bird. It stopped on the plain of
Kotobiki in Yamato. Accordingly in that place a misasagi
was erected. The white bird flew on again until it reached
Kahachi, where it rested in the village of Furuchi, and in this
place also a misasagi' was erected. Therefore the men of
that day called these three misasagi “‘ the white bird misasagi.” ?
At last it soared aloft to Heaven, and there was nothing buried
but his clothing and official cap. The Emperor, wishing to
perpetuate the fame of his services, established the Takeru *®
Be. This was in the 43rd year of the Emperor’s reign.
5Ist year, Spring, mst month, 7th day. The Emperor
summoned his Ministers, and feasted them for several days.
Now the Imperial Prince Waka-tarashi-hiko no Mikoto and
Takechi no Sukune did not come to the Banqueting Court.
The Emperor sent for them and asked the reason., Therefore
they represented to the Emperor, saying:—‘‘On a day of
festival, the Ministers and functionaries must have their minds
bent on jollity, and they do not think of the State. In view of
the possibility of there being madmen, who might watch for
an unprotected space in the ramparts, we remain on guard
beneath the Gate* and provide against emergencies.” Then
the Emperor spake and said :—‘“‘ Splendid!’? So he showed
them an extraordinary affection.
Autumn, 8th. month, 4th day. Waka-tarashi-hiko no
Mikoto was appointed Prince Imperial. On this day Takechi
no Sukune was appointed Prime Minister.
The cross-sword Kusanagi, which was at first worn by
Yamato-dake no Mikoto, is now in the shrine of Atsuta in the
district of Ayuchi, in the province of Ohari. Nowthe Yemishi
who had been presented to the shrine brawled day and_ night,
and were disrespectful in their goings out and comings in.
Then Yamato-hime no Mikoto said :—‘* These Yemishi should
not be allowed near the shrine.’’. Accordingly she sent them up
' I have seen this tumulus. It is a very large double mound surrounded
by a moat.
? Shira-torino Misasagi. Many of the tumuli are favourite resorts of the
white egret, whence doubtless the name.
3 Or Take, brave. * Mikado means “ august gate.”
PZ
Valls oe
A.D, I2I.
Vit, 33.
IND Eee 8%
212 NIHONGI.
to the Court, where they were made to settle beside Mount
Mimoro. Ere long they cut down all the trees of the sacred’
mountain. They shouted and bawled in the neighbouring
villages and threatened the people. The Emperor, hearing
this, summoned his Ministers, and said :—‘‘ The Yemishi who
were placed beside the sacred mountain have by nature the
hearts of beasts. They cannot be allowed to dwell in the inner
country.” So he caused them to be stationed without the home
provinces, in any places which they pleased. They were the
ancestors of the present Saheki’ Be of the five provinces of
Harima, Sanuki, Iyo, Aki, and Aha.
In the beginning Yamato-dake no Mikoto took the Imperial
Princess Futachi-iri-hime, and made her his consort.” She
bore Prince Ineyori-wake, next the Emperor Tarashi-naka-tsu-
hiko,* next Nuno oshi-iri-hime no Mikoto, and next Prince
Waka-take. The eldest of these, Prince Ineyori-wake, was the
first ancestor of the two families of the Kimi of Inu-gami and
of the Kimi of Takebe. Another consort, named Kibi no
Anato no Take-hime, daughter of Kibi no Take-hiko, bore to
him Prince Take-miko and Prince Towoki-wake. The elder of
these, Prince Take-miko, was the first ancestor of the Kimi of
Aya in Sanuki. Prince Towoki-wake was the first ancestor of
the Kimi of Wake in Iyo. His next consort, Oto-tachibana
hime, daughter of Oshiyama no Sukune, of the Hodzumi
House, bore to him Prince Waka-take-hiko. |
s2nd year, Summer, 5th month, 4th day. The Empress
Harima no Oho-iratsume died.
Autumn, 7th month, 7th day. Ya-saka-iri-hime no Mikoto
was appointed Empress.
33rd year, Autumn, 8th month, 1st day. The Emperor
commanded his Ministers, saying :—‘‘ When will Our longing
for Our son cease? We desire to make a tour of inspection
to the region subdued by Prince Wo-usu.”” In this month he
! The Chinese characters for Saheki mean “Assistant-Chief.” It is
apparently a Chinese word and not Japanese, and therefore it seems out of
place in the history of a period long previous to the introduction of Chinese
learning. - But, however unhistorical this narrative may be, it goes to prove
that there is an Aino element in the Japanese nation.
2 She-was his aunt. . 3 Chiuai Tenné.
-KEIKO. 213
mounted into his carriage and made a progress to Ise; where,
turning aside, he entered the East Sea provinces. __
Winter, roth month. He arrived at the province of
Kadzusa, whence by the sea-route he crossed over to the
harbour of Aha.
At this time the Emperor, hearing the cry of a fish-hawk,
wished to see the bird’s form. So he went out upon the sea in
search of it, and caught clams. Hereupon the ancestor of the
Kashihade no Omi,’ by name Ihaka Mutsukari, made shoulder-
straps of bulrushes, and preparing a hash of the clams, put it
before the Emperor. Therefore he commended the service
rendered by the Omi Ihaka Mutsukari, and granted him the
Stewards’ Ohotomo Be.
12th month. The Emperor returned from the Eastern
country and dwelt in Ise. This was called the Kambata __
Palace.
54th year, Autumn, gth month, roth day. From Ise the
Emperor returned to Yamato, and dwelt in the Palace of
Makimuku.
55th year, Spring, 2nd month, 5th day. Prince Hiko-sa-
jima was appointed Governor-general' of the fifteen provinces
of the Té-san-d6é.2 He was a grandson of Toyoki no Mikoto.
But when he arrived at the village of Anashi in Kasuga
he fell ill and died. i
At this time the people of the Eastern Land, grieved that the
Prince did not arrive, secretly purloined his body, and buried
it in the land of Kodzuke.’
56th year, Autumn, 8th month. The Emperor commanded
Prince Mimoro-wake, saying :—‘‘ Thy father, Prince Hiko-
sajima, was unable to proceed to his governorship and died
prematurely. Therefore do thou undertake the absolute rule
of the Eastern Land.” So Mimoro-wake no Mikoto, having
received the Emperor’s commands, and being also desirous of
accomplishing his father’s work, straightway proceeded thither,
and undertook the government. He had already attained to a
. * Stewards. * East-mountain-road.
3 Several ancient tumuli near the village of Ohomuro in this province are
perhaps the tombs of this dynasty of governors. They are described in a
paper by Satow,am “ T.A.S.J.,” Vol. VIII., p. 327.
Walle 3:
A.D. 124.
A.De 128,
A.D. 126.
i)
AD) 127.
VDI 37,
AD. 128,
KD. 430.
AED Fo K;
#D, 132.
214 NIHONGI.
good administration when the Yemishi made a disturbance.
So he raised an army and attacked them. Then the Yemishi
chieftains, Ashi-furi-he, Oho-ha-furi-he, and Tohotsu Kura-ho-
he bowed their heads to the ground and came; they made
deep obeisance.and accepted punishment, offering him all their
territory without exception. Therefore he pardoned those who
surrendered, and put to death those who would not submit.
On this account the Eastern Land was for a long time free
from trouble. Therefore his descendants are to this day in
the Eastern Land.
57th year, Autumn, gth month. The Pool of Sakate was
constructed, and the embankment planted with bamboos.
Winter, roth month. It was commanded that every pro-
vince should erect granaries of the labourers’ Be.’
58th year, Spring, 2nd month, 11th day. The Emperor
made a progress to the Land of Ohomi, and dwelt in Shiga for
three years. This was called the Palace of Taka-Anaho.
6oth year, Winter, 11th month, 7th day. The Emperor
died in the Palace of Taka-Anaho at the age of 106.
THE EMPEROR WAKA-TARASHI-HIKO.
(SEIMU* TENNO.)
The Emperor Waka-tarashi-hiko was the fourth child of the
Emperor Oho-tarashi-hiko-oshiro-wake. The name of the
Empress his mother was Ya-saka-iri-hime no Mikoto, daughter
of the Imperial Prince Ya-saka-iri-hiko.. He was appointed
Prince Imperial in the 46th year of the Emperor Oho-tarashi-
hiko, being then aged twenty-four years. In the 6oth year of
his reign, Winter, the 11th month, the Emperor Oho-tarashi-
hiko died.
Ist year, Spring, ist month, 5th day. The Prince Imperial
assumed the Imperial Dignity. This year was the year Kanoto
Hitsuji (8th) of the Cycle.
2nd year, Winter, 11th month, roth day. The Emperor
Tih OR. as. Ty. 205. Accomplish-functions,
SEIMU. 215
Oho-tarashi-hiko was buried in the misasagi over the road at
Yamanobe in the province of Yamato.
The Empress was honoured with the title of Grand Empress. VI. 38.
3rd year, Spring, ist month, 7th day. Takechi no Sukune a.p. 133.
was made Prime Minister. In the beginning the Emperor was
born on the same day with Takechi no Sukune, and he there-
fore had an extraordinary affection for him.
Ath year, Spring, 2nd month, 1st day. The Emperor com- a.p. 134.
manded, saying:—‘‘Our predecessor on the throne, the
Emperor Oho-tarashi-hiko, was clear-sighted and of divine
valour. When he became subject to the scheme’ and received
over the plan he ruled Heaven and was in accordance with
Man. He swept away the banditti, and restored right. His
virtue was like a canopy, his path harmonized with develop-
ment. Therefore in all the land under Universal Heaven
there was none who did not recognize him as Sovereign. VII. 39.
Of all things endowed with life and possessed of soul were there ;
any which did not find their place ?
We have now succeeded him in the occupation of the
precious felicity. Morning and night we tremble and fear.
But the people are like wriggling worms, and will not reform
the savagery of their hearts. In the provinces and districts
there are no Lords, in the villages there are no Chiefs.” Hence-
forward let there be established Lords in the provinces, and
let there be Chiefs placed in the villages. Accordingly let men
of ability ofthe provinces be taken and appointed Chiefs over
provinces and districts, so as to form a defence for the Inner
Country.” °
5th year, Autumn, gth month. A decree was issued to all a.p. 135.
the provinces establishing Miyakko (governors) in the provinces
and districts, and Inaki* in the villages. All were granted
1 The scheme of the permutations of the five elements. “Thus water is
said to overcome fire and so forth. Each dynasty is believed to be subject
to the influence of the element which overcomes that prevailing with the
previous dynasty, and all human affairs are referable to the same occult
influence.” Mayers’ Manual, p. 317. This whole speech is intensely Chinese.
2 This cannot be correct. > i.e. the Gokinai.
* Inaki is literally rice-castle, i.e. granary. The office seems to be some-
thing like mayor. It subsequently became a mere title, and eventually a
surname.
ti)
AND 7 os
A.D.
190.
216 NIHONGI.
shields and spears as emblems of authority. So the mountains
and rivers were made boundaries for the separation of one
province and district from another, whilst the bounds of town-
ships and villages were established by means of lanes. In this
way East and West were reckoned as in a line with the sun,
while North and South were reckoned as athwart the sun.’
The sunny side of the mountains was called the light-face
and the shady side of the mountains the back-face.?
In this way the people had tranquil possession of their
dwellings, and the Empire was at peace.
48th year, Spring, 3rd month, 1st day. The Emperor
appointed his nephew Tarashi-naka-tsu-hiko no Mikoto Prince
Imperial.’
6oth year, Summer, 6th month, 11th day. The Emperor
died, aged 107.
‘ Meaning lanes running N. and S. and lanes running E. and W.
? The modern division of the provinces between Kidto and Shimonoseki,
the Sanyddo and Sanindo, rests on this distinction.
3 His own son had perhaps died.
Book 8
THE EMPEROR TARASHI-NAKATSU-HIKO.
(CHIUAI TENNO.)
THE Emperor Tarashi-nakatsu-hiko was the second child of
Yamato-dake no Mikoto. The Empress’? his mother was
called Futachi-iri-hime no Mikoto. She was the daughter of the
Emperor Ikume-iri-hiko isachi. The Emperor’s countenance
was of perfect beauty, and his stature was ten feet. He was
appointed Prince Imperial in the forty-eighth year of the
Emperor Waka-tarashi-hiko, being at this time thirty-one
years of age. The Emperor Waka-tarashi-hiko having no male
offspring, appointed him as his successor. In the sixtieth year
of his reign the Emperor died, and in the following year,
Autumn, the gth month, 6th day, was buried in the Tatanami
misasagi in Saki, in the province of Yamato.
Ist year, Spring, rst month, 11th day. The Prince Imperial
assumed the Imperial Dignity.
Autumn, gth month, 1st day. The Empress-mother was
granted the honorary title of Grand Empress.
Winter, 11th month, 1st day. The Emperor commanded his
Ministers, saying :—‘‘ The Prince, Our father, died before We
reached the status of a youth. His divine spirit became changed
into a white bird and ascended to Heaven. Our longing re-
gard for him knows not a day’s intermission. Therefore it is
Our wish to procure white birds and to keep them in the pond *
within the precincts of the misasagi, so that, looking on these
birds, we may comfort our feelings of longing.” Orders were
1 Chiu means the middle one of three sons ; ai, to be sad, to grieve.
2 She was not Empress.
5 The misasagi are surrounded with a moat.
Ast. Moos
A.D. 193.
VIII.-3.
218 NIHONGI,
therefore sent to the various provinces to send tribute of white
birds.
Intercalary 11th month, 4th day. The province of Koshi
sent tribute of four white birds. Now the messengers who were
sent with the birds stayed for the night on the bank of the
Fiver Wik: Then Prince Gama-mi-wake, of Ashigami, seeing
the white birds, made inquiry, saying:—‘‘ Whither are you
taking these white birds?”’ The men of Koshi answered and
said :—‘‘ The Emperor, out of his longing for the Prince, his
father, intends to keep them as pets. Therefore do we bring them
as tribute.” Prince Gama-mi-wake spake to the men of Koshi,
saying :—‘‘ These may be white birds, but when they are
roasted they will become black birds.” So he forcibly seized
the white birds and carried them away. Hereupon the men of
Koshi came and reported to the Emperor, who was indignant
at the affront offered by Prince Gama-mi-wake to the late
Prince, and sending troops, put him to death.
Prince Gama-mi-Wake was the younger brother of the
Emperor by a different mother. The people of that time said:
—‘‘ A father is Heaven, an elder brother isa Lord ; how can he
escape execution who is wanting in respect to Heaven, and who
thwarts his Lord ?”?
This year was the year Midzunoye Saru (gth) of the Cycle.
2nd year, Spring, ist month, 11th day. Oki-naga-tarashi-
hime was appointed Empress. Before this the Emperor had
taken to him as consort Oho-nakatsu-hime, daughter of his
uncle Hiko-bito Ohine. She bore to him the Imperial Prince
Kakosaka and the Imperial Prince Oshikuma. Next he took
to him as consort Oto-hime, daughter of Oho-saka-nushi,’ the
ancestor of the Miyakko of Kukumada. She bore to him the
Imperial Prince Homuya wake.
2nd month, 6th day. The Emperor made a progress
to Tsunoga,® where he erected a temporary palace and dwelt
in it. This was called the Palace of Kehi. In the same month
the granary of Ahaji was established.
3rd month, 15th day. The Emperor made a tour of inspec-
' These phrases are Chinese, and therefore an anachronism in a history of
this period.
Great-sake-master. 3 Tsuruga.
CHIUAI. 219
tion to the Southern provinces. Hereupon he left behind the
Empress and the functionaries, and with two or three High
officials’ and several hundred officers in attendance, he pro-
ceeded, thus lightly equipped, as far as the land of Kii, where
he dwelt in the Palace of Tokorotsu. At this time the Kumaso
rebelled and did not bring tribute. The Emperor thereupon
prepared to smite the Land of Kumaso, and starting from
Tokorotsu, borne over the sea, he made a progress to Anato. On
the same day he sent messengers to Tsunoga and commanded
the Empress, saying :—‘“‘ Set out straightway from that harbour
and meet me at Anato.”
Summer, 6th month, roth day. The Emperor anchored
in the harbour of Toyora, while the Empress, who had
set out from Tsunoga on her way there, arrived at the
Strait of Nuta, and partook of food on board her ship. A
great many tahi assembled beside the ship. The Empress
sprinkled sake upon the tahi, which forthwith became drunk
and floated to the surface. Then the fishermen, having
caught numbers of these tahi, were delighted, and said :—
‘““They are the fish given us by our wise sovereign.” There-
fore the fish of that place, when the sixth month comes, are in
the habit of floating belly upwards as if they were drunk. This
was the origin of it.
Autumn, 7th month, 5th day. The Empress anchored in the
harbour of Toyora. On this day the Empress found in the
sea a Nyoi’ pearl.
gth month. The Emperor erected a Palace in Anato, and
dwelt init. It was called the Palace of Toyora in Anato.
8th year, Spring, ist month, 4th day. The Emperor pro-
ceeded to Tsukushi. At this time Kuma-wani,’® the ancestor
of the Agata-nushi of Oka, hearing of the Emperor’s arrival,
pulled up beforehand a 500-branched Sakaki tree, which he set
1 Daibu. |
2 The Nyoi (4 i) is a sort of sceptre seen in the hands of Buddhist
idols. It contains the Mani, one of the Sapta ratna, a fabulous pearl which
is.ever bright and luminous, and therefore a symbol of Buddha and of his
doctrines.
A Buddhist term is of course an anachronism in this narrative.
3. Bear (i.e. enormous), sea-monster, a fit name for a personage of a
legendary narrative. See p..61, note 3.
« WatREGs
220 _ NIHONGI.
up on the bows of a nine-fathom ship. On the upper branches
he hung a white-copper mirror, on the middle branches he hung
a ten-span sword, and on the lower branches he hung Yasaka
jewels. With these he went out to meet him at the Bay of
Saha in Suwo, and presented to him a fish-salt-place.’ In doing
so, he addressed the Emperor, saying :—‘‘ Let the Great Ferry
from Anato to Mukatsuno be its Eastern Gate and the Great
Ferry of Nagoya’ be its Western Gate. Let the Islands of
Motori and Abe and none else be the august baskets: let the
Island of Shiba be divided and made the august pans : let the Sea
of Sakami be the salt-place.’’ He then acted as the Emperor’s
pilot. Going round Cape Yamaga, he entered the Bay of Oka.
But in entering the harbour, the ship was unable to go
forward. So he inquired of Kuma-wani, saying :—‘‘ We have
heard that thou, Kuma-wani, hast come to us with an honest
heart. Why does the ship not proceed?’”’ Kuma-wani addressed
the Emperor, saying :—‘“‘ It is not the fault of thy servant that
the august ship is unable to advance. At the entrance to this
bay there are two Deities, one male and the other female.
The male Deity is called Oho-kura-nushi,* the female Deity is
called Tsubura-hime. It must be owing to the wish of these
Deities.” The Emperor accordingly prayed to them, and
caused them to be sacrificed to, appointing his steersman
Iga-hiko, a man of Uda in the province of Yamato, as priest.’
So the ship was enabled to proceed. The Empress entered in
a different ship by the Sea of Kuki. As the tide was out, she
was unable to goon. Then Kuma-wani went back and met
the Empress by way of Kuki. Thereupon he saw that the
august ship made no progress, and he was afraid. He hastily
made a fish-pond and a bird-pond, into which he collected all
the fishes and birds. When the Empress saw these fishes and
birds sporting, her anger was gradually appeased, and with the
flowing tide she straightway anchored in the harbour of Oka.
1 A salt-pan.
? Near Karatsu. It was from Nagoya that Hideyoshi’s expedition sailed
for Corea. By the salt-place is evidently meant the whole northern coast of
Kiushiu. Salt is still made here, though the chief seat of this manufacture
is now the shores of the Inland Sea. See Wileman in “T-AS.J.” XVII. 1.
3 Great-magazine-lord. = * Hafuri.
_Curval. 221
Moreover, Itote, the ancestor of the Agata-nushi of Ito! in
Tsukushi, hearing of the Emperor’s coming, pulled up sakaki
trees of 500 branches, which he set up in the bow and stern of
his ship. On the upper branches he hung Yasaka jewels, on
the middle branches white-copper mirrors, and on the lower
branches ten-span swords, and coming to meet the Emperor at
Hikejima in Anato, presented them to him. In doing so, he
addressed the Emperor, saying :—‘‘ As to these things which
thy servant dares to offer, mayst thou govern the universe with
subtlety tortuous as the curvings of the Yasaka jewels ;* may
thy glance survey mountain, stream and sea-plain bright as
the mirror of white copper; mayst thou, wielding this ten-span
sword, maintain peace in the Empire.” Thereupon the
Emperor commended Itote, and called him Isoshi. ‘ Where-
fore the men of that time called the native place of Itote the
Land ofIso. The present name Ito is a corruption of this.
22nd day. The Emperor arrived in the district of Naka.
Here he dwelt in the palace of Kashihi.
Autumn, 9th month, 5th day. The Emperor addressed his
Ministers, and consulted with them as to attacking the Kumaso.
At this time a certain God inspired the Empress and instructed
her, saying :—‘‘ Why should the Emperor be troubled because
the Kumaso do not yield submission? It is a land wanting in
backbone. Is it worth while raising an army to attack it?
There is a better land than this, a land of treasure, which may
be compared to the aspect of a beautiful woman—the land of
Mukatsu,* dazzling to the eyes. In that land there are gold
and silver and bright colours in plenty. It is called the Land
of Silla of the coverlets of paper-mulberry.* If thou worship-
pest me aright, that land will assuredly yield submission freely,
and the edge of thy sword shall not at all be stained with blood.
1 This place is mentioned by a Chinese traveller to Japan in the third
century of our era. “There are” (he says) “hereditary kings in Ito, who
all owe allegiance to the Queen country.”
> No doubt Maga-tama are meant. 3 Opposite.
4 Taku-fusuma in Japanese. This is a pillow-word, prefixed to Silla, not
in the least because coverlets of cloth woven from the inner bark of the
paper-mulberry were in use in that country, but because Silla (in Japanese
Shiraki) suggests Shira, white, and textiles of paper-mulberry were white.
By “bright colours” is probably meant dyed textile goods.
A.D. 2CC.
222 NIHONGI.
Afterwards the Kumaso will surrender. In worshipping me,
let these things be given as offerings, namely, the Emperor’s
august ship and the water-fields' called Ohota,? presented to
him by Homutachi, the Atahe of Anato.” When the Emperor
heard the words of the God, his mind was filled with doubt,
and straightway ascending a high hill, he looked away into the
distance. But far and wide there was the ocean, and he saw
no land. Hereupon the Emperor answered the God, and
said :—‘* We have looked all around, and there is sea, and no
land. Can there be a country in the Great Void ?* Who is
the God who cheats Us with vain illusions? Moreover, all
the Emperors Our ancestors have worshipped the Gods of
Heaven and Earth without exception, and none has been
omitted.” Then the God again spake by the mouth of the
Empress, saying :—‘‘I see this country lie outstretched like a
reflection from. Heaven in the water. Why sayest thou that
there is no country, and dost disparage my words? But as
thou, O King! hast spoken thus, and hast utterly refused to
believe me, thou shalt not possess this land. The child with
which the Empress has just become pregnant, he shall
obtain it.”
The Emperor, however, was still incredulous, and persisted
in attacking the Kumaso. But he retreated without having
gained a victory.
gth year, Spring, 2nd month, 5th day. The Emperor took
suddenly ill, and died on the following day, at the age of 52.
One version says:—‘‘ The Emperor having gone in
person to smite the Kumaso, was hit by an enemy’s arrow,
and slain.”
Thereupon the Empress and the Prime Minister Takechi no
Sukune suppressed the mourning for the Emperor, and did not
allow it to be known to the Empire.
Accordingly the Empress commanded the Prime Minister,
the Nakatomi* Ikatsu no Muraji, Oho-miwa no Ohotomo-
1 ie, rice lands. * Great fields.
3 The sky. Corea is visible from the Japanese island of Tsushima, and
must have been well known to the Japanese at this time. There has already
been frequent mention of it in the “ Nihongi” itself.
4 Probably here used in its original signification of Middle Minister.
CHIUAI. 22%
nushi no Kimi, Mononobe no Ikuhi no Muraji, and Ohotomo
no Takemotsu no Muraji, saying:—‘‘ The Empire is still
ignorant of the Emperor’s decease. If the people were to
know of it, there would be negligence.” So she instructed the
four high officials to cause the functionaries to keep watch
within the Palace while the body of the Emperor was secretly
taken up and entrusted to Takechi no Sukune. He removed
it by sea to Anato, and buried it temporarily in the Palace
of Toyora, giving it a fireless temporary burial.
22nd day. The Prime Minister, Takechi no Sukune, re-
turned from Anato, and made his report tothe Empress. This
year, owing to the expedition against Silla, it was impossible
to bury the Emperor.’
1 The commentators say that for the sake of secrecy there were no lights
used. .
2 An army of labourers was needed to build one of the enormous tumuli
which were the fashion at this time.
EX 3;
Book 9
OKINAGA-TARASHI-HIME NO MIKOTO.
(JINGO! KOGU,)
OKINAGA-TARASHI-HIME NO MIKOTO was the great-grandchild
of the Emperor Waka-Yamato-neko-hiko Ohohihi” and the
daughter of Prince Okinaga* no Sukune. Her mother’s name
was Katsuraki no Taka-nuka-hime. She was made Empress
in the second year of the Emperor Naka-tsu-hiko. Whilst
still young, she was intelligent and shrewd, and her counte-
nance was of such blooming beauty that the Prince her father
wondered at it.
In his gth year, Spring, the 2nd month, the Emperor
Naka-tsu-hiko died in the palace of Kashihi in Tsukushi. At
this time the Empress was grieved that the Emperor would
not follow the Divine instructions, and had consequently died
a premature death. She thought she would find out what God
had sent the curse, so that she might possess herself of the
land of treasures. She therefore commanded her Ministers
and functionaries to purge offences *and to rectify transgres-
! Divine merit or success. 2 Kaikwa Tenno.
3’ Name of a place in Ohomi. This is hardly consistent with the state-
ment at the end of this reign that Oki-naga -(long life) was a posthumous
name given her, apparently owing to the great age to which she attained.
+ The ceremony of purification (harahi) is referred to.
Motowori observes on the parallel passage of the “ Kojiki” that tsumi,
offence, includes kegare, pollutions, ashiki waza, ill-deeds, and wazawahi,
calamities. The offences for which the ceremony of purification was required
are enumerated in the “ Kojiki” as flaying alive, flaying backwards, breaking
down the divisions between rice-fields, filling up irrigating channels, com-
mitting nuisances, incest, and bestiality. The Oho-harahi, or Great Purifica-
tion Ritual, gives a similar but more detailed description. See Ch. K,,
Pp. 230.
JINGO. | 225
sions, also to construct a Palace of worship’ in the village of
‘Wayamada.
3rd month, 1st day. The Empress, having selected a lucky
day,” entered the Palace of worship, and discharged in person the
office of priest.» She commanded Takechi no Sukune to play
on the lute,* and the Nakatomi, Igatsu no Omi, was designated
as Saniha.? Then placing one thousand pieces of cloth, high
pieces of cloth, on the top and bottom of the lute, she prayed
saying :—‘* Who is the God who on a former day instructed the
Emperor? I pray that I may know his name.” After seven
days and seven nights there came an answer, saying :—‘‘ I am
the Deity who dwells in the Shrine of split-bell Isuzu in the
district of hundred-transmit Watarahi in the province of divine-
wind Ise,° and my name is Tsuki-sakaki idzu no mi-tama ama-
zakaru Muka-tsu hime‘ no Mikoto.
Again she inquired :—‘“‘ Other than this Deity, are there any
Deities present?”’ The answer was:—‘‘I am the Deity who
TX.
comes forth on the ears of the flag-like Eulalia,* and my dwell- _
ing is in the district of Aha in Ada-fushi in Oda.” She
inquired:—‘‘ Are there others?” There was an answer,
saying :—‘‘ There is the Deity who rules in Heaven, who rules
in the Void, the gem-casket-entering-prince, the awful Koto-
shiro-nushi.”’ *
1 Lit. religious abstinence. See above, p. 176.
2 “ Lucky day” is probably a Chinese trait. 3 Kannushi.
* The Japanese or Adzuma koto, described as an instrument five or six
feet long, with six strings.
* Saniha is explained as the official who examines the utterances prompted
by the Deity. The literal meaning is “pure court,” from the place in which
he stood during the ceremony. See Ch. K., p. 229.
6 The epithets split-bell, hundred-transmit and divine-wind are makura-
kotoba or pillow-words, which have no meaning to us. Split-bell is put
before Isuzu because suzu means bell (Fr. grélot). Wataru, “to cross over,”
suggests the phrase momo-tsutahe (hundred-transmit). See Ch. K., p. 247.
7 The awful spirit of the planted Cleyera, the lady of sky-distant Mukatsu.
Mukatsu, as appears from p. 221, is Corea. The Deity who dwells at Ise
is the Sun-Goddess. But she chooses (apparently) to represent herself as a
Corean Deity. Sakaki (Cleyera Japonica) is the sacred tree of Shinto.
S A tall grass, like pampas grass, hence the epithet flag-like.
° Koto-shiro-nushi, thing-know-master. Thing-know is a Chinese idiom for
“to rule,” and it is the same word which is rendered rule just above.
Q
4.
226 NIHONGI.
“She inquired:—‘‘ Are there others?” There was an
answer, saying :—‘“‘ It is not known whether there are others or
not.” Hereupon the Saniha' said:—‘‘ There is no answer
now, but they will speak again afterwards.” So there was an
answer, saying :—‘‘ There are the Gods who have settled to the
bottom of the water of the Little Strait of Tachibana” in the
Land of Hiuga, and who are produced and dwell there like
fresh water plants. Their names are Uha-tsutsu no wo, Naka-
tsutsu. no wo, and Soko-tsutsu no wo.?
She inquired :—“ Are there others?”’ There was an answer,
saying :—‘‘ Whether there are or not is unknown.” And
nothing more was ever said as to the existence of other Gods.
Now that the Divine words* had been obtained, the Gods
were worshipped in accordance with their instructions. There-
after, Kamo no Wake, the ancestor of the Kibi no Omi, was
sent to attack the Kumaso. Before many days had elapsed
they freely submitted.
Moreover, there was in the village of Notorita a man
named Hashiro Kuma-washi.° He was a fellow of powerful
frame, and had wings on his body, so that he could fly, and
with them soar aloft. Therefore he would not obey the
Imperial commands, but habitually plundered the people.
17th day. The Empress desired to attack Kuma-washi. So
from the Palace of Kashihi she returned to the Palace of
Matsunowo. At this time a whirlwind suddenly arose, and
her august hat was blown off by the wind. Therefore the men
of the time called that place Mikasa.°
20th day. She arrived at the Moor of Sosoki, where she
took up arms and smote Hashiro Kuma-washi, and destroyed
him. Then she addressed her courtiers, saying :—‘‘ My mind
is at peace now that we have taken Kuma-washi.” Therefore
the name of that place was called Yasu.’
25th day. Going on from thence, she arrived at the district
of Yamato,’ where she put to death a Tsuchi-gumo named
1 See above, p. 225.
* Little Strait is in the original Wodo: the Bungo Channel.
3 See Ch. K., p. 41, also above, p. 27.
4 The term “divine words” probably means the proper names and titles
of the Deities.
> Feather-white bear-eagle. 6 August hat. 7 Peaceful.
8 In Chikugo.
JINGO. 227
Tabura-tsu-hime.. Now Tabura-tsu-hime’s elder brother
Natsuha had raised an army and advanced against. the Empress,
but on hearing that his younger sister had been already put te
death, he took to flight.
Summer, 4th month, 3rd day. Proceeding northwards,
she arrived at the district of Matsurain the Land of Hizen, and
partook of food on the bank of the river Wogawa,' in the
village of Tamashima. Here the Empress bent a needle and
made of it a hook. She took grains of rice and used them as
bait. Pulling out the threads of her garment, she made of
them a line. Then mounting upon a stone in the middle of the
river, and casting the hook, she prayed, saying :—‘‘ We are
proceeding westward, where we desire to gain possession of the
Land of Treasure. If we are to succeed, let the fish of the
river bite the hook.” Accordingly, raising up her fishing-rod,
she caught a trout. Then the Empress said :—“ It is astrange
thing.” Wherefore the men of theday called that place the Land
of Medzura. The present name Matsura isa corruption of this.
For this reason, whenever the 1st decade of the 4th month
comes round, the women of that land take hooks, which they
cast into the river and catch trout—a custom which has not
ceased unto this day. The men may angle for fish, but they
cannot catch any.
This having been done, the Empress knew that there was
virtue in the teaching of the Gods, and she made sacrifice anew
to the Gods of Heaven and Earth. As it was her purpose in
person to chastise the West, she set apart a sacred rice-field,
and tilled it. Then, in order to divert water from the Naka-
gaha with which to irrigate it, she dug a channel as far as the
Hill of Todoroki. But a great rock stood in the way, and she
was unable to pierce a channel through it. Then the Empress
sent for Takechino Sukune, and offering a sword and a mirror
made him pray tothe Gods of Heaven and Earth, and ask them
to allow the channel to be completed. Straightway there came
thunder and lightning, and stamped that rock asunder, so that
the water passed through. Therefore the men of the time
called that channel the Channel of Sakuta.’ mere
1 Little river. .
* Medzurashiki means “strange.” Matsura is really Matsu-ura, fir-bay.
3 Sundered field. .
OFZ
EX Se
IDS
6.
228 NIHONGI.
The Empress returned to the Bay of Kashihi, and loosing
her hair, looked over the sea, saying :—‘‘ I, having received the
instructions of the Gods of Heaven and Earth, and trusting in
the Spirits of the Imperial ancestors, floating across the deep
blue sea, intend in person to chastise the West. Therefore do
I now lave my head in the water of the sea. If Iam to be
successful, let my hair part spontaneously into two.”’ Accord-
ingly she entered the sea and bathed, and her hair parted of its
own accord. The Empress bound it up parted into bunches.’
Then she addressed her ministers, saying :—‘‘ To make war
and move troops is a matter of the greatest concern toa country.
-; Peace and danger, success and failure must depend on it. IfI
now entrusted to you, my ministers, the duties of the expedition
we.are about to undertake, the blame, in case: of ill-success,
would rest with you. This would be very grievous to me.
Therefore, although I am a woman, and a feeble woman too,
I will fora while borrow the outward appearance of a man, and
force myself to adopt manly counsels. Above, I shall receive
support from the Spirits of the Gods of Heaven and Earth,
while below I shall avail myself of the assistance of you, my
ministers. Brandishing our weapons, we shall cross the towering
billows: ‘preparing an array of ships, we shall take possession of
the Land of Treasure. If the enterprise succeeds, all of you,
my ministers, will have the credit, while if it is unsuccessful, I
alone shall be to blame. Such have been my intentions, do ye
deliberate together regarding them.’”’ The ministers all said :—
‘* The object of the measure which the Empress has devised for
the Empire is to tranquillize the ancestral shrines and the Gods
of the Earth and Grain, and also to protect her servants from
blame. With heads bowed to the ground we receive thy
commands.” *
Autumn, gth month, roth day. The various provinces were
ordered to collect ships and to practise the use of weapons.
But an army could not be assembled. The Empress said :—
** This is surely the will of a God.” So she erected the Shrine
of Oho-miwa, and offered there a sword and aspear. Then the
troops assembled freely. Hereupon a fisherman of Ahe, by
‘ In manly fashion. "
? This speech is copied from a Chinese book.
Junco. | 229
name Womaro, was sent out into the Western Sea, to spy if IX. 7.
there was any land there. He came back and said :—“ There
is no land to be seen.” Again a fisherman of Shika, named
Nagusa, was sent to look. After several days he returned, and
-said:—“ To the north-west, ther¢ is a mountain girt. with
clouds and extending crosswise.. This is perhaps a country.”’
Hereupon a lucky day was fixed upon by divination. There
was yet an interval before they should set out. Then the
Empress in person, grasping her battle-axe, commanded the
three divisions of her army, saying :—‘‘If the drums are
beaten out of time, and the signal-flags are waved confusedly,
order cannot be preserved among the troops: if greedy of |
wealth, and eager for much, you cherish self and have regard
for your own interests, you will surely be taken prisoners:
by the enemy. Despise not the enemy, though his numbers
may be few; shrink not from him, though his numbers may be
many. Spare not the violent, slay not the submissive. There
will surely be rewards for those who ultimately conquer in
battle, and of course punishments for those who turn their
backs and flee.”
After this a God gave instructions, saying :—‘‘ A gentle spirit
will attach itself to the Empress’s person, and keep watch
over her life: a rough spirit will form the vanguard, and be a
guide to the squadron.” So when she had received the divine
instructions she did worship, and for this purpose appointed
Otarimi,! Yosami no Ahiko to be the Director of the ceremonies
in honour of the God.
The time had now come for the Empress’s delivery. So she
took a stone which she inserted in her loins, and prayed, say-
ing :—‘‘ Let my delivery be in this land on the day that I
return after our enterprise is at an end.” That stone is now
on the road-side in the district of Ito.” cae
After this the rough spirit was told to act as vanguard of the
forces, and the gentle spirit requested to act as. guardian of the
Royal vessel.
_
1 Otarimi is the na, or personal name; Yosami the uji, or name of the
House ; Ahiko is the Kabane, or title.
2 Tradition pointed out ¢wo white egg-shaped stones a little over a foot
long as those used on this occasion. They were afterwards stolen.
XEEO:
TX 10.
230 NiHONGI.
‘Winter, roth month, 3rd day. Sail was set from the har-
bour of Wani.’ Then the Wind-God.made a breeze to spring
up, and the Sea-God? uplifted the billows. The great fishes of
the ocean, every one, came to the surface and encompassed the
ships. Presently a great wind blew from a favourable quarter
on the ships under sail, and following the waves, without the
labour of the oar or helm, they arrived at Silla. The tide-wave
following the ships reached far up into the interior of the
country. Hereupon the King of Silla feared and trembled,
and knew not what to do, so he, assembled all his people and
said to them :—‘‘ Since the State of Silla was founded, it has
never yet been heard that the water of the sea has encroached
upon the land. Is it possible that the term of existence granted
-to it by Heaven has expired, and that our country is to become
a part of the ocean?” Scarce had he spoken when a warlike
fleet overspread the sea. Their banners were resplendent in
the sunlight. The drums and fifes raised up their voices, and the
mountains and rivers all thrilled to the sound. The King of
Silla beholding this from afar felt that his country was about
to be destroyed by this extraordinary force, and was terrified
out of his senses. . But presently coming to himself, he said :—
“IT have heard that in the East there is a divine country named
Nippon, and also that there is there a wise sovereign called the
Tenno. This divine force must belong to that country. How
could we resist them by force of arms?”’ So he took a white
flag, and of his own accord rendered submission, tying his
hands behind his back with a white rope. He sealed up the
. maps and registers, and going down before the Royal vessel
_ bowed his head to the ground, and said :—‘‘ Henceforward, as
long as Heaven and Earth endure, we will obediently act as
thy forage-providers. Not allowing the helms of our ships to
become dry, every spring and every autumn we will send
tribute of horse-combs and whips. And, without thinking the
sea-distance a trouble, we will pay annual dues of male and
female slaves.” He confirmed this by repeated oaths, saying :—
‘‘ When the sun no longer rises in the East, but comes forth
' In Tsushima. iad
? The words used here for Wind-God and Sea-God are purely Chinese.
“ Eolus” and “ Neptune” would be just as appropriate in a Saga.
_JINGO, 2a
in the West; when the River Arinare' turns its course back-
ward, and when the river pebbles ascend and become stars—
if before this we fail to pay homage every spring and every
autumn, or neglect to send tribute of combs -and whips, may
the Gods of Heaven and Earth both together punish us.”
Then someone said :-—“‘Let us put to death the King of
Silla.” Hereupon the Empress said :—‘‘ When I first received
the Divine instructions, promising to bestow on me the Land
of Gold and Silver, I gave orders to the three divisions of the
army, saying :—‘ Slay not the submissive.’ Now that we have
taken the Land of Treasure, and its people have freely offered
submission, it would be unlucky to slay them.” So she loosed
the cords with which he was bound, and made him her forage-
provider.
Ultimately she proceeded to the interior of that country,
placed seals on the magazines of precious treasure, and took
possession of the books of maps and registers.” The spear on
which the Empress leant * was planted at the gate of the King
of Silla as a memorial to after ages. Therefore that spear
even now remains planted at the King of Silla’s gate.
Now Phasa Mikeun,‘ King of Silla, gave as a hostage Mi-
cheul-kwi-chi Pha-chin Kan-ki,> and with gold and silver,
bright colours, figured gauzes and silks, he loaded eighty vessels,
which he made to follow after the Imperial forces. This was
the origin of the King of Silla always sending eighty ships of
tribute.
Hereupon the kings of the two countries of Koryé and Pékché°
1 Supposed to be the Am-nok-kang.
* The Cadastral records. 3 As a staff.
4 The traditional kana rendering is Hasa Mukin. Phasa was the 6th King
of Silla. He reigned from A.D. 80 to A.D. 112. Mikeun or Mukin is not
clear. The last syllable corresponds with the last syllable of ni-sé-keun
(Je fii 4), an old Silla word for king, mentioned in the Introduction to
the ‘ Tongkam.”
5 The traditional kana has Mi-shi-ko-chi Ha-tori Kamu-ki. Pha-chin
was the fourth official rank in Silla (see * Tongkam,” I. 31), and Kank is said
by the Shiki to bea title. A Silla Prince named Mis&heun (in Japanese
Mishikin) was sent as hostage to Japan A.D. 402. It is clear from what
follows (A.D. 205) that this is the same person.
6 The original name of this country is Kokuryé. It did not become
officially known as Koryé until A.D. 936, but the contracted form was in use
TX, 12.
232 NIHONGI.
hearing that Silla had rendered up its maps and registers,! and
made submission, secretly caused the warlike power (of the
Empress) to be spied out. Finding then that they could not
be victorious, they came of themselves without the camp, and
bowing their heads to the ground, and sighing, said :—‘‘ Hence-
forth for ever, these lands shall be styled thy western frontier
provinces, and will not cease to offer tribute.’ “Accordingly
interior Governments were instituted. This is what is termed
the three Han.”
The Empress returned from Silla.
12th month, r4th day. She gave birth to the Emperor
Homuda in Tsukushi. Therefore the men of that time called
the place where he was born Umi.
long before, and there are examples of it in Chinese literature as early as
A.D. 500 (Parker, ‘hace struggles im Corea,” TA S.J 3 XVII Pt IL).
The capital was Phyéngyang, at least at one time.
The Japanese name for this kingdom was Koma, a word of doubtful
derivation. I think it possible that it means bear (in Corean kom), and that
the Koma of Corea and the Kuma of Japan were the same race—like the
Saxons of Germany and the Saxons of England. Parker, in the article just
referred to (p. 216), suggests that Koma was really a part of Pékché, and
not Koryo. The town of Koma or Kuma was certainly in Pékché territory,
and was for a while the capital. But I cannot think that the Japanese could
have been mistaken on this point. They were far too well acquainted with
Corean matters, and with them Koryé and Koma are the same thing. It is
probable nevertheless that Koma or Kumanari was at some time the seat of
the race of that name, as Kumamoto in Japan was of the Japanese Kuma.
It is now Ung-chhon (bear-river), near the mouth of the R. Nak-tong, and
a convenient port for crossing over to Japan.
Pékché, known to the Japanese as Kudara, was the S.-W. kingdom of
Corea.
‘i.e, the territory described in them.
* Corea at one time was divided into three kingdoms, called Ma-han, Sin-
han, and Pyén-han, corresponding respectively to Pékché, Silla, and Koryé.
But there is some doubt on the subject.
The three Han are rendered in the kana gloss mitsu no Kara-kuni. But
although Kara is sometimes used loosely for all Corea, and even to include
China, I doubt much whether there ever was such a phrase as the three
Karas. It looks like a mere literal translation of Samhan.
For an estimate of the historical value of this narrative of the conquest of
Corea, I would refer the reader to my paper on a Pa Japanese History in
"the “ T.A.S.}.” XVI. Pt. 1.
SS Bircn,
, JINGO. | 233
One version says:—‘‘ When the Emperor Tarashi-
nakatsu-hiko dwelt in the palace of Kashihi in Tsukushi,
there were Deities who spake by the mouth of Uchi-saru-
taka, Kuni-saru-taka, and Matsu-ya-tane, ancestors of the
Agata-nushi of Saha, and admonished the Emperor,
saying :—‘If the august descendant wishes to gain the
Land of Treasure, we will presently bestow it on him.’ So
on a later day, a lute was brought and given to the
Empress. And the Empress played upon the lute, in
accordance with the word of the Gods. Hereupon the
Gods spake by the mouth of the Empress, and admonished
the Emperor, saying:—‘The land which the august
descendant wishes for is, as it were, a stag’s horn, and
not a real country. But if the august descendant now
makes due offering to us of the ship in which he sails, and
of the water-field’ called Ohota given him as tribute by
Homutate, the Atahe of Anato, we will bestow on the
august descendant a dazzling land, a land of plenteous
treasures, fair to look upon as a beautiful woman.’ Then
the Emperor answered the Gods, saying :—‘ Gods though
ye may be, why these deceiving words? Where is there
any country? Moreover, when the ship in which We sail
has been offered to you Deities, in what ship shall We
sail? Nor do I know what Gods ye are. I pray you, let
me know your names.’ Then the Gods gave their names,
saying :—‘ Uha-tsutsu no wo, Naka-tsutsu no wo, Soko-
tsutsu no wo.’ Such were the names of the three Gods
given by them. And again one said :—‘I am Mukahitsu
no wo, Kiki-so-ofu-itsuno mitama, Hayasa-nobori no
Mikoto.’ Then the Emperor spake to the Empress, and
said :—‘ What ill-sounding things they say! Is it a
woman? What is meant by Hayasa-nobori?’? Then the
Gods addressed the Emperor, saying:—‘O King, since
thou art thus unbelieving, thou shalt not possess that
country. But the child which is now in the Empress’s
womb, he will doubtless take possession of it.’ On that
night the Emperor took suddenly ill, and died. Afterwards
the Empress performed worship in accordance with the
: Riceefield. Speed-ascend.
EX:..13:
IDES vid
234 NIHONGI,
directions of the Gods.’ Then the Empress, clad in male
attire, went on the expedition against Silla, and the Gods
guided her. Accordingly the wave which followed the
ship reached far into the interior of the Land of Silla.
Hereupon the Silla Prince Urusohorichiu? came to meet
the Empress, and kneeling down, took hold of the Royal
vessel. Bowing his head to the ground, he said :—‘ Hence-
forward thy servant will act as an interior Government for
the child of the Gods who dwells in Japan, and will not
cease to furnish tribute.’”’ |
One version says :—‘‘ She took prisoner the Prince of
Silla, and going to the sea-side, plucked out his knee-caps,*
and causing him to crawl on the rocks, suddenly slew him,
and buried him in the sand. Accordingly she stationed
there one man as Governor of Silla, and departed. After-
wards, the wife of the Prince of Silla, not knowing where
the body of her husband was buried, all by herself con-
ceived the thought of deluding the Governor. So,
enticing him, she said:—‘ If thou wilt let me know the
place where the Prince’s body is buried, I will surely
reward thee liberally, and will become thy wife.’ Here-
upon the Governor believed these deluding words, and
secretly made known to her the place where the body was
buried. Then the Prince’s wife and the people of the
country, having consulted together, slew the Governor,
and having disinterred the Prince’s body, buried it in
another place. Then they took the Governor’s body, and
buried it in the earth under the Prince’s tomb, and taking
up the coffin, deposited it on the top of the Governor’s
body, saying:—‘ This is as it ought necessarily to be,
according to the order of things exalted and things base.’
Hereupon the Empress,* when she heard of this, was
' Le. offering the ship and lands.
2 This transliteration follows the traditional Japanese pronunciation. The
Corean would be U-ryu-cho-pu-ri-chi-u. It may be suspected that the final
u J is a mistake for “F kan, a frequent element of Corean titles, perhaps
= khan, kami? See Parker’s “ Race Struggles in Corea,” p. 220,
%’ A Chinese punishment.
4 The original has Tennd, a word which, strictly speaking, is either
masculine or feminine, but which is not usually applied to this Empress.
JINGO, - 235
mightily incensed, and raised a large army, with which it
was her intent utterly to.destroy Silla. So, with war-
ships filling the sea, she proceeded thither. At this time
the people of Silla were all afraid, and knew not what to
do. Having assembled, they consulted together, and slew
the Prince’s wife by way of apology for their crime.” ?
Hereupon the three Gods who accompanied the expedition,
viz. Uha-tsutsu no wo, Naka-tsutsu no wo, and Soko-tsutsu no
wo, admonished the Empress, saying :—‘‘ Let our rough spirits
be worshipped at the village of Yamada in Anato.” Now
* The “Tongkam,” Vol. III. p. 21, has the following under the date
A.D. 249, Summer, 4th month :—“ The Was invaded Silla, and killed Uro.
Bgfore this the Was had sent Kalyako as Ambassador to Silla. The King
made Uro entertain him. Uro said, jesting :—‘“ Sooner or later we shall
make your King our salt-slave,and your Queen our cook-wench.” When
the King of Wa heard this, he sent his General Uto-chiu to invade Silla.
The King went out and dwelt at Yuchhon. Uro said :—‘‘ To-day’s attack is
owing to the words of thy servant. I pray thee let me deal with it.” So
he went eventually to the Wa army, and said :—“ My words on a former
day were a jest, and nothing more. Who would have thought that war
should be waged, and that things should come to this extremity?” The
men of Wa took him, and made a pile of firewood, on which they burnt him
to death, and then went away. Afterwards an Ambassador came from Wa.
Uro’s wife begged leave from the King to entertain him on her own score.
Accordingly she made the Ambassador drunk, seized him, and burnt him.
The Was, enraged at this, besieged Keumsyéng,*buthad to retire unsuccessful.”
Notwithstanding the difference of date—a.D, 200 and A.D. 249—and other
discrepancies, I believe these two narratives relate to the same events. The
Prince Urusohorichiu of the Japanese account is the Uro of the Corean
history. The word which I have translated Prince is =£, which might also
be rendered King. But there is no King of this name in Corean history,
and, as appears from a Corean authority quoted in the “ Ishdnihonden,”
XIV. 11, Syk Uro was the son of King Nahé of Silla. The “ Tongkam”
relates several other events of his life, among others his appointment as
S6-pul-han (or S6-pul-ya), whence probably the sohori of the name given
him in the Japanese narrative.
Kalyako is no doubt the same person as the Katsuraki no Sotsu-hiko
mentioned below as having been sent on a mission to Silla. Kal is written
$3, which is katsura in Japanese.
In “ Early Japanese History” I have given reasons for thinking that, for
this period, Corean history is much more in accordance with facts than
that of Japan.
* The Silla capital.
1D.
TEX
226 NIHONGI.
Homutate, the ancestor of the Atahe of Anato, and Tamomi no
Sukune, ancestor of the Muraji-of Tsumori, represented to the
Empress, saying :—‘‘ Surely thou wilt set apart unto the Gods
the lands where they desire to dwell.” So Homutate was
appointed master of the worship of the rough spirits, and a
shrine was erected in the village of Yamada in Anato.
Now in Spring, the second month of the year following the
expedition against Silla, the Empress removed with her
ministers and functionaries to the palace of Toyora in Anato,
where she took up the Emperor’s remains, and proceeded
towards the capital by the sea-route. Now Prince Kakosaka
and Prince Oshikuma, hearing of the Emperor’s decease, as
well as of the Empress’s expedition to the West, and of the
recent birth of an Imperial Prince, plotted secretly, saying :—
““The Empress has now a child, and all the ministers obey
her. They will certainly consult together and establish an
infant sovereign. But shall we, the elders, obey our younger
brother?” So, pretending that it was in order to build a
misasagi for the Emperor, they went to Harima, and raised a
misasagi at Akashi.’ Accordingly they joined boats together
in a string across to the island of Ahaji, and so transported the
stones of that island to build it. Now they made every man
take a weapon, and so they awaited the Empress. Hereupon
Kurami-wake, the ancestor of the Kimi of Inugami, and
Isachi no Sukune, ancestor of the Kishi,? together joined them-
1 Two or three miles to the east of Maiko, on the bluff above the village
of West Tarumi, there is a very large double mound, which local tradition
has associated with the name of Chiuai Tenno. It is surrounded by the
usual circles of clay cylinders, known in the neighbourhood as “‘ Chiuai no
sen-tsubo,” i.e. “the thousand jars of Chiuai.”
There is a smaller mound of circular shape close to the other, also sur-
rounded by a circle of clay cylinders. This isno doubt the tomb of a wife,
son, or minister of the personage buried in the main tumulus. The
“ Nihongi ” tradition does not account for it.
The stones were to build the megalithic chamber.
2 Kishi (FH fii) is obviously the same as the Silla fourteenth official grade
kilst (FF —k). See “ Tongkam,” I. 31. Ason, so frequently met with in later
times, is also a Corean official grade. Has sukune anything to do with the
Silla word for king, istkeun?
The “ Kojiki” has “ Kishi of Naniha” in this passage, no doubt r ghtly.
Gi. Kis ph eas:
ol Fineo.! D7
selves unto Prince Kakosaka, who made them his generals, and
directed them to raise troops from the Eastern Land. Then
Prince Kakosaka and Prince Oshikuma went forth together to
the moor of Toga, and made a “ hunt-prayer,’’’ saying :—“ If
our project is to be successful, then surely let us take some
good game.’ The two Princes sat each in his shelter, when a
wild-boar” sprang out suddenly, and climbing on to the shelter,
bit Prince Kakosaka and killed him. The soldiers every one
shuddered with fear. Then Prince Oshikuma addressed
Kurami-wake, saying :—‘‘ This is a very ominous thing. We
ought not to await the enemy here.” So he withdrew his
troops, and retreating again, encamped at Sumiyoshi.* At this
time, the Empress heard that Prince Oshikuma had raised an
army, and was awaiting her. She commanded Takechi no
Sukune to take in his bosom the Imperial Prince, and going out
across by way of the south-sea provinces,‘ to anchor in the har-
bour of Kii, while the Empress’s ship made straight for Naniha.
At this time the Empress’s ship swerved towards the midst of
the sea, and was unable to proceed. She returned again to
the harbour of Muko,’ where she made divination as to this.
Hereupon Ama-terasu no Oho-kami admonished her, saying:
—‘* My rough spirit may not approach the Imperial residence.
Let him dwell in the land of Hirota in Mikokoro.” So Ha-
yama-hime, daughter of Yamashiro-neko, was appointed to
worship him. Moreover, Waka-hiru-me no Mikoto admonished
the Empress, saying :—‘‘ I wish to dwell in the land of Nagawo
in Ikuta.”"® So Una-gami no Isachi was appointed to worship
her. Again, Koto-shiro-nushi no Mikoto admonished her,
saying :—‘‘ Worship me in the land of Nakata in Mi-kokoro.’’*
So Naga-hime, younger sister of Ha-yama-hime, was appointed
to worship him. Again the three Gods, Uha-tsutsu no wo,
Naka-tsutsu no wo, and Soko-tsutsu no wo, admonished her,
saying :—‘‘ Let our gentle spirits dwell at Nagawo * in Nuna-
1 Ukehi-gari, a kind of divination.
* Lit. a red pig, so called from its flesh being red. The domestic pig is
the white pig.
3 Near Kobe. 4 Now called Shikoku. 5 Now Hidge.
* Just behind the foreign settlement of Kobe.
? Mikokoro here and above may mean “after my august heart.”
8 Sumiyoshi, near Kobe.
EXa7.
EX. 18;
ENS ELO
‘238 NIHONGI.
kura in Ohotsu, so that they may look upon the ships passing
back and forward.” Hereupon these Gods were enshrined in
accordance with their instructions, and the Empress was
enabled to cross the sea in peace.
Prince Oshikuma, again withdrawing his troops, retreated as
far as Uji, where he encamped. The Empress proceeded
southwards to the land of Kii, and met the Prince Imperial at
Hitaka. Having consulted with her Ministers, she at length
desired to attack Prince Oshikuma, and removed to the Palace of
Shinu. It so happened that at this time the day was dark like
night.. Many days passed in this manner, and the men of that
time said:—‘‘ This is the Eternal Night.” The Empress
inquired of Toyomimi, the ancestor of the Atahe of Ki, saying :
—‘‘ Wherefore is this omen?” Then there was an old man who
said:—‘‘ I have heard by tradition that this kind of omenis called
‘Atsunahi no tsumi.’”’' She inquired :—‘‘ What does it mean ? ”
He answered and said :—‘‘ The priests” of the two shrines have
been buried together.” Therefore she made strict investigation
in the village. There was a man who said :—‘‘ The priest of
Shinu and the priest of Amano were good friends. The priest
of Shinu fell ill, and died. The priest of Amano wept and
wailed, saying :—‘ We have been friends together since our
birth. Why in our death should there not be the same grave for
both?’ So he lay down beside the corpse and died of himself,
so that they were buried together. This is perhaps the
reason.” So they opened the tomb, and on examination
found that it was true. Therefore they again changed their .
coffins and interred them separately, upon which the sunlight
shone forth, and there was a difference between day and
night.
3rd month, 5th day. The Empress commanded Takechi no
Sukune and Take-furu-kuma, ancestor of the Omi of Wani, to
lead an army of several tens of thousands of men to attack
Prince Oshikuma. Hereupon, Takechi no Sukune and his
colleague, having taken picked men, went out by way of
Yamashiro as far as Uji, where they. encamped north of the
river. Prince Oshikuma came out from his camp, and offered
‘ The calamity of there being no sun. ? Hafuri.
Jinco. 239
battle. Now there was a man called Kuma! no Kori, who
formed the vanguard of Prince Oshikuma’s army.
One version says :—‘“ Ancestor of the Obito of Katsurano
no ki.” Another says :—“‘ The remote ancestor of the Kishi
of Tako.” |
Accordingly, in order to encourage his men, he sang with a
loud voice, saying :—
Beyond the river
Is the rough pine-clad plain—
To that pine-clad plain
Let us cross over,
With bows of ¢szkz,
And store of sounding arrows.
My dear fellow !
My dear fellows !
My cousin too !
My cousins! .
Come ! let us join battle
With Uchi no Aso !?
(Within a tile
Is there any sand ?)8
Come ! let us join battle !
Then Takechi no Sukune, giving command to the three
divisions of the army, made them all bind up their hair mallet-
wise. Accordingly he made an order, saying :—‘“‘ Let every
one of you have spare bow-strings concealed in your top-knots,
and gird on wooden swords.” Having done so, in accordance
with the commands of the Empress, he deluded Prince Oshi-
kuma, saying:—‘‘I am not greedy to possess the Empire.
Only, while cherishing the infant Prince, we will obey my
‘Lord the Prince. Why should I contend with thee in battle ?
1 The reader will have noticed how frequently Kuma, bear, occurs in
proper names. It is, I think, the race Kuma (in Corean, Koma) to which
they should be referred.
? Aso is the same as Ason or 'Asomi, probably derived from Ason
(fi] 26), the 6th Silla official rank. ‘This is the first mention of this
title. The reference is to Takechi (Take-uchi) no Sukune. Uchi has a
pillow-word (tamaki haru) prefixed, which is quite untranslatable. Cf.
Ch. K., p. 283.
* These two lines are, of course, utterly irrelevant. They are brought in
for the sake of a play of words, with which it is not worth while troubling
the reader.
ID. eR
WX 21,
240 | NIHONGI,
I pray thee let us both cut our bow-strings, fling away our
weapons, and be in harmony together. Then mayest thou,
my Lord the Prince, mount to the Heavenly office, and sit a
peace, making high thy pillow, and wielding at thy will the ten
thousand appliances.” *
So he openly gave orders to his army that they should all
cut their bow-strings, and ungirding their swords, fling them
into the river-water. Prince Oshikuma believed these deluding
words, and ordered all his troops to ungird their weapons and
fling them into the water of the river, and also to cut their
bow-strings. Upon this, Takechi no Sukune commanded the
three divisions of his army to produce their spare bow-strings,
and to string their bows again, and, girt with their real swords,
to advance across the river. Prince Oshikuma, seeing that he
had been’ deceived, spake to Kurami-wake and Isachi ‘no
Sukune, saying :—‘‘ We have been deceived, and have now no
spare weapons. How shall we be able to fight?” So he
withdrew his forces and gradually retreated. Then Takechi no
Sukune sent forth his choice troops and pursued him, and
having come up to him just at Afusaka, put him to the rout.
Therefore that place was called Afusaka.* The army took to
flight, and ran as far as Kurusuin Sasanami. Many were slain.
Hereupon the blood overflowed into Kurusu. Therefore in
horror of this, until this day, the fruit of Kurusu® is not offered
to the Imperial Palace. Prince Oshikuma, not knowing
whither to betake himself in his flight, called to him Tsachi no
Sukune and made a song, saying :—
Come! my child,
Isachi Sukune !
Rather than receive a severe wound
From the mallet *
OfUchi no Aso,
Like unto the grebe
Let us make a plunge !
1 i.e. all the machinery of Government.
2 Pronounced Osaka, i.e: the hill of meeting. The pass on the road from
Kidto to Otsu. A railway tunnel now goes under it.
3 Kurusu means chestnut-village.
4 Kabu-tsuchi. See p. 123.
JINGO. | 241
So they sank together in the crossing-place of Seta, and
died. Then Takechi no Sukune made a song, saying :—
The birds that dived,
At the ferry of Seta,
By the sea of Afumi.!
Since with my eyes I cannot see them,
‘Can they be still alive ?
Hereupon they searched for their dead bodies, and were un-
able to find them. But several days after, they came out on
the river-bank at Uji... Then Takechi no Sukune again made a
song, saying :— |
In the sea of Afumi,
At the ferry of Seta,
The birds that dived—
Passing Tanakami,°
Have been caught at Uji.
Winter, roth month, 3rd day. The ministers honoured the
Empress with the title of Grand Empress. This year was the
year Midzunoto I (60th) of the Cycle. It was reckoned the
first year of her administration of the Government.
2nd year, Winter, 11th month, 8th day. The Emperor was
buried in the misasagi of Nagano, in the province of Kahachi.
3rd year, Spring, ist month, 3rd day. The Imperial Prince
Homuda-wake was appointed Prince Imperial. Accordingly,
the capital was made at Ihare. It was called the Palace of
Wakazakura.
5th year, Spring, 3rd month, 7th day. The King of Silla
sent O-nyé-sa-pol, Mo-ma-ri Cheul-chi and Pu-ra-mo-chi with
tribute. It was their desire to get back Mi-cheul Hé-chi pol-
han, who had formerly come as a hostage. With this object
they tampered with Hé6-chi pél-han and caused him to use
deceit, telling him to make petition and say :—‘‘The envoys
O-nyé-si-pol, Mo-ma-ri Cheul-chi, and the other have in-
formed me that my king, on account of my long failure to
return, has wholly confiscated my wife and family and made
1 Now called Lake Biwa, in the province of Afumi or Omi.
* Ujiis some miles further down the river issuing from Lake Biwa than
Seta. Seta is just where it leaves the lake.
3’ The name of the upper part of the Uji River.
IX.
TX 223.
242 NIHONGI.
them slaves. I pray thee, let me return for a while to my
own country and learn whether this be true or false.” The
Emperor forthwith gave him leave to go, and accordingly sent
him away, accompanied by Katsuraki no Sotsuhiko. They
reached Tsushima together, and stayed for the night at the
harbour of Sabi no umi. Then the Silla envoys Mo-ma-ri
Cheul-chi and the others secretly provided a separate ship and
sailors, on board of which they put Mi-cheul Han-ki and made
him escape to Silla. They also made a straw figure which
they put in Mi-cheul Hé-chi’s berth, and making it appear like a
sick man, they informed Sotsuhiko, saying :—‘‘ Mi-cheul H6-chi
has taken suddenly ill, and is on the point of death.” Sotsu-
hiko sent men to nurse him, and so discovered the deception.
Having seized the three Silla envoys, he placed them.in a cage
which he burnt with fire and so killed them. Then he pro-
ceeded to Silla, where he touched at the harbour of Tatara.
He took the Castle of Chhora; and returned. The captives
taken on this occasion were the first ancestors of the Han’
people of the four villages of Kuhabara, Sabi, Takamiya, and
Oshinomi.?
‘The Chinese character is Ya, ie. the Chinese Han dynasty. The
interlinear kana has ayabito, which also means Chinese. Possibly they
were descendants of Chinese emigrants to Corea.
2 Under the date a.p. 418, Autumn, the “ Tongkam” (Vol. IV. 18) has
the following :—
“Pak Ché-syang of Silla went to Wa and died there. The king’s younger
brother Misakeun came from Wa. Before this Pok-ho (another brother of
the King, who had been sent as hostage to Kokuryé) had returned. The
King addressed Ché-syang, saying :—‘ My love for my two younger brothers
is like my left and right arms. Now I have got only one arm. What does
itavail?’ Ché-syangsaid :—‘ Though my abilities are those of a broken down
horse, I have devoted myself to my country’s service. What reason could I
have for declining? Kokuryé, however, is a great country, and the king
also is wise. Thy servant was able to make him understand with one word.
But in dealing with the Was it will be meet to use stratagem to deceive
them, and not by mouth and tongue to reason with them. I will pretend
that I have committed a crime and absconded. After I have gone I pray
thee arrest thy servant’s family.’ So he swore upon his life not to see again
his wife and children, and went to Nyul-pho. The cable was already
loosed when his wife came after him, lamenting loudly. Ché-syang said :—
“I have already taken my life in my hands, and am leaving for a certain
death.’ :
At length he went to the Wa country, where he gave out that he was a
JINGo. 243
13th year, Spring, 2nd month, 8th day. Takechi no Sukune
rebel. The Lord of Wa doubted this. Before this time men of Pékché had
gone to the Wa country, and made a false report, saying :—‘ Silla and
Kokury6 are about to plot together to attack Wa.’ The Lord at length sent
troops to guard the frontier. And when Kokuryé, having invaded Silla,
slew those guards also, the Lord of Wa believed that the story told by the
Pékché men was true. But when he heard that the King of Silla had im-
prisoned the family of Misiheun and Ché-syang, he thought that Ché-
syang was really a rebel. Hereupon he sent forth an army in order to
attack Silla, and made Ché-syang and Misaheun guides. Coming to an
island in the ‘sea, all the generals consulted secretly how they should
destroy Silla and return with Ché-syang and Misaheun’s wives and children.
Ché-syang, knowing this, sailed with Mis&aheun every day in a boat, under
the pretence of making pleasure excursions. The Was had no suspicion.
Ché-syang advised Misaheun to return secretly to his country. Misaheun
said :—‘ How could I have the heart to abandon thee, my lord, and return
alone?’ Ché-syang said :—‘ Supposing that I succeed in saving my Prince’s
life, and thus gratify the feelings of the Great King, it will be enough,
Why should I be so fond of living?’ Misaheun wept, and taking his leave,
made his escape back to his country. Ché-syang alone slept in the boat.
He got up towards evening and waited until Misaheun was far on his
way. The Was, when they found that Misaheun had disappeared, bound
Ché-syang, and pursued Misaheun, but mist and darkness coming on,
they could not overtake him. ‘The Lord of Wa was enraged. He flung
Ché-syang into prison,.and questioned him, saying :—‘ Why didst thou
secretly send away Misaheun?’ Ché-syang said :—‘ As asubject of Kélin
(Silla), I simply wished to carry out the desires of my Lord.’ The Lord of
Wa was wroth, and said :—‘ As thou hast now become a vassal of mine, if
thou callest thyself a vassal of Kélin, thou shalt surely be subjected to the
five punishments. But if thou callest thyself a vassal of the Wa country, I
will certainly reward thee liberally.’ Ché-syang said:—‘I had rather be a
puppy-dog of Kélin, than a vassal of the Wa country. I-had rather be
flogged in Kélin than have dignities and revenues in the Wa country.” The
Lord of Wa was wroth. He flayed Ché-syang’s feet, cut sedge, and made
him walk on it (perhaps on the stubble left after the sedge was cut). Then
he asked him, saying :—‘ Of what country art thou the vassal?’ He said :—
‘The vassal of Kélin.’ He also made him stand on hot iron, and asked
him :—‘ Of what country art thou the vassal?’ He said :—‘ The’vassal of
Kélin’ The Lord of Wa, seeing that he could not bend him, put him to
death by burning.
The King, hearing of this at the island of Mokto, was much grieved, and
conferred on Ché-syang the posthumous title of Great Ason. He also
bestowed rewards on his family, and made Misaheun marry his second
daughter; and afterwards Ché-syang’s wife, taking with her her three
daughters, went up toa mountain whence she had a view of the Wa country,
Re} 2
iM. Dee aie
EXC 25.
344 NIHONcI.
was commanded to go with the Prince Imperial and worship
the Great God of Kebi in Tsunoga.'
17th day. The Prince Imperial returned from Tsunoga.
On this day the Grand Empress gave a banquet to the Prince
Imperial in the Great Hall. The Grand Empress raising her
cup wished long life to the Prince Imperial. Accordingly she
made a song, saying :—
This august liquor
Is not my august liquor :
This prince of liquors ?
. He that dwells in the Eternal land
Firm as a rock—
The august God Sukuna,
With words of plenteous blessing,
Blessing all around—
With words of divine blessing
Blessing again and again—
Hath sent as an offering to thee.
Drink of it deeply.
Sal "Sa t®
and having wailed bitterly, she died. She was made the Goddess-mother
of this mountain, and there is now a shrine there.”
This, no doubt, relates to the same events as the above passage in
the “ Nihongi.” Ché-syang is Mo-ma-ri and Misa-heun is Mi-cheul-H6-chi.
The Corean names present much difficulty. I have given the Corean
pronunciation of the Chinese characters with which they are written, but
there is much room for doubt whether the Japanese pronunciation would
not sometimes be better. The text cannot be relied on.
The interlinear kana gives as the names of the three envoys, Ureshi-
hotsu, Momari Shichi, and Furamochi, and of the hostage, Mishi Kochi
hotsu-kan. Here shichi is probably for 4? #ll (sya-chi), the 13th official
rank in Silla.
A Chinese authority quoted by Parker, in ‘‘ Race Struggles in Corea,”
gives one or two examples of Kilin (Kélin or Silla), words which show that
1000 years ago the language was the same as modern Corean. But I
cannot recognize anything of the modern language in the Corean names of
the “ Nihongi.” Later, all proper names in Corea are of Chinese derivation.
Many of the Corean words in the “ Nihongi” are names of offices, all of
which are replaced in modern Corean by words of Chinese derivation.
1 Now Tsuruga in Echizen. See Ch. K., p. 237. .
2 In the original “ Kushi no Kami.” The interpretation given above is
Motowori’s. This line might also mean “the wondrous. deity” or the “ God
of liquor or sake.” ,
3 An interjection of encouragement or incitement.
JINGO. 245
Takechi no Sukune, on behalf of the Prince Imperial, made
an answering song, saying :—
The man who brewed?
This august liquor,
Setting up on the mortar
His drum,
Singing all the while,
He must have brewed it.
This august liquor
Is exquisitely more and more delightful.
poms iad
39th year. This year was the year Tsuchinoto Hitsuji 4-p. 2309.
(56th) of the Cycle.
The History of Wei says :—‘‘ In the reign of the Emperor
Ming Ti, in the third year of the period King-ch‘u (A.D.
239) the Queen of Wa sent the high officer Nan-teu-mi
and others to the province, where they begged permission
to proceed to the Emperor and offer tribute. The T‘ai-
sheu,? Tang-hia, sent an officer to escort them to the
capital.”
40th year. A.D. 240.
The History of Wei says :—‘‘In the first year of Chéng-
Shih, Kien Chung-kiao, Wéi T‘-hi and others proceeded
to the Wa country charged with an Imperial rescript and
a seal and ribbon.” ®
! The Japanese word for brew is kamu, which also means to chew. Was
chewing ever a part of the process of making strong drink in Japan as it is
in some of the South Sea islands at the present time? The last line of this
poem is of very doubtful interpretation.
* T‘ai-sheu means governor. Thé-pang (in Chinese Tai-fang) was at one
‘time a district of the Chinese province of Lolang in Corea. A map of China
under the Tsin dynasty, however, makes Thé-pang a separate district further
to the north. But the Governor of Thé-pang mentioned in the Wei history
under the name of @l}) 33 and the Governor of Lolang called by the “ Tong-
kam” ij JE are probably the same person. .
Another authority makes Thé-pang identical with Namwén in Chdllato.
> These officials, as. we learn from other sources, were sent by the Chinese
authorities of Sakpang in Corea, not far from the present Treaty Port of
Wonsan. See “Early Japanese History,” p. 58; “Ishdnihonden,” I. 11;
“ Tongkam,” III. 17.
A.D. 243.
A.D. 246.
246 NIHONGI.
43rd year.
The Ruler’ of Wa again sent high officers as envoys
with tribute, named I Shing-ché, Yih-Ye-yoh,’* and others
—eight persons in all. °
46th year, Spring, 3rd month, rst day. Shima no Sukune '
was sent to the Land of Thak-syun.* Hereupon Malkeum
Kanki,* King of Thak-syun, informed Shima no Sukune,
saying :—‘‘In the course of the year Kinoye Ne,’ three men
of Pékché named Kutyé, Mi-chyu-nyu, and Moko * came to my
country and said :—‘ The King of Pekché, hearing that in the
Eastern quarter there is an honourable country, has sent thy
servants to this honourable country’s court. Therefore we beg
of thee a passage: so that we may go to that Land. If thou
wilt be good enough to instruct thy servants and cause us to
pass along the roads, our King will certainly show profound
kindness to my Lord the King.’* I then said to Kutyé and his
fellows:—‘I have always heard that there is an honourable
country in the East, but I have had no communication with it,
and do not know the way. There is nothing but far seas and
towering billows, so that in a large ship, one can hardly com-
municate. Even if there were a regular crossing-place, how
could you arrive there?’ Hereupon Kuty6 and the others
said :—‘ Well, then, for the present we cannot communicate.
Our best plan will be to go back again, and prepare a ship with
which to communicate later.’ They also said:—‘If envoys
should come from the honourable country, thou oughtest surely
to inform our country.’ Thus they went back. Hereupon
i
=.
2 It is doubtful whether these six syllables represent the names of one,
two, or three men. I cannot guess what Japanese names are meant. The
“ Tshonihonden ” gives some of the characters differently.
The “ Shukai” edition rejects these extracts from Chinese History. They
were doubtless added at a later date.
3 The Chinese characters are c= (%, of which the traditional kana render-
ing is Toku-shiu. The “Shukai” editor says it was part of Imna (or Mimana).
Its destruction by Silla is recorded below—sth year of Kimmei Tenno.
4 The Japanese traditional rendering is Makin Kanki.
> A.D. 244.
6 The Japanese kana gloss has Kutei, Mitsuru, and Mako.
7 This is quite inconsistent with the story of Pékché offering homage to
the Empress in the early part of her reign.
JINGO. 247
Shima no Sukune sent one of his followers named Nihaya, and
a Thak-syun man named Kwa-ko to the Land of Pékché to
make friendly inquiries of the King’s health.
King Syo-ko' of Pekché was profoundly pleased, and received
them cordially. He presented to Nihaya a roll each of five
kinds of dyed silk, a horn-bow’ and arrows, together with
forty bars of iron.® Thereafter he opened his treasure-house,
and pointing to his various rare objects, said :—‘‘ In my country
there is great store of these rare treasures. I have wished
to pay tribute of thern to the honourable country, but not
knowing the way I was unable to carry out my intention. I
shall now entrust them to envoys, who will visit your country
in order to offer them.” Nihaya took charge of this message,
and on his return informed Shima no Sukune, who thereupon
came back from Thak-syun.
47th year, Summer, 4th month. The King of Pekché sent
Kuty6, Mi-chu-nyu and Ma-ko with tribute. Now a tribute
envoy from Silla came along with Kuty6. Hereupon the Grand
Empress and the Prince Imperial Homuda wake no Mikoto
were greatly delighted and said :—‘‘ People from the countries
wished for* by our late Sovereign have now come to Court.
Alas! that they cannot meet the Emperor!” There was not
one of all the ministers who did not shed tears. But when the
articles of tribute of the two countries were examined, the
Silla tribute was of rare objects in very great number, while
the Pékché tribute articles were few and mean, and of no value.
So inquiry was made of Kuty6 and the others, saying :—‘‘ How
is it that the Pekché tribute is inferior to that of Silla?”’ They
answered, and said ;—‘‘ We lost our way and arrived at Sabi.’
1 There are two kings of this name in Corean history. The first died
A.D. 214. This is the second, who reigned from A.D, 346 to A.D. 375. The
Japanese chronology is, as usual, at fault.
2 The Corean bow is to this day the Tatar bow described in Tylor’s
Anthropology as “formed of several pieces of wood or horn united with
glue or sinews. Shorter than the long-bow, it gets its spring by being bent
outside to string it.”. The Japanese bow is a variety of the ordinary long-bow,
’ Tron is plentiful in Corea at the present day, and its quality is much
esteemed. r
+ On the contrary, Chiuai Tenno would have nothing to do with them.
5 A Sabi in Tsushima is mentioned above. But this may be a place in
Corea, in which case it should be read Sapi.
A.D. 247:
X28:
A.D. 249.
248 NIHONGI.
Here thy servants were captured by men of Silla and confined
ina gaol. After three months had passed, they wished to kill
us. Then Kutyé and the rest looked up towards Heaven, and
pronounced a curse. The men of Silla, fearing this curse,
refrained from killing us, but robbed us of our tribute. Then
they gave us the tribute of Silla in exchange for our tribute,
and made it the tribute of thy servants’ country, and they
spake to thy servants, saying :—‘ Be careful what ye say, or
else, as soon as we return, we will kill you.’ Therefore we,
Kuty6 and the rest, were afraid, and made’ no objection. For
this reason we have hardly been able to reach the Heavenly
Court.” Then the Grand Empress and Homuda wake no
Mikoto charged the Silla envoys with this deed, and accord-
ingly prayed to the Gods of Heaven, saying :—‘‘ Whom is it
meet that we send to Pékché to examine this matter whether
it be true or false; whom is it meet that we send to Silla to
investigate this charge?” Therewith the Gods of Heaven
admonished them, saying :—‘‘ Let Takechi no Sukune prepare
a plan, and let Chikuma Nagahiko be the envoy. Then it will
be as you desire.”
Chikuma Nagahiko’s title (WE) is unknown. Oneaccount
says :—“‘Chikuma Nagahiko was a man of the province
of Musashi, the first ancestor of the present Obito S
Tsukimoto of the Nukada Be.”
The Peékché record' says:—‘‘ Shimananaga hiko was
perhaps this man.”
Hereupon Chikuma Nagahiko was sent to Silla to call that
country to an account for meddling with the Pekché tribute.
49th year, Spring, 3rd month. Areda wake and Kaga wake
were made generals. Along with Kutyé and the others they
prepared a force with which they crossed over and came to
Thak-syun. They were accordingly about to invade Silla,
when some one said :—‘‘ Your troops are too few. You cannot
defeat Silla.”” They respectfully sent back again Sya-pék Keé-ro
1 This Pékché record is frequently quoted from. From the circumstance
that the character AD honourable, is used by the author or authors before the
word country in speaking of Japan, it may be inferred that it was compiled by
Pékché Coreans from their own records for the information of the Japanese.
I have not much doubt that it was the work of some of the Corean scholars
who visited Japan in numbers during the seventh century.
JINGO. 249
to ask for reinforcements. Mong-na Keun-cha and Sya-sya
Nokwé’?
These two men’s surname is unknown. But Mongna
Keuncha was a Pekché general.
were forthwith ordered to take command of choice troops
which were sent along with Sya-pék Ké-ro. . They all assembled
at Thak-syun, invaded Silla, and conquered it. Seven provinces
were accordingly subdued, viz. Pi-chi-pun, South Kara, Tok-
kuk, Ara, Tara, Thak-syun, and Kara.2, Then they moved
their forces, and turning westward, arrived at Ko-hyé-chin,
where they slaughtered the southern savages of Chim-mi-ta-nyé
and granted their country to Pékché. Hereupon their King,
Syoko,* together with Prince Kusyu, came to meet them with
more troops. Then four villages, viz. Pi-ri, Phi-chung, Pho-
mi-ki, and Pan-ko, spontaneously surrendered. Thereupon
the Kings of Pekché, father and son, met Areda wake, Mong-na
Keuncha, and the rest at the village of Wi-niu [ow called
Tsurusugt) .and at an interview offered their congratulations
and dismissed them with cordial courtesy. But Chikuma
Nagahiko remained in the Land of Pékché with the King of
Pekché, where they ascended Mount Phi-ki and made a solemn
declaration. Afterwards they ascended Mount*® Ko-sya, where
they sat together upon a rock, and the King of Pekché made a
solemn declaration, saying :—‘‘If I spread grass for us to sit
upon, it might be burnt with fire; and if I took wood fora
seat, it might be washed away by water. Therefore, sitting on
a rock, I make this solemn declaration of alliance to show that
it will remain undecayed to distant ages. From this time
' In Japanese Mokura Konshi and Sasa Toki.
* These places, in so far as they can be identified, did not belong to Silla,
but to Imna. The identification of Corean names of places presents great
difficulties, owing to the Corean mania for giving new names. The “ Chésen
Zenzu furoku,” a little book published by the Japanese War Office, gives as
many as eight aliases for some towns. Nearly all have several.
° Reigned 346 to 375, when he was succeeded by Kusyu. The “ Nihongi”
names are nearly correct.
* Japanese pronunciation.
* Mountain is in the interlinear kana mure, no doubt the modern Corean
moi. Similarly, nare, river, which occurs in Kuma-nare, is in modern Corean
nai, pronounced né.
XE G);
IX.
ADS 250.
250 NIHONGI.
forward, therefore, for a thousand autumns and for ten thou-
sand years, without pause and without limit, we shall bear the
regular title of ‘The Western Frontier Province,’ and every
spring and every autumn will attend your Court with tribute.”
So he took with him Chikuma Nagahiko to his capital, where
he treated him with the most cordial courtesy. He also made
Kutyo and the others escort him home.
50th year, Spring, 2nd month. Areda wake and his com-
panions returned.
Summer, 5th month. Chikuma Nagahiko, Kutyo and the
rest arrived from Pékché. Thereupon the Grand Empress was
delighted, and inquired of Kuty6, saying :-—‘‘ The various Han!
countries west of the sea have been already granted to thy
country. Wherefore dost thou come again repeatedly ?”
Kuty6 and the others said to the Empress :—‘‘ The vast
30. blessings of the Celestial Court reached afar to our mean
village, and our king capered with delight. Out of the fulness
of his heart he has sent a return mission in token of his great
sincerity. Though it come to the ten thousandth year, in what
year shall we fail to attend thy Court ?”’ The Grand Empress
gave command, saying:—‘‘ Good are thy words. These are
Our intentions. We grant in addition the Castle of Tasya to
serve as a station in going and returning.”
51st year, Spring, 3rd month. The King of Pékché again
sent Kutyé to the Court with tribute. Hereupon the Grand
Empress addressed the Prince Imperial and Takechi no Su-
kune, saying :—‘‘ We owe it to Heaven and not to man that we
have a friendly country like Corea. Therefore it brings con-
stantly, without missing a year, tribute of trinkets and rarities
such as there have never been before. We, seeing this true
affection, are always rejoiced at it,.and so long as we live will
heartily bestow on it Our favour.”
That same year she despatched Chikuma Raeabien to the
Land of Pékché in company with Kutyé and the others.
Accordingly, in the most gracious manner, she said :—‘‘ We,
in accordance with the divine testimony, having for the first
time laid open a road, subdued the lands west of the sea and
granted them to Pékché, would now again draw closer the
bonds of friendship and make lasting our loving bounty.’’
1 Corean.
JINGO. 251
At this time the Kings of Pékché, father and son, both together
knocked their foreheads on the ground and made representa-
tion, saying:—‘‘ The immense bounty of the honourable
country is more weighty than Heaven and Earth. What day,
what hour shall we presume to forget it? The sage sovereign
dwells above, illustrious as the sun and moon; thy servants
now dwell below, solid as a mountain or hill, and will always
be thy western frontier land, never to the last showing double
hearts.”
52nd year, Autumn, gth month, roth day. Kutyé and the
others came along with Chikuma Nagahiko and presented a
seven-branched! sword and a seven-little-one ?-mirror, with
various other objects of great value. They addressed the
Empress, saying :—‘‘West of thy servants’ country there is a
river-source which issues from Mount Cholsan® in. Kong-na.
It is distant seven days’ journey. It need not be approached,
but one should drink of this water, and so having gotten the
iron of this mountain, wait upon the sage Court for all ages.”
Moreover, he‘ addressed his grandson, Prince Chhim-nyu,’
saying :—‘‘ The honourable country east of the sea with which
we are now in communication has been opened to us by
Heaven. Therefore does it bestow on us Celestial bounty,
and dividing off the land west of the sea, has granted it to us.
Consequently the foundation of our land is confirmed for ever.
Thou shouldst cultivate well its friendship, and having col-
lected our national products, wait on it with tribute without
ceasing. Henceforth, grudging not even our lives, let us
continue to send yearly tribute.”
55th year. Syoko, King of Pékché, died.°
56th year. Kusyu, son of the King of Pékché, was set up as
king.’ °
1 The traditional kana rendering is nana-saya, i.e. a “
sword,” which is nonsense. Seven-branched is not much better.
2 It is not clear what is meant by nanatsuko (++ -), perhaps with seven
projections round the rim. See above, p. 44.
8 Iron mountain. All this about iron is merely symbolical of constancy.
4 The King of Pékché. > Came to the throne A.D. 384.
§ The “ Tongkam” places his death in A.D. 375.
7 The traditional kana rendering of E is Kokishi, a word I do not recog-
nize as Corean. But nearly all Corean words relating to official matters
have become obsolete, being replaced by Chinese terms.
ID. Goer,
AD. 252
A.D. 255.
DeS32:
A.D. 256.
seven-sheathed |
A.D. 262.
EX. 33.
252 NIHONGI.
62nd year. Silla did not attend the Court. The same year
Sotsuhiko was sent to chastise Silla.
The Pékché record says :—‘‘ The year Midzunoye Muma.'
Silla did not wait upon the honourable country.. The
honourable country sent Sachihiko to attack it. The men
of Silla dressed up two beautiful women whom they sent
to meet Sachihiko at the port and inveigle him.. Sachihiko
accepted them, and turning aside, attacked the land of
Kara. Kwi-pon? Kanki, King of Kara, and his sons, Pék-
ku-chi, A-syu-chi, Ik-sya-ri, I-ra-ma-chyu, and I-mun-chi,
fled to Pekché, taking with them their subjects. Pékché
received them cordially, and Kwi-chén-chi, younger sister
of the King of Kara, went to Great Wa and addressed the
Empress, saying :—‘ Your majesty sent Sachihiko to attack
Silla. But he has accepted beautiful women of Silla, and
abandoned the invasion. On the contrary he has destroyed
our country. My brothers and our people have all been
driven into exile. Unable to bear my grief, I have come
hither to make this representation.” The Empress was
greatly enraged, and forthwith sent Mongna Keuncha in
command of an army to bring them together in Kara and
to restore the temples of the Earth and of Grain.”
One account says :—‘‘ Sachihiko, when he learnt that
the Empress was wroth with him, did not dare to return
openly, but hid himself. He had a younger sister who
was in the service of the Imperial Palace. Hiko secretly
sent a messenger to inquire of her whether or no the
Empress’s wrath had abated. She, pretending a dream,
said to the Empress:—‘ To-night, in a dream, I saw
Sachihiko.’ The Empress was greatly enraged, and
said :—‘ How should Hiko dare to come?’ The Em-
press’s * words were reported to Sachihiko, who seeing
that he would not be pardoned, went into a cave. of
a rock and died.”
' 19th year of the Cycle, corresponding to A.D. 382.
? T Si-Pheum was the name of the King of Kara at this time, according to
- the “ Tongkam.”
% The word for Empress is Tenné, which may also mean Emperor, and
indeed this suits the narrative better.
JINGO. - 253
64th year.’ Kusyu, King of Pékché, died, and his son
Chhim-nyu was set up as king. |
65th year. King Chhim-nyu of Pékché died.? His son
Ahwa was a child, and his father’s younger brother, Sinsa, by
usurpation was set up and made king.’
66th year.
This year was the second year of the period T‘ai She of
the Emperor Wu Ti of the Tsin Dynasty. K‘i Kii-chu of
Tsin says:—‘‘In the roth month of the 2nd year of the
period T‘ai-she of Wu Ti, the Queen of Wa sent inter-
preters with tribute.”
69th year, Summer, 4th month, 17th day. The Grand
Empress died in the Palace of Waka-zakura at the age of 100.
Winter, roth month, 15th day. She was buried in the
misasagi of Tatanami in Saki. On this day, by way of
posthumous honour to the Grand Empress, she was called
Okinaga Tarashi-hime no Mikoto.
This year was the year Tsuchinoto Ushi (26th) of the Cycle.
' The “Tongkam ” has A.D. 384. f
* This is mentioned almost in the same words by the “ Tongkam” under
date A.D. 385—just two cycles later.
* The narrative from p. 246 down to this point contains a solid
nucleus of fact. There can be no doubt that Japan at an early period
formed an alliance with Pékché and laid the foundation of a controlling
power over the territory known as Imna or Mimana which lasted for
several centuries. But the Japanese chronology cannot be right. See
“Early Japanese History,” p. 62.
A.D.
A.D.
A.D.
264.
265.
t200¢
269.
Book 10
THE EMPEROR HOMUDA.
(OJIN? TENNO.)
THE Emperor Homuda? was the 4th child of the Emperor
Tarashi Nakatsu-hiko. His mother’s name was Okinaga
Tarashi-hime no Mikoto. The Emperor was born at Kata in
Tsukushi in the 12th month, Winter, of the year Kanoye Tatsu,’
being the year in which the Empress smote Silla. From a
child he was intelligent, penetrating, and far-sighted. In his
bearing and conduct there were amazing indications of sageness.
In the third year of the Grand Empress’s administration of the
Government, he was raised to the rank of Prince Imperial.
Before this time, when the Emperor was in the. womb, the
Gods of Heaven and Earth granted to him the three Han.’*
When he was born there was flesh growing on his arm-in shape
like an elbow-pad.’? As to this resemblance, the Empress
judged that it was the elbow-pad worn as a manly accoutre-
ment. Therefore he was styled by this name, and called the
Emperor Homuda.
In the earliest antiquity, the tomo was commonly called
Homuda. .
One account says:—‘‘In the beginning, when the
Emperor was made Heir to the. Throne, he went to the
! Responding to the Gods.
2 The “ Kojiki” calls him Homuda wake. Homuda.or Honda is the
name of a place.
3 17th of the Cycle. *"Coréa,
* The Zomo or leather shield worn on the fore-arm by archers as a pro-
tection against the recoil of the bow-string.
Oyrn. 255
Land of Koshi, and did worship to the Great God of Tsu-
tsuhiin Tsunoga. At this time the Great God and the
Heir to the Throne exchanged names. Accordingly the
Great God was called the God Isasa-wake and the Heir to
the Throne Homuda wake no Mikoto.’
In the 69th year of her administration of the Government,
Summer, the 4th month, the Grand Empress died. 3
° 1 A. 2.
Ist year, Spring, Ist month, 1st day. The Prince Imperial 4p. 270
assumed the Dignity. This year was the year Kanoye Tora
(27th) of the Cycle.
2nd year, Spring, 3rd month, 3rd day. Nakatsuhime was a.D. 271.
appointed Empress. She gave birth to the Imperial Princess
Arata, to the Emperor Oho-sazaki, and to the Imperial Prince
Netori. Before this the Emperor had taken to him as concu-
bine the Empress’s younger sister, Takaki Iribime, who bore to
him the Imperial Prince Nukada no Oho-naka-hiko, the Im-
perial Prince Oho-yama-mori, the Imperial Prince Iza no
mawaka, the Imperial Princess Oho-hara, and the Imperial
Princess Komida. Another concubine, a younger sister of the
Empress, named Otohime, bore to him the Imperial Princess
Ahe, the Imperial Princess Ahaji no Mihara, and the Imperial
Princess Kino Uno. The next concubine, daughter of Hifure
no Omi, the ancestor of the Wani no Omi, by name Miya-
nushi-yaka-hime, bore the Imperial Prince Uji no Waka-
iratsuko, the Imperial Princess Yata, and the Imperial Princess
Medori. The next concubine, named Oname-hime, the -
younger sister of Yaka-bime, bore the Imperial Prince Uji no
waka-iratsu-me. The next concubine, named Oto-hime,
daughter of Kaha-mata Nakatsu hiko, bore the Imperial
Prince Wakanoke Futa-mata. The next concubine, named Xx: 3.
Mago-hime, younger sister of Osabi, Muraji of the Sakurawi-
da Be, bore the Imperial Prince Hayabusa wake. The next
concubine, named Naga-hime, of Idzumi in Hiuga, bore the
Imperial Princes Oho-haye and Wo-haye.
In all the sons and daughters of this Emperor were together
twenty Princes and Princesses.? The Imperial Prince Netori
was the first ancestor of the Kimiof Ohota. The Imperial Prince
‘ There is a Semitic practice of men adopting Gods’ names.
* Cf. Ch. K., p. 243, which makes 26 children, and differs in some details.
ASD 272
A.D. 274.
256 NIHONGI.
Oho-yama-mori was the first ancestor of the two families of the
Kimi of Hiji-kata and the Kimi of Haibara. The Imperial
Prince Iza no mawaka was the first ancestor of the Wake of
Fukagaha.
3rd year, roth month, 3rd day. The Eastern Yemishi all
attended the Court with tribute. They were employed to
make the Mtma-zaka road.
11th month. The fishermen of several places clamoured
noisily, and would not obey the Imperial command. So Oho-
hama no Sukune, ancestor of the Muraji of Adzumi, was sent
to subdue this clamour. He was accordingly made controller
of the fishermen. This was the origin of the proverbial saying
of the people of that time, viz. Sawa-ama or “‘clamorous
fishermen.”’
This year King Sins’ of Pékché was disrespectful to the
Celestial Court. Therefore Kino Tsuno no Sukune, Hata no
. Yashiro no Sukune, Ishikaha no Sukune and Tsuku no Sukune
were sent to call him to an account for his rudeness. Here-
upon the people of Pékché slew Sins& by way of apology. Ki
no Tsuno no Sukune and the others accordingly established
Ahwa as king, and returned (to Japan).'
5th year, Autumn, 8th month, 13th day. The various pro-
vinces were directed to establish Be of fishermen and Be of
mountain wardens.”
Winter, roth month. The province of Idzu was charged
with the duty of constructing a ship 10 rods* in length. As
soon as it was completed, it was launched on the sea for a
trial. It floated lightly, and was as swift as a racer. There-
fore that ship was called Karano.
(lt ts a mistake to make the ship called Karano because tt was
The “ Tongkam,” under date A.D. 392, has the following :—“ 1oth month.
The king of Pékché went to hunt on Ku-wén (dog-moor). Ten days elapsed
without his returning. sith month. King Sinsdi of Pékché died in his
travelling palace on Dog-moor. Ahwa, son of King Chhim-nyu, came to
the throne.” Note that the Corean and Japanese chronologies differ by
exactly 120 years, or two cycles. But the two stories are apparently
irreconcilable. See below, XI. 26.
* Gamekeepers or huntsmen, whose business it was to supply’ the
Imperial table.
‘4 Of ten feet.
OjIn. 257
light and swift. Perhaps this 7s a corruption by men of later
times of Karuno. |
6th year, Spring, 2nd month. The Emperor made a progress
to the province of Afumi. When he arrived near the Moor
of Uji, he made a song, saying :—
When I look upon the moor of Kadzu
In Chiba,
Both the hundred thousand fold abundant
House-places are visible,
And the land’s acme is visible.?
7th year, Autumn, gth month. Men of Koryd, men of
Pekché, men of Imna, and men of Silla® all together attended
the Court. Orders were then given to Takechi no Sukune to
take these various men of Han and make them dig a pond.
Therefore the pond was given a name, and was called the pond
of the men of Han.* ny es,
8th year, Spring, 3rd month. Men of Pékché attended
Court.
The Pékché record says :—‘‘ King Ahwa came to the
throne and was disrespectful * to the honourable country.
Therefore we were despoiled of Chhim-mi-ta-ryd, Hyon-
nam, Chi-chhim, Kong-na, and Eastern Han. Herewith
Prince Chik-chi* was sent to the Celestial Court in order
to restore the friendship of former kings.
gth year, Summer, 4th month. Takechi no Sukune was
sent to Tsukushi to inspect the people. Now Umashi no
Sukune, Takechi no Sukune’s younger brother, setting aside
his elder brother, slandered him to the Emperor, (saying that)
Takechi no Sukune had always designs upon the Eimpice, —
now hear,” said he, ‘‘ that while he isin Tsukushi, he is secretly
' Kara means withered, and zo, moor, or the latter may be put. phonetically
for zo the genitive particle. Karu means light. The “Shukai” editor rejects
this note.
* From Ch. K,, p. 245, q.v.
* The traditional kana rendering has Koma, Kudara, Mimana and
Shiraki. ,
* Or “men of Kara.” Compare Ch. K,, p. 252.
° See above, p. 256, where it is said that it was King Sinsa who was dis-
respectful.
° The “ Tongkam” calls him Tyénchi, and places this event in 397.
iS)
A.De 275
A.D. 270;
A.D. 277,
A.D. 278.
258 NIHONGI.
plotting to that end, saying (to himself), ‘Alone I will cut off
Tsukushi, and will invite the three Han to come and do
homage to me, so that finally I may possess the Empire.’ ”
Hereupon the Emperor straightway sent messengers to slay
Takechi no Sukune. Now Takechi no Sukune cried out,
saying :—‘‘I have not two hearts, but serve my prince with
loyalty. What a calamity is this that I’should die without a
erie f*
Now there was a man named Maneko, ancestor of the Atahe
of Iki, who in appearance strongly resembled Takechi no
Sukune. All by himself he grudged that Takechi no Sukune’s
innocent life should be vainly thrown away. | So he spoke to
Takechi no Sukune and said :—‘‘ Now the Great Minister’
serves his Prince with loyalty, and has not had a black heart.
All the Empire knows this. I pray thee leave this place
secretly, and, proceeding to the Court, personally unfold thine
innocence. After this it will not be too late to die. Moreover
the people of this time are always saying that thy slave resem-
bles the Great Minister in appearance. Therefore I will now die
in the place of the Great Minister, and so make clear the Great
Minister’s redness of heart.”? So he threw himself on his
sword, and slew himself. Then Takechi no Sukune, alone,
grieving greatly for him, secretly left Tsukushi, and embarking
on the sea, went round by way of the Southern Ocean. Anchor-
ing in the harbour of Ki, he hardly succeeded in making his
way to the Court, where he explained his innocence. The
Emperor forthwith questioned Takechi no Sukune along with
Umashi no Sukune, upon which these two men were each ob-
stinate, and wrangled with one another, so that it was
impossible to ascertain the right and the wrong. The Emperor
then gave orders to ask of the Gods of Heaven and Earth the
ordeal by boiling water. Hereupon Takechi no Sukune and
Umashi no.Sukune went out together to the bank of the Shiki
river, and underwent the ordeal of boiling water. Takechi no
Sukune was victorious. Taking his cross-sword, he threw
down Umashi no Sukune, and was at length about to slay
him, when the Emperor ordered him to let him go. So he
gave him to the ancestor of the Atahe of Kii.
' i.e. you. * Sincerity.
OJIN. 259
11th year, Winter, roth month. The Tsurugi, Kakaki, and
Mumaya-zaka ponds were made.
This year there was a man who made representation to the
Emperor, saying :—‘‘ There is in the land of Hiuga a maiden
whose name is Kami-naga-hime.' She is the daughter of Ushi-
morowl, the Kimiof Muragata. She is distinguished for beauty
over all the Land.’’ The Emperor was pleased, and wished in
his heart to obtain her.
13th year, Spring, 3rd month. The Emperor sent a special
messenger to summon Kami-naga-hime.
Autumn, gth month. Kami-naga-hime arrived from Hiuga,
and was straightway settled at the village of Kuhadzu. Now
the Imperial Prince, Oho-sazaki no Mikoto, when he saw Kami-
naga-hime, was struck with the beauty of her form, and had a
constant love for her. Hereupon the Emperor became aware
of Oho-sazaki no Mikoto’s passion for Kami-naga-hime, and
wished to:unite her to him. Therewith the Emperor, on the
day that he gave a banquet in the hinder palace,? sent for
Kami-naga-hime for the first time, and so gave her the upper
seat in the banqueting-room. Then he brought in Oho-sazak1
no Mikoto, and pointing to Kami-naga-hime, made a song,
saying :—
Come! my son !
On the moor, garlic to gather,
Garlic to gather
On the way as I went,
Pleasing of perfume
Was the orange in flower.
Its branches beneath
Men had all plundered,
Its branches above
Birds perching had withered.
[Of three chestnuts] #
Midmost, its branches
Held in their hiding
A blushing maiden.
Come ! and for thee, my son,
Let her burst into blossom.
Hereupon Oho-sazaki no Mikoto, being favoured with this
! The long-haired lady. ? i.e. the women’s apartments.
3 This is a mere makura-kotoba of little or no meaning.
$2
A.D. 280.
A.D. 282.
260 NIHONGI.
poetry, forthwith understood that he was receiving Kami-naga-
hime as a gift; and, greatly delighted, made a song in reply,
saying :—
In the pond of Yosami
Where the water collects,
The marsh-rope coils
Were growing, but I knew not of them :
In the river-fork stream,
The water-caltrops shells
Were pricking me, but I knew not of them.
Oh, my heart !
How very ridiculous thou wert !!
Oho-sazaki no Mikoto, after the consummation of his union
with Kami-naga-hime, was very attentive to her, and when he
was alone with her, made a song, saying :—
The maid of Kohada
Of the further province !
As of a God
Though I had heard of her,
We are folded in each other’s arms.
Again he made a song, saying :—
The maid of Kohada
Of the further province— |
Oh! how I love her ,
As she lies
Unresisting !
One account says.:—‘‘ Ushi, the Kimi of Morogata in
Hiuga, was-in the service of the Court. But having
become old in years, he was unable to serve, and so,
having ceased his service, he retired to his own land.
Thereupon he offered the Emperor his own daughter,
Kami-naga-hime. _ When she first arrived at Harima, the
Emperor had made a progress to the island of Ahaji, and
was hunting there. Hereupon the Emperor, looking
towards the west, saw several tens of stags swimming
1 In the “ Kojiki” this poem is attributed to the Emperor. See Ch. K.,
p. 249. The marsh-rope is the Brasenia peltata, according to Chamberlain.
The general meaning of the poem seems to be: “ What a fool I was to be
in such despair as to be unconscious of bodily suffering, while happiness was
all the while near me !”
OJIN. 261
towards him over the sea. Presently they entered the
harbour of Kako in Harima. The Emperor addressed his
courtiers, saying :—‘ What stags are these which come in
numbers swimming over the great sea?’ Then the cour-
tiers all looked at them and wondered. So a messenger
was sent to make examination. The messenger, when he
came there, saw that they were all men, only they had for
clothing deer-skins with the horns attached. He inquired
of them, saying:—‘ What men are ye?’ They replied,
saying :—‘ Ushi, the Kimi of Morogata, being old in years,
has ceased his service, but he cannot forget the Court.
Therefore he offers his own daughter, Kami-naga-hime.’
The Emperor was delighted, and sending for her, made
‘her follow the Imperial ship. For this reason, the men of
that time called the place where they reached the shore
the harbour of Kako.' It was perhaps at this time that
the practice began of using the word kako as a general
name for sailors.”
14th year, Spring, 2nd month. The King of Pékché sent as
tribute a seamstress named Maketsu.? She was the: first
ancestress of the present seamstresses of Kume.* This year the
Lord of Yutsuki* came from Pékché and offered his allegiance.
Accordingly he addressed the Emperor, saying :—‘‘ Thy servant
was coming to offer allegiance with one hundred and twenty
districts of the people of his own land, when the men of Silla
prevented them, and they were all forced to remain in the land
of Kara.” Hereupon Katsuraki no Sotsuhiko was sent to bring
the men of Yutsuki from Kara. Now three years passed, and
Sotsuhiko did not come.
15th year, Autumn, 8th month, 6th day. The King of
Pékché sent A-chik-ki with two quiet horses as tribute. So
they were fed in stables on the acclivity of Karu. Accordingly
A-chik-ki was appointed to have charge of their foddering.
1 Kako is written with characters which mean deer-little-one.
2 T have here followed the traditional kana pronunciation. The Corean
pronunciation of the Chinese characters would be Chin-mo-chin. Another
reading makes two women.
3 In Yamato.
* Yutsuki is the traditional rendering of the characters F HQ. This in
Corean would be Kung-wol.
A.D. 283.
A.D. 284.
A.D. 285.
262 NIHONGI.
Therefore the place where the horses were kept was named
Mumaya-saka.! Moreover, A-chik-ki was able to read the
classics, and so the Heir Apparent, Ujino Waka-iratsuko,” made
him his teacher. Heréupon the Emperor inquired of A-chik-ki,
saying :—‘‘ Are there other learned men superior to thee?” He
answered and said :—‘‘ There is Wang-in,* who is superior.”
Then Areda wake, ancestor of the Kimi of Kédzuke, and
Kamu nagi wake were sent to Pékché to summon Wang-in.
This A-chik-ki was the first ancestor of the A-chik-ki (or
Atogi) no Fumi-bito.*
16th year, Spring, 2nd month. Wang-in® arrived, and
straightway the Heir Apparent, Ujino Waka-iratsuko, took him
1 Stable-hill.
2 But he was not the heir. Oho-sazaki was heir. See Ch. K., pp. 254
and 257.
’ The traditional reading is Wani, which is also found in the “ Kojiki.”
a SCtipes.
5 There are clear indications that the Chinese language and character
were not wholly unknown in Japan from a time which may be roughly put
as coinciding with the Christian epoch. But this knowledge was probably
confined to a few interpreters. There were no schools, and no official
records. The arrival of Wangin was therefore a most important event in
Japanese history. It was the beginning of a training in Chinese ideas
which has exercised a profound influence on the whole current of Japanese
thought and civilization up to our own day.
The date given for it in the “ Nihongi,” however, cannot be correct.
As I have endeavoured to show in a paper on “ Early Japanese History ”
contributed to the Transactions of the Asiatic Society of Japan, Wangin’s
arrival must be placed 120 years later, i.e. in 405 instead of in 285. Whether,
the whole chronology of this period requires to be altered accordingly, as
I am disposed to believe, or only the dates of those events which relate to
Corea, is a question which has not yet received an adequate answer.’ It
is curious that the “ Kiujiki” omits all mention of them.
Corea preceded Japan by only a very short time in the establishment of
schools of Chinese learning and in the institution of official records.
Kokury6 established a High School in 372, and Pékché appointed a Professor
of Chinese two years later. Before this time, says the “ Tongkam,” Pékché
had no written records. See “ Writing, Printing, and Alphabet in Corea,”
ee RPG LOO.
A-chik-ki is the Corean pronunciation of the characters Pa} [& IX. The
traditional rendering in kana is Achiki or Atogi. The “ Kojiki” calls him
Achi-Kishi, where Kishi is written Ff if, the name of a Corean rank of
no great eminence.
Onn. 263
as teacher, and learnt various books from him. There was none
which he did not thoroughly understand. Therefore the man
called Wang-in was the first ancestor of the Fumi no Obito.’ :
In this year King Ahwa of Pékché died. The Emperor then
sent for Prince Tyén-chi,’ and addressed him, saying :—‘‘ Do
thou return to thy country and succeed to the (royal) Dignity.”
Accordingly he further granted to him the territory of Eastern
Han, and so dismissed him.’
Eastern Han comprises Kam-na-syong, Ko-nan-syong,
and I-rim-syong.* .
8th month. Kidzu no Sukune of Heguri and Tada no
Sukune of Ikuba were sent to Kara. Choice troops were
granted them, and the Emperor commanded them, saying :—
“The long delay in Sotsuhiko’s return must be owing to his
being detained by the opposition of the men of Silla. Do you
go speedily, assail Silla, and open a way for him.” Hereupon
1 Fumi no obito, chiefs of writing. ;
2 Prince Tyén-chi. The “ Nihongi” has 1A & here and below (25th year),
which would be in Corean Chik-chi. But [ff is a mistake for Fi, the former
character having slipped in from the name of the horse-keeper mentioned
above.
3 The following are the notices in the ‘‘Tongkam” relating to Prince
Tyénchi’s being sent to Japan :—
“ Reign of Ahwa, 6th year, Summer, 5th month. Pékché made friends
with Wa. Tyénchi, the Heir Apparent, was sent as a hostage.”
“ Reign of Ahwa, 14th year, Autumn, 9th month. King Ahwa of Pékché
died. The Heir Apparent Tyénchi had not returned from Wa, whither he
had gone asa hostage. Tyénchi’s next younger brother, Hunhé, administered
the Government in expectation of the Heir Apparent’s return. The youngest
brother, Sydl-lyé, slew Hunhé, and set himself up as King. When Tyonchi
heard of the King’s death, he wept bitterly, and asked permission to return.
The Lord of Wa gave Tyénchi one hundred soldiers as an escort. When
he arrived at the frontier, a man of Hansyéng? named Hé-chhung came ‘to
meet him, and said :—‘The Great King (Ahwa) having left this world,
Xo
A.D. 397
A.D. 405.
Sy6l-lyé slew his elder brother and set up himself as King, I pray that the |
Heir Apparent will promptly take measures for this.’ Tyonchi, guarded by
the Wa soldiers, repaired to an island in the sea, and made provision there
while the people of the land killed Syél-lyé, and going to meet (Tyénchi),
established him as King.” “ Tongkam,” III. 14.
4 Syéng means a walled city.
' The present capital of Sdul.
A.D. 288.
264 NIHONGI.
Kidzu no Sukune and his colleague moved forward their choice
troops and arrived at the Silla frontier. The King of Silla was
afraid, and confessed his guilt, so they brought away with them
the people of Kungw6l! and Sotsuhiko.
tgth year, Winter, roth month, 1st day. The Emperor
made a progress to the Palace of Yoshino.? At this time the
Kuzu* came to his Court, and presenting to the Emperor
newly-brewed sake, made a song, saying :—
At Kashinofu
A cross-mortar + we made :
In that cross-mortar
The great august sake that we have brewed
Sweetly
Do thou partake of it
Oh! our father !°
When the song was finished, they drummed on their mouths
and looked up laughing. At the present time, on the day that
the Kuzu° present their country’s produce to the Emperor,
when their song is finished they drum on their mouths and look
up laughing. This custom is probably a relic of antiquity.
Now the Kuzu are very plain and honest in character. They
commonly gather wild berries for food, and they also boil frogs,
X. 13. which they reckon a great dainty, calling them kebi. Their
A.D. 289.
country lies to the south-east of the capital, on the other side of
a mountain. There they dwell by the River Yoshino (amid)
steep cliffs and deep ravines. The roads are narrow, with deep
hollows. Therefore, although the distance from the capital is
not great, their visits to Court had been rare. However, from
this time forward they came frequently, bringing the produce
of their country to present to the Emperor. This produce
consists of such things as chestnuts, mushrooms, and trout.
20th year, Autumn, gth month. Achi no Omi, ancestor of
? Or Yutsuki. * In the south of Yamato.
3 Local chieftains.
* It is not clear what a cross-mortar was. Vide Ch. K., p. 251.
° The word translated father is chz, which is also used more generally as a
term of respect. Perhaps “ Lord” might be better here.
* Seventeen was their number in later times, according to the Yengi Shiki.
Onn. 265
the Atahe of the Aya’ of Yamato, and his son Tsuga no Omi
immigrated to Japan, bringing with them a company of their
people of seventeen districts.
22nd year, Spring, 3rd month, 5th day. The Emperor made
a progress to Naniha, where he dwelt in the a oe of Oho-
sumi.
roth day. He ascended a lofty tower and had a distant
prospect. Now he was attended by his concubine Yehime,
who, looking towards the west, lamented loudly. Hereupon
the Emperor inquired of Yehime, saying :—‘‘ Why dost thou
lament so bitterly?” She answered and said :—“ Of late thy
handmaiden has been thinking fondly of her father and mother,
and so, looking towards the west, unawares she made lament. I
pray thee let me return for a while that I may see my parents.”
Hereupon the Emperor loved Yehime’s tender thought for the
warmth and coolness” of her parents, and addressing her,
said :—‘‘ Many years have passed since thou hast seen thy
parents. It is clearly right that thou shouldst wish to return
1 Aya is the traditional Japanese rendering of Ws, i.e. Han, the name of a
Chinese dynasty. No satisfactory explanation of the reason why this
character should be read aya has been given. As a mere guess, I would
suggest that Hada or hata for # (Ts‘in), Kure for Wu Je and Aya for Han
may have been names given from the feulile products with which these three
Chinese dynasties, or the emigrants, may have been associated ; Hada or
Hata meaning loom or cloth generally, Kure, dyed’ stuffs (for Kurenawi, pink
or scarlet), and Aya, figured stuffs. There were numerous weavers among the
Corean (or Chinese) emigrants to Japan. See below, A.D. 306. For Kure,
another derivation is that which makes it mean “distant,” a sense in which
it occurs more than once in the “ Manydshiu,” and in a poem in the
“‘ Nihongi,” Reign of Saimei, year 4.
This family was called the Aya of Yamato to distinguish it from another
family of the same name in Kahachi. These two families were also known
respectively as the Higashi no Aya, or Eastern Aya, and the Nishi no
Aya, or Western Aya.
Motoéri (“ Kojikiden,” XX XIII. 39) shows that, like other events relating
to Corea in this part of the “ Nihongi,” this immigration must be dated 120
years later.
The Yamato Aya claimed descent from the Emperor Ling-ti of the Later
Han dynasty, who reigned A.D. 168 to 190. Weare told that on the fall of
that dynasty in 221, Prince Achi fled to Corea, whence he subsequently
emigrated to Japan ; but how much of this is true it is impossible to say.
Cf. Gi I... ps2253.
* i.e. thoughtfulness for her parents’ comfort.
XA:
A.D. 291.
BGS
EoehOs
266 NIHONGI.
and visit them.” So he granted her permission, and summon-
ing eighty fishermen of Mihara in Ahaji and making sailors of
them, sent her to Kibi. :
Summer, 4th month. Yehime set sail from Ohotsu’ and
departed.
The Emperor, standing on the high tower, looked towards
Yehime’s ship and made a song, saying :—
Thou Island of Ahaji
With thy double ranges ;°
Thou Island of Adzuki
With thy double ranges—
Ye good islands
* * * #3
Ye have seen face to face
My spouse of Kibi.
Autumn, gth month, 6th day. The Emperor hunted in the
Island of Ahaji. This island lies beyond the sea to the west of
Naniha. There is a confusion of peaks and cliffs; hills and
valleys succeed to one another. Fragrant herbs grow luxuri-
antly ; it is washed by the long billows. Moreover, great deer,
wild ducks, and wild geese are abundant in that island. There-
fore the Emperor made frequent excursions thither.* Now the
Emperor, going round by way of Ahaji, made a progress to
Kibi and went on an excursion to the Island of Adzuki.
11th day. He again removed his dwelling to the Palace of
Ashimori in Hata. Then Mitomo wake presented himself and
entertained the Emperor, employing his brother, children and
grandchildren as stewards. Hereupon the Emperor, observing
the reverential fear with which Mitomo wake waited on him,
was pleased, and accordingly, having divided the province of
Kibi, granted it in fee to his children; that is to say, dividing
off the district of Kahashima, he granted it to the eldest son,
Inehaya wake. Hewas the first ancestor of the Omi of Shimo-
' Ohotsu is literally ‘‘ great port.” Perhaps Ohosaka is meant.
* Showing a double row of mountain peaks. +
3 The sixth line of the original is unintelligible.
4 Riding in his carriage, says the original, a Chinese expression which is
not meant to be taken literally.
Om. 267
tsu-michi.’ Next he took the district of Kamu-tsu-michi and
granted it to the middle son, Nakatsuhiko.” He was the first
ancestor of the Omi of Kamu-tsu-michi and of the Omi of Kaya.
Next he took the district of Mino and granted it to Otohiko.*
He was the first ancestor of the Omi of Mino. Afterwards he
took the district of Hakuke and granted it to Ahiru wake, the
- younger brother of Mitomo wake. He was the first ancestor of
. the Omi of Kasa. Accordingly he took the district of Sono
and granted it to his elder brother, Urakori wake. He was the
first ancestor of the Atahe of Sono. And taking the district of
Hatori-be,’ he granted it to Yehime. Wherefore his descendants
dwell to this day in the Land of Kibi. This is the reason of it.°
25th year. King Ty6n-chi of Pékché died.’ Accordingly
his son Ku-ni-sin became King. The King was a child.
Therefore Mong-man-chi of Yamato’ took the administration
of the State. He had an intrigue with the King’s mother, and
his conduct was in many ways improper. The Emperor
hearing this, sent for him.
The Pékché record says :—‘‘ Mong-man-chi was the
son of Mong-na Keuncha,* born to him of a Silla woman
' Shimo-tsu-michi means the lower road, i.e. the part of the province
furthest from the capital. Kamu-tsu-michi, on the other hand, is the higher
road—the part nearest the capital.
* Middle prince. 5 Younger prince. 4 Weavers.
> If we take a broad view of Japanese History we shall recognize in it a
constant oscillation between two forms of government. At one time there
is a strong central authority with local governors removable at pleasure or at
short intervals. By degrees the latter offices become hereditary and more
independent of the throne, so that eventually a sort of feudal system is the
result. Then the pendulum swings back again, and under a strong ruler
the old centralized government is restored, while the local nobles, deprived
of effective authority, retain their titles only.
Notwithstanding the numerous imperfections of the record, it is clear that
in Ojin’s reign the feudal system prevailed. Towards the end of the seventh
century, again, we find a much more centralized form of government. The
Revolution of 1868 is a remarkable example of a rapid change from a feudal
system to a strong central government. The converse process is always
far more gradual.
° The “ Tongkam” gives A.D. 420 as the year of Tyén-chi’s death. The
usual difference of 120 years is therefore not exactly realized in this case.
7 Or Great Wa. K fE
* See above, p. 249: This does not look like a Japanese name.
xX. AF.
A.D, 294.
A.D. 297.
A.D. 300.
268 NIHONGI.
when he invaded that country. The great services of his
father gave him absolute authority in Imna. He came
into our country and went back and forward to the
honourable country,’ accepting the control of the Celestial °
Court. He seized the administration of our country, and
his power was supreme in that day. The Emperor, hearing
of his violence, recalled him.” |
28th year, Autumn, gth month. The King of Koryé sent an
envoy to the Court with tribute. He presented an address, in
which it was said :—‘‘ The King of Koryé instructs the Land of
Nippon.” Nowthe Heir Apparent, Uji no Waka-iratsuko, read
this address and was enraged. He reproached the Koryé envoy
with the rudeness of the address and tore it up.
31st year, Autumn, 8th month. The Emperor commanded
his ministers,* saying :—‘‘ The Government ship named Karano
was sent as tribute by the Land of Idzu. It is rotten, and
unfit for use. It has, however, been in Government use for a
long time, and its services should not be forgotten. Shall we
not keep the name of that ship from being lost, and hand it
down to after ages?’’ The ministers, on receiving this com-
mand, made the functionaries take the timber of that ship and
use it as firewood for roasting salt. Herewith they got five.
hundred baskets of salt, which were freely given away to the
various provinces, and the latter were accordingly caused to
build ships. Upon this, all the provinces at the same time
sent up ships as tribute, to the number of five hundred, which
all assembled in the harbour of Muko. At this time the Silla
1 Japan. 7
> If this story were true, it would have to be dated 120 years later. But
even then Koryo was still Kokuryd. The name Koryé did not come into
official use till A.D. 918, though as a literary designation examples of it may
be found as early as A.D. 500. Koryé, however, is out of place in an
ostensible quotation from a formal official document of this period, and
shows that this story is untrue or much garbled.
The term Nippon for Japan is also an anachronism. It was not officially
notified to Corea until A.D. 670, though there are examples of its use earlier
in the same century.
Waka-iratsuko did not become Heir Apparent until A.D. 309 (of the “ Ni-
hongi” chronology), and as he is there alluded to as being of tender years,
he must have been at this time a somewhat precocious prince.
® See above; pu257-
Onn. 269
tribute-envoys were stopping along with them at Muko.'
Hereupon, of a sudden, fire broke out in the Silla lodgings. It
presently spread to the fleet of ships, so that many of them
were burnt. In consequence of this, the Silla men were called
to an account. The King of Silla, when he heard of it, was
afraid, and, greatly alarmed, sent tribute of skilful workmen.
They were the first ancestors of the Wina” Be. In the begin-
ning, when the ship Karano was burnt as firewood for making
salt, some was left over from the burning. It was thought
strange that it did not burn, and it was accordingly presented
to the Emperor. The Emperor wondered at it, and had it
made into a koto, which had a ringing note, and could be
heard afar off. Then the Emperor made a song, saying :—
(The ship) Karano
Was burnt for salt :
Of the remainder
A koto was made.
When it is played on,
(One hears) the saya-saya 3
Of the summer trees
Brushing against, as they stand,
The rocks of the mid-harbour—
The harbour of Yura.
37th year, Spring, 2nd month, 1st day. Achi no Omi and
Tsuga no Omi* were sent to Wu,’ to procure seamstresses.
Now Achi no Omi and his companions crossed over to the
Land of Koryé, and endeavoured to reach Wu. But on
arriving at Koryé they knew not the road at all, and begged
Hidgo, or some place in the vicinity, is meant.
2 A place in Settsu.
’ Saya-saya is an onomatopoetic word for rustling, equivalent to the
French frou-frou.
Yura is in Ahaji. Cf. Ch. K., 285.
+ They were Coreans. See above, p. 264.
> Wu AR, called by the Japanese Go or Kure, was a Chinese dynasty,
the last sovereign of which was deposed A.D. 280, long before the despatch of
these envoys. We learn, however, from a note to the “ Shukai” edition that
this appellation was applied (perhaps popularly) to all the six dynasties
established at Nanking or the neighbourhood from Wu to Chén inclusive,
i.e. from A.D. 229 to 589. To this day a draper’s shop is called in Japan a
Go-fuku-ya, or “ house for Go-clothing.”
A.D. 306.
A.D. 308.
DN. 202
A.D. 309.
270 NIHONGI.
Kory6 to give them persons who knew the road. The King
of Koryé sent with them as guides two men called Kureha and
Kureshi.’ Inthis way they were enabled to reach Wu. The
King’ of Wu thereupon gave them four women as workwomen,
namely Ye-hime, Oto-hime, Kure-hatori and Ana-hatori.’
39th year, Spring, 2nd month. The King of Pékché sent
his younger sister, the Lady Sin-chi-to,‘ to wait upon (the
Emperor as his concubine). Now the Lady Sin-chi-to came
over, bringing in her train seven women.
4oth year, Spring, 1st month, 8th day. The Emperor
summoned to him Oho-yama-mori no Mikoto * and Oho-sazaki
no Mikoto, and inquired of them, saying :—‘‘ Do ye love your
children?” They answered and said :—‘‘ We love them ex-
ceedingly.” Again he inquired :—‘‘ Which are most dear—
the elder ones or the younger?” Oho-yama-mori no Mikoto
answered and said :—‘‘ There is none like the elder.’”” On this
the Emperor showed displeasure. Then Oho-sazaki no Mikoto,
who had previously observed the Emperor’s expression of face,
answered and said :—‘“‘ The older has experienced many colds
and heats, and has already become a man, so that there is no
reason for anxiety about him. But in the case of a young child
one knows not whether he will reach manhood or not, and for
that reason he is very pitiable.” The Emperor was greatly
pleased and said :—‘‘ Thy words are truly in accordance with
my feelings.” At this time it was the Emperor’s constant
1 The Chinese characters given in the text seem to be only Japanese
phonetic renderings of the names, and I have therefore not given them their
Corean sounds, which would be Ku-nyé-pha and Ku-nyé-chi. But they do
not look like real names. They appear to be made up of Kure, the name of
the dynasty, or rather of the country ruled by it, and a termination.
2 Some local authority must be intended.
3 These names mean respectively “elder lady,” “ younger lady,” “ Kure
weaver,” and “ hole weaver.” But Ana, hole, is probably a mistake for Aya, the
Japanese name of the Chinese Han dynasty. Wu (or Kure) and Han (or
Aya) weavers are mentioned together below, year 14 of Yuriaku’s reign. See
also above, p. 265.
* The Japanese traditional reading is Shi-se-tsu. The “ Shukai” edition
rejects the name Chikchi, which in the older editions follows Pékché, It is
not in the old books, and besides his death has been already recorded
above.
®> He was the son of an inferior consort.
Ojmn. 294
desire to establish Uji no Waka-iratsuko as Prince Imperial, and
so he wished to conciliate the minds of the two Imperial
Princes. Therefore he started this inquiry. On this account
he was displeased with Oho-yama-mori no Mikoto’s answer.
24th day. Uji no Waka-iratsuko was established as successor
(to the throne). On the same day Oho-yama-mori no Mikoto !
_ was appointed to the charge of the mountains, rivers, woods,
and moors, while Oho-sazaki no Mikoto was made Assistant to
the Prince Imperial, and caused to administer affairs of State.
41st year, Spring, 2nd month, 15th day. The Emperor died
in the Palace of Toyo-Akira at the age of 110.”
One account says:—‘‘ He died in the Palace of Oho-
kuma.”’
In this month Achi no Omi and his companions arrived in
Tsukushi from Wu. Now the Great God of Muna-gata * asked
for workwomen. Therefore Ane-hime was offered to the Great
God of Muna-gata. She was the ancestor of the Mitsukahi‘ no
Kimi, who now dwell in the Land of Tsukushi. He then took
with him the three women, and proceeded to the Land of Tsu.’
But when he reached Muko the Emperor was dead and he was
too late. Accordingly he offered them to Oho-sazaki no Mikoto.
The descendants of these women are the present seamstresses
of Kure and the seamstresses of Kaya.°
* His name, Great-mountain-warden, already indicates this office. There
is a distinction between the characters for. Mikoto applied to the elder and
younger brothers, the latter having the more honorific character no doubt
because he afterwards became Emperor. See above, p. 2.
* The “ Kojiki” says 130. He was deified at a later period under the
name of Yahata or Hachiman as the God of War, and there are many shrines
in his honour standing at this day.
3 In Chikuzen.
* Mitsukahi means “ august messenger.” > Settsu.
6 Kaya is written with the characters for ‘“‘ Musquito-net.” There isa place
in Bittchiu of this name, but written with different characters.
A.D. 310
THE EMPEROR OHO-HATSUSE WAKATAKE.'
(YU-RIAKU? TENNO.)
Tue Emperor Oho-hatsuse Waka-take was the fifth child * of
the Emperor Wo-asa-tsuma Waku-go no Sukune. When the
Emperor was born, a supernatural radiance filled the building.*
When he grew to manhood, he was distinguished for sturdy
strength. .
In the 8th month of the 3rd year of his reign, the Emperor
Anaho went to the Mountain Palace with the intention of
taking the hot baths. At length he went up into a lofty tower
and was enjoying the prospect. Accordingly he commanded
sake to be brought and a banquet to be held. So then, whilst
his mind was at ease and his pleasure at its height, in the course
of conversation he turned to the Empress and addressed her,
saying :—
‘The daughter of the Emperor Izahowake was called
the Imperial Princess Nakashi hime. She was also called
the Imperial Princess Nagata no Oho-iratsume. The
Imperial Prince Ohokusaka, a child of the Emperor Oho-
sazaki, took to wife the Imperial Princess Nagata, who
bore to him Prince Mayuwa. Afterwards the Emperor
* Hatsuse is the name of a place in Yamato. Waka-take means young
- brave.
* Yu-riaku means manly stratagem or counsel. The events related in this
Book read more like genuine history, and the chronology, though it stiil
leaves much to be desired, is not so wildly inaccurate as before.
> He was really the fifth son. See above, p. 315.
* The same thing in nearly the same words is related of one of the Later
Han Emperors of China.
DOhVii2:
334 | NIHONGI.
Anaho, giving heed to the slander of Ne no Omi, put to
death the Imperial Prince Ohokusaka and appointed the
Imperial Princess Nakashi hime Empress. An account of
this is given in the history of the reign of Anaho Tenno.’
‘“‘ Our younger sister ”’ [it seems to have been the ancient custom
to address one’s wife as “younger sister”], ‘although thou
art Our friend, We fear Prince Mayuwa.” Now Prince Mayuwa
—who was only a boy—was playing below the tower, and heard
everything that was said. Afterwards the Emperor Anaho,
making a pillow of the Empress’s knees, fell asleep in daylight
drunkenness. Hereupon Prince Mayuwa, watching the time
when he was sound asleep, stabbed and murdered him. On
this day one of the Oho-toneri ran [his name and surname
are wanting'], and said to the Emperor’®:—‘*‘The Emperor
Anaho has been murdered by Prince Mayuwa.” The Emperor
was greatly shocked, and straightway being suspicious of his
elder brothers, put on his armour and girded himself with his
sword. Taking command of his troops in person, he urgently
questioned the Imperial Prince Yatsuri no Shiro-hiko. The
Imperial Prince, seeing that he wished to do him a mischief,
sat silent and said not a word. So the Emperor drew his
sword and slew him. Next he urgently questioned the Imperial
Prince Sakahi no Kurohiko. But this Imperial Prince also
knew that he was about to do him a mischief, and sat silent,
saying not a word.* The Emperor’s rage became still more
violent, so with the further object of killing Prince Mayuwa as
well, he examined him as to the reason of his conduct. Prince
Mayuwa said:—‘‘ Thy servant has never sought the Celestial
Dignity. He has only revenged himself on his father’s enemy.”
The Imperial Prince Sakahi no Kurohiko, who feared pro-
foundly the suspicion in which he was held, communicated
secretly with Prince Mayuwa, and they at last found an oppor-
tunity of getting away together. They fled to the house of the
Oho-omi* Tsubura. The Emperor sent a messenger to ask
* This note is rejected by the “ Shukai” edition. It is certainly frivolous.
2 i.e. to the Emperor Yiriaku.
3 The “ Kojiki” relates these events quite differently.
* Oho-omi is written with the characters read in later times Daijin, i.e.
Great Minister or Prime Minister.
YURIAKU. 335
for them. The Oho-omi replied by a messenger, saying :—
‘I may possibly have heard of a vassal in time of trouble taking
refuge in a Royal chamber, but I had never seen Princes con-
ceal themselves in the house of a vassal. At this very time the
Imperial Prince Sakahi no Kurohiko and Prince Mayuwa,
trusting profoundly in thy servant’s heart, have come to thy
servant’s house. How can I have the heart to send them to
thee?” In consequence of this the Emperor raised a still
greater army and surrounded the Oho-omi’s house. The Oho-
omi came out, and standing in the courtyard, tied his garters.
At this time the Oho-omi’s wife brought the garters, and heart-
broken, alas! madea song, saying’ :—
The Omi child
Cloth trousers
Nine-fold having put on—
Standing in the courtyard
His garters he adjusts !
The Oho-omi, when he had finished dressing, advanced to
the gate of the camp, where he knelt down and said :—‘‘ Thy
servant cannot obey thy orders, even though his refusal costs him
his life. There is a saying of a man of old, ‘ The will of even a
common man cannot be taken from him.’* This is precisely
thy servant’s case. I humbly beseech the Great Prince to
allow thy servant’s daughter, Kara-hime, and the seven build-
ings * of Katsuraki, which I now offer thee, to be received as a
ransom for their offences.” The Emperor would not permit
it, but set fire to the houses and burnt them. MHereupon the
Oho-omi with the Imperial Prince Kurohiko and Prince Mayuwa
were all burnt to death together. Now Nihe no Sukune, Muraji
of the Sakahi Be, took in his arms the Imperial Prince’s dead
body and so was burnt to death. His household [the names are
wanting *] took up that which was burnt, but were never able to
sort out the bones. They were deposited in one coffin and
" This poem seems intended to express wonder at her husband’s care for
his appearance at a moment when his life was at stake.
2 “Confucian Analects,” Book IX. chap. xxv. 1.
* Granaries, as the “ Kojiki” informs us.
* A silly note. No wonder the “Shukai” edition rejects it.
XCM Ay
pete) NIHONGI.
buried together on the hill south of Tsukimoto in Imaki no
Aya."
Winter roth month, 1st day. The Emperor resented the
Emperor Anaho’s having formerly wished to transfer the king-
dom to the Imperial Prince Ichinobe no Oshiha,* and to
commit the succession definitively to his charge. So he
sent a man to the Imperial Prince Ichinobe. no Oshiha, and
treacherously arranged with him to go a-hunting. Inviting
him to go on an excursion to the moors, he said :—Kara-
-bukuro,* the Kimi of the Sasaki mountain in Ohomi, tells me
that now on the Kaya moor in Kutawata in Ohomi, there are
wild boars and deer in plenty. The horns they bear are like
the twigs of withered trees, their legs are thick together like a
grove of bushes, the breath which they breathe resembles the
mists of morning. Along with the Imperial Prince, I wish in
the first month of winter, when the sky is cloudy and the cold
wind blows keenly, to go for an excursion to the moors, where
we may somewhat divert our minds by running archery.” * The
Imperial Prince Ichinobe no Oshiha accordingly followed the
hunt. Hereupon the Emperor Ohohatsuse drew his bow and
putting his horse to a gallop, called out falsely, saying, ‘‘ There is
a wild boar !”’ and shot the Imperial Prince Ichinobe no Oshiha
dead. A man of the Imperial Prince’s household named Uruwa,
of the Saheki Be [another name is Nakachiko], took the dead
body in his arms. In his consternation he knew not what to
do, but writhed on the ground and called aloud upon his master,
going to and fro. The Emperor put him to death also.
In this month the Imperial Prince Mimtima,’ who had
formerly been pleased with Musa, a place belonging to the
Kimi of Miwa, and wishing to shake off his cares, went thither.
While on his way he unexpectedly fell in with a force which
had been sent against him.’ He joined battle with them at the
1 This means literally the new-comer Aya or Han. See below, xix. 22.
2 The eldest son of Richiu Tenno. Seep. 306. He was, no doubt, thought
too young to succeed to the throne at his father’s death in 405.
3 Kara bag. There is also a name Yamato-bukuro.
4 ie. shooting animals with the bow and arrow while one’s horse is at-a
gallop.
5 The Prince of the august horses. A son of Richiu Tenno.
6 By the Emperor.
YURIAKU. BAF
well of Iha in Miwa, but was soon taken prisoner. When about
to be executed, he pointed to the well and pronounced a curse,
saying :—‘‘ This water may be drunk by the people only: royal
persons alone may not drink of it.”
r1th month, 13th day. The Emperor ordered commissioners
to erect a lofty pavilion at Asakura in Hatsuse,! in which he
assumed the Imperial Dignity, and at last established the
Palace. He appointed Matori, Heguri no Omi as Oho-omi and
Muruya, Oho-tomo no Muraji and Me,.Mononobe no Muraji he
made Ohomuraji.
Ist year, Spring, 3rd month, 3rd day. The Imperial Princess
Kusaka no Hatahi hime was appointed Empress. [Another
name for her is Tachi-bana-hime. ]
In this month three concubines were appointed. The senior
of these, named Kara-hime, daughter of the Oho-omi of
Tsubura in Katsuraki, was the mother of the Emperor Shiraga
take-hiro-kuni-oshi Waka-Yamato-neko, and of the Imperial
Princess Waka-tarashi-hime. [Also called the Imperial
Princess Taku-hata no Iratsume.] This Imperial Princess
attended to the sacrifices of the Great Deity of Ise.*: Next
there was Waka-hime, daughter of the Omi of Kibi
no:‘Kamutsumichi.*. [One book says she was the daughter of
Kibi no Kuboya no Omi.] She bore two sons. The elder was
called the Imperial Prince Ihashiro, and the younger the
Imperial Prince Hoshikaha no Waka-miya. Next there was
Woguna Kimi, daughter of Fukame, Omi of Wani in Kasuga.
She was the mother of Princess Kasuga no Oho-iratsume [also
called Princess Takahashi.] Woguna Kimi was originally an
Uneme. The Emperor gave one night to her and she became
pregnant. Ultimately she gave birth toa girl. The Emperor
had suspicions and would not bring her up. When the girl was
able to walk, the Emperor was in the great hall with the Oho-
muraji Me, of the Mononobe, in attendance on him. The girl
* The interlinear kana gloss has Hase.
* The “Shokugensh6é ” says :—“ The Prime Minister (Oho-omi or Daijin)
conducts the Government in conjunction with the Ohomuraji.” Another
authority says that the Oho-omi was a civil and the Ohomuraji a military
officer. The titles were hereditary in these Houses. They became extinct
towards the end of the sixth century.
* The Sun-Goddess. * The upper province of Kibi, now Bizen.
Z
AT: B57
A.D. 458.
338 NIHONGI.
crossed the courtyard. Me, the Ohomuraji, looking round, said
to the Ministers :—‘‘ What a pretty girl! There is a saying of
the men of old, ‘ Thou art like thy mother.’! [This ancient
saying is not clear.]|_ Whose little girl is she said to be who is
walking with leisurely pace in the pure court?” The Emperor
said :-—‘‘ Why dost thou ask?” Me no Ohomuraji answered
and said :—‘‘ When thy servant looks at this little girl walking,
she appears to him strongly to resemble the Emperor.” The
Emperor said :—‘‘ Every one who sees her makes the same
remark. Sed insolitum est, quum ei unam solum noctem
dederim, eam concepisse et filiam peperisse. Quam ob rem
suspiciones mihi excitatae sunt.” Ohomurayji dixit :—‘‘ Sed in
hac una nocte quoties cum ead rem habuisti?’’ ‘‘ Septies,”’ in-
quit Imperator. Ohomuraji loquitur :—‘‘ Si haec femina puro
corpore et pura mente recepit unam noctem quam ei dedisti, cur
tam facile concipis suspiciones et nolis fidere alterius castitati?
Servus tuus audivit feminas quae facile praegnantes fiant vel
tactu braccarum concipere. Multo magis, quum totam noctem
dederis, sine justé ratione non debes suspiciones concipere.”’
The Emperor, by order to the Ohomuraji, made the little
girl an Imperial Princess, and appointed her mother to be a
concubine. |
This year was. the year Hinoto Tori (34th) of the Cycle.
2nd year, Autumn, 7th month. Iketsu hime of Pekché,’? in
despite of the Emperor’s intention to favour*® her, had an
amour with Tate of Ishikaha.
In an old book it is said :—‘‘ Tate, the ancestor of the
Obito of Momoahi in Ishikaha.”
The Emperor was greatly enraged, and giving his commands
to the Ohomuraji Muruya, of the Ohotomo House, sent some
Kume Be who stretched the four limbs of the woman on a tree.
The tree was placed over a cuphoandyy which was set fire to,
and she was burnt to death.
The “‘Shinsen ” * of Péekché says :—‘‘ In the 6th year of
1 These words are in Japanese. .
* Corea has been hardly mentioned for fifty years or so. Probably
some of the events allotted to the previous period really belong to this
interval. Ae aris
> i.e. wed. * 1.e. new compilation, the name of a book.
YURIAKU. 339
the Cycle ' King Kero ascended the throne. The Emperor
sent Aretoku hither to ask fora nyérang. Peékche adorned
the daughter of the Lady Moni, called the Nyérang Chék-
ké, and sent her as tribute to the Emperor.” ?
Winter, roth month, 3rd day. The Emperor made a pro-
gress to the Palace of Yoshino, and on the 6th he proceeded to
Mimase. Giving orders to the wardens, he indulged in the
chase. They climbed the towering peaks, they crossed the:
wide jungles. Before the shadows fell, out of ten, seven or
eight had been caught. Every time they hunted, they caught
many, so that the birds and beasts were almost exhausted.
At length they rested by the springs and groves, and sauntered
together in the thickets and meadows. Halting his footmen,
the Emperor counted the chariots and horses. Then he in-
quired of the Ministers, saying :—‘‘ It is a pleasure of the hunt-
ing-field to make the stewards cut up the fresh meat. Suppose
that you and We cut it up ourselves?’’ The Ministers were
XE EO
taken aback and could find no answer. Hereupon the Emperor .
became very wroth, and drawing his sword, slew one of the
stewards named Mumakahi of Ohotsu. On this day the
Imperial cortege arrived from the Yoshino Palace. The people
of the province all shook with fear. In consequence the
Grand Empress and the Empress, hearing of this, were full of
apprehension, and sent to meet him Hi-no-hime, the Uneme of
Yamato,* to offer him sake. The Emperor, seeing the beauty |
of the Uneme’s countenance,’ and the elegance of her appear-
ance, softened his looks, and with a pleased expression, said :—
** How should I not wish to behold thy pleasing smile?” So
* Corresponding to A.D. 429. The “Tongkam” places this event in A.D. 455.
- ? The use of the words “ Emperor” and “tribute” shows that this “ new
compilation,” like the “ Pékché record” already mentioned, was probably
the work of Corean literati domiciled in Japan. Nydérang is in the Chinese
Z% Bi (lady), which in modern Japanese means a harlot. The
Interlinear Kana is Yehashito, which probably means “ beautiful person.”
The nyorang were no doubt concubines of inferior rank. The word rendered
lady is 3¢ J\, a title of the wives of officials above a certain rank.
Aretoku is not like a Japanese name.
3 The Atahe of Yamato was her father.
* She was of a marriageable age before the accession of Richiu Tenno-1 in
A.D. 400, and we are now at 458.
Z 2
EXCL VE <FOr
SAV it.
340 NIHONGI.
hand in hand with her, he entered the hinder palace, where he
addressed the Empress Dowager, saying :—‘‘ In to-day’s hunt
we took many birds and beasts. We wished along with the
Ministers to cut up the fresh meat and to have a banquet on
the moor. But having proposed this to them, not one of them
gave us an answer. Therefore did We get angry.” The
Empress Dowager, knowing the feeling which dictated these
words of the Emperor, mollified him, saying :—‘‘ The Ministers
did not understand that your Majesty, in connection with the
sport on the hunting-field, was establishing a Fleshers’ Be, and
therefore did condescend to ask their opinion, so that their
silence was reasonable, and it was hard for them to reply.
But even now it is not too late to offer them.’ I will make a
beginning with myself. My steward Nagano is good at making
mince meat.’ I beg permission to present him to thee.” The
Emperor knelt down and accepted him, saying :—“‘ It is good.”
This is what the rustic means when he says :—‘‘ The nobles
understand each other’s hearts.’”’ The Empress Dowager saw
the Emperor’s gratification, and pleasure filled her bosom. She
further wished to offer men, and said :—‘‘ There are my two
scullions, Masakida and Takame,* of the Mito Be of Uda. I
beg leave to add these two men to the others to form a
Fleshers’ Be.’ From this time forward Akoko no Sukune,
the Miyakko of the province of Yamato, sends some of the
Kotori Wake of Saho to form the Fleshers’ Be. The Omi, the
Muraji, the Tomo no Miyakko, and the Kuni no Miyakko also,
following (the Empress’s example), presented some, one after
another.
In this month the Fumubito* Be, and the Toneri® Be of
Kahakami, were instituted.
The Emperor, taking his heart for guide, wrongfully slew
many men. The Empire censured him, and called him “ The
greatly wicked Emperor.” The only persons who loved him
1 Men to serve as fleshers.
2 It must be remembered that the Japanese having no table-knives, all
flesh is cut up small before it is served.
3 A curious name! It means “High Heaven.” Uda is the name of a
Kori of Yamato. There is a village there called Mitobe, which means
Imperial House Be. It probably was an appanage of the Empress.
4 Scribes. > Palace attendants.
YURIAKU. 34F
were Awo Musa no Suguri’ of the Scribes’ Be and Hakatoko,
Hinokuma no Tami-tsukahi.’
3rd year, Summer, 4th month. Kunimi, Abe no Omi [His
other name was Shikotohi], uttered a slander respecting the
Imperial Princess Taku-hata and Takehiko, [hoki Be no Muraji,
the bath-official, saying :—‘‘ Takehiko has had illicit intercourse
with the Imperial Princess.’”’ Takehiko’s father, Kikoyu, hear-
ing this rumour, was afraid lest calamity might overtake him-
self, and persuaded Takehiko to come with him to the River
Ihoki. There, pretending to make cormorants dive into the
water to catch fish, he took him unawares and slew him. When
the Emperor heard this, he sent messengers to question the
Imperial Princess. The Imperial Princess answered and said :—
‘“Thy handmaiden knows nothing.” Suddenly the Imperial
Princess took a divine mirror and went to Isuzu no Kahakami,’
and watching for a time when no one was passing, buried the
mirror, and hanged herself. The Emperor became suspicious
on account of the Imperial Princess’s absence, and constantly
sent persons in the dead of night to search in all directions.
When they came to Kahakami, a rainbow appeared, like unto a
serpent, four or five rods in length. When they dug the place
from which the rainbow sprang they found the divine mirror,
and no great distance off, they discovered the Imperial
Princess’s body. On ripping her open and making examina-
tion, there was in her belly something like water, and in the
water there was astone. Kikoyu was thus enabled to establish
his son’s innocence, but on the other hand he had remorse for
having slain him. He revenged him by killing Kunimi, and
then fled and hid in the Shrine of Isonokami.
4th year, Spring, 2nd month. The Emperor went a-hunting
with bow and arrows on Mount Katsuraki. Of a sudden a tall
man appeared, who came and stood over the vermilion valley.’
? Suguri is written with Chinese characters which mean “ village master.”
It is said to be a Corean word.
2 Tami-tsukahi means “employer of the people.” It seems to be a title
of a low class. It may be observed that the “ Kojiki” strives to put a
favourable construction on Yuriaku’s conduct.
3 Where the Ise shrines are.
4 Fairy-land. It is perhaps here the name of a place, Tanikahi.
A.D. 459.
DV ee
A.D. 460,
XEN sets
XIV... 14,
342 NIHONGI.
In face and demeanour he resembled the Emperor. The
Emperor knew that he was a God, and therefore proceeded to
inquire of him, saying :—‘‘ Of what place art thou Lord?”
The tall man answered and said:—‘‘I am a God of visible
men.’ Do thou first tell thy princely name, and then in turn I
willinform thee of mine.” The Emperor answered and said :—
“We are Wake-take no Mikoto.” The tall man next gave his
name, saying :—‘‘ Thy servant is the God Hito-koto-nushi.”’ ”
He finally joined him in the diversion of the chase. They
pursued a deer, and each declined in favour of the other to let
fly an arrow at him. They galloped on, bit to bit, using to one
another reverent and respectful language, as if in the company
of genii. Herewith the sun went down, and the hunt came to
an end. The God attended on the Emperor and escorted him
as far as the Water of Kume. At this time the people all
said :—‘‘ An Emperor of great virtue! ”’
Autumn, 8th month, 18th day. The Emperor made a
progress to the Palace of Yoshino.
28th day. He made a progress to Kahakamino Ono,* where
he commanded the forest wardens to drive the wild beasts.
He lay in wait hoping to shoot them himself, when a gad-fly
came swiftly flying. Then a dragon-fly flew thither suddenly,
bit the gad-fly, and went away with it. The Emperor was
pleased at its attention, and commanded his Ministers, saying:
—‘‘Do ye on Our behalf compose an ode in praise of this
dragon-fly.” As none of the Ministers made so bold as to com-
pose an ode, the Emperor forthwith composed a short piece,*
saying :—
These tidings some one
Told in the Great Presence,
How in Yamato
On the Peak of Womura
Four-footed game was lying :
1 i.e. who has assumed mortal form.
? Lit. one-word-master. The “ Kojiki” expands this into “ The Deity who
dispels with a word the evil, and with a word the good.” See Ch.K., p. 319.
The “ Kiujiki” makes him a son of Susanowo.
3 The little moor of the upper stream.
* 1 gz. This was the name of a particular kind of Chinese poetry of
four or eight lines.
YURIAKU. 343
The Great Lord,
When he heard this,
Stood at his throne
Entwined with jewels,
Stood at his throne
Entwined with cloth :
Waiting for the game
Whilst I! remained :
Waiting for the wild-boar
Whilst I was standing,
My arm in the fleshy part,
Was stung by a gad-fly :
But soon a dragon-fly
That gad-fly did bite.
Even a creeping insect
Waits upon the Great Lord.
Thy form it will bear,
O Yamato, land of the dragon-fly !?
One book has, instead of ‘‘the great presence,’ ‘‘ the
great Lord.”
One book has, instead of “‘stood at his throne,” “ re-
mained in his throne.”
One book has, instead of from “ even a creeping insect”
(inclusive) to the end, the following :—
That in this wise
It should be famous,
The Heaven-filling 3
Land of Yamato
Was called the Land of the Dragon-fly.‘
Therefore in honour of the Dragon-fly this place was called
Akitsu no.° XLV. 15.
1 The change from the third to the first person is much less marked in the
Japanese. It is not to be supposed that the Emperors actualy composed
these verses themselves, nor perhaps any others ascribed to them in the
“ Nihongi.” The hand of the Court-poet is plain in the honorific epithets
and forms given to him therein.
2 The word for throne is agura. It was no doubt something of the
nature of a camp-stool.
3 Heaven-filling. See above, p. 135, note 5. The metre is irregular
naga-uta.
4 This is the “ Kojiki” version.
5 The moor of the Dragon-fly. See above, p. 134, note 8.
A.D. 461.
XIV.
16.
344 NIHONGI.
5th year, Spring, 2nd month. The Emperor hunted on
Mount Katsuraki. Suddenly there came a supernatural bird,
in size like a sparrow, with a long tail which trailed upon the
ground. Now this bird chirruped, saying :—‘‘ Have a care !
Haveacare!’? Then suddenly there appeared, issuing furiously
from the herbage, a raging wild boar of which they had been in
chase, and pursued the men. The huntsmen in great terror
‘climbed up into trees. The Emperor commanded his attend-
ants, saying :—‘‘ When a savage beast meets with man, it
straightway halts. Encounter it with a shot from your bows,
and then stab it.” The attendants were of an effeminate
nature. They climbed up trees, and changed countenance,
and their five senses were masterless. The raging wild boar
came straight on, and tried to bite the Emperor. But the
Emperor with his bow pierced it and stayed its course. Then,
raising his foot, he killed it with a kick. Hereupon, when the
chase was over, he wanted to cut down the attendants. The
attendants, when about to be executed, made a song, saying :—
Oh! my elder brother,
Thou alder-tree branch—
Over Ariwo,
To which I climbed up in flight,
Dreading
The snorting of the wild-boar,
That was shot
By Our great Lord
Who rules peacefully !
The Empress, hearing their lament, was sorry for them, and
tried to stay (the execution). The Emperor said :— The
' This translation exactly reverses the order of the lines of the original.
The “ Kojiki” version (vdde Ch. K., p. 318) variessomewhat. Ariwo I take
(doubtfully) to be a proper name. The “ Kojiki” says that it was the
Emperor who climbed into the tree, and Motoéri takes this view. I agree
with Chamberlain that this won’t do. Perhaps something has been omitted
in the “ Kojiki” narrative. The insertion of the single word Toneri in one
place would make it agree with the “ Nihongi.” It is not likely that a poem
should have been composed to commemorate the Emperor's ascent into a
RVEE..
The alder-tree branch is addressed as “ elder brother ” in gratitude for its
protection.
YURIAKU. | 245
Empress is taking part, not with the Emperor, but with the
attendants.” She answered and said :—‘‘ The people all say,
‘His Majesty is fond of the chase, and loves game. Is not
this wrong?’ Ifnow Your Majesty, on account ofa savage
boar, puts to death your attendants, Your Majesty is, as it
were, not different from a wolf.’ The Emperor with the
Empress went up into their carriage and returned home.
Amid “cries ‘of “‘ Wong live ‘the’ “Emperor!”’ he - said =—
‘‘How delightful is this! Everybody has caught game, and
We have caught good words, which We have brought back
with us.”?
Summer, 4th month. Lord Kasyuni [1e. King Kero] of
Pékché, having learnt by rumour that Iketsu hime [viz. the
Nyorang Choék-ke] had been put to death by burning,’ held
counsel, saying :—‘‘ The ancient custom of sending tribute of
women to be made Uneme is contrary to decorum, and is
injurious to our country’s reputation. Henceforward it is
unmeet that women be sent as tribute.” Accordingly he inti-
mated to his younger brother, Lord Kun ®* [ive. Lord Kon-chi],
saying :—‘‘ Do thou go to Japan,* and serve the Emperor.”
Lord Kun answered and said :—‘‘ My Lord’s commands must
not be disobeyed. I pray thee give me one of thy consorts,
and then I will undertake this mission.” Lord Kasyuni
accordingly took one of his consorts who was pregnant,
and having given her in marriage to Lord Kun, said :—
‘‘The month for the delivery of this pregnant consort of
mine has already arrived. If she should be delivered on
the journey, I pray thee place (the child) on board a ship,
and whatever place thou mayest have arrived at, cause it
to be at once sent back to this country.” So at last he
took his leave, and went on his mission to the (Japanese)
Court.
' This passage, from “If now Your Majesty” down to “with us,” is
copied, with a few trifling alterations, from a Chinese book. Motoéri dis-
misses the whole incident of the Empress’s interference as a silly imitation
of Chinese models. He is doubtless right.
2 See above, p. 338.
3 The traditional Kana rendering of “fi #% (War-lord) is Komukishi.
4 Japan is Hs, or Nippon, by which name this country was not known
till much later. |
A.D 462.
346 NIHONGI. |
6th month, 1st day. The pregnant consort realized the
words of Lord Kasyuni, and gave birth to a child in the island
of Kahara in Tsukushi. So this child was given the name of
Lord Shima.’ Upon this Lord Kun straightway took a ship
and sent Lord Shima to his country. He became King Mu-
nyéng. The people of Pékché call this island Chuto.’
Autumn, 7th month. Lord Kun entered the capital. After
this he had five children.
' The Pékché Shinsen says :—‘‘ In the year Kanoto ushi
(A.D. 461°) King Kéro sent his younger brother, Lord
Konchi, to Great Wa, to wait upon the Emperor and to
confirm the friendship of former sovereigns.”
6th year, Spring, 2nd month, 4th day. The Emperor made
an excursion to the small moor of Hatsuse. There, viewing the
aspect of the hills and moors, in an outburst of feeling, he made
a song, saying :— |
The mountains of Hatsuse,
The secluded—
They stand out
Excellent mountains !
They run out
Excellent mountains !
The mountains of Hatsuse,
The secluded--—
Are full of various beauties !
Are full of various beauties ! +
Hereupon he gave a name to the small moor, and called it
Michi no Ono.’
! Shima is the Japanese for island. The Corean is syém, the two words
being no doubt identical. See “Early Japanese History” in “T.A.S.J.,”
Vol. XVI. i. p. 68.
2 Master-island.
* This date is noteworthy as being the first in the “ Nihongi” which is
confirmed by, Corean history. It is true that it occurs only in a note,
which was probably added by a later hand. But the narrative of the text
no doubt refers to the same event. From this time forward the “ Nihongi”
chronology is never grossly inaccurate, though it would be too much to say
that it can yet be depended on. See “Early Japanese History” in
el eS tae Ae Oa ie to
* Metre irregular. ° i.e. the small moor of the road.
YURIAKU. Faz
3rd month, 7th day. The Emperor wished to make the XIV. 18.
Empress and his concubines plant mulberry trees with their
own hands, in order to encourage the silk industry. Hereupon
he gave orders to Sukaru [This is a personal name] to make a
collection of silkworms throughout the country. Now Sukaru
madea mistake and collected babies,’ which he presented to
the Emperor. The Emperor laughed greatly, and gave the
babies to Sukaru, saying :—‘‘ Do thou bring them up thyself.”
Accordingly Sukaru brought them up hard. by the Palace
enclosure. So he was granted a title, and was called Chihisako
Be?* no Muraji.
Summer, 4th month. The Land of Wu* sent envoys with
tribute.
7th year, Autumn, 7th month, 3rd day. The Emperor a.p. 463.
commanded Sukaru Chihisako Be no Muraji, saying :—‘“‘ It is
our desire to see the form of the Deity of Mimuro Hill. [Some
say that the Dediy of this mountain 1s Oho-niono-shiro-nusht no
Kamt. Others say Uda no Sumi-zaka no Kamt.| Thou dost
excel in strength of body. Go thyself, seize him, and bring
him here.’’ Sukaru answered and said:—‘‘I will make the
attempt, and go to seize him.’’ So he ascended the Hill of
Mimuro and caught a great serpent, which he showed the
Emperor, who had not practised (religious) abstinence. Its
thunder rolled, and its eyeballs flamed. The Emperor was
afraid, and, covering his eyes, would not look upon it, but fled
into the interior of the Palace. Then he caused it to be
let loose. on the Hill, and giving it a new name, called it
Ikadzuchi.*
8th month. One of the Toneri named Oho-sora,’ of the Bow- XIV. 19.
1 The Japanese for silkworm is Kahiko. Kahi means to keep, to nurture,
and ko is “ little one ;” so there was some excuse for Sukaru’s mistake.
2 Chihisako means ‘‘little child.” The title and office seem merged in one
here.
% The Wu dynasty came to an end A.D. 280, and at this time the Sung
dynasty held rule, but, as Mr. E. H. Parker has pointed out, Wu was also a
territorial designation of that part of China about Nanking. Of course, by
tribute is meant presents. The Japanese: early adopted the Chinese
arrogant way of speaking of foreign nations.
* Thunderbolt.
8 Oho-sora means The Great Void (of Heaven). We have had above a
name Takama, i.e. High Heaven.
348 NIHONGI.
makers’ Be of Kibi, went home on some urgency. Sakitsuya
Omi of Lower Kibi [In one book it says:—‘‘ The Kuni no
Miyakko, Yama, Kibi no Omi’’], detained Oho-sora, and for
several months would not consent to allow him to go up to the
capital. The Emperor sent Mike no Kimi, a man of valour, to
fetch him. Oho-sora came in obedience to the summons, and
said :—‘‘ Sakitsuya took young girls to represent the Emperor’s
men, and grown-up women to represent his own men. Then
he made them fight with one another, and on seeing that the
young girls were victorious, drew his sword and slewthem. At
another time he took a small cock, which he called the
Emperor’s cock, and pulled out its feathers and clipped its
wings. Then he took a large cock, which he called his own
cock, attached to it a bell,' and armed its spurs with metal.
‘Then he matched them together, and when the naked bird got
the better of the other, he again took out his sword and killed
it.’ When the Emperor heard this story, he sent thirty
soldiers of the Monono Be, who put Sakitsuya to death, with
seventy persons of his household.
This year Tasa, Omi of Upper Kibi, while on duty beside
the Palace, praised Waka-hime abundantly to his_ friends,
saying :—‘‘ Of all the beautiful women in the Empire, there is
none to compare with my wife. How blooming! How
gentle! How graced with various charms! How radiant!
How genial! What perfection in every feature! She uses
not flower of lead:* she adds not oil of orchids. Through
the wide ages her equals are but few: in the present day she
stands alone and peerless.” The Emperor inclined his ear,
and listening from a distance, rejoiced in his heart. So with
the object of obtaining Waka-hime for himself, and making
her one of his concubines, he appointed Tasa Governor of
Imna,’ and promptly favoured Waka-hime. When Tasa no Omi
wedded Waka-hime, she bore to him Ye-kimi and Oto-kimi.” #
Another book says :—‘‘ Tasa no Omi’s wife, by name
' Small bells like the French grélots were used as ornaments to the wrist
or attached to garters.
2 White lead ceruse.
* Mimana or Kara in Corea, where there was a Japanese resident. |
* Elder lord and younger lord.
YURIAKU. 740
Ke-hime, was the daughter of Tamado no Sukune, son of
Katsuraki no Sotsuhiko. The Emperor, hearing of the
serene beauty of her form, slew her husband, and wedded |
her himself.”
After Tasa had arrived at his post, he learnt that the
Emperor had married his wife, and with the object of obtaining
succour, he went to Silla, which at that time did not do service
to the Central Land.'. The Emperor gave orders to Tasa no
Omi’s son Otokimi, and also to Akawo Kibi no Ama’ no
Atahe, saying :—‘‘ Do ye go and chastise Silla.” At this time
a skilled artisan of Western Aya named Kwan-in Chiri,* who
was near the Emperor, came forward and represented to him,
saying :—‘‘ There are in the Land of Han* many who are
more skilful than thy slave. Let them be sent for and made
to serve thee.”” The Emperor commanded his Ministers,
saying :—‘‘ Then let Kwan-in Chiri be joined to Otokimi and
the others, and let him get instructions from Pékché; at the
same time let an Imperial rescript be delivered directing Pékché
to offer skilled men.”’
Hereupon Otokimi, in execution of these commands, took
with him a body of men and proceeded as far as Pékché.
When he entered that land, a God of the country,’ assuming
the form of an old woman, suddenly met him on the road.
Otokimi inquired of her whether the country was far or near.
The old woman answered and said :—‘‘If thou goest on for
one day more, thou wilt then arrive there.” Otokimi thought
to himself that the way was too far, and returned without
having chastised it. He got together the Imaki® skilled
artisans who had been given as tribute by Pékché on a large
island, and under the pretence of awaiting a fair wind,
tarried there for several months. Tasa no Omi, the Governor
of Imna, pleased that Otokimi had gone away without chas-
1 The “ Central Land” is evidently Japan. The Kana has “ Mikado.”
* Fishermen.
3 Possibly these are the names of two men. The Western Aya were the
Aya of Kahachi.
4 Corea, ® This must refer to Silla.
° Imaki is the name of a place in Yoshino in Yamato. It means “ new-
comer,” and the term may have been applied in the first place to this batch
of emigrants to distinguish them from previous ones.
XGIEVA oT
XG 2 OF
EIV 542 32
350 NIHONGI.
tising Silla, secretly sent a man to Pékché, to warn Otokimi,
saying :—‘‘ Is thine own head so firm that thou canst chastise
others? A report has reached me that the Emperor has
wedded my wife, with the result that he has had children by
her. [The children are mentioned above.'] As I now fear
that calamity may reach my own person, it is well that I should
wait with foot uplifted. Do thou, my son, come over and
betake thyself to Pékché, and prevent it from communicating
with Japan, while I will repair to and hold Imna, and will also
hold no communication with Japan.” Otokimi’s wife Kusu-
hime had profound patriotic sentiment; the sense of duty
between lord and vassal was strong in her; her loyalty sur-
passed the bright sun; her principles excelled the evergreen
fir. She abominated such treason, and having stealthily
killed her husband, secretly buried him in the chamber. Then
she remained in the large island with Akawo, Ama no Atahe,
in charge of the skilled artisans presented by Pékché. The
Emperor, hearing that Otokimi was missing, sent Katashiha,
Hitaka no Kishi, and Ko An-chén.? These messengers together
made their report to the Emperor. They * were accordingly |
ultimately settled in the village of Hirokitsu in Ato in the
province of Yamato, where many of them died of disease. In
consequence of this, the Emperor commanded Muruya,
Ohotomo no Ohomuraji, to instruct Tsukami, Yamato no Aya‘
no Atahe to remove Ko-kwi, of the Potters’ Be, Kyén-kwi, of
the Saddlers’ Be, In-si-ra-ka, of the Painters’® Be, Chong-an-
na, of the Brocade-weavers’ Be, and Myo-an-na, the Inter-
preter, all belonging to the New Aya,° to other residences
at the following three places, viz., Upper Momohara, Lower
Momohara, and Magami no Hara.
‘ Asamatter of fact, they are not; the “Shukai” rejects this note.. As
the “ Shukai” editor points out, all this cannot belong to the same year of
Ytiriaku’s reign.
* Ko An-chén. Probably a Corean. Chén means copper cash, which
were unknown in Japan at this time.
* This must refer to the Pékché artisans.
* Otherwise called the Eastern Aya.
* The first mention of the art of painting.
° The Aya or Han would now appear to have three branches—the Eastern or
Yamato Aya, the Western or Kahachi Aya, and the New or Imaki Aya, whose
introduction is here related. _They all consisted of skilled men from Corea.
_ YURIAKU. 251
A certain book says :—‘‘ Otokim1, Kibi no Omi, returned
from Péekché, and presented a Be of Aya workmen, a Be
of tailors, and a Be of fleshers.”’
8th year, Spring, 2nd month. Awo, Musa no Suguri, and
Haka-toko, Hinokuma no Tami-tsukahi, were sent to the
Country of Wu.
From the accession of the Emperor up to this year eight
years had now passed, during which the Land of Silla was refrac-
tory and given to vain talk, and did not send presents. There-
fore they feared the intentions of the Central Land,’ and
cemented friendship with Kory6. Consequently the King of
Koryo sent one hundred picked soldiers to guard Silla. After
a while, one of these Koryo soldiers returned to his own
country on furlough. Now he took with him a Silla man as
groom. Turning to him, he addressed him, saying :—‘‘ Thy
country will be conquered by my country ere long.” [One
book says :—Thy country will in the.end become our territory,
and that ere long.]_ When the groom heard this, he pretended
a pain in his belly, and retiring, remained behind. At length
he made his escape to his own country, and told what
“had been said. Hereupon the King of Silla knew that Kory6o’s
guard was mere pretence, and sent messengers to run and tell
the people to kill the cocks kept in their houses. The people
knew his meaning, and killed all the men of Kory6? resident in
the country. Only one Koryo man was left, who seized an
opportunity to effect his escape and flee to his own country,
when he told the whole story. The king of Koryé accord-
ingly raised an army and encamped by the city of Chhyuk-
chong-nyu. [One book says the city of Tokushtki.| At length
they made music, with song and dance. Hereupon the King
of Silla, hearing in the night the Koryé army singing and
dancing on all sides, became aware that the enemy had occu-
pied the whole land of Silla. So he sent a man to the King of
Imna, saying :—‘“‘ The King of Koryé has attacked our country.
At this present time, like the fringes sewn on a flag,* the condi-
1 Japan.
® Kokuryé, the proper name of this country, resembles the onomatopoetic
word for the crowing of a cock: English, cock-a-doodle-doo ; French,
kokeriko ; Japanese, Bekkako.
3 Which are always wobbling about.
A.D. 464.
ELVA 2c.
352 NIHONGI.
tion of the land is more precarious than that of a pile of eggs.
The thread of life is short, and may not at all be reckoned. I
humbly beg that the Japanese Authorities * will assist me with
war generals.”
Accordingly the King of Imna persuaded Ikaruga, Kashihade
no Omi, Wonashi, Kibi no Omi, and Akameko, Naniha no
Kishi to go to the assistance of Silla. Kashihade no Omi and
the others halted before they reached the camp, and before the
Koryé generals had fought with Kashihade no Omi and the
others, they were all afraid. So Kashihade no Omi and his
colleagues did their best to keep the troops in good heart, and
urged them to get ready the means of attack. Then suddenly
they advanced and took the offensive. For more than ten
days they and the Kory6 men kept watch on one another.
When night came on they pierced a steep place, and made a
hollow way, along which they passed all the baggage wagons
and prepared an ambush. At dawn the Koryé men thought
to themselves :—‘‘ Kashihade no Omi and the others are steal-
ing away.” Sothey came in pursuit with their whole army.
Then the troops in ambush, both horse and foot, were let go,
and taking them from both sides, put them to a great rout. It
was from this that the enmity between the two countries sprang.
[By the two countries are meant Silla and Koryo.]
Kashihade no Omiand his colleagues spake to Silla, saying:
—‘‘ Thou with the utmost weakness wert pitted against the
utmost strength, and had it not been for the assistance of the
Government” troops thou wouldst assuredly have been taken at
a disadvantage and thy territory annexed. By this campaign
be warned never in future to be disobedient to the Celestial
Gourt,.’*
1 Inthe original H AS MF: The “ Shukai” editor alters this to "& Jf or
official authorities, for no better reason than that the latter term is the one
used in Kimmei’s reign. J 7 occurs frequently after this time, no doubt
being employed retrospectively. Probably the actual word used by the King
of Silla was Wa.
"1.62 Japanese.
3 It is difficult to say how much truth there is in this Corean episode. The
“Tongkam” lends no corroboration. On the contrary the only notices of
Japan which it contains about this time relate to Japanese descents on the
Silla Coast. One is recorded in 459, one in 463, and one in 476. No un-
usual enmity between Silla and Koryo at this time is mentioned in the
YURIAKU. 353
gth year, Spring, 2nd month, 1st day. Katabu,! Ofushi
Kahachi no Atahe, and an Uneme were sent to sacrifice to the
Deity of Munagata.?» Kataby and the Uneme, having arrived
at the altar-place,* were about to perform the rites, when
Katabu debauched the Uneme. When the Emperor heard
this, he said :—“ When we sacrifice to the Gods and invoke
from them blessings, should we not be watchful over our con-
duct ?”. So he sent Naniha no Hidaka no Kishi to put him to
death. But Katabu straightway took to flight, and was not to
be found. The Emperor again sent Toyoho, Yuge * no Muraji,
who searched the districts of that province far and wide, and at
length caught and slew him at Awi® no hara, in the district of
Mishima.
3rd month. The Emperor desired to chastise Silla in person,
but a God warned him, saying :—‘ Go not.” For this reason
the Emperor did not carry out his intention of going, but gave
orders to Ki no Woyumi no Sukune, Soga no Karako no Sukune,
Ohotomo no Katari *no Muraji, and Wokahi no Sukune, saying :
—“* Silla occupies the Western Land : age after age he has done
us homage: he did not neglect visits of ceremony : his payment
of tribute was duly discharged. But since We have come to rule
the Empire, he has betaken himself beyond Tsushima, and con-
cealed his traces outside of Chamna. He prevents Koryo from
sending tribute, he devours the walled cities of Pékché. Nay,
more—his missions of ceremony to this court have been
neglected and his tribute remains unpaid. With the savage
“Tongkam.” Nor does this narrative square very well with what is related
below, xiv. 26, 27. I am inclined, nevertheless, to believe that it has a solid
foundation of fact, only that the dates must be wrong.
From “ having pierced” to ‘‘ great rout” is copied mutatis mutandis from
a Chinese history of the Wei period, reign of Wu Ti, and Kashihade no
Omi’s speech to the King of Silla is extracted from the same source.
* This curious name means “ fragrance-giver.”
2 In Yamato.
* The Kana rendering is Kamu-niha (divine courtyard), which is not
exactly an altar, but a plot of ground set apart for the worship of the Gods.
See above, p. 81, note 9.
* Bow-makers.
Awi is indigo, the Polygonum tinctorium.
6 The Katari were reciters attached to the Court. Unfortunately we know
very little about them, or what the subjects of their recitations were.
Aa
A.D. 465.
PINE 20.
> GING
ENE 2 Ss
354 NIHONGI.
heart of the wolf he flies away when satiated, and sticks fast
when starving. JI appoint you four ministers to be generals.
Take a royal army and chastise him. Let the punishment of
Heaven be reverently executed.” .
Hereupon Ki no Woyumi no Sukune laid a complaint before
the Emperor through Ohotomo no Muruya no Ohomuraji, say-
ing :—‘‘ Thy servant, although feeble and incompetent, will
respectfully obey the Emperor’s orders. But now thy servant’s
wife has departed this life, and there is nobody to take care of _
thy servant. Do Thou, my Lord, I beseech Thee, represent
this matter fully to the Emperor.” Hereupon Ohotomo no
Muruya no Ohomuraji represented it fully. When the
Emperor heard this complaint, he uttered a sigh of pity. He
took an Uneme from the hither province of Kibi, Ohomi' by
name, and giving her to Ki no Woyumino Sukune, attached her
to his person to take care of him. Soat length he sent him off
with a shove to his axle.
Ki no Woyumi no Sukune and the rest accordingly entered
Silla, butchering as they went the districts along their way.
The King of Silla heard by night on all. sides the drums of the
Government army, and becoming aware that they had com-
pletely conquered the land of Tok,’ fled in confusion with several
hundred cavalry. Thereby ensued a great defeat. Woyumi
no Sukune pursued and slew the enemy’s general in the midst
of his army. The whole land of Tok was reduced ta order, but
there was a remainder which would not submit. Kino Woyumi
no Sukune again withdrew his troops, and having effected a
junction with Ohotomo no Katari no Muraji and the others, they
again, with a great display of forces, fought with the remaining
band. This evening Ohotomo no Katari no Muraji and Ki no
Okazaki no Kume no Muraji were both slain while fighting with
all their might. Tsumaro, a follower of Katari no Muraji, of
the same surname,’ afterwards came amongst the army and
asked for his master. He went along the ranks and sought for
him, making. inquiry, and saying :—‘‘ Where is my master,
Lord Ohotomo?” Then some one informed him, saying :—
1 Great sea.
? See above, p. 249, where it would seem that Tok was a part of.Kara.
3 Or title.
YURIAKU. 555;
‘““Thy masters ' have, indeed, been slain by the enemy,” and
pointed out to him the place where the dead bodies were.
Tsumaro hearing this, leaped and exclaimed, saying :—‘‘ My
master has fallen. What avails it that I alone should remain
unhurt ?”* Accordingly he too went against the enemy, and in
the same hour perished. Soon after, the rest of the band retired
of their own accord, and the Government army also followed
their example, and fell back. The general-in-chief, Ki no
Woyumi no Sukune, fell ill and died.
Summer, 5th month. Kino Ohiha no Sukune, when he heard
that his father was dead, forthwith proceeded to Silla, and
taking from Wokahi no Sukune his command of horse, foot
and ships, with the various lesser offices, exercised absolute
authority. Hereupon Wokahi no Sukune had a profound
PV 29.
resentment towards Ohiha no Sukune and made a false report
to Karako no Sukune, saying :—‘‘ Ohiha no Sukune has told
thy servant, saying :—‘ Ere long I will take the command of
Karako no Sukune from him too.’ I pray thee be well on thy
guard.” In consequence of this there was a coolness’ between
Karako no Sukune and Ohiha no Sukune. Upon this the
King of Pekché, hearing that there was a coolness between the
commanders arising out of trifling causes, sent a man to Karako
no Sukune and the others, saying:—‘‘I wish to view the
frontier of the land. I pray you be so kind as to come and
join me.” Herewith Karako no Sukune and the rest went on
with bridle-bits in a line until they came to a river, when
Ohiha no Sukune let his horse drink from the river. Then
Karako no Sukune shot at Ohiha no Sukune from behind, and
hit the hinder part of his saddle frame. Ohiha no Sukune
looked round startled, and shot Karako no Sukune down into
the mid stream, so that he died. So the three Omi, having
from before this time been rivals with one another, fell out by
the way, and returned back without having reached the Palace
of the King of Silla.
Hereupon the Uneme, Ohomi, following the dead body of
Woyumi no Sukune, arrived in Japan. She at length com-
plained to Ohotomo no Muruya no Ohomuraji, saying :—
“Thy handmaiden knows not where to bury him. I beseech
thee let a good place be selected by. divination.” The Oho-
* S7c in original.
Aa 2
ISIN S03
stG NIHONGI.
muraji accordingly reported to the Emperor, who gave com-
mand to the Ohomuraji, saying :—‘‘ The Commander-in-chief,
Ki no Woyumi no. Sukune, tossing his head like a dragon,
and glaring like a tiger, surveying with extensive view the eight
cords,’ overwhelmed the rebellious, and dashed against the
four seas.” So his body was worn out by ten thousand ri,’ and
his life succumbed in the three Han. To show Our compassion,
let there be appointed officials to conduct his funeral. Thou, my
Lord Ohotomo, art of the same province and a near neighbour
of the Lords of Ki, sothat thy connection with him is of old stand-
ing.’”’ Hereupon the Ohomuraji, having received the Emperor’s
commands, sent Wotori Hanishi* no Muraji to construct a tumu-
lus at the village of Tamuwa, and bury him there. Upon this
Ohomi, unable to contain herself for pleasure, sent to the Oho-
muraji six Corean slaves named.Muro, Te-maro, Oto-maro,
Mi-kura, Wogura and Hari.° They are the Yake-bito® Be of
the village of Kashimada in hither Kibi. Wokahi no Sukune
came specially in attendance on Ki no Woyumi no Sukune’s
corpse. He remained, however, himself in the Land of Tsuno’
and sent Yamato-ko no Muraji [it is not clear what was the
surname of this Muraji*] with a present of an eight-hand mirror
to Ohotomo no Ohomuraji to make a petition, saying :—
‘‘Thy servant cannot bear to serve the Celestial Court along
with my Lord of Ki.’ Therefore I beg permission to remain
and reside in the Land of Tsuno.” Upon this the Ohomuraji
laid the matter before the Emperor on his behalf, and he was
1 The eight cords, or measuring tapes, i.e. the eight quarters of the
universe,
° The four seas are not put for Japan, but for the universe, All this
bombast is copied from a Chinese book.
3 i.e, by distant campaigning.
4 The Hanishi were the clay-workers whose office it was to ae the clay
images which were set up round the tombs of the Emperors, His appoint-
ment was therefore an appropriate one. But although the office.and the
title sometimes coincided, as in this case, they had often nothing to do with
each other. A few pages back we had a Katari no Muraji (Chief of the
Reciters) and a Kashihade no Omi (Lord Steward) in command of troops in
Corea,
° These names are Japanese, § Domestics. 7 In Suwo.
8 This is a stupid note which the “Shukai” very properly rejects, In
“Nihongi” language Yamatc-ko no Muraji zs Sats surname.
® i.e... Ki no Ohiha no Sukune.
YURIAKU, Bae
allowed to remain and dwell in the Land of Tsuno. This was
the beginning of the Tsuno no Omi first dwelling in the land of
Tsuno, and being called Tsuno no Omi.
Autumn, 7th month, 1st day. The province of Kahachi re- XIV. 31.
ported :—‘‘ The daughter of a man of the district of Asukabe
named Hiaktison, Tanabe no Fubito, was wife to aman named
Kariu, Fumi no Obito, of the district of Furuchi. Hiakiison,
Clay Horse. °
hearing that his daughter had given birth to. a child, paid a
visit of congratulation to his son-in-law’s house. He came
home by moonlight, and was passing at the foot of the Homuda?
misasagi at Ichihiko hill, when he fell in with a horseman
mounted on a red courser, which dashed along like the flight of
* Both Hiaktison and Kariu are Chinese words. This story is apparently
a report by one of the recorders whose appointment is mentioned above,
Pp: 307.
2 Ojin Tennd.
EXCLV 5.32
A.D. 466.
el Wir ae
358 NIHONGI.
a dragon, with splendid high springing action, darting off like a
wild goose.' His strange form was of lofty mould; his remark-
able aspect was of extreme distinction. Hiaktson approached
and looked at him. In his heart he wished to possess him, so
he whipped up the piebald horse which he rode and brought
him alongside of the other, head by head and bit by bit. But
the red horse shot ahead, spurning the earth, and, galloping on,
speedily vanished in the distance. Hereupon the piebald horse
lagged behind, and, slow of foot, could not overtake the other.
But the rider of the courser, knowing Hiaktison’s wish, stopped
and exchanged horses with him, upon which they took leave of
each otherand separated. Hiaktison, greatly rejoiced at obtain-
ing such a steed, hastened home and placed him in the stable,
where he took off his saddle, foddered him, and went to sleep.
The next morning the red courser had become changed into a
horse of clay. Hiakttson, wondering at this in his heart, went
back, and, making search at the Homuda misasagi, found the
piebald horse standing among the clay horses. So he took it,
and left in its stead the clay horse which he had received in
exchange.”
roth year, Autumn, gth month, 4th day. Awo, Musa no
Sukuri, and the others arrived in Tsukushi with two geese pre-
sented by Wu. These geese were bitten by Minuma no Kimi’s
dog and died.
Another book says :—‘“‘ These geese were bitten by a dog
belonging to Nimaro, Tsukushi no Mine no Agata nushi,
and died.”
Hereupon Minuma no Kimi, unable to contain himself for
fear and sorrow, presented to the Emperor ten large wild geese
with bird-keepers, and begged that his offence might thus be
compounded for. The Emperor granted his petition.
Winter, roth month, 7th day. The bird-keepers presented
by Minuma no Kimi were settled in two places, viz. the villages
of Karu and Ihare.
1 As usual, this purpureus pannus is copied from a Chinese author.
* The clay horses here referred to were of the kind described at p. 181 as
having been substituted for the living horses previously sacrificed at the
tomb. Some of these have been preserved, and specimens may be seen in
the Museum at Uyeno, Tokio, The illustration represents one of these.
YURIAKU. 359
11th year, Summer, 5th month, Ist day. It was reported
from the district of Kurimoto in the province of Ohomi that
white cormorants dwelt on the shore at Tanagami. Orders
were therefore given to establish toneri' of Kahase.
Autumn, 7th month. There was a refugee from Pékché
who gave his name as Kwisin. It was also stated. that Kwisin
was a man of the Land of Wu. The Ihare no Kure’ no Koto-
biki and the Sakate no Yakata-maro are his descendants.
Winter, roth month. A bird of the Bird-department was
_bitten by a dog belonging to.a man of Uda and died. The
Emperor was angry, and, branding him on the face, made him
one of the Bird-keepers’ Be. Hereupon some office coolies from
the provinces of Shinano and Musashi, who were on night duty
at the Palace, talked to one another, saying:—‘‘ Ah! In our
country we pile up birds as high as a small tumulus and eat of
them morning and evening, but still some are left. Now, for
the sake of one bird, the Emperor has branded a man on the
face. He is a very unjust and wicked master.” The Emperor,
hearing this, ordered them to gather and make a heap (of birds),
and as the office coolies were unable to complete it on the spot,
he commanded that they should be enlisted in the Bird-keepers’
Be
12th year, Summer, 4th month, 4th day.’ Awo, Musa no
Sukuri, and Haka-toko Hinokuma no Tamitsukahi went on a
mission to Wu.
Autumn, 10th month, roth day. The Emperor commanded
the carpenter Mita of Tsuke [‘‘ Mita of Winabe,’”’* says one
book—probably erroneously} to commence:the erection of a
lofty edifice. Hereupon Mita ascended this high building, and
ran about nimbly on all sides as if he were flying. An Uneme
of Ise looked up to the top of this high edifice and marvelled
at his nimble movements, so that she fell down on her face in
the courtyard, and upset a dish of meat which she was serving
* No doubt to take charge of the cormorants. Kahase, which means
river-reach, may or may not be a proper name.
? Kure is the same as Wu, a part of China. Kotobiki means lute-player.
It came to be a proper name.
% From which it would seem that the office coolies were of higher rank
than the Bird-keepers.
‘ Winabe is the name of a place in Settsu. Tsuke is in Yamato.
A.D. 467.
A.D. 468.
A.D. 469.
360 NIHONGI.
to the Emperor. The Emperor forthwith suspected that Mita
had debauched this Uneme, and conceiving to himself the
thought of executing him, charged the Mononobe with this
duty. At this time Hada no Sake’ no Kimi was in attendance.
He wished by the voice of his lute to make the Emperor under-
stand, so placing his lute crosswise, and playing upon it, he
said :—
Be there for five hundred years
Prosperity
To the maid of Ise —
Of Ise
(Of the divine wind),
And until it is spent
Let me attend
With faithful service
On the Great Lord.
Let my life, too,
Be as long,
Said the carpenter,
The poor carpenter ! ?
Hereupon the Emperor understood the voice of the lute, and
pardoned the offence.
13th year, Spring, 3rd month. Hadane no Mikoto, great-
great-grandson of Saho-hiko,* secretly seduced the Uneme
Yamanobe no Koshimako. When this came to the Emperor’s
ears, he gave Hadane no Mikoto in charge to Mononobe no Me
no Ohomuraji, and made him call him to account for it.
Hadane no Mikoto purged his offence by the payment of eight
horses and eight swords, and then made a song, saying :—
For the sake of Koshimako,
Of Yamanobe,
1 Sake is {§ rice-beer. This person was, perhaps, a descendant of the
Corean Prince Chhyu mentioned above, A.D. 353, and whose name is written
with the same'character. The word Hada, however, points to a Chinese
ancestry. Hada is the Japanese traditional rendering of the character for
T‘sin, the Chinese dynasty of that name.
2 Some commentators explain part of this poem differently. The metre is
irregular.
* It is not clear why so remote a descendant of a Mikado should be called
Mikoto.
YURIAKU. 361
Some one boasts that
The eight horses
Are not even to be grudged.
Me no Ohomuraji, hearing this, reported it to the Emperor,
who made Hadane no Mikoto lay out his treasures on the
ground at Tachibana moto ' of Ichinobe in Yega. He ultimately
took the village of Nagano in Yega, and gave it to Mononobe
no Me no Ohomuraji. .
Autumn, 8th month. There was a man of Miwikuma in the
province of Harima called Ayashi no Womaro, who was strong
of body and stout of heart, and did wanton outrage, committing
robberies on the highways, and preventing traffic. He in-
tercepted the boats of merchants and plundered them every
one. He had also disobeyed the laws of the country by
neglecting to pay his taxes.
Hereupon the Emperor sent Ohoki, Kasuga no Wono no
Omi, in command of one hundred soldiers who feared not
death. They all together took torches, and having surrounded
his house, set fire to it. Now from the midst of the flames
there came forth furiously a white dog, which pursued Ohoki
noOmi. This dog wasas bigasa horse. But the complexion of
Ohokino Omi’s spirit did not change.2 He drew his sword and
slew it, whereupon it became changed into Ayashi no Womaro.
Autumn, gth month. The carpenter, Mane, of the Wina
Be, planed timber with an axe,* using a stone as ruler. All
day long he planed, and never spoiled the edge by mistake.
The Emperor visited the place, and, wondering, asked of him,
saying :—“‘ Dost thou never make a mistake and strike the
stone?” Mane answered and said :—‘‘ I never make a mis-
take!’ Then the Emperor called together the Uneme, and
made them strip off their clothing and wrestle in open view
with only their waistcloths on. Hereupon Mane ceased for a
while, and looked up at them, and then went on with his planing.
But unawares he made a slip of the hand, and spoilt the edge
_1 Tachibana moto means “ orange-stem, or orange-bottom,” and possibly
is to be taken here in this sense, and not as the name of a place.
> Here is the magician (world-wide) who can change himself into a beast,
but on being wounded or killed is obliged to assume his natural form.
3 The plane was apparently unknown.
olVencys
A.D. 470.
362 NIHONGI.
of his tool. The Emperor accordingly rebuked him, saying :—
‘Where does this fellow come from that, without respect to us,
he gives such heedless answers with unchastened heart?” So
he handed him over to the Mononobe to be executed on the
moor.
Now amongst his comrades there was a carpenter who
lamented for Mane, and made a song, saying :—
The much to be regretted
Carpenter of Winabe—
The ink-cord he applied,—
When he is no more,
Who will apply it?
Alas ! that ink-cord !?
When the Emperor heard this song, his feelings changed to
remorse, and he said with a sigh of regret :—‘‘ How many men
I have destroyed! ’’ So he mounted a messenger of mercy on
a black horse of Kahi, and made him gallop to the place of
execution to stop it and pardon him. The cords with which
he was tied were unbound, and he, too, made a song,
saying :—
As the night?
Black was the horse of Kahi—
Had they but saddled him,
My life were lost—
Ah ! that horse of Kahi!
Instead of ‘‘ My life were lost,” one book has, ‘‘ He
would not have arrived (in time).”
14th year, Spring, ist month, 13th day. Awo, Musa no
Sukuri, and the others, in company with envoys from the Land
" The ink-cord is a contrivance for ruling lines on wood, used to this day
by Japanese carpenters. A cord is passed through a pot of ink and then
drawn taut, and let go so as to strike the wood. A chalked line is some;
times used in the same way in this country. See illustration in “ Trans-
actions of Japan Society,” Vol. II. p. 217. The metre of this poem is
irregular, being a tanka with an additional line of seven syllables between
the second and third.
* This is one of many explanations of the conventional epithet nubatama,
applied to dark or black things.
YURIAKU. 368
of Wu, and bringing with them skilled workmen presented by
Wu, viz. Aya weavers and Kure' weavers, as well as the
seamstresses Ane-hime and Oto-hime, anchored in the harbour
of Suminoye. In this month the Shihatsu highway was carried
through as a road for the guests from Wu. It was called the
Kure-saka.?
3rd month. The Emperor commanded the Omi and Muraji
to go to receive the envoys from Wu. The men of Wu were
accordingly settled on the moor of Hinokuma, which was
therefore called Kure-hara.* The seamstress Ane-hime was
presented to the God of Oho-Miwa, and Oto-hime was
appointed to the Be of Aya seamstresses. The Aya weavers,
the Kure weavers and the seamstresses—these were the founders
of the Asuka Seamstresses’ Be and of the Ise Seamstresses’ Be.
Summer, 4th month, 1st day. The Emperor, wishing to
make a feast for the men of Wu, asked the ministers, one after
another, saying :—‘‘ Who will be the best man to keep them
company at table ?”’ The ministers all said :—‘‘ Neno Omi will
be the proper person.” The Emperor accordingly gave command
to Ne no Omi, and appointed him to keep them company in
eating. Ultimately the men of Wu were entertained at Taka-
nukuhara in Iso no Kami.* Now a Toneri was sent secretly
to observe the ornamentation. The Toneri reported to the
Emperor, saying :—‘‘ The jewel head-dress worn by Ne no Omi
is very noble, and extremely lovely.’’ Moreover, everybody
said, ‘‘ He also wore it before when he went to receive the men
of Wu.” Hereupon the Emperor, wishing to see it himself,
gave orders to the Omi and Muraji, and made them present
themselves before the hall in the dress which they wore at the
banquet. The Empress looked up to Heaven and, with sobs
and tears, lamented bitterly. The Emperor inquired of her,
saying :—‘‘ Why weepest thou?”’ The Empress, leaving the
1 For Aya and Kure the Chinese characters are vi and Jk, ive. Han
and Wu, the Chinese dynasties so called. But in this connection the
Japanese render these names by Aya and Kure.
The “ Shukai” editor has a note here to the effect that Han is Chang-an
and Loh-yang, formerly capitals of Han ; Wu is Chien-kang (Chien-yeh ?),
the Wu capital, near the present Nanking. ;
2 Wu acclivity. 3 The plain of Wu. It is in Yamato.
4 Yamato.
SVE Os
CIV AO:
A.D. 471.
364 NIHONGI.
couch, answered him, saying:—‘‘ This jewel head-dress was
presented on behalf of thy handmaiden by her elder brother,
Prince Oho-kusaka, when, in obedience to the orders of the
Emperor Anaho, he offered her to Your Majesty.!. Therefore I
conceived suspicion of Ne no Omi, and unawares shed tears
and wept for grief.’ When the Emperor heard this he
was astonished, and was very wroth. He pressed it sharply
home to Ne no Omi, who replied, saying :—‘‘ I have deserved
to die! I have deserved to die! Truly it is thy servant’s
fault.” The Emperor commanded, saying :—‘‘ From this time
forward let Ne no Omi, his children, his descendants, and his
eighty connections have no concern with the order of Ministers
of State.”” He was about to put Ne no Omi to death, but he
ran away and hid himself. Arriving at Hine, he made a rice-
castle, in which he stood on the defensive, but was ultimately
slain by the Government forces. The Emperor ordered the
officials to divide his descendants into two parts, one of which
was constituted common people of the Oho-kusaka Be, and
was allotted in fief to the Empress; the other part was given
to the Chinu no Agata-nushi, and made sack-bearers. So
having sought out a descendant of Hikaka, Naniha no Kishi,’ a
title was granted to him, and he was made Oho-kusaka Be no
Kishi.
After matters had become quiet, Wone* no Omi [Wone no
Omi was the son of Ne no Omi], when lying down at night,
said to some one :—‘‘ The Emperor’s castle is not strong ; my
father’s castle is strong.” These words came to the Emperor’s
ears. He sent a man to see Ne no Omi’s house. It was really
as had been said. Therefore he seized him and put him to
death. Ne no Omi’s descendants were made Sakamoto no
Omi. From this they had their beginning.
15th year. The Hada House* was dispersed. The Omi
and Muraji each enforced their services at pleasure, and would
not allow the Hada no Miyakko to control them. Con-
sequently Sake, Hada no Miyakko, made a great grievance of
1 See above, p. 330. * See above, p. 331. 3 Wo means little.
* Hada. Several families of this name are mentioned in the “ Seishiroku.”
They were believed to be descended from She Hwang-Ti, the celebrated
Chinese Emperor of the T‘sin dynasty, who reigned B.C. 221 to 209,
YURIAKU. 365
this, and took office with the Emperor. The Emperor loved
and favoured him, and commanded that the Hada House
should be assembled and given to Lord Sake of Hada. So
this. Lord, attended by excellent Be workmen of 180! kinds,
presented as industrial taxes fine silks, which were piled up so
as to fill the Court. Therefore he was granted a title, viz.
Udzu-masa. [Some say Udzumori masa, the appearance of
all being piled up so as to fill.”]
16th year, Autumn, 7th month. The Emperor ordered those
provinces and districts which were suitable for mulberry trees
to plant mulberry trees. He again dispersed to other places
the Hada House, and made them bring tribute of industrial
taxes.
Winter, roth month. The Emperor ordered the Aya Be to
be brought together, and established their Tomo no Miyakko,
granting him the title of Atahe. |
One book says :—‘‘ Granted the Aya no Omi the title of
Atahe.”
17th year, Spring, 3rd month, 2nd day. The Hanishi* no
Muraji were made to present pure vessels suitable for serving
the Emperor’s morning and evening meals. Hereupon Ake,
the ancestor * of the Hanishi no Muraji, presented to the
Emperor a Be of his private subjects of the village of Kusasa in
the province of Settsu, of the villages of Uchi and Fushimi in
the province of Yamashiro, of the village, of Fuji-kata in the
province of Ise, and also from Tamba, Tajima and Inaba, and
named them the Nihe* no Hanishi Be.
18th year, Autumn, 8th month, roth day. The Mononobe
Ushiro no Sukune and the Mononobe Me no Muraji were sent
to smite Ise no Asahi no Iratsuko. Asahi no Iratsuko, hearing
of the approach of the Government troops, opposed them in
battle at Awohaka® in Iga. Priding himself on his skill in
archery, he addressed the Government army, saying :—‘* Who
1 180 is, of course, a fancy number.
* This is an attempt to connect this name with ¢szmoru, to be piled up.
3 Potters.
4 Ancestor here cannot mean founder of the House.
’ Nihe means food ; these potters were for the supply of the Emperor’s
table utensils.
6 Green tumulus.
IVa.
A.D. 472.
A.D. 473:
DLV Az.
A.D. 474.
SEV 43.
AD. 475.
A.D. 476.
366 NIHONGI.
is a match for the hand of Asahi no Iratsuko? The arrow
which he lets fly will pierce two thicknesses of armour.” The
Government troops were all afraid, and Ushiro no Sukune did
not dare to advance to the combat. They awaited each other
for two days and one night. Hereupon the Mononobe Me no
Muraji armed himself with his sword, and making Oho-wono-
te,’ of the Mononobe of Kiku in Tsukushi, take his shield and
call out in the midst of the army, advanced along with him.
Asahi no Iratsuko saw them from afar off, and shot an arrow
through Oho-wono-te’s shield and two-fold armour which at
the same time entered the flesh of his body to the depth of
an inch. Oho-wono-te screened with his shield the Mononobe,
Me no Muraji, and Me no Muraji caught Asahi no Iratsuko
and slew him. Accordingly Ushiro no Sukune, beside himself
with shame, for seven days did not make his report to the
Emperor. But the Emperor inquired of his Ministers in
attendance, saying :—‘‘ Why does not Ushiro no Sukune make
his report?” Now there was a man named Sanuki no Ta-
mushi Wake who came forward and addressed the Emperor,
saying :—‘‘ Ushiro no Sukune is a coward. For the space of
two days and one night he was unable to seize Asahi no
Iratsuko. Then the Mononobe, Me no Muraji, taking with
him Oho-wono-te, a Mononobe of Kiku in Tsukushi, caught
and slew Asahi no Iratsuko.” When the Emperor heard
this he was angry, and promptly taking away from Ushiro
no Sukune his Be of Wina,’ gave it to the Mononobe Me no
Muraji.
19th year, Spring, 3rd month, 13th day. By Imperial
command, the Anaho Be was established.*
2oth year,* Winter. The “King of Koryé raised a great
army and utterly smote Peékché. There was but a small
remnant left, which assembled and occupied Chhang-ha.*
Their victuals became exhausted, and deep was hereupon the
' Great-axe-hand.
> The village of Wina-Be, in Ise, with its inhabitants.
3 In memory of the Emperor Anaho.
* The “ Tongkam” date is 475. We have now arrived at pretty exact
chronology.
: ‘ T. The traditional Kana renders this Hesu-oto—perhaps an
attempt to reproduce the native Corean name.
YURIAKU. 36.7
weeping and lamentation. Upon this the Koryé generals
addressed their King, saying:—‘‘ There is something extra-
ordinary in the temper of Pékché. Whenever thy servants
observe them, they seem unaware of their own ruin. It
is to be feared that they will again spread forth and revive.
We pray that they may be at length got rid of.” The King
said:—‘“‘ No! I, the unworthy one, have heard that the Land
of Pekché is under the jurisdiction of the Country of Japan,
and that this connection is of old standing. It is also known
to all the neighbouring countries that their King repairs to
Japan and serves the Emperor.” Ultimately it (the proposal
to exterminate the Pékché people). was abandoned.
The Pékché record says :—‘ King Kéro, year Kinoto U
(475), Winter. A large army from Koryd came and
besieged the great castle for seven days and seven nights.
The Royal castle surrendered, and at length they destroyed
Wi-nyé.. The King, Queen, and Princes all fell into the
hands of the enemy.”
2Ist year, Spring, 3rd month. The Emperor, hearing that
Pekché had been conquered by Koryé, gave Kuma-nari to
King Munchu, and so lent aid to his country. The men of
that day all said :—‘‘ The Land of Pékché, though their race
was destroyed, assembled and lamented at Chhang-ha. They
with true hearts appealed to the Emperor, who restored their
country.” .
King Munchu was King Kéro’s younger brother by the
mother’s side. An ancient Japanese record says :—‘‘ The
statement that Kumanari was given to King Mata? is
probably an error. Kumanari is a separate village of the
district of Lower Takori? in Imna.”
ae %. The Coreans call him Fe K, ie. Mu-t8. He was Munchu’s
successor. The Traditional Kana has Arushi for P, lower. The Corean for
Lower is aré.
The syllable ko in this name is probably an error, as below (reign of
Keidai), Upper Tari and Lower Tari are mentioned as districts. National
vanity is a powerful stimulus to the mythopeeic faculty, and the above
narrative must be taken with a few grains of salt. But it is no doubt true
in the main. The “Tongkam,” which gives a short account of the war,
says that Silla sent an army of 10,000 men to the assistance of Pakché.
Under the year 475 it records the removal of the Pékché capital to Ung-
NCI Ais.
A.D. 477.
A.D. 478.
368 NIHONGI.
22nd year, Spring, Ist month. Prince Shiraga was made
Heir Apparent.
Autumn, 7th month. A man of Tsutsukaha in the district
of Yosa in the province of Tamba, the child of Urashima of
Midzunoye, went fishing in a boat. At length he caught a
large tortoise,* which straightway became changed into a
woman. Hereupon Urashima’s child fell in love with her, and
made her his wife. They went down together into the sea and
reached Horai San,’ where they saw the genii. The story is
in another Book.’ |
23rd year, Summer, 4th month. King Munkeun‘ of Pekché
died.
chin. Now Ung-chin or Ung-chhén (fe Ee or Ae iD was a town in
Kyong-syang-do, near the present Keumhé, and the meaning is Bear-port
or Bear-river, evidently, therefore, the same with the Kuma-nari of the
text. Kuma is for koma, the Corean word for bear, and nari is a dialectical
or ancient form of nai (pronounced né), river. It occurs above in the name
of the river which the King of Silla swears by at p..231. Ung-chin or
Kuma-nari was in the Imna territory, the capital of which was Keumhé,
then controlled by Japan, and it is not at all improbable that it should be
ceded to Pékché on this occasion.
The “ Tongkam” mentions a Japanese descent on the eastern coast of
Silla in 476. They were driven off with a loss of 200 men.
Or turtle,
2 “ Mount Horai is the P‘éng-Lai-Shan of the Chinese, one of the Three
Isles of the Genii, which were believed to lie in the Eastern Sea, opposite to
the coast of China. This happy group was the paradise of the Genii, who
there maintained a sempiternal vigour by quaffing the waters of the fountain
of life which flowed for them in a perpetual stream. The pine, the plum,
the peach-tree, and the sacred fungus grow for ever upon its rocky shores ;
and the ancient crane builds its nest upon the giant limbs of its never-
dying pine.” Catalogue of Japanese paintings in the British Museum,
Anderson, p. 224. See also Dickins’ “ Taketori-Monogatari,” in the “ R.A.S.
Transactions.” The “ Manyoshiu,” an ancient collection of Japanese poems,
contains a beautiful version of this legend, which has been rendered into
English verse by Mr. B. H. Chamberlain, in his “ Classical Poetry of the
Japanese,” and of which a prose version may be found in my grammar of
the Japanese written language. The Chinese and Japanese legendary lore
associated with Horai San is of boundless extent.
The Interlinear Kana renders Hoérai San by Tokoyo no Kuni, or Eternal
Land, which is quite inadequate.
3 The “Shukai”’ editor rejects this as an unauthorized addition.
4 There is no Pékché king of this name. King Sam-Keun (= JF‘), who
died in this year (the month differs), is doubtless meant. The first
YURIAKU. 369
The Emperor summoned within the Palace Prince Mata
(Mute), the second of Prince Konchi’s five sons, who was young
in years, but intelligent. He himself stroked the Prince’s face
and head, and made a gracious decree, appointing him to reign
over that country. He also gave him weapons, and at the
same time furnished him with 500 soldiers of the Land of
_ Tsukushi to escort him to his country. He became King
Tong-syéng."
This year, tribute was sent from Pékché in excess of the
regular amount.
Tsukushi no Achi no Omi and Umakahi no Omi, in com-
mand of a naval force, attacked Koryé.
Autumn, 7th month. The Emperor took to his sick-bed,
and was ill at ease. By an Imperial decree he committed
rewards and punishments, together with financial matters, great
and small alike, to the charge of the Prince Imperial.
8th month, 7th day. The Emperor’s disease became more
and more grave. He took leave of all the functionaries. He
pressed all their hands with sobs and lamentations, and died
in the Great Hall, having left command to Ohotomo no
Muruya no Ohomuraji and Yamato-Aya no Tsuka no Atahe,
saying :—‘‘ At the present time, the world is one household:
smoke and fire are 10,000 ri distant:* the people are well-
ordered: the four barbarians are submissive. This is by the
will of Heaven, which desires to bestow peace throughout
character W%& came in somehow from the name of the preceding King
(4C Ji) Munchu. The following is from the “ Tongkam,” IV. 32, under
the date A.D. 477. “Summer, 4th month. The King of Pékché appointed
his eldest son Samkeun to be Heir Apparent. Héku of Pékché killed his
Prince Munchu. The Heir Apparent Samkeun came to the throne. His
age was thirteen. The military administration of the country was placed
in entire charge of Héku. Before this Héku exercised authority in an
arbitrary way, and corrupted the laws, cherishing feelings of disloyalty to
his Prince. The King (Munchu) was unable to control him. Hereupon
the King went hunting and stayed abroad for the night, and Héku sent a
robber who murdered him.” Héku was put to death in the following year.
In 479 we have the following :—“ Winter, 11th month. King Samkeun
of Pékché died, and was succeeded by Muté, son of King Munchu’s younger
brother Konchi.
* East Castle, probably in allusion to the Eastern situation of Ungchin.
2 War is far off.
B b
RIV cas
3270 NIHONGI.
the land. Therefore with careful mind inciting myself, I have
been every day watchful for that day, for the sake of the
people. The Omi, the Muraji and the Tomo no Miyakko
daily attend the court: the Governors of provinces and’ of
districts in due season assemble in court. How shall they not
with their whole hearts diligently observe the Imperial decrees ?
In principle our relation is that of Prince and vassal, but in
feeling it is also that of father and child. It was my hope that
by the help of the wisdom of the Omi and Muraji the hearts
of the people both in the capital and elsewhere might be
rejoiced, and I desired long to preserve peace throughout the
Empire. But unexpectedly disease has come upon me. It
has rooted itself deeper and deeper, and has greatly increased.
This is the common lot of humanity, and is not worth wasting
words over.
But in the capital and in the country the clothing and caps
have not yet attained to freshness and neatness: civilization
and Government still remain short of perfection. When ‘I
begin to reflect on this, I am simply lost in chagrin. But
it is now many years since I could be described as in the
vigour of youth. My strength of body and of mind have
together become worn out. What I now do is of course not
for my own benefit, but solely from a desire to facilitate the
nourishment of the people. Therefore is it that I do this.
What one of the descendants of mankind is absent from my
thought? For the sake of the Empire, private feelings
should be severed. At the present time! Prince Hoshikaha
cherishes treason in his heart. His conduct is wanting in
friendliness towards (his brethren).’? It has been said by a
man of old :—‘ There is no one who knows the minister so
well as his Lord: there is no one who knows the child so weil
as his father.’ Even supposing that Hoshikaha should make
up his mind to unite (with his brethren) in ruling the State,
certain disgrace would come universally upon the Omi and
Muraji, and a cruel poison overflow the nation. Now a bad.
descendant is to be dreaded for the people’s sake: a good
+ S6e 0337.
* “His brethren” is not in the original, but there is an allusion to the
Shooking (Legge, Vol. III. Pt. II. p. 535), where the complete phrase is
found.
YURIAKU. BWA
descendant is sufficient to sustain the burden of the Great —
Task.’ Although this is a matter concerning Our House, in
principle it does not admit of concealment. The Ohomuraji
and the officials of the Home Department are widespread and
pervade the whole country: the Prince Imperial, who is in the
position of becoming my successor, is known to the world for
his benevolence and filial piety. His conduct is such that he
is a sufficient person to carry out Our ideas. If along with
him ye administer the Empire, even although Our eyes are
closed, what room is there for repining ?”’?
In one book it is said :—‘‘ It is known to all the world
that Prince Hoshikaha is of an evil disposition and of a
violent heart. If unfortunately after Our death he should
attempt to harm the Prince Imperial, ye and the officials
of the Home Department are very numerous. Strive your
utmost to render each other mutual aid, and let there be
no contemptuousness.”’ |
At this time Oshiro, Kibi no Omi, General of the expedition
against Silla, arrived at the province of Kibi, and passed by
his house. Afterwards 500 Yemishi under his command,
hearing of the Emperor’s death, spoke to one another,
saying :—‘‘The Emperor who controls our country is dead.
The opportunity should not be lost.’ So assembling them-
selves into a band, they invaded the neighbouring districts.
Hereupon Oshiro came from his house, and meeting the
Yemishi at Port Saba,’ fought with them, and shot at the
Yemishi. But some skipped and others lay down, thereby
succeeding in avoiding the arrows. In the end he was unable
to shoot them. Therewith Oshiro twanged his empty bow by
the sea-shore, and of the skippers and skulkers two companies
were shot to death." Two cases of arrows were all used up..
So he called to boatmen and asked them for arrows. But
they were afraid, and of their own accord retired. Then
1 The sovereignty.
? This speech is copied, with some unimportant changes, from a passage
in a Chinese History of the Sui dynasty, where it is assigned to the Emperor
Kaotsu, who died A.D. 604, i.e. 125 years afver the death of Yiriaku.
3 In Suwo.
* Chinese legend mentions archers so skilful that they could shoot birds
and beasts without any arrows whatever.
Bab 2
EXSTAV Gat tre
372 NIHONGI.
Oshiro set up his bow, and taking it by the end, made a song,
saying :—
On the way he met them,
The Boy of Oshiro !
It is in Heaven only that
Unheard of he will be,
For on Earth at least
He will be heard of.
Having finished this song, he slew many men with his own
hand and pursued them on as far as Port Uragake in the Land
XIV. 52. of Tamba, where they were all massacred.
One book says :—“‘ He pursued them as far as Uragake,
and then sent men who slew them all.”
Book 15
THE EMPEROR SHIRAGA | -TAKE-HIRO-KUNI-OSHI-WAKA-YAMATO-
NEKO.
(SEINEI? TENNO.)
Tue Emperor Shiraga-take-hiro-kuni-oshi-waka-Yamato-neko
was the third child of the Emperor Ohohatsuse-waka-take.
His mother’s name was Katsuraki no Kara-hime. The
Emperor’s hair was white * from his birth. When he grew up
to manhood, he loved the people. The Emperor Ohohatsuse
‘had a special admiration for him amongst all his children, and
in the 22nd year of his reign appointed him Prince Imperial.
The Emperor Ohohatsuse died in the 8th month of the 23rd
year of his reign. Then Kibino Waka-hime secretly addressed
the Imperial Prince, the younger son Hoshikaha, saying :—
‘“‘If thou dost desire to ascend to the Imperial rank, do thou
first of all take the office of the Treasury.” The eldest son,
the Imperial Prince Ihaki, hearing this advice of the Lady his
mother to her younger son, said :—‘‘ Although the Prince
Imperial is my younger brother, why should he be betrayed ?
This thing should not be done.’ But Prince Hoshikaha
would not give ear. He rashly followed the advice of the
Lady his mother. Finally he took possession of the Treasury,
and locked the outer door, therewith making provision against
1 Shiraga means white hair. The “ Kojiki” gives his name as Shiraga
no oho-Yamato-neko.
2 Seinei, pure and tranquil.
3 The same thing is related of the Chinese philosopher Laotze and other
Chinese worthies.
DOV822
pg
374 NIHONGI.
disaster. He exercised arbitrary authority, and squandered
the official property. Hereupon Ohotomo no Muruya no Oho-
muraji spake to Yamato no Aya no Tsuka no Atahe, saying :—
“The time has now come when the dying injunctions of the
Emperor Ohohatsuse are to be fulfilled. It is meet that we
should comply with them and do service to the Prince
Imperial.” So they raised an armed force and besieged the
Treasury. They blockaded it from without, and setting fire
to it, roasted to death the Imperial Prince Hoshikaha. At
this time Kibi no Waka-hime, the Imperial Prince Ihaki, Ani-
kimi,' his elder brother by a different father, and Ki no Okazaki
no Kume’* were roasted to death along with him. Then
_ Wone, the Agata-nushi of Mino in Kahachi, in trepidation
and alarm, burst away from the fire and made his escape. He
embraced the legs of Ayahiko, Kishi of Kusakabe, and through
him begged his life of the Ohomuraji, Ohotomo no Muruya,
saying :—‘‘ Thy slave Wone, the Agata-nushi, was the faithful
servant of the Imperial Prince Hoshikaha, but yet he was not
rebellious towards the Prince Imperial. He prays that a
generous mercy be accorded him, and a human life spared.
Accordingly Ayahiko represented this fully to Ohotomo, the
Ohomuraji, on his behalf, and he was not entered in the rank
of those who were executed. Wone thereupon made repre-
sentation to the Ohomuraji through Ayahiko, saying :—‘* My
Lord Ohotomo the Ohomuraji, owing to thy great mercy
bestowed on me, my life, which was in imminent danger, has
been continued and lengthened so that I can see the light of
day.” So he hastened to present to the Ohomuraji ten ché of
rice-land at Ohowido in the village of Kume in Naniha. He
also presented rice-land to Ayahiko as a return for the favour
shown him.:
In this month, the Omi of the upper province of Kibi,
hearing of the disturbances at the Court, wished to aid their
uterine brother, the Imperial Prince Hoshikaha, and came
floating over the sea with a fleet of forty war vessels. When
they arrived they heard of the roasting to death, and went
away again without landing. The Emperor straightway sent
? Or Ye-kimi. This name means elder Lord.
* Probably for Kume no Muraji.
SEINEI, $75
messengers to call the Omi' of Upper Kibi to an account, and
to deprive them of the mountain Be of which they had
control.
Winter, roth month, 4th day. The Ohomuraji, Ohotomo
no Muruya, attended by the Omi and Muraji, delivered to the
Prince Imperial the Seal.
Ist year, Spring, Ist month, 15th day. The Emperor, by
command to the officials, prepared an arena at Mikakuri in
Ihare, and there assumed the Imperial Dignity. He at length
established his Palace, and honoured Katsuraki no Kara-hime
with the title of Grand Consort. The Ohomuraji, Ohotomo
no Muruya, was made Ohomuraji, and the Oho-omi of Matori
in Heguri was made Oho-omi, so that both were continued in
their former positions. The Omi, Muraji, and Tomo no
Miyakko each took the rank belonging to their several offices.
Winter, roth month, gth day. The Emperor Ohohatsuse
was buried in the misasagi on the Takawashi plain in Tajihi.
At this time the Hayato lamented night and day beside the
misasagi, and refused the food which was offered them. Seven
days passed, and then they died. The officials constructed a
mound to the north of the tumulus, where they were buried
A.D. 480.
with due ceremony. This was the year Kanoye Saru (57th) of XV. 4.
the Cycle.
2nd year, Spring, 2nd month. The Emperor, vexed that he
had no children, sent the Ohomuraji, Ohotomo no Muruya, to
the provinces, and established the Be of Shiraga no Toneri,’
the Be of Shiraga no Kashihade,* and the Be of Shiraga no
Yugehi,’ in the hope of leaving a trace which might be seen of
posterity. >
Winter, r1th month. For the purpose of the offerings of
the feast of first-fruits, Wodate, of the Be of Kume of Iyo,
ancestor of the Yamabe no Muraji and Governor of Harima,
was sent thither. In the new muro of Hosome, Miyakko
* No doubt the Yamamori Be or Mountain wardens mentioned in the
reign of Ojin
* Kara-hime, not having been Empress, could not be appointed Grand
Empress like other Imperial relicts.
* Attendants. 4 Stewards.
® Lit. quiver-bearers, or archers, a part of the Imperial Guard. The
“* Kojiki” mentions only a Shiraga Be.
A.D. 481.
XV,
A.D. 482.
370 NIHONGI.
of the Oshinomi Be and Obito of the granary of Shijimi in the
district of Akashi, he saw Ohoke and Woke, sons of the
Imperial Prince Oshiha of Ichinobe. He took them together
reverently to his bosom, recognized them as his lords, and
attended to their nurture with extreme care. -From his own
private income he arranged for the construction of a palace of
brushwood, in which he lodged them temporarily, and
mounting a swift steed, hastened to inform the Emperor.
The Emperor was astonished, and after exclaiming for a good
while, he said with emotion :—‘‘ Admirable! Delightful!
Heaven in its bountiful love has bestowed on us two children.”’
In this month he sent Wodate with a token of authority, and
some of the Toneri in attendance on him, to Akashi to meet
them (and escort them back).
The story’ is given in the history of the Emperor Woke.
3rd year, ist month, ist day. Wodate and his companions
arrived in the province of Settsu, escorting Ohoke and Woke.
Then Omi and ‘Muraji were sent, with emblems of authority
and a royal green-canopied carriage,” to meet them and bring
them into the Palace.
Suminer, 4th month, 7th day.. Prince Ohoke was appointed
Prince Imperial, and Prince Woke was made an Imperial
Prince.
Autumn, 7th month. Regina (princess) Ihitoyo primum
coivit cum maritoin Palatio Tsunuzashi. Dixit alicui :—‘‘ Nunc
aliquantum cognovi viam feminarum. Quid habet mirum in se ?
Non sum cupida unquam rursus coéundi cum viro.” [It is not
clear that she had a husband at this time. |
gth month, 2nd day. The Omi and Muraji were sent on
circuit to inspect the manners and customs.
Winter, roth month, 4th day. An edict was made pro-
hibiting dogs, horses, and playthings from being offered to the
Emperor.*
11th month, 18th day. The Omi and Muraji were feasted in
the Great Court, and received presents of floss-silk. They
1 See below, XV: 8, also'Ch. K., p. 328.
* This is purely Chinese. Motowori says that no such vehicles were ever
known in Japan.
* These same words are found in a History of the Chinese Sui Dynasty,
under the year 581 A.D.
K ENZO. 377
were all allowed to take as much as they pleased themselves,
and they went forth exerting their utmost strength.
In this month, the various outlying provinces beyond the
sea all sent envoys with tribute.
4th year, Spring, rst. month, 7th day. The envoys of the
various outlying provinces beyond the sea were feasted in the
Audience Hall, and received presents of various values.
Summer, Intercalary 5th month. There was a national
drinking festival, which lasted five days.’
Autumn, 8th month, 7th day. The Emperor personally
held an inspection” of prisoners. On this day the Yemishi
and Hayato together rendered homage.
gth month, 1st day. The Emperor was present in the Hall
of Archery. He invited the functionaries and the envoys from
beyond the sea to join in the shooting. Each received presents
varying in value.
5th year, ist month, 16th day. The Emperor died in the
Palace. His years were many.’
Winter, 11th month, 9th day. He was buried in the misasagi
on the Sakato plain in Kahachi.
THE EMPEROR WOKE.
(KENZO* TENNO.)
The Emperor Woke (otherwise called Kume no Wakako)
was the grandchild of the Emperor Ohoye’ no Izaho-wake and
son of the Imperial Prince Ichinobe no Oshiha. His mother’s
name was Hayehime.
’ The History of the Chinese Emperor Ming Ti (58—75 A.D.) has mention
of a great drinking festival lasting five days.
2 Williams says that Ek in this phrase means ‘“‘to release.” No doubt
the object was to release such as were deserving of pardon.
8 His age is reckoned variously by other authorities at thirty-nine and
forty-one.
4 Tllustrious ancestry.
5 His name is not given elsewhere with.the prefix Ohoye, which means
“ oreat elder brother.”
A.D. 483.
A.D. 484.
OV ae
GV eS
378 NIHONGI. °
'
In the ‘Genealogy’ it is said:—‘‘ The Imperial Prince
Oshiha of Ichinobe took to wife Hayehime, daughter of
Ari no Omi, and at length had by her three sons and two
_ daughters. The first was named Winatsu hime, the second
Prince Ohoke, also called Shima no Wakako, also called
Ohoshi no Mikoto, the third was named Prince Woke, also
called Kume no Wakako, the fourth was named Princess
Thitoyo, also called Princess Oshinomibe, and the fifth
Prince Tachibana. In one book Princess Ihitoyo is
ranked above Prince Ohoke. Ari no Omi was the son of
Hada no Sukune.”
The Emperor, having lived for a long time on the borders,
was thoroughly acquainted with the miseries of the people, and
whenever he saw them oppressed, he felt as if his own four
members were plunged in a ditch. He dispensed virtuous in-
fluence, he bestowed blessings ; the regulations of government
were everywhere enforced ; charity was shown to the poor, and
the husbandless were supported. The Empire rendered him
cordial allegiance. |
In the roth month of the 3rd year of the Emperor Anaho,
the Emperor’s father,' the Imperial Prince Ichinobe no Oshiha
was slain, together with the Toneri, Saheki be no Nakachiko,
. by the Emperor Ohohatsuse on the moor of Kaya.*, They were
accordingly buried in the same grave. Thereupon the Emperor?
and Prince Ohoke, hearing that their father had been shot to
death, were afraid, and both escaped and hid themselves. The
Toneri, Omi, Kusakabe no Muraji [Omi is the personal name of
Kusakabe no Muraji], with his son Adahiko, secretly served the
Emperor and Prince Woke, so that they avoided disaster by
fleeing to the district of Yosa in the province of Tamba. Omi
at length changed his name and called himself Tatoku, but
being still afraid of being put to death, he fled from this place
to a cave in Mount Shijimi in the province of Harima. There
he strangled himself. The Emperor, being still ignorant
whither Omi had gone, urged his elder brother, Prince Ohoke,
to turn his steps towards the district of Akashi in the province
of Harima. There they both changed their names to Tamba
? i.e. Emperor Woke’s father. > See above, p. 336.
3 Woke is meant.
KENZO. 379
no Waraha,' and entered the service of the Obito of the Shijimi
granafies.
The Obito of the Shijimi granaries was Hosome Oshi-
nomi Be no Miyakko.
Adahiko at this time did not leave them, but remained constant
to his duty as their vassal.
In Winter, the 11th month of the 2nd year of the reign of
the Emperor Shiraga, the Governor of the province of Harima,
Wodate Iyo no Kumebe, ancestor of the Yamabe no Muraji,
went to the district of Akashi to make arrangements in person
for the offerings of the festival of first-fruits.
One writing says :—‘‘ Went on a circuit to the kohori
and agata’ to collect the land tax.”
It so happened that he arrived just when the Obito of the
granaries of Shijimi was holding a house-warming for a new
muro and was extending the day by adding to it the night.
Hereupon the Emperor spake to his elder brother, Prince
Ohoke, saying:—‘‘ Many years have passed since we fled
hither to escape ruin. It belongs to this very evening to reveal
our names and to disclose our high rank.” Prince Ohoke
exclaimed with pity :—‘‘ To make such an announcement our-
selves would be fatal. Which of us could keep safe his person
and avoid danger?” The Emperor said :—‘‘ We, the grand-
sons of the Emperor Izahowake, are a man’s drudges, and feed
his horses and kine. What better can we do than make known
our names and be slain?” At length he and Prince Ohoke fell
into each other’s arms and wept, being unable to contain their
emotion. Prince Ohoke said:—‘‘In that case who else but
thou, my younger brother, is capable of making a heroic effort,
and is therefore fit to make this disclosure?” The Emperor
refused firmly, saying :—‘‘ Thy servant has no ability. How
can he make so bold as to display virtuous action?” Prince
Ohoke said:—‘‘ There are here none to excel my younger
brother in ability and wisdom.” And in this way they mutu-
ally held back each in favour of the other for two or three
times. It was ultimately arranged, with the Emperor’s con-
sent, that he should make the announcement. Together they
went to the outside of the muro and sat down in the lowest
* The boys of Tamba. ? Districts.
XV.
XV.
9.
Io.
380 NIHONGI,
place. The Obito of the granary ordered them io sit beside the
cooking-place and hold lights to right and left. When the
night had become profound, and the revel was at its height,
and every one had danced in turn, the Obito of the granary
addressed Wodate, saying :—‘‘ Thy servant observes that these
light-holders honour others, and abase themselves; they put
others before, and themselves behind. By their respectfulness
they show their observance of just principles; by their retiring
behaviour they illustrate courtesy. They are worthy of the
name of gentlemen.” Upon this Wodate played on the lute
and gave orders to the light-holders, saying :—‘‘ Get up and
dance.” Then the elder and younger brothers declined in each
other’s favour for a good while and did not get up. Wodate
urged them, saying:—‘‘ Wherefore all this delay? Get up
quickly and dance.”” Prince Ohoke got upand danced. When
he had done, the Emperor stood up in his turn, and having
adjusted his dress and girdle, proposed a health for the Muro,
saying :—
The Dolichos roots? of the new muro which he has upbuilt ;
The pillars which he has upbuilt—
These are’ the calm of the august heart of the master of the house :
The ridge-poles which he has raised aloft—
These are the grove * of the august heart of the master of the house :
The rafters which he has set—
These are the perfect order of the august heart of the master of the house :
The laths which he has placed—
These are the fairness of the august heart of the master of the house :
’ The Dolichos roots present a difficulty. They are better known for
yielding a starchy food like arrowroot than as material for house-building.,
The stems are mentioned below. Another objection is that their introduc-
tion here spoils the symmetry of the composition, which though not exactly
poetry, is something closely verging on it. I would prefer to omit the words
“ Katsura ne tsuki-tatsuru ” of the original, so that the first two lines would
become only one, viz.—
“ The pillars of the new muro which he has upbuilt.” :
* i.e. represent.
* Grove. The commentators say this means shigeki, thick, which in
Japanese is a metaphor for cordial, hearty, kind.
KENZO. S55
The Dolichos cords which he has tied—*
These are the endurance of the august life of the master of the house :
The reed-leaves it is thatched with—
These are the superabundance of the august wealth of the master of the NV.
house :
On all sides ? (of it) there are fields of fresh culture :
With the ten-span rice-ears,
Of these fresh fields,
In a shallow pan
We have brewed sake.
With gusto let us drink it,
O my boys!
Whenever we dance
Uplifting the horns ofa buck #
Of these secluded hills
(Weary to the foot)
Sweet sake from Yega market-town
Not buying with a price,
To the clear ring of hand-palms
Ye will revel,*
Oh! my immortal ones ! ?
‘When he had ended proposing this health, he sang to the
accompaniment of music, saying :—
* * % * 6
The willow that grows by the river—
i.e. tied the laths (of sedge) to the uprights of the walls, which were then
plastered with a mixture of mud and straw. The firmness with which they
were tied represents the endurance of the master’s life.
* In this passage, as in the well-known poem attributed to Susa no wo, I
have ventured to render idzumo as equal to idzukumo, on all sides, although
without native authority.
8 Animal dances, in which the performer represented a deer, wild boar,
butterfly, bird, etc., were common in ancient Japan. The Shishi mai, or
lion-dance, danced by two boys, one of whom wears a grotesque mask sup-
posed to represent a lion, and the other supports the body, made of cotton
stuff, may still be seen in the streets. rh
* The word for “revel” is uchi-ageS which means literally to strike up.
But the uchi (strike) must also be taken with “hand-palms” in the sense
of “ clapping.” ;
5 A way of saying, “ May you live for ever!” In this passage the author
had in mind a speech in Japanese, the original language of which, although
mainly expressed by Chinese ideographs, can be conjectured with some
degree of certainty.
* The first line of this poem contains the single word Ina-mushiro, “ sleep-
DOVE
12.
382 Ninonct.
When the water has gone,
It raises up (its stem that was) bent down,
And its roots perish not.
Wodate addressed him, saying :—‘ Capital! Pray let us
hear something more.”
.The Emperor at length made.a special dance,
This is what was anciently called a Tatsutsu (stand out)
dance. The manner of it was that it was danced while
standing up and sitting down.
and striking an attitude, said :—
Of Yamato,
Soso chihara
Asachihara'
The younger Prince am I.
Hereupon Wodate thought this profoundly strange, and
asked him to say ‘more. The Emperor, striking an attitude,
said :— ;
The sacred cedar ? ‘
Of Furu in Isonokam i—*
Its stem is severed,
Its branches are stripped off.
Of him who in the Palace of Ichinobe
Governed all under Heaven,
The myriad Heavens,
The myriad lands—
Of Oshiha no Mikoto
The august children are we.*
ing-mat” (a rice straw mat), a conventional epithet or makura-kotoba of
kaha, skin, perhaps because the Japanese used skins for sleeping on at one
time. It has, properly speaking, nothing to do with kaha, river, but the un-
expected conjunction is witty—from a Japanese point of view. The allusion
to the position of the two Princes is plain.
’ Chihara; or as it may be read Ashihara, means reed plain, a poetical term’
for Japan. So so is interpreted as an onomatope representing the rustling
of reeds, Asa is shallow, and asachihara is said to be a plain on which the
reeds grow short. The speech (or poem) is a (no doubt with intention)
mysteriously worded announcement of Woke’s-rank as an Imperial Prince.
* The sugi or Cryptomeria Japonica.
3 In Yamato. * He never reigned. See above, p. 336.
° There is hardly any metre here. This passage is just on the border
line between poetry and prose.
-KENZO. 383
Wodate was greatly astonished. He left his seat, and, vexed
with himself," made repeated obeisance to them. He under-
took to provide for them, and brought his people to prostrate
themselves reverently. Then he levied all the inhabitants of
that district, and in a few days built a palace, in which the
Princes were temporarily lodged. Going up to the capital, he
asked that some one should be sent to meet the two Princes.
The Emperor Shiraga was rejoiced to hear this, and exclaimed,
saying :—‘‘ We have no children; we must make them our
successors.”’ Along with the Oho-omi and the Ohomuraji,
he settled on a plan within the forbidden precinct.? So
Kumebe no Wodate, the Governor of Harima, was sent with
emblems of authority, and accompanied by personal attendants
of the Emperor, to go to meet them at Akashi. In Spring,
the rst month of the third year of the Emperor Shiraga, the
Emperor,* with Prince Ohoke, arrived at the province of Settsu,
where Omi and Muraji were sent with emblems of authority
and a Royal green-canopied carriage to meet them and _ bring
them into the Palace. In Summer, the 4th month, Prince Ohoke
was appointed Prince Imperial, and the Emperor was raised to
the rank of Imperial Prince.
In Spring, the rst month of the 5th year of his reign, the
Emperor Shiraga died. In this month the Prince Imperial
Ohoke and the Emperor ceded to each other the Dignity, and
for along time did not occupy it. Therefore the Emperor’s
elder sister,* the Imperial Princess Awo of [hi-toyo, held a Court
and carried on the Government in the Palace of Tsunuzashi in
Oshinomi, styling herself Oshinomi no Ihitoyo no Awo no
Mikoto. A poet of that day made a song, saying :—
In Yamato
What I long to see
Is the Tsunuzashi Palace
In this Takaki °®
Of Oshinomi.
Winter, 11th month. Ihitoyo, Awo no Mikoto died. She was
buried in the misasagi on the Hill of Haniguchi in Katsuraki.
* For the neglect shown to the Princes.
2 A Chinese term for the Palace. 3° Viz, Woke.
The “ Kojiki” makes her his maternal aunt. .
Takaki means high castle, but is here the name of a place.
XY.
rei
XV. I4.
384 NIHONGI.
12th month. There was a great assembly of the officials, at
which the Prince Imperial Ohoke took the Imperial Seal, and
placing it on the seat occupied by the Emperor, did him
repeated obeisance. He then took his place among the
Ministers, and said :—‘‘ This rank of Emperor should be occu-
pied by a man possessed of merit. The disclosure of our rank,
and our being sent for by the late Emperor, is all a result of
the policy of my younger brother. I resign the Empire in his
favour.” The Emperor, on the other hand, resigned it on the
grounds that as a younger brother he might not presume to
assume the Dignity, and also because he was aware that the
Emperor Shiraga had appointed his elder brother Prince
Imperial with the previous purpose of transmitting it to him.
For these two reasons he firmly declined, saying :—‘‘ When the
sun and moon appear, is it not impossible that a candle should
not give way before their radiance? When a seasonable rain
falls, is it not superfluous trouble to go on watering from a
pond?! The conduct which should be esteemed by him who
is in the position of a younger brother is to serve his elder
brother by devising methods of averting from him disaster, to
illustrate virtue, and to unravel complications without putting
himself forward. For if he puts himself forward, he will be
wanting in the reverence which is due from a younger brother.
Woke cannot bear to put himself forward.’ Itis animmutable
law that the elder brother should be affectionate and the
younger brother reverent. So I have heard from our elders.
How can I of myself alone make light of it?” The Prince
Imperial Ohoke said :—‘‘ The Emperor Shiraga, by reason of
my being the elder brother, at first assigned to me all the
affairs of the Empire. But I am ashamed to accept it. Now
the great Prince’s conduct is established in beneficial retire- .
ment,’ so that those who hear him utter sighs of admiration.
1 From “ When” to “pond” is taken from a Chinese book.
* From “The conduct” to “forward” is imitated from a passage in the
eS dailey,”
3 He probably makes allusion to the Yih-king, Diagram xxxiil. Sect. 6,
which is thus translated by Legge: “The sixth line, undivided, shows its
subject retiring in a noble way. It will be advantageous in every respect.”
This means, perhaps, that his modest behaviour proves that his reign will be
beneficial to the people.
KENZO. 335
He has displayed the qualities of an Imperial scion, so that all
who see him let fall tears. The pitiable gentry will rejoice to
bear the gladness of sustaining the Heavens: the wretched
black-haired people will be delighted to enjoy the happiness of
treading the earth. Therewith the four corners of the earth
will be made solid, so as to flourish perpetually to ten thousand
ages. His meritorious work will approach that of creation;
his honest policy will illuminate the age. How pre-eminent!
How recondite! Words fail me to describe. How shall
I, albeit his elder, put myself forward before him? If, having
no merit, I should accept the throne, self-reproach would
surely be the result. I have heard that the office of Emperor
ought not to remain long vacant, and that the will of Heaven
should not be evaded out of humility. Let the Great Prince
make the Temples of the Earth and of Grain his thought, and
let him make the people his heart.’ As he uttered these
words, his earnest emotion led him to shed tears. Upon this
the Emperor saw that if he persisted in his refusal to come
forward, he would be’ acting contrary to his elder brother’s
wishes, and gave his consent. But he would not take his place
on the Imperial throne. The world was rejoiced to see how
well they sincerely yielded in each other’s favour, and said :—
“Excellent! With such good feeling between elder and
younger brother, the Empire will tend to virtue: with such
love between relations, the people will stimulate benevolence.”
Ist year, Spring, ist month, rst day. The Oho-omi and the
Ohomuraji made a representation to the Emperor, saying :—
“The Prince Imperial Ohoke, out of the abundance of his
wisdom, has delivered over the Empire. Your Majesty, in his
rightful governance, ought to accept the vast inheritance, and
thus becoming the Lord of the Temple of Heaven, to continue
the infinite line of his ancestors, so as, above, to correspond to
the mind of Heaven, and, below, to satisfy the hopes of the
people. To refuse to enter upon the Dignity would be to cause
the destruction of the hopes of all the Gold and Silver? frontier
lands, and of all the functionaries both far and near. It belongs
' The “ Nihongi” introduces a 4x (not) here. The “ Kiujiki” reading
seems preferable, and I have followed it in the translation.
* Corea is called the gold and silver country at p. 221.
KV, rs
A.D. 485.
OVEn Oe
XV.
356 NIHONGI.
to you by the will of Heaven, and has been ceded to you by
the Prince Imperial. Your wisdom is abundant, and your good
fortune conspicuous. While young you were diligent, humble,
respectful, affectionate and docile. May it please you to
comply with the command of your elder brother, and take
over the conduct of the great undertaking.” The Emperor
made an order, saying :—‘“‘ Beit so.””. Accordingly he summoned
the Ministers of State and the functionaries to the Yatsuri
Palace in Hither Asuka, and there assumed the Imperial
Dignity, and the functionaries entered upon office, to the great
delight of all. .
One book says the Emperor Woke had two palaces, one
at Wono, the other at Ikeno. Another book says that he
made his palace at Mikakuri.
In this month, Princess Wono of Naniha was appointed
Empress, and a general amnesty was made.
Princess Wono of Naniha was the daughter of Prince
Wakugo of Oka, grandson of Prince Ihaki, who was the
great-grandson of the Emperor Wo-asatsuma-wakugo no
Sukune.
and month, 5th day. The Emperor spoke, saying :—‘‘ The
late Prince, having met with much misfortune, lost his life on
a desert moor. We were then a child, and fled away and
concealed Ourselves. Then, by a piece of undeserved good
fortune, We were sought out and sent for, and were raised up
to continue the Great Work. We have searched for his
honoured bones far and wide, but there is no one who can tell
where they are.’ Having finished speaking, the Emperor and
the Prince Imperial Ohoke burst into tears of passionate
emotion, which they could not control.
In this month the Emperor summoned together the old
people, and in person made inquiry of them one after another.
Now there was one old woman who came forward and said :—
‘“‘Okime knows where the honoured bones were buried, and
begs permission to point out the place to the Emperor.”
Okime was the old woman’s name. It is stated below
that the younger sister of Yamato-bukuro no Sukune,
ancestor of the Kimi of Mount Sasaki in the province of
Ohomi, was called Okime.
Thereupon the Emperor and the Prince Imperial Ohoke,
KENZO. 387
aking with them the old woman, made a progress to the moor
of Kaya in Kutawata in the province of Ohomi, where they dug
them up, and found that it was really as the old woman had .
said. Looking down into the grave, they made lament, and
their words showed deep and passionate feeling. From
antiquity until now never was there anything so cruel. The
body of Nakachiko’ lay across the honoured bones, and were
mixed with them so that it was impossible to distinguish them
from one another. Then there appeared the nurse of the
Imperial Prince Ihazaka, who made representation to the
Emperor, saying :—‘‘ The upper teeth of Nakachiko had fallen
out, so that by this they can be distinguished.” But although
they were able, in accordance with the nurse’s words, to dis-
tinguish the skulls, they never succeeded in separating the
bones of the four members. Accordingly a pair of misasagi
were erected on the moor of Kaya resembling each other, so
that they seemed but one. The funeral rites also were alike.
The Emperor ordered the old woman, Okime, to live in the
neighbourhood of the palace, where he treated her with respect
and showed her kindness, not allowing her to be in want.
In this month he made an order, saying :—‘‘ Old woman!
thou art desolate and infirm, and walking is not convenient for
thee. Let there be a rope stretched across to support thee
when thou goest out and comest in. And let there be a bell
attached to the end of the rope, so that there may be no need
for any one to announce thee. When thou comest, ring this
bell, and we shall know that thou art coming.” Herewith the
old woman, in obedience to the Imperial order, rang the bell
before she came forward. The Emperor, hearing from afar the
sound of the bell, made a song, saying :—
Past Wosone,
In Asajihara,
The far-extending ay
There the bell tinkles !
Okime must be coming !?
TE SeeraWovien SuhV. i
? The point of this poem is not to be expressed in English. It rests on
the similarity of the first syllable of nute, bell, with nu, a moor, which must
be read twice in different senses. The first half of the poem takes nu in the
latter sense. With the latter half it is only the first syllable of suze.
CEC
XGVew ion
XGVE
10.
388 NIHONGI.
3rd month, 1st day of the Serpent ' (the 2nd). The Emperor
went to the Park, and there held revel by the winding streams.
Summer, 4th month, 11th day. The Emperor made an
order, saying :—‘‘ The means by which a sovereign encourages
the people is no other than the granting of office: that by
which a country is exalted is naught else but the granting of
rewards for merit. Now the former Governor of Harima,
Kumebe no Wodate [his other name was Ihadate], sought Us
out, came to meet Us, and raised Us up. His merit is
manifold. Let him not hesitate to express his wishes.”
Wodate thanked the Emperor, saying :—‘‘ The mountain
office? has always been my desire.” He was appointed to the
mountain office, and a new title was granted him, viz. the
House of the Yamabe no Muraji.* Kibi no Omi was associated
with him, and the Yamamori Be were made their serfs. The
Emperor praised his good qualities, made conspicuous his
deserts, showed gratitude for his services, requited his kindness,
and treated him with the utmost affection. His prosperity was
unequalled.
5th month. Karabukuro no Sukune, Kimi of Mount Sasaki,
who was implicated in the assassination of the Imperial Prince
Oshiha, when about to be executed, bowed down his head to
the ground, and his words expressed extreme sorrow. The
Emperor could not bear to put him to death, so he added
him to the misasagi guardians, making him at the same time
mountain-warden,* and erasing his name from the census
registers. He was then handed over to the jurisdiction of the
Yamabe no Muraji.’
1 This unusual way of designating the day of the month suggests that a
different document is here quoted from.
2 i.e, Warden of the Mountains, or, as we should say, “Woods and
Forests.” It included the charge of game.
% Muraji of the Mountain Be. * Game-keeper
5 The erasure of his name from the register was on account of his being
attached to the service of the misasagi; the mountain wardenship placed
him under the jurisdiction of the Yamabe no Muraji.
May not these guardians of the Imperial tombs have been among the
ancestors of the Eta or Hinin, a pariah caste (abolished by the revolution of
1868), who lived in villages by themselves, and did not intermarry with
or have any social intercourse with other Japanese? They followed
the occupations of leather-dressers, shoemakers, buriers of dead animals,
KENZO. 389
But Yamato-bukuro no Sukune, by reason of the good ser-
vices of his younger sister, Okime, was granted his original
title, namely, the House of the Kimi of Mount Sasaki.
6th month. The Emperor visited the Hall of Avoidance
of the heat, and had music there. The Ministers were as-
sembled, and a banquet was prepared for them.
This year was the year Kinoto Ushi (2nd) of the Cycle.
2nd year, Spring, 3rd month, Ist day of the Serpent (2nd).
The Emperor went to the Park, where he held revel by the
winding streams. At this time he assembled in great numbers
the Ministers, the High Officials, the Omi, the Muraji, the
Kuni no Miyakko, and the Tomo no Miyakko, and made revel.
The Ministers uttered reiterated cries of ‘Long live the
Empetor.’’*
Autumn, 8th month, 1st day. The Emperor addressed the
Prince Imperial Ohoke, saying:—‘‘Our father the late
Prince was, for no crime, slain with an arrow shot by the
Emperor Oho-hatsuse, and his bones cast away on a moor.
Even until now, I have been unable to get hold of him, and
my bosom is filled with indignation. I lie down to weep, and
as I walk abroad I cry aloud. It is my desire to wash away
the disgrace cast on us by our enemy. Now, I have heard
that no one should live under the same Heaven as his father’s
enemy, that no one should lay aside arms against the enemy
of his brother, that no one should dwell in the same country
with the enemy of his comrade. Even the son of a common
man, rather than serve with the enemy of his parents, sleeps
on a coarse mat, and making a pillow of his buckler, refuses
office. He will not dwell in the same country as his enemy, but
whenever he meets him, in market or in Court, will not lay
aside his weapon until he has encountered him in combat.
A.D. 486.
Much more I who, two years ago, was raised to the rank of XV. 21.
Son of Heaven! It is my desire to demolish his misasagi,
executioners, and watchmen of cemeteries. The name Hinin (not-man)
accords well with the circumstance mentioned here of their names being
erased from the census registers. They were supposed to belong to the
service of the dead, and no longer to be reckoned with the living.
Most of the misasagi had from one to five guardians’ houses allotted to
them.
1 Ban-zai or Man-zai, lit. 10,000 years. This term is still in use.
DEV. 220:
390 NIHONGI.
to crush his bones, and fling them broadcast. Would it not
be a filial act to take revenge in this way?’ The Prince
Imperial Ohoke could hardly answer for sighing and sobbing.
He remonstrated with the Emperor, saying :—‘‘It is not well
to do so. The Emperor Oho-hatsuse presided over the
Empire as the rightful director of the myriad machinery of
Government. Court and country looked up to him with joy.
He was an Emperor, whereas the late Prince our father, '
although an Emperor’s son, met with obstacles in his career,
and never rose to the Imperial Dignity. Looking on the
matter in this light, there is the difference of exalted and base.
And if thou hadst the heart to demolish the misasagi, who
would recognize as Lord and do service to the Soul of Heaven ?
This is one reason why the tomb should not be destroyed,
Moreover, had it not been for the warm affection and special
favour bestowed on the Emperor and Ohoke by the Emperor
Shiraga, wouldst thou ever have attained to the precious Dignity?
But the Emperor Oho-hatsuse was the father of the Emperor
Shiraga. Ohoke has heard:-that it has been said by all the
ancient sages, ‘Without words there can be no response;
without virtue there is no requital.’’ If there is cause for
gratitude, and no return is made, this is profoundly prejudicial
to good morals. Your Majesty feasts the Country, and his.
virtuous conduct is felt far and wide over the Empire. But
if he pulls down the misasagi, and shows himself in an oppo-
site light to Court and Country, Ohoke fears that it will become
impossible to govern the land and to bring up the people as
his children. This is a second reason why it should not be
destroyed.”” The Emperor said, ‘‘It is well,’ and counter-
manded the work.’
1 Virtue is in Chinese active, not merely the negation of vice.
> The “ Kojiki” tells a somewhat different story. Vide Ch. K., p. 336. This.
misasagi (which I have visited) is at the present day a round single mound,
encircled by a moat, but there are sufficient remains of the second mound
and of the original moat to show that it was once a double-topped misasagi
of the ordinary type. See above, p. 136. A large quantity of earth must
have been removed in order thus to deprive this tomb of its distinctive
character as an Imperial tumulus, and to give it the appearance of the tomb
of a mere subject. It appears as if both the “ Nihongi” and “ Kojiki”
regarded the demolition of a misasagi as an impious action, and tried to
minimize it. .
. KENZO. 391
gth month. Okime, being decrepit from old age, asked
leave to return to her home, saying:—‘‘ My vigour has
decayed. I am old, infirm, and emaciated. Even with the
help of the rope I am unable to walk. I pray thee let me
return to my native place,’ so that there I may spend my last
days.” When the Emperor heard this he was moved with
pity. He gave her a present of a thousand pieces, and
grieving in anticipation at the divergence of their paths, he
repeatedly lamented that they could no longer meet. So he
gave her a song, saying :-—
Oh! Okime!
Okime of Afumi !
From to-morrow,
Hidden by the deep mountains,
Thou wilt no more be seen !
Winter, roth month, 6th day. The Emperor entertained
his Ministers. At this time the Empire was at peace; the
people were not subjected to forced labour, the crops reached
maturity, and the peasantry were prosperous. A measure of
rice was sold for one piece of silver,” and horses and kine
covered the moors.
3rd year, Spring, 2nd month, 1st day. Kotoshiro Ahe no
Omi, acting by Imperial command, went on a mission to Imna.
Hereupon the Moon-God, by the mouth of a certain man,
addressed him, saying :—‘‘ My ancestor Taka-mimusubi had
the merit in conjunction (with other Deities) of creating
Heaven and Earth. Let him be worshipped by dedicating to
him people and land. I am the Moon-God, and I shall be
pleased if an offering is made according to his desire.” Koto-
shiro accordingly returned to the capital, and reported these
1 Lit., The Mulberry and Euphorbia trees. There is an allusion to a
verse in the ‘‘ Chinese Book of Odes ” (Legge, Vol. IV. p. 337) :—
“Even the mulberry trees and the tsze (of one’s home)
Must be regarded with reverence.”
2 This is the first mention of coin in the “ Nihongi.” It is impossible to
say what the measure of rice was, or what the value of the coin. Indeed,
I take the whole passage to be a flight of the author’s fancy, stimulated by
his recollections of Chinese literature. It contains several phrases borrowed
from Chinese works. See Index—Currency.
Ae Ios 487-
XN Gree:
RV ich.
392 NIHONGI.
things fully to the Emperor. The Utaarasu rice-fields were
dedicated to the God, and Oshimi no Sukune, the ancestor of
the Agatanushi of Yuki, was appointed to attend upon his
shrine.
3rd month, rst day of the Serpent (8th). The Emperor
went to the Park, where he held revel by the winding
streams.
Summer, 4th month, 5th day. The Sun-Goddess, by the
mouth of a certain man, addressed Kotoshiro, Ahe no Omi,
saying :—‘‘ Let the Ihare rice-fields be dedicated to my
ancestor Taka-mimusubi.” Kotoshiro accordingly reported
the matter to the Emperor, and in compliance with the
Goddess’s request, fourteen ché' of rice-land were dedicated to
him. The Atahe of Shimo no agata in Tsushima was ap-
pointed to attend upon his shrine.
13th day. The Saki-kusa Be? was established.
25th day. The Emperor died in the palace of Yatsuri.
In this year, Ki no Ohiha no Sukune, bestriding and
making a base of Imna, held communication with Koryé. In
order to rule the three Han on the west, he established a
government, and styled himself a Deity. By means of a plan
laid -by Cha-ro-na-kwi and Tha-kap-syo of Imna he slew
Mak-ni-ke, the heir to the throne of Pekché, at Irin.2 [This is
a place in Kory6.] He built the castle of Té-san,‘ and then
stood on the defensive as regards the Eastern province, cutting
off the harbour by which supplies were transported, and caus-
ing the army to suffer from famine. The King of Pekché was
greatly enraged, and despatched General Ko-ni-ké and an
officer of the military store department, named Mak-ko-ké, in
command of troops to Te-san, to lay siege to it. Upon this,
Ohiha no Sukune moved forward his army, and attacked them
1 See below, XXV; 18.
? Saki-kusa is literally the herb of happiness. It is also called man-nen-
gusa, or the ‘‘ herb of 10,000 years.” It was said to grow in the Court of the
Temple to the sovereign’s ancestors. The “Seishiroku” says :—“‘In the
reign of the Emperor Kenzo, the officials were summoned to a banquet.
At this time, a herb of three stems was growing in the courtyard of the
palace. One of these was plucked up and presented to the Emperor, who
thereupon conferred on the donor the title of Saki Be no Miyakko.”
8 Trin is called in Ojin’s reign, year 16, a place in Imna.
‘ The Kana rendering is Shitoromo or Shitoromure.
NINKEN. 308
with continually growing valour. All that opposed him were
put to the rout. But he was but one against a hundred.
Suddenly his weapons ran short, and his power became ex-
hausted. He saw that he could not bring matters to a con-
clusion, and returned from Imna. Consequently the Land of
Pekché slew Cha-ro-na-kwi, pep kap- ie and their people—
more than three hundred men."
: THE EMPEROR OHOKE.’
(NINKEN®? TENNO.)
The Emperor Ohoke’s personal name was Ohoshi.’
Otherwise Ohosu. This is the only instance of an
Emperor’s personal name’® or designation being stated.
It is taken from an old manuscript.
His designation was Shima no Iratsuko.* He was the elder
brother by the same mother of the Emperor Woke. In his
childhood he was intelligent, of quick parts and great attain-
ments. When he grew to man’s estate, he was kind, indulgent
and gentle.
At the death of the Emperor Anaho, he took refuge in the
1 The “Tongkam” does not mention this affair, but there is no reason to
doubt that the “ Nihongi” narrative is substantially true.
The “ Kojiki” practically ends here. Nominally, it is carried down to
the death of Suiko in A.D. 628, but all after this is mere genealogy.
2 Also read Oke. Ohoke is the “ Kojiki” reading.
3 Benevolent-talented.
4 Big-leg or big-foot. The name is written above, XV. 7, with characters
which mean big-stone.
5 Or taboo name. In China the use of the personal name is not thought
respectful except by a chief or parent. Instead of it the designation (*f)
is used. The latter was assumed at the age of fifteen (or twenty), when the
ceremony of capping took place. In writing the personal names of the
Emperors of the reigning dynasty, the Chinese are careful to alter one or
two strokes of the character.
6 Shima no Wakako, above, XV. 7.
XV.
A.Ds 488.
XV. 26;
394 NIHONGI.
district of Yosa in the province of Tamba. In the first year of
the reign of the Emperor Shiraga, Winter, 11th month, Wodate,
Yamabe no Muraji, Governor of Harima, went to the Capital
and requested permission to go to fetch him. The Emperor
Shiraga accordingly caused Wodate, provided with symbols of
authority, and accompanied by his own personal attendants, to
proceed to Akashi, and respectfully to go to meet him. UIti-
mately, in the third year of his reign, Summer, the 4th month,
the Emperor Ohoke was appointed Prince Imperial.' In his
fifth year, the Emperor Shiraga died, and the Emperor abdi-
cated the Empire in favour of the Emperor Woke, becoming
Prince Imperial as before. In the third year of his reign,
Summer, the 4th month, the Emperor Woke died.
Ist year, Spring, Ist month, 5th day. The Prince Imperial
assumed the Imperial rank in the Palace of Hirotaka in Isono-
kami.
One book says:—‘‘ There were two palaces of the
Emperor Ohoke, the first at Kahamura,? the second at
Takano in Shijimi. The pillars of the Hall remain un-
decayed until this day.”
2nd month, 2nd day. His former consort, the Imperial
Princess Kasuga no Oho-iratsume,® was appointed Empress. |
The Princess Kasuga no Oho-iratsume was the daughter
of the Emperor Oho-hatsuse by Woguna Kimi, daughter
of Fukame, Wani no Omi.
She at length bore to him one son and six daughters. The
first was called the Imperial Princess Takahashi no Oho-
iratsume ; the second was called the Imperial Princess Asat-
suma; the third was called the Imperial Princess Tashiraga ;
the fourth was called the Imperial Princess Kusuhi; the fifth
was called the Imperial Princess Tachibana; the sixth was
called the Emperor Wo-hatsuse no Waka-sazaki.. When he
came to possess the Empire, he made his capital at Namiki in
Hatsuse. The seventh was called the Imperial Princess.
Mawaka.* ;
This is a curious way of putting it, but the original is so.
This is the temporary palace built by Wodate. See above, XV. 5.
See above, XIV. 7, for an accouni of her birth.
The “ Kojiki” makes Mawaka a Prince.
ee Ue
NINKEN, | 395
One book has a different arrangement, the Imperial
Princess Kusuhi taking the third place and the Imperial
Princess Tashiraga the fourth.
Next there was Nuka-kimi no Iratsume, daughter of Hiuri,
Wani no Omi, who bore one daughter who was made the
Imperial Princess Kasuga no Yamada. .
One book says :—‘‘ Ohonuka no Iratsume, daughter of
Hifure, Wani no Omi, bore one daughter who was made
the Imperial Princess Yamada no Oho-iratsume, also
called the Imperial Princess Akami.” Notwithstanding
the trifling difference of the documents, the facts are the
same.
Winter, roth month, 3rd day. The Emperor Woke was
buried in the misasagi on the hill of Ihatsuki at Kataoka.
This year was the year Tsuchinoye Tatsu (5th) of the Cycle.
2nd year, Autumn, gth month. The. Empress Naniha no
Wono, fearful on account of her long-standing want of respect
(for the Emperor), died by her own hand.
One authority says:—‘“‘In the time of the Emperor
Woke, the Prince Imperial Ohoke was present at a
banquet. He took upa melon to eat, but there was no
knife. The Emperor Woke himself took a knife and com-
manded his wife Wono to carry it and present it to the
Prince Imperial. She came before him, and, in a standing
position, laid the knife on the melon tray. Moreover,
on the same day,'she poured out sake, and, in a standing
position, gave it to the Prince Imperial to drink. In con-
sequence of this disrespect, she feared to be put to death,
and died by her own hand.”
3rd year, Spring, 2nd month, 1st day. The Isonokami Be
of palace attendants’ was established.
4th year, Summer, 5th month. Kashima Ikuba no Omi and
Hohe no Kimi, being guilty of crimes, were both thrown into
prison, where they died.
5th year, Spring, 2nd month, 5th day. General search was
made in the provinces and districts for the dispersed Saheki Be,
and a descendant of Nakachiko of the Saheki Be was made
Saheki no Miyakko.
1 Toneri.
A.D. 489.
DOE Piiee
A.D. 490.
A.D. 491.
A.D. 492.
A.D. 493.
XV.
396 NIHONGI.
Nakachiko of the Saheki Be is mentioned in the history
of the reign of Woke Tenno.
6th year, Autumn, gth month, 4th day. Hitaka no ish
was sent to Corea to fetch skilled artizans. This autumn, after
Hitaka no Kishi was despatched, there was a woman dwelling
at Mitsu* in Naniha who made lament, saying :—
Woes me, my youthful ? spouse !
For to me he is an elder brother,
And to my mother too an elder brother.
The sound of her lament was exceeding pathetic, even to the
rending of men’s bowels.? A man of the village of Hishiki,
named Kaso, hearing it, came in front of her, and said :—
‘““Why is thy lamentation so exceedingly sorrowful?” The
woman answered and said :—‘‘ Think of the autumn garlic’s
ever clustering growth.”* Kaso said:—‘‘ Thou art right.
Now I understand what thou hast said.” But a companion of
his, not comprehending her meaning, inquired, saying :—‘‘ By
what dost thou understand?” He answered and _ said :—
29. Funame of the Naniha Jewellers’ Be was wedded to Karama
no Hataye® and bore to him Nakume,* who was wedded toa
man of Sumuchi named Yamaki and bore to him Akitame.
Karama no Hataye and his daughter Nakume having both died,
Yamaki, the man of Sumuchi, had illicit intercourse with
Funame’ of the Jewellers’ Be, and had by her a son named
Araki, who took to wife Akitame. Upon this Araki set out for
Koryo in the suite of Hitaka no Kishi. Therefore his wife
Akitame, restless and full of longing, has lost her wits and
become distraught, and the sound of her lamentation is very
touching, even to the rending of men’s bowels.”
Funame of the Jewellers’ Be and Karama no Hataye
became husband and wife, and had a daughter named
1 The august harbour. * Literally young herb or grass.
* Cf. the Biblical expression “ bowels of compassion.”
4 By the clusters of the garlic bulbs in autumn she indicates the some-
what complicated family relations described below.
» Kara-fisher’s-field. * The (professional) weeping woman.
7 His wife’s mother. This union was regarded as incestuous.
NINKEN. 397
Nakume. Yamaki, a man of Sumuchi, married Nakume,
and had a daughter named Akitame. Yamaki’s wife’s
father Karama no Hataye and the latter’s child Nakume
having both died, Yamaki, the man of Sumuchi, had an
amour with his wife’s mother, Funame of the Jewellers’
Be, the fruit of which was Araki. Araki took to wife
Akitame. One book says:—‘‘ Funame of the Jewellers’
Be bore Nakume to her first husband Karama no Hataye ;
again to her second husband Yamaki, a man of Sumuchi,
she bore Araki, so that Nakume and Araki were sister and
brother by a different father. Consequently Nakume’s
daughter Akitame called Araki’ her mother’s elder brother.
Nakume having married Yamaki, bore Akitame. More-
over, Yamaki having had illicit intercourse with Funame
had by her Araki, so that Akitame and Araki were sister
and brother by a different mother. Consequently Akitame
called Araki her elder brother. In ancient times women
called their brothers se * (elder brother), without distinction
of age; while men called their sisters imo (younger sister).
Hence the expression, ‘To my mother an elder brother, to
me an elder brother.’’’®
In this year Hitaka no Kishi returned from Koryé, and
delivered to the Emperor the artizans Sunyuki and Nonyuki.*
They were the ancestors of the Koryé tanners of the village
of Nukada in the district of Yamabe in the province of
Yamato.
7th year, Spring, ist month, 3rd day. Wo-hatsuse Waka-
sazaki no Mikoto was appointed Prince Imperial.
8th year, Winter, roth month. The people said :—*“ At this
time there is peace throughout the land; the officials fill their
offices worthily. Everywhere within the seas there is a move-
ment towards good feeling; the subjects pursue peacefully
their avocations.” This year the five grains were produced in
abundance, the silkworm and wheat afforded a rich harvest.
' In the speech above quoted.
Se and imo also mean respectively husband and wife.
* This note is from the “ Shiki” or ‘‘ Scholiast.”
* Possibly the Japanese reading of the characters is preferable, viz.
Suruki, Toruki.
o
A.D. 404.
VERIO
A.D. 495.
A.D. 498.
398 NIHONGI.
Far and near there was purity and calm, and the population
multiplied.
r1th year, Autumn, 8th month, 8th day. The Emperor
died in the Chief Bedchamber.
Winter, roth month, 5th day. He was buried in the misa-
sagi at the foot of the Hanifu acclivity.
Book 16
THE EMPEROR WOHATSUSE WAKA-SAZAKI.'
(MURETSU? TENNO.)
THE Emperor Wohatsuse waka-sazaki was the eldest son of
the Emperor Ohoke. His mother was called the Empress
Kasuga no Iratsume. He was made Prince Imperial in the
seventh year of the Emperor Ohoke. When he grew to man-
hood, he was fond of criminal law,:and was well versed in the
statutes. He would remain in Court until the sun went down,
so that hidden wrong was surely penetrated. In deciding
cases he attained to the facts.? But he worked much evil, and
accomplished no good thing. He never omitted to witness in
person cruel punishments of all kinds, and the Bests of the
whole land were all in terror of him.
In the 11th year, the 8th month of his reign, the Emperor
Ohoke died. The Minister of State Heguri no Matori no Omi
usurped the government of the country and tried to reign over
_Japan. Pretending that it was for the Emperor’s eldest son, he
built a palace, and ultimately dwelt in it himself. On all occa-
sions he was arrogant, and was utterly devoid of loyal principle.
Now the eldest son wished to betroth to himself Kagehime, the
daughter of Mononobe no Arakahi no Ohomuraji, and sent a
middleman to Kagehime’s house to arrange for their union.
But Kagehime had already formed an illicit connection with
Shibi, son of Matori, the Minister of State. Fearing, however,
to offer opposition to the eldest son’s proposal, she answered
1 Wo, little ; hatsuse, name of place ; waka-sazaki, young-wren.
? Muretsu, martial ardour. ;
’ This description from ‘‘ When” down to “ facts” is taken from the history
of the Chinese Emperor Mingti of the Later Han Dynasty.
400 NIHONGI.
him, saying :—‘‘ Thy handmaiden wishes to wait upon thee on
the street of Tsubaki-ichi.” Accordingly the eldest son, in
order to go to the place of assignation, sent one of his personal
attendants to the house of the Oho-omi Heguri to ask for
official horses, saying that he did so by his command. The
Ohoq-omi mocked him, pretending that he would send them,
and said:—‘‘ For whom (else) are official horses kept? Of
course his orders shall be obeyed.” But for a long time he
did not send them. The eldest son cherished resentment at
this, but controlled himself, and did not let it appear on his
countenance. Ultimately he went to the place of assignation,
and taking a place among the song-makers,' took hold of Kage-
hime’s sleeve, and was loitering about unconcernedly, when
suddenly Shibi no Omi came, and pushing away the eldest son
from Kagehime, got between them. Hereupon the eldest son
let go Kagehime’s sleeve, and turning round, confronted Shibi
no Omi, and addressing him straight in the face, made a song,
saying :—
Of the briny current,”
The breakers as I view,
By the fin of the Tunny
That comes sporting
I see my spouse standing.
[One book has ‘‘ harbour ”’ instead of ‘‘ briny current.’’]
Shibi no Omi answered with a song, saying :—
Dost thou tell me, O Prince! to yield to thee
The eight-fold bamboo fence *
Of the Omi’s child?
1 In Japanese uta-gaki, i.e. poetry-hedge. The utagaki seems to have
been a sort of poetical tournament. The “ Kojiki” (Ch. K., p. 330) gives a
different and not very intelligible account of this war of verses. That work
places it at the beginning of an earlier reign, and makes the Emperor Woke
the hero. The whole story is no doubt the work of some romancist. It
would be a mere waste of time to try to sift out what grains of truth it may
contain. It indicates, however, very different and much more unrestricted
social relations between the sexes than that which prevailed in China and
other Eastern countries. Of this there is abundant other evidence.
* Shibi means tunny-fish. This suggests the introduction of the “briny
current ” of the first line.
% The fence in this and the following verses is the enclosure of the bridal
chamber. See above, pp. 13, 54.
MuRETSU. 401
The eldest son made a song, saying :—
My great sword
Hung at my girdle I will stand ;
Though I may not draw it,
Yet in the last resort
I am resolved to be united to her.
Shibi no Omi answered with a song, saying :—
The great Lord’s
Eight-fold retiring-fence
He may try to build,
Still for want of strict care,'
The retiring-fence is not built.
The eldest son made a song, saying :—
The eight-fold fastening fence
Of the Omi’s child
Should an earthquake come, shaking,
Reverberating below,
*Twill be a ruined fastening fence.
[A various version of the first line is ‘‘ eight-fold Kara
fence.” |
The eldest son gave Kagehime a song, saying :—
If Kagehime, who comes and stays
At the head of the lute,?
Were a jewel,
She would be a white sea-ear* pearl—
The pearl that I love.
Shibi no Omi answered on behalf of Kagehime, and made a
song, saying :—
The great Lord’s
Girdle of Japanese Joom ee e
1 “ For want of strict care” is in the original Ama-shimi. This word con-
tains an allusion to the Omi’s name Shibi. Miand bi are often interchanged
in Japanese.
7 i.e. on my right hand.
3 The sea-ear is in Japanese ahabi, which may be intended to suggest
ahazu, ‘‘not to become united to.”
pd
OVIL. 5.
402 NIHONGI.
Hangs down in a bow."
Whosoever it may be—
There is no one (but me) whose love she requites.
The eldest son then for the first time saw that Shibi had
already possessed Kagehime, and became conscious of all the
disrespect shown him by the father and the son. He blazed
out into a great rage, and forthwith, on that same night, pro-
ceeded to the house of Ohotomo no Kanamura no Muraji,
where he levied troops and concerted his plans. Ohotomo no
Muraji waylaid Shibi no Omi with a force of several thousand
men. He slew him at Mount Nara.
One book says:—‘‘Shibi was spending the night in
Kagehime’s house, and that same night he was slain.”
At this time Kagehime followed on to the place where he
had been slain, and seeing that he had already been put to
death, was shocked, so that she did not know what she was
doing, and tears of sorrow filled her eyes. At length she made
a song, saying :—
Passing Furu
In Iso no Kami,
Passing Takahashi
In Komo-makura,
Passing Oho-yake
Where things are in plenty
Passing Kasuga
Of the spring-day,
Passing Wosaho
The spouse-retiring,
In a precious casket,
Placing boiled rice,
In a precious vase,
Placing water also,
She lets fall tears as she goes.
Alas ! for Kagehime.”
1 The sole reason why the second and third lines are introduced is to
bring in tare, “to hang down.” The same word is repeated in the fourth line
with the meaning “who,” thus producing a word-play, of which Japanese
poets are fond.
2 This poem contains a succession of plays on words, some of which are
very obscure, and all are lost in an English version. Komo-makura means
a matting pillow, i.e. a roll of matting used as a pillow. Makura is frequently
followed by takaku, high, in the phrase makura takaku suru, “to make high
MURETSU. 403
Hereupon. Kagehime, when the funeral was over, and she
was about to return home, said, with an utterance choked by
grief :—‘ Alas! to-day I have lost my beloved husband.” So
she burst into tears of sorrow, and in a state of distraction
made a song, saying :—
Like a deer
That, drenched with water, hides
In the valley of Nara,—
(Of fertile soil)—
Is the young lord of Shibi—
(The water-besprinkled ') :—
Make him not thy prey. Oh! thou wild boar!
Winter, t1th month, 11th day. Ohotomo no Kanamura no
Muraji spake to the eldest son, saying :—‘* The rebel Matori
ought to be slain. I pray thee let me attack him.” The
eldest son said:—‘‘ We are about to have civil war in the
Empire, and without a rare warrior, we shall be unable to
accomplish anything. When I consider this well, I find that
thou art the man.”? So he laid his plans in concert with him.
Hereupon Ohotomo no Ohomuraji,” in personal command of
the troops, led them to besiege the house of the Oho-omi, and
setting fire to it, burnt it. His style of command was like the
scattering of clouds.
Matori no Oho-omi, resenting the failure of his enterprise,
and feeling that his life was doomed, that his designs had
reached a limit, and that his hopes had vanished, cursed the
salt (sea) far and wide, and at length was put to death along
with his people. When he uttered the curse, the only place
which he forgot was the sea-brine of Tsunoga, and this he did
one’s pillow.” This is probably why makura is here associated with Taka-
hashi. Oho-yake means great storehouse. Hence the epithet attached to
it. “Of the spring-day” is a regular makura-kotoba or pillow-word of
Kasuga, because kasuga is like kasumeru, to be hazy, and the weather is
hazy in spring. Wosaho contains wo, male, which accounts for the epithet
““spouse-retiring” in the next line. The commentators have much more to
say about these verses. The metre is irregular.
1 This line has reference to the meaning of Shibi, viz. tunny-fish.
? This speech is adapted from a Chinese author.
3 He was not Ohomuraji till afterwards. See below.
arco ae
XVI.
Vel 7.
A.D. 499.
A.D. 500.
A.D. 501.
404 NIHONGI.
not curse. Therefore the Emperor eats salt from Tsunoga,
and avoids eating the salt of other seas.’”?!
izth month. Ohotomo no Kanamura no Muraji having
completely suppressed the insurrection, and restored the
Government to the eldest son, asked permission to offer him
the August Title, saying :—‘‘ Now there are no sons left of the
Emperor Ohoke but Your Majesty, nor is there any second
person to whom the people can give allegiance. Moreover,
relying on the support of Supreme Heaven,’ thou hast cleared
away the wicked bands. By thy wise counsels and thy manly
determination thou hast made the Celestial authority and the
Celestial revenues to flourish. Japan must have a ruler, and
who is there but thee to rule over Japan? I humbly pray
Your Majesty reverently to respond to the Divine Spirit of
Earth by giving development to the luminous commands,
casting a lustre on Japan, and widely taking over charge of
the silver region.” *
Hereupon the eldest-son commanded the functionaries to
prepare a sacred terrace at Namiki‘ in Hatsuse, where he
ascended to the Imperial Dignity, and at length established
his capital. On this day, Ohotomo no Kanamura no Muraji
was made Ohomuraji. 7
Ist year, Spring, 3rd month, 2nd day. Kasuga no Iratsume
was appointed Empress. [It is not clear who her father was.]
This year was the year Tsuchinoto U (16th) of the Cycle.
and year, Autumn, gth month. The Emperor ripped up
the belly of a pregnant woman and inspected the pineee
womb.’
3rd year, Winter, roth month. He plucked out men’s nails.
and made them dig up yams.°
t1th month. He commanded Ohotomo no Muruya‘ no
" Compare above, p. 337, where the water of a well was cursed.
* Motoori objects to this phrase as Chinese. 3 Viz. Corea.
* Namiki means a row of trees, an avenue lined with trees.
® This is a charge made against Show, King of Shang, in the “Shoo-
king.” See Legge’s “ Chinese Classics,” Vol. III. p. 285.
° Dioscorea Japonica.
7 There is something wrong here. Ohotomo no Muruya was Prime
Minister (see p. 322) in the 7th year of Ingio Tenno (A.D. 418). Muruya
is no doubt a slip for Kanamura.
MuRETSU. 405
Ohomuraji to make a levy of labourers of the province of
Shinano, in order to build a castle in the village of Minomata.
It was called Kinouhe.
In this month, Wi-ta-nang’ of Pékché died and was buried
on the top of the hill of Takada.
4th year, Summer, 4th month. He pulled out the hair of
men’s heads, made them climb to the tops of trees, and then
cut down the trees, so that the men who had climbed were
killed by the fall. This he took a delight in.
In this year, King Malta’ of Pékche, for his lawless oppres-
sion of his subjects, was at length deposed by the people of
that country and King Shima raised to the throne. He was
made King Munyong.
The Pékché “ Shinsen” says :—“ King Malta lawlessly
oppressed the subjects, and the people united to remove
him. Munyéng was set up. His sobriquet was King
Shima. Hewastheson of Prince Konchi, and therefore the
elder brother of King Malta by a different mother. When
Konchi went to Wa, he arrived at an island in Tsukushi
where King Shima was born to him. He was sent back
from the island, and did not reach the capital (of Japan).
Owing to his having been born on an island, he received
the name of Shima. There is now in the sea of Kawara °
an island called Nirim Shima‘ which is the King’s birth-
place. Therefore the Pekché people call this island Nirim
Shima. Considering that King Shima was King Keéro’s
son, and King Malta King Konchi’s son, the expression
‘elder brother by a different mother’ is not clear.” *
* This is the Corean pronunciation of the characters given, but very
likely these are not the proper characters for his name, and are only a
phonetic Japanese rendering of the sound. The traditional Kana rendering
is Otara.
* Or Mata if the Japanese pronunciation is taken. His real name was Muté.
3 The traditional Kana pronunciation.
4 The traditional Kana has sema, for the Corean syém, island. Nirim
means Lord.
*> The “ Tongkam” (Vol. V. 4) account of these events is as follows :—
“Autumn, 8th month (A.D. 501). Pékché built the Castle of Karim (in
Chollado), which was occupied by a garrison under a military officer named
Chak Ka.
Winter, 11th month. Chak Ka of Pékché slew his Lord Muté. Before
A.D. $02:
De Vilro'
A.D. 503.
A.D. 504.
DONA ano
‘AD. 505.
A.D. 506.
406 NIHONGI.
5th year, Summer, 6th month. The Emperor made men
lie down on their faces in the sluice of a dam and caused them
to be washed away: with a three-bladed lance he stabbed
them. In this he took delight.
6th year, Autumn, gth month, 1st day. The Emperor made
a decree, saying :—‘‘ As a measure for transmitting a kingdom,
a son is raised up to honour.’ But we have no successor:
wherewithal shall we hand down our name to posterity ?
In accordance, therefore, with old Imperial precedents, we
establish the Wohatsuse Toneri and make them assume the
designation of this nEIen> so that it may not be forgotten
for ten thousand years.’
Winter, roth month. The Land of Pékché sent Lord Mana
with tribute. The Emperor, considering that for many years
Pékché had not sent tribute, detained him, and would not let
him go.
7th year, Spring, 2nd month. He made men climb up trees
and then shot them down with a bow, upon which he laughed.
Summer, 4th month. The King of Pekché sent Lord Shika
with tribute, and a separate memorial, saying :—‘‘ Mana, the
previous tribute-messenger, was no relation of the Sovereigns
of Pékché. Therefore I humbly send Shika to wait upon the
Court.” He eventually had a son named Lord Pop-sa. He
was the ancestor of the Kimi of Yamato.
8th year, Spring, 3rd month. Nudas feminas super latas
this when the King appointed Chak Ka commandant of the garrison of
Karim, he did not wish to go, and declined on the score of ill-health. The
King would not listen to his excuse, and he therefore hated the King.
Upon this the King went a-hunting on the plain east of Sachha. Again he
hunted in the plain north of Ung-chhén. Again he hunted in the plain west
of SaAchha. Being prevented from returning by a great fall of snow, he
stayed for the night at the village of Mapho, where Chak Ka sent a man to
assassinate him. A month later he was buried and received the name of
Tong-syOng. His son Shima, otherwise called Y6ryung, came to the
throne.
Spring, 1st month (A.D. 502). Chak Ka of Pékché was executed. He
had taken position in the castle of Karimand rebelled. The King proceeded
with an army to the city of Utu and ordered an attack upon him. Chak Ka
came out and surrendered. He was put to death and his body flung into
the River Pék-Kang.”
* Is made Prince Imperial.
MUuRETSU. 407
tabulas imposuit et, equis adhibitis, fecit ut coirent cum eis.
Tum, examinatione habita, quarum pudenda madida erant, eas
interfecit, quarum autem madida non erant, eas fecit servas
publicas. These things he took a pleasure in.
At this time he dug a pond and made a park which he filled
with birds and beasts. Here he was fond of hunting, and of
racing dogs and trying horses. He went out and in at all
times, taking no care to avoid storms and torrents of rain.
Being warmly clad himself, he forgot that the people were’
starving from cold; eating dainty food, he forgot that the Em-
pire was famishing. He gave great encouragement to dwarfs and
performers, making them execute riotous music. He prepared
strange diversions, and gave licence to lewd voices. Night
and day he constantly indulged to excess in sake in the
company of the women of the Palace. His cushions were of
brocade, and many of his garments were of damask and fine
white silk.
Winter, 12th month, 8th day. The Emperor died in the
Palace of Namiki.
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Vena
TRANSACTIONS AND PROCEEDINGS
OF
THE JAPAN SOCIETY, LONDON.
SUPPLEMENT I.
Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to A.D. 697.
TRANSLATED FROM THE ORIGINAL CHINESE AND JAPANESE
BY
Wi. Gy ASTON, C.MAG.,
Honorary Member of the Fapan Society, Fe.
VOLUME II,
Freer Gallery of Att
Washington, D. C.
LONDON, 1896.
PUBLISHED FOR THE SOCIETY BY
KEGAN PAUL, TRENCH, TRUBNER & CO., LIMITED,
PATERNOSTER HOUSE, CHARING CROSS ROAD, W.C.
[All Rights Reserved.|
i
eos Eohiths
Ee ig
wi
CONTENTS
AOE,
XXIII.
XXIV,
XXV.
XXVI.
XXVII.
XXVIII.
XXIX.
XXX,
ERRATA
INDEX
KEIDAI TENNO
ANKAN
SENKWA _,,
KIMMEI _,,
BIDATSU _,,
YOMEI i,
SUJUN e
SUIKO ye
JOMEI ‘
KOGYOKU ,,
KOTOKU ,,
SAIMEI 4
TENCHI _,,
TEMMU _,,
TEMMU _,,
Jito »
ET ADDENDA
(Part I.)
(Part II.)
Gr VOL” Et
Accession A.D.
PAGE
I
Book 17
THE EMPEROR WOHODO.
(KEIDAI' TENNO.)
THE Emperor Wohodo [otherwise called Hiko-futo no Mikoto}
was the son of Prince Hiko-nushi-bito, a descendant in the
fifth generation of the Emperor Homuda. His mother’s name
was Furuhime. She was a descendant in the seventh genera-
tion of the Emperor Ikume. The Emperor’s father, hearing
at his country-house at Miwo, in the district of Takashima, in
the province of Ohomi, of the extreme and resplendent beauty
of Furuhime’s countenance, sent a messenger to Sakanawi in
Mikuni to ask for her in marriage. He took her to him as his
consort, and she eventually gave birth to the Emperor.
The Prince, the Emperor’s father, died while the Emperor
was yet a child. Furuhime thereupon made lament, saying :—
“Tam now far removed from my native place: how could I
bring him up (here)? I willreturn to my parents at Takamuku
[Takamuku is a village in Echizen], and there respectfully
bring up the Emperor.”
When the Emperor attained to manhood; he loved the
people, and was courteous to men of worth. He was of a
generous disposition.
The Emperor Wohatsuse died in the 8th year of his reign, in
Winter, the 12th month, 8th day, at the age of fifty-seven.
He had never had any children, either sons or daughters, and
there was no one to succeed him.
* Succeed-body.
AGM Wey 10 B
OV NICS at
A.D. 507.
2 NIHONGI.
On the 21st day, the Ohomuraji, Ohotomo no Kanamura,
counselled, saying :—‘‘ At this moment there is no successor
whatever to the throne.’ Where shall the Empire bestow its
allegiance? From ancient times even until now this has been
a cause of disaster. Now there is in the district of Kuhada, in
the province of Tamba, Prince Yamato-hiko, a descendant in
the fifth generation of the Emperor Tarashi-nakatsu-hiko.
Let us make the experiment of preparing an armed force to
surround his carriage as a guard, and sending to meet him,
establish him as our sovereign.””» The Oho-omiand Ohomuraji
all assented, and sent to meet him in the manner proposed.
Upon this, Prince Yamato-hiko, viewing from a distance the
troops which were sent to meet him, was alarmed and changed
countenance. Accordingly he took refuge in a mountain-valley,
and no one could learn whither he had gone.
Ist year, Spring, Ist month, 4th day. The Ohomuraji,
Ohotomo no Kanamura, again counselled, saying :—‘‘ Prince
Wohodo is of an affectionate and dutiful disposition. He isa
fit person to take over the Celestial succession. Let us, there-
fore, courteously offer it to him, and thus continue the
prosperity of the Imperial institution.” Mononobe no Arakahi
no Ohomuraji, with Kose no Wobito no Oho-omi and others,
all said:—‘‘ On a careful review of the branch descendants,
there is no other worthy person but Prince Wohodo.”
6th day. Omi and Muraji were sent to Mikuni with
emblems of rank, and provided with a palanquin of state to
fetch him. The troops to form his guard arrived suddenly in
awe-inspiring array, clearing the way before him. Upon this,
the Emperor Wohodo remained calm and_ self-possessed,”
seated on a chair, with his retainers in order by him, just as if
he already occupied the Imperial throne. The envoys, there-
fore, bearing the emblems of rank, with respect and reverence
bowed their hearts, and committed to him the Imperial
authority, asking permission to devote to him their loyal
service. In the Emperor’s mind, however, doubts still
1 It seems clear, from the fact that on this anda previous similar occasion
adoption was not resorted to, that this practice had not yet been introduced
from China.
2 Unlike the other prince, who ran away when he saw the troops
approach,
KEIDAI. 3
remained, and for a good while he did not consent. Just then
he chanced to learn that Arako, Kahachi no Mtmakahi no
Obito had sent a messenger secretly to inform him minutely of
the real intentions of the Oho-omi and Ohomuraji in sending
to escort him. After a delay of two days and three nights, he
at length set out. Then he exclaimed, admiringly :—‘ Well
done, Mttmakahi no Obito! Had it not been for the informa-
tion given by thy messenger, I ran a great risk of being made a
laughing-stock to the Empire. The proverbial saying, ‘ Be not
a respecter of rank, but value the heart,’ was doubtless meant
for men like Arako.” When he came to the throne, he treated
Arako with special favour.
12th day. The Emperor arrived at the Palace of Kusuba.
2nd month, 4th day. The Ohomuraji, Ohotomo no Kana-
mura, went on his knees, and, with repeated obeisances, pre-
sented the Mirror, the Sword, and the Imperial Signet. The
Emperor Wohodo declined them, saying:—‘‘It is no light
matter to be a father to the people and to rule the State. I,
‘tthe unworthy one, am deficient in ability, and do not deserve
to be thought fit for it. I pray thee, alter thy purpose, and
‘select some wise person, for I, the unworthy one, do not dare to
accept.”” Ohotomo no Ohomuraji, bowing down to the ground,
persisted in his request. Then the Emperor Wohodo, facing
the west, declined three times, and facing the south,’ declined
twice. Ohotomo no Ohomurajiand the rest all said :—‘‘ In the
humble judgment of thy servants, the Great Prince is excel-
lently fitted to be a father to the people and to rule the State.
On behalf of the ancestral temples and the temples of the
Earth and of Grain, thy servants’ judgment dares not be hasty.
Availing ourselves of the general desire, we pray that thou wilt
graciously be pleased to grant thy acceptance.””’ The Emperor
Wohodo said :—‘* Ye Oho-omi and Ohomuraji, and all ye high
officials! Since you all urge me, the unworthy one, I, the
unworthy one, do not presume to oppose you.”” So he accepted
‘tthe Imperial Signet.?
On this day he assumed the Imperial dignity. Ohotomo,
1 The Imperial position.
> Was this Signet the Signet given the Japanese Emperor by China
‘(“ Early Japanese History,” p. 70)? Or is it merely a Chinese expression
-for the gem “E, which was one of the three regalia?
B 2
4 NIHONGI.
Kanamura no Ohomuraji was appointed Ohomuraji, Kose no
Wobito no Oho-omi was made Oho-omi, and Mononobe no.
Arakahi no Ohomuraji was made Ohomuraji, all being con-
firmed in their previous offices. Thereupon the Oho-omi and
Ohomuraji each entered on their respective offices and ranks.
roth day. Ohotomo no Ohomuraji petitioned the Emperor,
saying :—‘‘ Thy servant has been informed that it was a prin-
ciple of government with former ‘sovereigns that without the
confirmation of an heir to the throne, it is impossible to give
security to heaven and earth. Without the intimacy of the
side-courts, it is impossible to continue the calices.' For this
reason, the Emperor Shiraga, having no heir, sent thy servant’s
grandfather, Ohomuraji Muruya, to all the provinces to esta-
blish three. kinds of Shiraga Be [These three kinds were, first,
Shiraga Be no Toneri; second, Shiraga Be no Kashihade ;
third, Shiraga Be no Yugehi], by which his name might remain
to after ages. Alas! was not this painful? I pray thee,
therefore, to establish the Imperial Princess Tashiraka * and
take her to thee as Empress. Then send the officials charged
with the worship of the Gods of Heaven and Earth to make
reverent sacrifice to them, and ask of them an Imperial scion,
who shall fully respond to the hopes of thy people.” The
Emperor said :—‘‘ Be it so.”
3rd month, 1st day. The Emperor made a decree, saying:
—‘* The Gods of Heaven and Earth must not want a master of
their worship; the universe must not fail of a Lord. Heaven
produces the nation, and establishes it by means of a
supreme ruler, whom it causes to superintend its supply of
food, so that each man’s life may be preserved. The
Ohomuraji, grieving for Our childlessness, has displayed his
loyalty towards the State, showing generation after generation
a devoted fidelity. Is this simply for the sake of Our own
reign ? ,
Let the Imperial Princess Tashiraka be brought to meet me
with all due ceremony.”
sth day. The Imperial Princess Tashiraka was made
Empress, and took the government of the interior (of the
1 The calyx is that which supports the flower. Hence it is put for an heir
to the throne.
2 Daughter of the Emperor Ninken.
_KEIDAT. 5
Palace). She eventually gave birth to a son, who became
Ame-kuni-oshi-harani’-hiro-niha no Mikoto.2 He was the
rightful heir, but as he was young in years, he held the Empire
after his two elder brothers [The two elder brothers were Hiro-
kuni-oshi-take-kanahi no Mikoto and Take-o-hiro-kuni-oshi-
tate no Mikoto. See below.] had ruled it.
gth day. The Emperor made a decree, saying :—‘‘ We have
heard that if men are of fit age and do not cultivate, the
Empire may suffer famine ; if women are of fit age and do not
spin, the Empire may suffer cold. Therefore is it that the
‘sovereigns cultivate with their own hands, so as to give
encouragement to agriculture, while their consorts rear silk-
worms themselves, so as to encourage the mulberry season.
How, then, shall there be prosperity if all, from the function-
aries down to the ten thousand families, neglect agriculture and
spinning? Let the officials publish this to all the Empire, so
that our sentiments may be made known.”
14th day. The Emperor took to him eight concubines.
Some of the eight concubines whom he took to him
were earlier, others later. When it is said that they were
taken on this day (the 14th), it is meant that then for the
first time they were lodged in the after palace, a lucky day
having been selected by divination, in consequence of the
accession to the Imperial Dignity. Thus the facts are
glossed over. Other cases are to be understood similarly.
The senior concubine’s name was Menoko [otherwise called
Irohe], daughter of Kusaka, Wohari no Muraji. She gave
birth to two children, both of whom possessed the Empire.
The first was called the Imperial Prince Magari no Ohine,*
who became Oshi-kuni-oshi-take-kanahi no Mikoto.* The
second was called the Imperial Prince Hinokuma Takada, who
became Take-wo-hiro-kuni-oshi-tate no Mikoto.* The next
concubine was Wakugohime, younger sister of Miho no Tsuno-
wori no Kimi. She gave birth to the Imperial Prince Oho-
iratsuko and the Imperial Princess Idzumo. The next was called
Hirohime, the daughter of Prince Ohomata of Sakata. She
gave birth to three daughters, the eldest of whom was called
1 The “ Kojiki” has haruki. Another rendering is hiraki.
2 The Emperor Kimmei. * Or Ohoye.
4 Ankan Tenno. ® Senkwa Tenno.
A.D. 508.
6 NIHONGI.
the Imperial Princess Kanzaki, the middle one the Imperial
Princess Mamuta, and the youngest the Imperial Princess
Mtimakuta. The next was called Womi no Iratsume, daughter
of Prince Mate of Okinaga. She was the mother of the
Imperial Princess Sasage, who was in attendance on the shrine
of the Great Deity of Ise. The next was Sekihime, daughter
[some say younger sister] of Womochi, Mamuta no Muraji.
She had three daughters, the eldest called the Imperial Princess
Mamuta no Oho-iratsume, the middle one the Imperial Princess
Shirazaka no Ikuhihime, and the youngest the Imperial
Princess Wono no iratsume [otherwise called Nagashihime].
The next was Yamatohime, daughter of Katahi, Miwo no
Kimi. She bore two sons and two daughters. The first was
named the Imperial Princess Oho-iratsume,' and the second
the Imperial Prince Mariko. He was the ancestor of the
Kimi of Mikuni. The third was called the Imperial Prince
Mimi, and the fourth the Imperial Princess Akahime. The
next was Hayehime, daughter of Kahachi, Wani no Omi. She’
bore one son and two daughters. The first was called the
Imperial Princess Wakayahime, the second the Imperial
Princess Tsubura no Iratsume, and the third the Imperial
Prince Atsu. The next was Hirohime, daughter of Prince
Ne. She had two sons, the elder of whom was called the
Imperial Prince Usagi. He was the ancestor of the Kimi of
the Sake-makers. The younger was called the Imperial Prince
Naka. He was the ancestor of the Kimi of Sakada.”
This year was the year Hinoto I (24th) of the Cycle.
2nd year, Winter, roth month, 3rd day. The Emperor
Wohatsuse waka-sazaki was buried in the misasagi on the hill
of Ihatsuki at Katawoka.
12th month. The people of Tamna* in the midst of the
1 Some give iratsuko for the Kana of this and similar names.
2 The “ Kojiki” and “ Kiujiki” present some trifling variations in the
accounts of these concubines and children.
3 -Tamna is the island now called Chéchu by the Coreans and known to.
us as Quelpaert. The statement here made is utterly improbable in itself,
as Quelpaert is in sight of the Corean mainland, It is contradicted by the
following passages of the ‘‘ Tongkam.” '
“King Munchiu of Pékché, 2nd year (A.D. 476), Summer, 4th month.
The land of Tamna presented tribute of their national productions to.
Pékché. The king was rejoiced, and appointed the ambassadors Eunsol.
KEIDAL.. 9
Southern Sea first had communication with the Land of
Pékché.
3rd year, Spring, 2nd month. Envoys were sent to 4». 509.
Pekché.
The statement in the Pékché “ Original Record”’ that
Lord Kuramachi came from Japan (Nippon) is unclear.
The subjects of Pékché, who during three or four generations
had made their escape and were living as refugees in the XVII.
villages of the Japanese domain of Imna, having lost their place
in the register of population, were all removed to Pékché and
replaced on the registers.
5th year, Winter, roth month. The capital was transferred a.p. 511.
to Tsutsuki in Yamashiro.
6th year, Summer, 4th month, 6th day. Oshiyama, Hod- a.p. 512.
zumi no Omi, was sent on a mission to Pekché with a present
of 44 horses of the Land of Tsukushi.
Winter, 12th month. Pékché sent an envoy with tribute.
In a separate memorial Pekché asked for four districts of the
Land of Imna, viz. Upper Tari, Lower Tari, Syata, and Muro.
Oshiyama, Hodzumi no Omi, Governor of the Land of Tari,
made a representation to the Emperor, saying :—‘‘ These four
districts border on Pekché and are far separated from the
Japanese Residency. Morning and evening they (i.e. Pékché
and Tari) exchange communications: their fowls and dogs
cannot be kept apart. If they are now ceded to Pekché and
Tamna is in the midst of the Southern Sea. In ancient times there were
no inhabitants. Then there were three divine men who. bubbled up from
the earth. The eldest was called Nang-eul-la, the next was called Ko-eul-la,
and the third Pu-eul-la. One day these three, having gone out to hunt by
the sea-side, found a stone coffer. On opening it, they discovered three
women, with cattle of various sorts and seeds of the five kinds of grain.
They eventually shared between them, taking the women as wives. Then
each betook himself to a well-watered fertile spot and selected by divination
a residence. Nang-eul-la’s dwelling was called First City, Ko-eul-la’s
Second City, and Pu-eul-la’s Third City Then they sowed the five grains
and pastured the cattle, and prospered and multiplied from day to day.
Tamna is also called Tam-mu-ra.”—“ Tongkam,” IV. 31.
“ap. 498 The King of Pékché, because Tamna did not pay tribute, set
out himself on an expedition against it. He got as far as Muchinchiu, when
the Tamna people heard of it and sent messengers to beg for pardon. So
they were let off.”—“ Tongkam,” V. 3.
There-is no mention of Tamna in the “ Tongkam” under the year 508.
eV 2 rr
8 - NIHonGi.
united to it so as to form one country, no better measure of
conservation can be adopted. It is true, no doubt, that even if
ceded and united to Pekché there will still be a danger for
future generations. Much more how many years could they
be defended if they became foreign territory ?”’!
Kanamura, Ohotomo no Ohomuraji, having thoroughly com-
prehended this report, adopted this policy and laid it before
the Emperor. Accordingly Arakahi, Mononobe no Ohomu-
raji, was appointed Imperial envoy. Mononobe no Ohomuraji
was on the point of leaving for the official inn at Naniha in
order to make known the Emperor’s commands to the Pékché
guests, when his wife expostulated with him, saying :—
‘‘ Originally the Deities® of Sumiyoshi bestowed on the Em-
peror Homuda while in the womb the gold and silver lands
beyond the sea, namely Koryo, Pekché, Silla, and Imna.
Therefore did the Great Empress* Okinaga-tarashihime no
Mikoto and the Oho-omi Takechi no Sukune first establish
Government Houses* in each of these countries and constitute
them our screen territory beyond the sea. So that this has
not come to pass without reason. If now we were to divide
off (a part) and grant it to others, we should be acting contrary
to the interests of our own land. How, in that case, during
the long ages should reproach be sundered from men’s
mouths?” The Ohomurajianswered and said :—‘‘ Thy advice
is reasonable, but I fear to disobey the Celestial command.”
His wife remonstrated with him earnestly, saying :--‘‘ Pretend
that thou art ill, and do not make communication.” The
Ohomuraji was guided by this remonstrance, and therefore
another envoy was appointed to make known the Imperial
will. Presents were giverf, and an Imperial decree granting
four districts of Imna in accordance with the petition. The
Imperial Prince Ohine, owing to certain business, had not
heard of the cession of territory. When it was too late he
learnt that the decree had been issued. He was surprised and
dissatisfied, and endeavoured to have it altered, saying :—
' The meaning is that Pékché will be better able to prevent these pro-
vinces from falling into the hands of Silla than Japan. All Imna was
conquered by Silla in A.D. 562. See below, XIX. 51.
> See above, Vol. I. pp. 233-235, and “ Satow’s Handbook,” p. 192.
% The word used does not mean a reigning Empress. 4 Miyake.
KEIDAI. 9
“* Since the days of the Emperor in the womb’ there has been
established the land of our Government House. Shall we
lightly yield to the request of a frontier land and grant it away
without difficulty ?”’ Accordingly he sent Hiwashi? no Kishi
to make a fresh intimation to the Pékché guests. The Envoys,
however, replied, saying :—‘‘The Emperor, the father, has
already, for considerations of expediency, consummated a grant
by Imperial decree. How can the Imperial Prince, his son, act
contrary to the Emperor’s expressed will, and unauthorizedly
make to us a different intimation? Surely he cannot be in
earnest. But granting that it were true, which is the more
painful—to be beaten with the large end of a staff or with the
small one?” At length they took their departure. Upon this
it wasrumoured that Ohotomo no Ohomuraji and Oshiyama,
Hodzumi no Omi, Governor of the Land of Tari, had received
bribes from Pekché.
7th year, Summer, 6th month. Pékché sent General Chya-
mi Mun-kwi and General Chyu-ri Cheung-ni along with Oshi-
yama, Hodzumi no Omi [the Pékché “ Original Record” says,
‘““Commissioning Lord Oshiyama”’], to bring as tribute a
scholar of the five classics named Tan Yang-ni. They
separately addressed the Emperor, saying :—‘‘The land of
Pan-phi* has seized thy servants’ territory of I-mun.* I humbly
pray that the Celestial favour may decide that it be restored to
its original jurisdiction.”
Autumn, 8th month, 26th day. Syun-ta, the eldest son of
the King of Pékché, died.’
gth month. The Imperial Prince Magari no Ohine in per-
son" betrothed to himself the Imperial Princess Kasuga.
Thereupon all through the moonlit night they held sweet con-
Ojin Tenno.
* This name means sun-eagle. There is a god called Ama no Hiwashi
mentioned in the “ Kogojiui.”
* The traditional Kana is Hahe. It is doubtful here which rendering to
follow.
* It seems to have been Japanese at this time. The “Seishiroku” says
that in the reign of Mimaki-irihiko the Imna people asked Japan to annex
I-mun, as the inhabitants were in constant strife with Silla. I-mun was a
district on the north-east frontier of Imna.
> The “ Tongkam” says nothing of this.
6 i.e. without a middle-man. She was Ninken’s daughter.
AND: 513.
MENALIE YIP,
IO NIHONGI. |
verse till the dawn came on them unawares. Of a sudden the
grace of elegant style was embodied in his speech, and he broke
into song, saying :—
In the eight-island land !
Vainly a wife I sought
Until in Kasuga
(Of Spring weather)
Hearing that there was
A fair maiden,
Hearing that there was
A good maiden,
Pushing open
The spruce-fir plank door
(Of right-wood ? cleavage)
Hither have I come.
Taking it by the foot end
I laid hold of the hem (of her garment),
Taking it by the pillow-end
I laid hold of the hem (of her garment) ;
Then my beloved’s * arm
Was wound around me
And my arm too
Was wound round my beloved.
XVII. 13. Like a luxuriant vine,
Arm embraced and twined with arm ;
As the armlet fits the elbow,”
In sweet slumber we lay.
’Tis the bird of the courtyard,
The cock that is crowing :
’Tis the bird of the moor,
The pheasant that is clamouring.
Ere I have uttered
All my mind fully
The dawn has come. Oh my beloved one!
Then his consort replied in song, saying :—
live. Japan. See above, Vol.J. p. 15.
2 Maki, lit. “right-wood,” is here a mere honorific epithet applied to the
wood of the Chamzcyparis obtusa, which has an even grain, adapting it
well for making planks at ia time when saws were unknown and the axe:
was used for that purpose.
3 Tsuma, “‘ hem,” also means “spouse.”
4 Lit. younger sister, which was used much like our “ my dear.”
> The interpretation of this line is very doubtful. -
KEIDAT. - 11
Down the river of Hatsuse
(The secluded)
A bamboo comes floating—
Close-jointed, long-jointed ; !
The bottom part
Making into a lute,
The upper part
Making into a flute,
Blowing into it (the flute), playing on it (the lute),
Were I to ascend and stand
On the top of Mimoro, .
And publish it? there,
The very fishes
That pass under the water
Of the pond of Ihare
(The creeper-clad) 3
Would come to the surface and lament:
The august girdle of small pattern,*
Girded on
By our Great Lord
Who tules peacefully,
Hangs down in a knot—
Not a man is there whoever he may be
But would come up and lament.
Winter, 11th month, 5th day. General Chya-mi Mun-kwi
of Pekché, Mun-ték-chi of Silla, Sin-i-hyé and Pun-pha-wi-sa
of Ara and Kwi-chon-hyé and Chyung-mun-chi of Pan-phi were
sent for to attend Court in a body, and received communica-
tion of a gracious Imperial order, giving I-mun and Teé-sa to
the Land of Pekché.
In this month the Land of Pan-phi sent Cheup-chi with
' Close-jointed at the bottom, long-jointed at the top. At least so one
commentator. There are other equally unsatisfactory explanations of this
line.
2 Viz. the sadness of the coming of the dawn under the circumstances
above described.
3 Tha means “rock.” Therefore the epithet in parentheses.
4 This and the next four lines are introduced solely because tare, “to
hang down,” also means “who.” I have. endeavoured to imitate this by
“knot” and“ not.” See above, Vol. I. p. 402.
This poem amounts to this :—
“Tf to the accompaniment of music I were to express the sadness of our
parting, the very fishes would lament, and all men who heard me would
lament.” Pi
Pie
SVIL. as
A.D. 514.
12 NIHONGI.
presents of rare and valuable objects, asking for the Land of
I-mun. Eventually it was refused them.
12th month, 8th day. An Imperial decree was made,
saying :—‘‘ We, having taken over the Celestial succession,
have been watchful to preserve the Ancestral Temples, and
have been wary and fearful. For a while the Empire has been
at peace; within the seas there has been serenity and calm.
Years of abundance have been frequent, redounding to the
prosperity of the Land. Admirable! Maroko,' thou hast
made known our sentiments to the eight quarters. Magnifi-
cent! Magari no Ohine! thou hast cast a lustre on our
authority amongst all countries. Japan” is harmonious, and
each man may do as he pleases in the Empire. Akitsu is
glorified, and the Royal territory raised to high honour. Thou
prizest nought but wisdom: in nothing dost thou take greater
pleasure than in doing good. Depending on this, the sagely
influences undulate afar: leaning upon this, the profound
virtue is permanently supported. Truly, such is thy virtue
that thou art fit to occupy the Spring Palace,’ to aid Us in
dispensing benevolence, and to assist Us by supplementing our
deficiencies.” :
8th year, mst month. The eldest Prince’s Consort, the
Imperial Princess Kasuga, was late in coming out one morning,
and was not in her ordinary state. The eldest Prince’s sus-
picions were aroused. He went into the Palace, and found
his Consort lying on her couch weeping and sobbing. Her
passion was such that she could not control it. The eldest
Prince, thinking it strange, inquired of her, saying :—‘* What
cause of grief hast thou, that thou sobbest and weepest this
morning ?”’ His Consort said :—‘‘ Thy handmaiden’s sorrow
hath no other cause but this. The heaven-soaring birds, in
order lovingly to nurture their young, build nests on the tree-
tops, so deep is their affection for them. The creeping things
that crawl upon the ground, in order to guard their offspring,
make holes in the ground, so careful is their guardianship of
them. How then should mankind be wanting in foresight ?
? Ankan Tenno.
2 “Japan” is probably an anachronism. The whole speech has every
appearance of being an invention of later times.
3 The Palace of the Heir to the Throne.
KEIDAI. 13
The grief of childlessness having befallen the eldest Prince,
thy handmaiden’s name also becomes extinct.” The Heir
Apparent sympathized with her in her sorrow, and informed the
Emperor, who made a decree, saying :— ‘‘ Our son, Maroko!’
thy Consort’s words are in profound accordance with reason.
It is impossible that they should remain void, and without
a consolatory response. Let her be granted the granary’
of Saho, to bear her name for ten thousand generations.”
3rd month. Panphi built castles at Cha-than*® and Te-sa,
thus bringing itself in line with Manhyé. They also estab-
lished beacon-towers, as a defensive measure against Japan.
Moreover, they built castles at Ni-nydl-pi and Masupi, and so
connected with Ma-cho-hyé and Chhyu-pu; they brought
together troops and weapons, wherewith they harassed Silla,
making booty of women and children, and fleecing the villages.
Their violence increasing, scarce any inhabitants remained.
Their deeds of outrage, profligacy, injury, oppression, and
murder were too numerous to set down in detail. ;
gth year, Spring, 2nd month, 4th day. General Mun-kwi,
the Pekché envoy, and his party asked leaveto goaway. Byan
Imperial decree Mononobe no Muraji [his personal name is not
given] was attached to them, and they were allowed to go back.
The Pekché “ Original Record ’’ says :—‘‘ Mononobe no
chichi* no Muraji.”
In this month they came to the Island of Sa-to,® where they
learned by report that men of Pan-phi, with hate in their
bosoms and venom in their mouths, were committing wanton
outrage, trusting in brute force. Therefore Mononobe no
Muraji, in command of a fleet of five hundred war-ships, made
straight for the estuary of Té-sa, and General Mun-kwi departed
by way of Silla.
Summer,: 4th month. Mononobe no Muraji remained at
anchor in the estuary of Te-sa.
1 [ should like to find some authority for omitting “our son ” and trans-
lating ‘maro-ko thus. See above, Vol. I. p. 264, where maro ga chi is
rendered “our father.”
2 Miyake.
sf tr. See below, XVII. 18, where EF) # (Kwithan) is probably this
place, one of the two being a mistake.
4 i.e. the father.” > Sand-island.
A.D. 515.
A.D. 516.
A.D. 518
A.D. 523.
14 NIHONGI.
6th day. The Pan-phi people raised an army and came to
attack them. They stripped them of their clothing, plundered
them of their property, and burnt all their tents.'. Mononobe
no Muraji and his men were frightened, and took to flight,
saving their lives with difficulty. They anchored at Mun-mo-ra
[the name of an island].
roth year, Summer, 5th month. Pekché sent Mok-hidp, of
the former division,’ and the Pu-ma* Kap-he to entertain Mono-
nobe no Muraji and his men at I-mun, and to escort them into
that country. All the (Pekché) officials brought forth clothing,
axe-iron, and woven stuffs, assisting them by presents of their
national products, which they piled up in the court. Kind
visits of inquiry were made to them, and unusually abundant
presents were bestowed on them.
Autumn, gth month. Pekché sent General Chyuri Cheuk-
chha,* along with Mononobe no Muraji, to come and give
thanks for the grant of the territory of I-mun. They also
offered tribute of a scholar acquainted with the five classics,
named Ko An-mu, of Han,* and asked that he should be
exchanged for Tan Yang-ni.” He was exchanged in accordance
with this request.
14th day. Pekché sent General Chyang-mak-ko and two
Japanese, named Shinato and Ahita, to accompany Anchyong,
the Koryé envoy, and his party, who came to our Court to
cement amicable relations.
tath year, Spring, 3rd month, gth day. The capital was
removed to Otokuni.’
17th year, Summer, 5th month. King Mu-nyéng of Pekché
died.*
1 Or rather screens of cloth to hide off an encampment.
2 See below, XX VII. 12.
3 Puma is possibly the modern Corean Puma, i.e. King’s son-in-law, but it
is perhaps more likely to be a man’s name too, thus making three Chyén-pu,
or Officials of the former division,
‘4 Probably the person called Cheung ni above, XVII. 11, the difference
being owing to a copyist’s error.
®> The Chinese dynasty of that name. It seems here to form part of the
name. Ff
, * See above XV, 12. 7 In Yamashiro.
3 This agrees with the “ Tongkam” date, even to the month.
——_ = a a
KEIDAI. : 15
18th year, Spring, ist month. The Pékché Heir hea
Myéong,* assumed the (Royal) dignity.
2oth year, Autumn, gth month, 13th day. The capital was
removed to Tamaho in Ihare.’_ [In one book it says 7th year.]
2ist year, Summer, 6th month, 3rd day. Afumi no Kena no
Omi, in command of an army of 60,000 men, was about to
proceed to Imna, in order to re-establish and unite to Imna
South Kara and Ték-sa-than, which had been conquered by
Silla, when Ihawi, Tsukushi no Kuni no Miyakko, secretly
plotted rebellion, so that there was a delay of several years.
Fearing that the matter would be hard to accomplish, he was
constantly watching a favourable opportunity. Silla, knowing
this, secretly practised bribery with Ihawi, and encouraged
him to oppose the passage of Kena no Omi’s army. Hereupon
Thawi occupied the two provinces of Hi* and Toyo,‘ and would
not allow the taxes to be paid. Abroad he intercepted the
route by sea, and led astray the yearly tribute ships from the
countries of Koryo, Pékché, Silla, and Imna, while at home
he blocked the way for Kena no Omi’s army which was being
sent to Imna. He lifted up his voice in abusive language,
saying :—‘“ Thou who hast now become an envoy wast for-
merly my companion. We rubbed shoulders and touched
elbows; we ate the same food from the same vessels. How
‘canst thou lightly be made an envoy, and make me come freely
and prostrate myself before thee?” He at length fought and
would not receive him; he was haughty and self-conceited.
For this reason Kena no Omi was prevented midways from
proceeding on his journey, and was detained. The Emperor
addressed Kanamura, Ohotomo no Ohomuraji, Arakahi, Mono-
nobe no Ohomuraji, and Wobito, Kose no Oho-omi, saying :—
““Thawi of Tsukushi has rebelled, and has occupied the terri-
‘tory of the western wilds. Whom shall we now make general ? ”
‘Ohotomo no Ohomuraji and the others all said :—* For
uprightness, humane bravery, and acquaintance with military
matters there is at present no one who goes out to the right of”
Arakahi.”” The Emperor said :—“ Be it so.”
1 His name was Myéngnye 4A yi. ? Back again to Yamato.
3 Now Hizen and Higo. * Buzen and Bungo.
* i.e. excels. This is a Chinese phrase. The left is now the honourable
-side ; at one time the right was so.
A.D. 524.
A.D. 526
A.D. 527.
SVE SiG:
MOVIL: 20;
AGS eG 2 Os
16 NIHONGI.
Autumn, 8th month, rst day. The Emperor made a decree,
saying :—‘‘ Ah, Ohomuraji!' here is this Ihawi who will not
obey us. Do thou go and chastise him.” The Ohomuraji,
*“Mononobe no Arakahi, with repeated obeisances, said :—‘‘ Ah !
Ihawi, that unprincipled knave of the western wilds, relies on
the impediments of rivers, and does not appear at Court. He
trusts to the steepness of the mountains, and stirs up disorder.
He subverts virtue and acts contrary to principle; he is.
insolent and wise in his own conceit. From Michi no Omi
in ancient times down to Muruya® at present (there have been
ministers who) have fought at the same time both for their
Emperor and to rescue the people from misery. This is.
simply owing to the help of Heaven, and thy servant has
always. been impressed with its importance. How should he
fail reverently to smite them?”
The Emperor charged him, saying :—‘‘ The generalship of a
good commander consists in dispensing kindness and exercising
forbearance: he rules others with the leniency he shows to
himself. In attack he is like the bursting forth of a river, in
combat he resembles the rising of the storm.” Again he
charged him, saying :—‘‘Ona great commander depends the
lives of the people and the existence of the State. Be earnest,
and reverently execute the Celestial punishment.” The Em-
peror took up the battle-axe* in his own hands, and delivered it
to the Ohomuraji, saying :—‘‘ We will control the country
from Anato eastward; do thou hold sway over the land from
Tsukushi westwards. Dispense rewards and punishments
absolutely, and trouble not thyself to make frequent reference
LOues.”7
22nd year, Winter, 11th month, 11th day. The Commander-
in-chief Arakahi, Mononobe no Ohomuraji, taking personal
command, engaged battle with the rebel leader, [hawi, in the
district of Miwi in Tsukushi. The flags and drums approached
close to each other, the dust (from both armies) became
mingled. The critical moment for the two armies arrived,
and the position was such that ten thousand deaths seemed
1 ie. Arakahi. 2 See above, Vol. I. p. 117.
3 Muruya was Kanamura’s father.
4° An emblem of authority.
e
KEIDAI, : EF
unavoidable. At length he slew Ihawi, and eventually subdued
the frontier land.'
12th month. Kuzu, Kimi of Tsukushi, fearing to be involved
in his father’s execution, offered to the Emperor the Granary?
of Kasuya, asking to be allowed to ransom his life.
23rd year, Spring, 3rd month. The King of Pékché ad-
dressed Oshiyama, Hodzumi no Omi, Governor of Lower art,
saying :—“‘ Now our tribute envoys have always to avoid the
headlands and expose themselves to the winds and waves. In
‘consequence of this the goods they bear become wet and
wholly spoiled and unsightly. I pray that thou wilt make the
Port of Tasa in Kara the crossing route by which to send thy
servant’s tribute.” Oshiyama no Omi made application. to
the Emperor accordingly.
This month Kasone, Mononobe no Ise no Muraji, Kishi no
Okina,* and others were sent to make over the Port to the
King of Pekché. Hereupon the King of Kara spoke to the
Imperial Envoys, saying :—-“‘ This Port ever since the esta-
blishment of the (Japanese) Government House has been the
port of passage for your servant’s tribute. How can you with-
out grave reason change this state of things and grant it to a
neighbouring country, contrary to the original definitive en-
feoffment of this territory?” The Imperial Envoy Kasone and
his colleagues were accordingly unable to make the grant
1 According to the “ Tsukushi Fudoki,” the tomb of Ihawi was, at the time
of writing, to be seen two ri to the south of Kami-tsuma no agata’ “The
height of the mound was seven rods (of ten feet, no doubt measured along
the slope), and its circuit six rods (something wrong here). The ground
belonging to the tomb was sixty rods from north to south, and forty from
east to west. (This looks like a double mound) On all four sides there
are sixty stone men, with stone shields, arrayed against each other in order
of battle. At the north-east corner there is a separate plot of ground,
called the kitchen. In this there is one stone man, in a standing position,
who is called ‘the carver,’ and in front of him a naked figure prostrate on
the ground, called ‘the thief’ On the side there are four stone pigs, called
‘the plunder.’ In that place, moreover, there are three stone horses, three
stone halls, and two stone warehouses. The oldest inhabitants say that
Ihawi had this place constructed in his lifetime.”
Some of these remains are still in existence, and I rather think that it is.
one of the stone figures which is now in the Uyeno Museum at Tokio.
2 Miyake.
3 Kishi was originally a Corean rank ; Okina means old man.
VOL. II. Cc
Valle os
A.D. 529.
18 NIHONGI.
openly. They retired to Ohoshima and sent a clerk specially,
by whom the grant to Pu-yé' was effected. Owing to this,
Kara allied itself to Silla’ and bred hatred against Japan. The
King of Kara married the King of Silla’s daughter, who
eventually had issue by him. When Silla first sent a daughter,
100 men were sent away-with her as her escort. When they
were received, they were dispersed throughout the districts of
the country, and allowed to wear the Silla costume. But
Arasateung* railed at their strange* garments and_ sent
messengers to return them secretly. Silla felt greatly insulted.
He changed his mind and tried to get his daughter back,
saying :—‘‘ Formerly, when I received thy marriage proposals,
I sanctioned the alliance. But since matters are now so, I
request that the Princess may be restored to me.” Kwi-pu-ri
Chika’ of Kara [unclear] answered and said :—‘‘ How can
husband and wife be sundered again when they have once
become united? Moreover there are children. What will
become of them if they are abandoned?” In the end it came
to pass that (Silla) captured the three castles of To-ka, Ko-phi,
and Phona mura.’ He also took five castles on the northern
frontier.
In this month Afumi no Kena no Omi was sent to Ara® to
urge Silla, in the Emperor’s name, to re-establish Southern
1 Puy6é or Fuyu is an ancient name of Pékché. It is properly the name
of a region north of Corea whence the Pékché royal family derived their
origin. Southern Puy6 was adopted as the official name of Pékché in A.D.
538, according to the “ Tongkam,” V. 14.
? The “Tongkam” (A.D. 522) speaks of Silla giving a lady of royal blood
(though not the king’s daughter) in marriage to Kaya. The two kings had
a friendly meeting in 527.
3 A note to the “Shukai” says that Arishito (or Arasateung, according to the
Corean pronunciation of the characters) was the King of Kara. No doubt
some high official is intended. See Vol. I. p. 166.
4 Silla, according to the “ Tongkam,” first regulated official costume, no
doubt on the Chinese model, in A.D. 520. It was apparently these garments
that excited the reprobation of Kara.
’ Mura is apparently the same as the Japanese word mura, village. There
is a Corean word muri, assemblage, which seems to be the same root. An
old Chinese author says that the Silla word for castle or city is kien-mu-la.
Kien, I imagine, is kheun, great, and mulais for mura. See below, XVII. 24.
6 One of the ten provinces of Imna, says the “ Shukai” editor.
-KEIDAI. } 19
Kara’ and Tok-sa-than. Pekché sent the Lord-General
Yun-kwi Ma-na, Kap-pe Ma-ro and others to Ara respectfully
to hear the Emperor’s-decree. Silla, fearing lest the Govern-
ment which he had established in the frontier provinces should
be destroyed, did not senda grandee. He only sent Pu-chi-
na-ma-nyé and Hyé-na-ma-nyé to Ara respectfully to listen to
the Imperial decree. Hereupon Ara built ‘a new High-Hall,
into which the Imperial Ambassador was led up, the ruler of
the country ascending the staircase behind him. One or two
of the local grandees had already ascended the Hall, but the
Pékché envoys, the Lord-General, and the others remained
below. The consultations were repeated for many months? in
the Hall above, until the Lord-General and the others grew
angry at having to remain in the Courtyard.
Summer, 4th month, 7th day. Kwi-neung-ma-ta* Kanki,
King of Imna,* came to Court. [Kwi-neung-ma-ta was doubt-
less the Arasiteung.]| He addressed Kanamura, Ohotomo no
Ohomuraji, saying :—‘‘ The several frontier provinces beyond
the sea, ever since the time of the Emperor in the womb, have
had Interior Government Houses placed in them. My land
has not been abandoned, but the territory has been enfeoffed
to me, not without good reason. But now Silla, in defiance of
this original definitive enfeoffment, has frequently crossed the
borders and invaded us. I pray, therefore, that thou wilt
represent this to the Emperor, so that he may come to the
assistance of his servant’s country.’ The Ohomuraji, Oho-
tomo, in accordance with his request, laid the matter before .
the Emperor.
In this month an envoy was sent to escort Kwi-neung-ma-ta
Kanki, and at the same time to convey to Afumi no Kena no
‘Omi, who was resident in Imna, the instructions of the
Emperor to investigate thoroughly the matter represented to
him, and in a friendly way to dissipate their mutual suspicions.
Hereupon Kena no Omi lodged at Kumanare’ [one book
1 Se above; -p. 15: * The “Shukai” corrects this to “ days.”
3 The traditional Kana is Konomatta.
4 The “Shukai” has a note that Imnais Kara. The name given here is
not that of the King of Kara at this time. He may have been only a
prince.
°> Or Eung-chén, i.e. Bear-river. See Vol. I. pp. 232; 368.
CZ
20 NIHONGI.
says he lodged at Kusi-mura in Imna], whither he summoned
together the kings of the two countries, Silla and Pekché.
Cha-ri-chi,' King of Silla, sent Ku-chi-pu-nyé? [one book says.
Ku-nyé-ni-saé-chi and (?) U-na-sii-ma-ri], and Pekché the
Eunsol* Mi-teung-ni, to proceed to meet together at the
place where Kena no Omi was. But the two kings did not
attend in person. Kena no Omi was much incensed, and
called the two envoys to an account for it, saying :—‘“‘ It is the
law of Heaven that the Small should wait upon the Great.
[One book says:—‘To the end of a great tree, you join a
great tree; to the end of a small tree, you join a small
tree.’| Why do the kings of the two countries send envoys in
this disrespectful way instead of coming in person to the
meeting and receiving the Emperor’s commands? But now,
even if your kings came themselves to hear the Imperial com-
mands, I would not consent to deliver them, but would surely
drive them away.’ Ku-chi-pu-nyé and the Eunsol Mi-teung-
ni, with dread in their hearts, returned each to his own country
to call his king. Accordingly, Silla sent another envoy, the
Chief Minister, I-cheul-pu-nyé-chi Kanki, with a following of
three thousand men, to come and ask leave to hear the Imperial
commands. Kena no Omi, seeing from afar that he was being
encompassed by several thousand armed men, left Kumanare.
and entered the castle of Kwi-cheul-kwi-ri* in Imna._ I-cheul-
pu-nyé-chi Kanki took up his lodging on the plain of Tatara,
and, not daring to go back, waited for three months, requesting
leave repeatedly to hear the Imperial message. But to the last
its communication was not vouchsafed him. Some men under
I-cheul-pu-nyé-chi’s command were begging for food in the
villages when they passed Mikari, Kahachi Mumakahi no.
Obito, a retainer of Kena no Omi. Mikari went in and hid
behind somebody’s gate, and, waiting till the beggars were
passing, clenched his fists and struck at them from afar. The
beggars, seeing this, said:—‘‘ We have waited patiently for
1 The “ Tongkam ” calls the King of Silla at this time Pép-hung. This is.
the posthumous name.. His name in life was Won-chong. Neither
agrees with the name given here.
* Ku-chi-pu-nyé. The Japanese panmeneuaien is Kuchi-fure.
3 The Eunchol were the third class of Pékché dignitaries.
4 Koshikori is the traditional Kana pronunciation.
KEIDAI. 21
three months in hopes of hearing the Emperor’s will: But
you still refuse to communicate it, and harass the envoys who
have been sent to listen to the Imperial message. Hence, we
see that your object is to befool and put to death the Chief
Minister.” So they reported to the Chief Minister all that
they had seen, and he thereupon seized four villages, Keum-
kwan,' Hé-mu, A-ta, and Wi-tha [one book says Tatara,
Sunara, A-ta, and Pi-chi were the four villages! , took possession
of all the people and their goods, and withdrew to his own
country. Some said that it was the fault of Kena no Omi that
these four villages, Tatara and the rest, were plundered.
Autumn, gth month. The Oho-omi, Kose no Obito, died.
24th year, Spring, 2nd month, 1stday. The Emperor made
an edict, saying:—‘‘ From the Emperor Ihare-hiko* until
King Mimaki,’ all (the sovereigns) put their trust in learned
Ministers and enlightened assistants. Therefore Michi’ no
Omi propounded the policy, and divine Japan” flourished.
Ohohiko enounced plans, and Inihe® was exalted. Among those
Princes of succeeding generations who were successful in re-
establishing what had fallen into decay, what one has there
ever been who did not rely upon wise counsels ? Now, coming
down to the time when the Emperor Wohatsuse ruled the
Empire, auspiciously receiving it over from the previous sages,
there was long peace and prosperity, during which morals
became gradually deteriorated, and there was no awakening,
while the Government became gradually steeped in decay, and
there was no reform. But he looked out for (proper) men,
and each had advancement after his kind. Ifa man had great
capacity, his shortcomings were not inquired into; if he had
high abilities, his failures were not found fault with. It was
for this reason that this Emperor was enabled to serve the
ancestral shrines, and not to endanger the Temples of the
Land and of Grain. Judging from this, could he have been
wanting in enlightened assistants ?
' The present Keumhé, then capital of Kara. = Jimmu Tenno.
® Sujin Tennd. There seems no particular reason why one should be
called a King =E, and the other an Emperor We.
4 Michi means “ path,” “moral principle.” Vzde Vol. I. p. 117.
> Or Yamato.
$ i.e. Sujin Tenn, says the “ Tsu-sho” commentary.
A.D. 530.
22 NIHONGI.
During the twenty-four years which have elapsed since we
took over the Imperial office, the Empire has enjoyed prosperity,
and there have been no anxieties at home or abroad. The
veins of the earth have been fertile and the crops have reached
maturity. Our secret fear is that the masses may in conse-
quence of this acquire a habit, and that depending on it they
may become proud. Therefore let men be made to practise
honest thrift, and let the Great Morality be inculcated, so that a
mighty progress may be diffused abroad. From of old it has
been hard to appoint the right men to office. Now that this
duty has devolved upon Ourselves, ought we not to be
watchful ? ”
Autumn, gth month. An envoy from Imna made represen-
tation to the Emperor, saying :—‘‘ It is now two years since
Kena no Omi proceeded to Kusamura, where he built a house
and took up his residence.
The statement in one book that it was three years:
includes the year of going and coming.
But he is remiss in the discharge of his Governmental duties.
Now there are frequent disputes between’ the people of Japan
and the people of Imna respecting children,’ which are difficult
to settle. None of these has ever been decided. Kena no Omi
is fond of setting (the caldrons for) the ordeal by boiling water,
and saying :—‘ Those who are in the right will not be scalded :
those who are false will certainly be scalded.’ Owing to this
many persons have been scalded to death by plunging into the
hot water. Moreover he has put to death Natari and Sapuri,
Corean children of Kibi.
The children born of Japanese marriages with barbarian
women were accounted Kara-ko.
He constantly harasses the people, and there is never any
amicable solution of difficulties.” Hereupon the Emperor,
hearing of this conduct, sent a man to recall him. But he
would not come. He took the trouble, however, to send
Mikari, Kahachi no Mtma-kahi no Obito up to the capital with
a message for the Emperor, saying :—“‘ If thy servant returned.
to the capital before carrying out the Imperial instructions, his.
toil of travel would come to nothing. How should he get over
' The progeny of mixed unions. > i.e. Corean or Kara children.
os
~~
KEIDAI. 23
his mortification? He humbly beseeches Your Majesty to
await the execution of the national instructions. He will then
proceed to Court and confess his faults.” After sending off
this messenger, he further took counsel with himself, saying :—
“That Mitsugi' no Kishi is also an Imperial envoy. If he
arrives back before me, and represents my offences to the
Emperor as they really are, they will certainly be aggravated.”
So he sent Mitsugi no Kishi at the head of a force to guard the
Castle of Isichi mura.. Hereupon the Arisiteung, seeing that
a trivial matter was being made of great importance, would
not apply himself to what was expected of him, but repeatedly
urged his * returning to Court. But he persisted in his refusal
to let him return. By this all his conduct was understood, and
in their hearts a spirit of revolt was begotten. So he*sent XVII. 28.
Kunyésakwimo to Silla to ask for troops, and Nosukuri to Pékché
to ask for troops. Kena no Omi, hearing of the arrival of the
Peékche forces, went out against them and attacked Pé-phyéng.
| Pé-phyong is the name of a place—also called Ung-pi-kwi-pu-
ri.’] Half were killed or wounded. Pékché accordingly seized
Nosukuri, punished him with handcuffs, and put him in the
cangue and chains. Then, along with Silla they laid siege to
the castle, and demanded of the Arisateung with imprecations
that Kena no Omi should be produced. But Kena no Omi
clung to his castle and made a vigorous defence. His strength
was such that he could not be taken prisoner. Upon this the
two countries measured out a suitable piece of ground, where
they settled down for a month and built a castle. They then
retired. This castle was called Kunyé mura. On their way
home they captured the five fortified places of Teung-ni-ki-—
mura, Puna-mura, Mu-cha-ki-mura, A-pu-ra-mura, and Ku-chi-
pha-ta-ki.°
Winter, roth month. Mitsugi no Kishi arrived from Imna
1 Mitsugi means tribute or taxes. Kishi is a title, originally Corean.
? Mitsugi no Kishi’s. > The Arisdteung.
+ Perhaps the last three syllables are meant for the Corean word Ko-eul,
a district, the Japanese kéri. The first syllable Ung means bear.
5 These names are written with Chinese characters, used phonetically in
a way which conveys the idea that the author of the ‘‘ Nihongi” considered
them to be Corean words. But mura is unmistakably the Japanese word
for village, and the names too are probably Japanese, viz. Toriki-mura,
Funa-mura, Mushiki-mura, Abura-mura, and Kuchihataki.
ADs: § 31+
24 NIHONGI.
and informed the Emperor of Kena no Omi’s arrogant and
perverse disposition. ‘‘ He was’ inexperienced (he said) in the
administration of government, and never brought about
amicable solutions. He disturbed Kara. Moreover he followed
his own impulses in a high-handed manner, while he at the
same time put up with evils and did not prevent them.”
Therefore Medzurako was sent to recall him.
In this year, Kena no Omi, having received the summons,
proceeded as far as Tsushima, where he fell ill, and died. His
funeral followed up the course of. the river,’ and so entered
Afumi.
His wife made a song, saying :—
To Hirakata
With the music of flutes he goes up—
The youth of Kena
Of Afumi,
With the music of flutes goes up.?
When Medzurako first arrived in Imna his ° people who
remained in that country sent a song, saying : —
The land of Kara,
How should it be called so?
Medzurako has come!
By the crossing of Iki—
Opposite and afar,
Medzurako has come ! 4
25th year, Spring, id month. The Emperor took very ill.
7th day. The Emperor died in the Tamaho Palace at Ihare, at
the age of 82.°
1 The Uji River.
* Hirakata is the name of a place in the province of Afumi or Omi. The
word Wakugo, youth, has here a suffix z, which is now wholly obsolete. It
is found, however, occasionally in the “ Manyoshiu,” and may be identical
with the Corean suffix z, a sort of definite article.
Funerals were accompanied by the music of Het as appears from other
ancient notices.
3 i.e. Kena no Omis.
+ Kara means ‘‘acrid, cruel, hard,” as well asthe country. In Medzurako
there is an allusion to the adjective Medzurashiki, “strange, rare.” The
song expresses the satisfaction of the people of Kena no Omi’s household in
having Medzurako set over them instead of their own master.
> The “ Kojiki” has forty-three, no doubt wrongly.
OOO ea a aalllllil
KEIDAI. 25
Winter, 12th month, 5th day. He was buried in the
misasagi on the Awi plain.’
A certain book says :—‘‘ The Emperor died in the 28th
year of his reign, namely the year Kinoye Tora. The state-
ment in the text that he died in the 25th year of his reign,
viz. the year Kanoto I, is taken from a passage in the
‘Original Record’ of Pékché. This passage runs as
follows: ‘In the year Kanoto I of the Cycle, the 3rd
month, an army advanced to Ara and constructed the
fortified place of Kwi-tok. In this month Koryé slew
their king An. It is said, moreover, that the Emperor of
Japan with the Prince Imperial died at the same time and
were buried.’ This was the authority on which the state-
ment was made. The year Kanoto I corresponds to the
25th year of the reign. Later inquirers may ascertain
which is correct.” ?
‘ In Settsu. This misasagi is visible from the railway, on the left as one
goes from Osaka to Kioto.
> The uncertainty about this date shows how imperfect the chronological
xecords must have been even at this late period.
There is this difficulty about making Keidai die in the 28th year of his
reign. He was then 82, and his son died the following year, aged 70, which
would make him born when his father was only 13. One chronological
work suggests that there was an interregnum. But this is contrary to the
positive statement in the “ Nihongi.”
A.D. 534-
Book 18
THE EMPEROR MAGARI NO OHOYE (OR OHINE) HIRO-KUNI
OSHI-TAKE KANAHI.’
(ANKAN? TENNO.)
THE Emperor Magari no Ohoye Hiro-kuni Oshi-take was the
eldest child of the Emperor Wohodo. His mother’s name was
Menoko-hime. As to the Emperor’s character, the walls were
lofty, so that one could not peep in.* He was brave and
generous, and had the capacity of a ruler of men.
In the 25th year of his reign, Spring, the 2nd month, the 7th
day, the Emperor Wohodo established Ohoye as Emperor, and
on the same day he died.*
In this month Ohotomo no Kanamura no Ohomuraji and
Mononobe no Arakahi no Ohomuraji were made Ohomuraji,
both being continued in their previous offices.
Ist year, Spring, ist month. The capital was removed to.
Magari no Kanahashi, in the province of Yamato, by which
name the palace ® was called.
3rd month, 6th day. On behalf of the Emperor, functionaries
took wedding presents to the Imperial Princess Kasuga no.
Yamada, daughter of the Emperor Ohoke,® and made her
Empress’ [otherwise called the Imperial Princess Yamada no.
' Magari is the name of a place. Ohoye or Ohine means the elder of a
family. The rest is literally “ wide-country-push-valiant-metal-sun.”
? Ankan, “ easy-space.”
’ An allusion to a passage in the “Analects of Confucius.” See Legge’s
edition, p. 211. The meaning is that he was of a reserved disposition, and
not easy to understand and appreciate.
* The 25th year of Keidai’s reign is A.D. 531. Ankan succeeds him at
once, yet his Ist year is A.D. 534. See above, p. 25.
> i.e. the Kanahashi Palace. 6 Ninken Tenn,
7 This was only a formal installation. The real marriage took place in the
7th year of Keidai’s reign.
ANKAN. ao
Akami]. There were, besides, three consorts appointed, viz.,
Satehime, daughter of Kose no Wobito no Oho-omi, Sate-
hime’s younger sister, Kagarihime, and: Yakahime, daughter
of Mononobe no Itahi no Ohomuraji.
Summer, 4th month, rst day. The High Steward, Oho-
maro Kashihade no Omi,’ by command of the Emperor, sent a
messenger to Ishimi’ to get pearls. The Kuni no Miyakko of
Ishimi delayed coming to the capital, and the time passed
without their delivering them. Ohomaro Kashihade no Omi
was greatly incensed, and, having seized and bound the Kuni
no Miyakko, interrogated them as to the reason. Wakugo no
Atahe and the other Kuni no Miyakko were afraid, and ran
away, and concealed themselves in an inner chamber of the
hinder-palace.* The Empress Kasuga, unaware that they had
come straight in,* was startled, and fell down deeply ashamed.
Wakugo no Atahe and the others, being already convicted of
the crime of intrusion, and having become liable to severe
punishment, humbly offered the Empress the Miyake’ of
Ishimi to be her absolute property, praying her to accept it by
way of atonement for their offence of intrusion. A settlement
was therefore made of the Miyake of Ishimi. It was now
divided and made into districts, which were attached to the
province of Kadzusa.
1 Kashihade no Omi means “steward minister,” so that here the name
and the office coincided, as they frequently did at this time.
> In Kadzusa.
3 i.e. the Empresses’ apartments.
* Without warning or introduction.
®> The Miyake are frequently mentioned below. The word is defined in
Yamada’s Dictionary as follows ;—‘‘ Mi means august; yake, house. . The
Miyake were granaries, in which was stored the rice which the peasants
were made to cultivate on lands belonging to the government in the various
provinces. The term was also applied to the government buildings belong-
ing to them.”
This word is written in two ways in Chinese. One rendering means
store-house or granary, the other government house. The Miyake has two
aspects corresponding to this distinction. They were primarily granaries
to which were attached cultivated lands and serfs, and they were also local
centres of government. But the present and other passages show that they
were frequently private property. The Japanese Residency in Imna is called
a Miyake, and even the kingdoms of Pékché and Silla are so termed. The
Miyake are evidently the older Be somewhat modified. Cf. Vol. I. p. 214.
VEL. 4.
28 NIHONGI.
sth month. Pékché sent the Ha-pu Syu-ték, Tyok Tok-son,
and the Syang-pu' To-t6k, Kwi Chyukwiru, to come and render
the Imperial tribute, and separately to present a memorial.
Autumn, 7th month, 1st day. The Emperor made a decree,
saying :—‘‘ The Empress, it is true, is of one body with the
Emperor, but their designations, one being outer and the other
inner, are quite distinct. Moreover let there be assigned a
tract of Miyake land from (the revenues of) which to erect
a Pepper’ Court, so that after generations may hand down
its memory.” Imperial Commissioners were accordingly
appointed to select good rice-land. The Imperial Com-
missioners, having received this charge, addressed Ajihari
[otherwise called Satohi], Ohoshi Kahachi no Atahe, saying :—
‘* Thou shouldst now offer to the Emperor the fat rice-land of
Kiji.” Ajihari conceived a sudden grudging, and deceived
the Imperial Commissioners, saying :—‘‘ This rice-land is
subject to drought, and hard to irrigate. The surface water
percolates readily, so that the expenditure of labour would be
enormous, and the harvest very small.” The Imperial Com-
missioners, in accordance with these words, made their report
to the Emperor without reserve.
Winter, roth month, r5th day. The Emperor commanded
Kanamura, Ohotomo no Ohomuraji, saying :—‘‘ Although we
have taken to us four wives there has been up till now no heir.
When ten thousand years have passed,’ Our name will be extinct.
What dost thou propose should now be done, Our uncle * of Oho-
tomo? Whenever we think ofthis, Our anxiety knows no rest.”
Kanamura, Ohotomo no Muraji, addressed the Emperor,
saying :—‘‘ This is also a subject of anxiety to thy servant. It
is necessary that all the sovereigns of this country who rule the
Empire, whether they have heirs or not, should have something
' Officialranks. Ha-puand Syang-pu mean respectively Lower and Upper
Division.
2 “The private apartments of the Empress, so called because (1) an Empress
of the Han had the walls of her palace smeared with pepper in order to
generate warmth, or (2) because she always had a supply of pepper flowers
about her, hoping to be fruitful like them.”—-Giles.
3 i.e. when I am dead.
4 Uncle, like cousin or brother in the mouths of European sovereigns, is
only a term of friendly greeting.
ANKAN. 29
by which they should have a name. I pray, therefore, that on
behalf of the Empress and thy other consorts Miyake lands
may be established, and made to remain unto future genera-
tions, so that relics of the past may be manifested.”
The Emperor commanded, saying :—“‘ Be it so; let them be
speedily established.” Kanamura, Ohotomo no Ohomuraji,
recommended to the Emperor that the Miyake of Oharida
with serfs ' from every province should be granted to Satehime,
that the Miyake of Sakurawi [one book says, “ And in addition
the Miyake of Chinuyama”] with serfs from every province
should be granted to Kagarihime, and that the Miyake of
Naniha with spade-labourers from every district should be
granted to Yakahime as an indication to posterity, and an
example by which to view the past. The Emperor com-
manded, saying :—‘*‘ Let it be done as proposed.”
Intercalary 12th month, 4th day. The Emperor made a
progress to Mishima. Kanamura, Ohotomo no Ohomuraji,
was in attendance.
The Emperor, through Ohotomo no Ohomuraji, made in-
quiry as to good rice-land of the Agata-nushi? Ihi-bo. The
Agata-nushi Ihi-bo was delighted beyond measure, and with
the utmost reverence and loyalty offered as a present Upper
Mino and Lower Mino, Upper Kuhabara and Lower Kuha-
bara, as well as land in Takefu, 40 cho in all. Ohotomo no
Ohomuraji, by command of the Emperor, addressed him,’
saying :—‘‘ Of the entire surface of the soil, there is no part
which is not a Royal grant in fee; under the wide Heavens
there is no place which is not royal territory. The previous
Emperors therefore * established an illustrious designation and
handed down a vast fame: in magnanimity they were a match
with Heaven and Earth: in glory they resembled the sun and
moon. They rodeafar and dispensed their mollifying influence
to a distance; in breadth it extended beyond the bounds of the
capital and cast a bright reflection throughout the boundaries
of the land, pervading everywhere without a limit. Above they
* Tana-be. See above, Vol. I. p. 214.
? District-lord. 3 i.e. Ajihari.
4 From this point to the end of the paragraph is taken from the monu-
ment of a personage named YJ He’ =E, of the Liang Dynasty of China.
NOVELL: <6.
30 NIHONGI.
were the crown of the nine heavens: they passed abroad
through all the eight points of the compass: they declared
their efficiency by the framing of ceremonial observances: they
instituted music,’ thereby manifesting order. The resulting
happiness was truly complete: there was gladness which
tallied with that of past years.’
Now thou, Ajihari, being an obscure and insignificant subject
of the realm, didst suddenly entertain'a grudging as regards the
lands of the Crown, and hast lightly disregarded the messenger.
It is the Imperial will that thou, Ajihari, shalt henceforth cease to
hold the office of Local Governor.”” Hereupon, the Agata-nushi
Ihibo’s heart was filled with mingled joy andawe. He took his
son Toriki and presented him to the Ohomuraji as a servant.
Then Ajihari, Ohoshi Kahachi no Atahe, was afraid, and had
lasting regret. Prostrating himself on the ground, with the
perspiration streaming from him, he addressed the Ohomuraji,
saying :—‘‘I am an ignorant subject, and my crime deserves
ten thousand deaths. I pray humbly that I may be allowed
to furnish from each district in spring-time five hundred spade-
labourers, and in the time of autumn five hundred, for the
Emperor’s service. My descendants to all ages will pray for
their lives in dependence on this,* and they will keep it before
them for ever as an exemplary punishment.” He separately
presented to Ohotomo no Ohomuraji six cho of rice-land in
Sawida. This seems to have been the origin of the labourers
of the Agata of Kahachi being attached to the Miyake of
Takefu in Mishima as serfs.
This month Hatahime, daughter of Kikoyu, Ihoki be no
Muraji, stole a necklace belonging to Okoshi, Ohotomo no
Ohomuraji, and presented it to the Empress Kasuga. The
matter was at length discovered, and Kikoyu gave his daughter,
Hatahime, to be a servant of the Uneme. [The Kasuga Be
* The importance of music as a means of government is often insisted on
in the ancient Chinese literature. The interlinear version has here z/a-maz,
“song and dancing,” which latter was no doubt included. Ceremony and
music are put generally for the pomp and circumstance which are the life of
an Imperial Court.
2 Here we have the Imperial theory formulated in terms, be it noted,
which are borrowed entirely from Chinese writings.
3 i.e. this will be a perpetual ransom for the lives of my descendants.
ANKAN. 31
=
Thokibe in Koshibe in the province of Aki, and therewith
redeemed his daughter’s crime. Okoshi, Mononobe no Oho- XVIII. 7
muraji, fearing that he might become implicated in the matter,
could not feel secure, and presented to the Emperor Towochi
Be, with Kusasa, Toi [Kusasa and Toi are names of two
villages], and Nihe no Hasebe, in the province of Ise, and also
‘Wisayamabe, in the Land of Tsukushi.
The Kuni no Miyakko of the province of Musashi, Omi,
Kasahara no Atahe, had a dispute with a relation named Wogi
as to who should be Kuni no Miyakko. This went on for
years and could not be settled. Wogi was of an obstructive
and rebellious disposition ; he had a high spirit, unapt for com-
pliance. He secretly sought support from Wokuma, the Kuni
of Kamitsukenu,’ and conspired with him to kill Omi. Omi
became aware of this, and made his escape to the capital,
where he informed the Court. When the matter came to be
decided, Omi was made Kuni no Miyakko, and Wogi was
executed. Omi, Kuni no Miyakko, his breast filled. with
mingled awe and gladness, could not restrain himself, but
reverently offered to the State the four Miyake of Yokonu,
Tachibana, Ohohi, and Kurasu.
This was the year Kinoye Tora (51st) of the Cycle.
2nd year, Spring, 1st Month, 5th day. The Emperor made A.p. 535.
a decree, saying :—“‘ Of late, for several successive years, the
‘crops have produced well; there have been no frontier anxieties :
the people take pleasure in their husbandry: my black-headed
subjects of every calling are free from famine: benign influences
extend agreeably over the universe: cries of admiration fill
Heaven and Earth: within and without serenity is every-
where diffused: the commonwealth is flourishing: Our joy is
extreme: let there be a Great Revel for five days, to the delight
of the Empire.”
Summer, 4th month, 1st day. The Be of the Toneri of xvutt. 8.
Magari was established, and the Be of the Yuki of Magari.*
5th month, 9th day. There were established the Miyake of
Uneme.'| He also presented (to the Emperor) the Miyake of
‘i.e. The Empress’s waiting-women. * i.e. Kédzuke.
* These Be were evidently intended to commemorate the Emperor’s name.
The Yuki were archers.
XVIII. g.
32 NIHONGI.
Funami and Kama in Tsukushi, the Miyake of Tosa, Kuha-
bara, Kato, Ohonuku and Aka in the province of Toyo, the
Miyake of Kasuga be, in the province of Hi, the Miyake of
Koshibe and Ushika in the province of Harima, the Miyake of
Shidzuki, Tane, Kukutsu, Hawaka, and Kaha-oto, in the further
province of Kibi, the Miyake of Iye and Itoshibe in the
province of Ata,’ the Miyake of Kasuga be in the province of
Aha, the Miyake of Fuse and Kahabe in the province of Ki,
the Miyake of Soshiki in the province of Tamba, the Miyake
of Ashiura in the province of Afumi, the Miyake of Mashiki
and Iruka in the province of Wohari, the Miyake of Midono
in the province of Kamitsukenu, and the Miyake of Wakanihe
in the province of Suruga.”
Autumn, 8th month, 1st day. By Imperial command Be of
dog-keepers* were established in every province.
gth month, 3rd day. The Emperor appointed Sakurawi
Tanabe no Muraji, Agata no Inukahi no Muraji, and Naniha no
Kishi, to the charge of the revenues from the Miyake.
13th day. The Emperor specially commanded the Oho-
muraji, saying :—‘‘ Let cattle be let loose on Ohosumi-jima,
and in the fir-plain of Hime-jima at Naniha. By this we hope
that a name will be handed down to after times.” *
Winter, 12th month, 17th day. The Emperor died in the
palace of Kanabashi at Magari, at the age of seventy.
In this month the Emperor was buried in the misasagi on
the hill of Takaya at Furuichi in the province of Kahachi. In
this misasagi there were buried along with the Emperor the
Empress, who was the Imperial Princess Kasuga no Yamada,
and the Emperor’s younger sister, the Princess Kamisaki.’
' Now part of Satsuma. .
2 This institution of Miyake seems to show that the Central Government
was vigorously extending its power in the provinces. The Imperial theory
was being translated into practice.
3 Inukahi, a frequent surname in old Japan. The “Shukai” says :—
“They had probably charge of the dogs to guard the Miyake against
thieves.”
4 In 717 A.D. an order was given to discontinue the cattle-breeding estab-
lishments of Ohosumi-jima and Hime-jima, and to allow the peasantry to
till the land.
> Or Kanzaki.
se
SENKWA, 33
THE EMPEROR TAKE-WO HIRO-KUNI OSHITATE."
(SENKWA?*? TENNO.)
The Emperor Take-wo Hiro-kuni Oshitate was the second
child of the Emperor Wohodo, and the younger brother by
the same mother of the Emperor Magari no Ohoye Hiro-kuni
Oshitake Kanahi.
The Emperor Magari no Ohoye Hirokuni Oshitake Kanahi
died in the 12th month of the second year of his reign,
leaving no heir. The Ministers in a body delivered up
the sword and mirror? to Takewo Hirokuni Oshitate no
Mikoto, and made him assume the Imperial Dignity. As to
his character, his capacity was unalloyed throughout, his
intelligence surpassingly bright, dnd he did not play the ruler,
making a boast to people of his abilities. Superior men gave
him their allegiance.
Ist year, Spring, ist month. The capital was transferred to
Thorino in Hinokuma,‘ whence the palace took its name.
and month, 1st day. Ohotomo no Kanamura no Oho-
muraji and Mononobe no Arakahi no Ohomuraji were ap-
pointed Ohomuraji, both as before. Moreover, Sogano Iname
no Sukune was made Oho-omi and Abe no Ohomaro no Omi
Daibu.
3rd month, 1st day. The functionaries petitioned that an
Empress might be appointed.
8th day. The Emperor commanded, saying :—‘‘ Let her
who is already my proper ® consort, viz. the Imperial Princess
Tachibana no Nakatsu, daughter of the Emperor Ohoke, be
appointed Empress.’’ She bore to him one son and three
daughters. The eldest was called the Imperial Princess Ishi
hime,® the next was called the Imperial Princess Koishi hime,’
the next was called the Imperial Princess Kura no Wakaya
hime, and the next the Imperial Prince Kamu-uye-ha [other-
1 The elements of this Emperor’s name are literally “ valiant-small-wide-
country-push-shield.”
2 Senkwa means “ diffuse-civilization.” 3 The Regalia.
4 In Yamato. > i.e, not a concubine 6 Stone-princess.
* Little-stone-princess.
VOL. Il. . D
A.D. 536.
eV QU UES Gx
34 NIHONGI.
wise Mariko]. He was the ancestor of the two families’ of
the Tajihi no Kimi and the Ina no Kimi. The concubine
whom he already had, viz. Ohoshi Kahachi no Wakugo hime,
bore to him one son, named the Imperial Prince Honowo.”
He was the ancestor of the Kimi of Shihida.
Summer, 5th month, 1st day. The Emperor made an edict,
saying :-—‘‘ Food is the basis of the Empire. Yellow gold and
ten thousand strings of cash cannot cure hunger.* What
avails a thousand boxes of pearls to him who is starving of
cold? Now the province of Tsukushi is a place reached by
visitors to our Court from far and near; it is a barrier passed
by travellers going and coming. Therefore the countries
beyond the sea, awaiting the water of the ocean,* come as our
guests: looking up to the clouds of Heaven, they bring us
tribute. From the days of the Emperor in the womb* down to
Ourselves, grain has been stored up and hoards of provisions
accumulated as a distant preparation for evil years, and for the
cordial entertainment of our good guests. For the peace of
our country there is nothing better than this. We therefore
send Asomo no Kimi to transport thither a further supply of
grain from the Miyake of the district of Mamuta in Kahachi.
Let Soga no Oho-omi and Iname no Sukune send Wohari no
Muraji to transport grain of the Miyake of the province of
Wohari. Let Arakahi, Mononobe no Ohomuraji send Nihinomi
no Muraji to transport grain from the Miyake of Nihinomi.
Let Abe no Omi send Iga no Omi to transport grain from the
Miyake of the province of Iga. Let there be built a Govern-
ment House at Nanotsu no Kuchi.® Moreover, the Miyake of
the three provinces of Tsukushi, Hi, and Toyo are dispersed
and remote: transport is therefore impeded by distance. In
the case of an emergency it would be difficult to provide for
sudden needs. Let the various districts therefore be charged
each severally to transfer (the Miyake), and to erect one jointly
at Nanotsu no Kuchi, thus making provision against extra-
ordinary occasions, and long preserving the lives of the people.
' Lit. surnames. * Flame of fire.
3 It must not be inferred from this that the Japanese had coin at this
time. It is simply a phrase borrowed from the Chinese.
4 The tides. ’ Ojin Tenné. ° In Chikuzen.
oo
SENKWA. 35
Speedily go down to the districts (in question) and make known
to them Our behests.”’
Autumn, 7th month. Mononobe no Arakahi no Ohomuraji
died.
This year was the year Hinoye Tatsu (53rd) of the Cycle.
2nd year, Winter, roth month, 1st day. By reason of Silla’s
hostility towards Imna, the Emperor commanded Ohotomo no
Kanamura no Ohomuraji to send his sons Iha and Sadehiko
to the assistance of Imna. At this time Iha staid in Tsukushi,
‘where he took charge of the local Government, and made pre-
parations against the three Han.' Sadehiko went to Imnaand
restored peace there. He also lent aid to Pékché.
4th year, Spring, 2nd month, roth day. The Emperor died
in the Palace of Ihorino in Hinokuma at the age of seventy-
three.
Winter, 11th month, 17th day. The Emperor was buried
in the misasagi at the top of the acclivity of Tsukijima, in
Musa, in the province of Yamato.
There were buried with him in the same misasagi the
Empress, viz. the Imperial Princess Tachibana and her infant
‘child
There is no mention in the records of the year of the
Empress’s death. Probably the infant child had died
before reaching manhood.
' ie. Silla, Pekché, and Kory6.
* In Japanese wakugo. This word is also found as a proper name, which
would account for the strange remark of the “ Original Commentary.”
AyD, 537s
A.D. 539»
THE EMPEROR NUNAKURA FUTO-TAMA-SHIKI.’
(BI-DATSU* TENNO
OR
BIN-DATSU TENNO.)
THE Emperor Nunakura Futo-tama-shiki was the second
child of the Emperor Ame-kuni-oshi-hiraki-hiro-niha. His
mother was called the Empress Consort Iha no hime [the
Empress Consort Iha no hime was a daughter of the Emperor
Take-o-hiro-kuni-oshi-tate]. The Emperor was not a’ believer
in Buddhism, but was fond of literature.* At the age of
twenty-nine he was raised to the position of Prince Imperial.
In the fourth month of the thirty-second year of his reign the
Emperor Ame-kuni-oshi-hiraki-hiro-niha died.
Ist year, Summer, 4th month, 3rdday. The Prince Imperial
assumed the Imperial Dignity. The Empress was honoured
with the title of Grand Empress.
In this month the Emperor made his palace at Oho-wi in
Kudara.*- Mononobe no Yuge no Moriya no Ohomuraji was
continued in his office of Ohomuraji, and Soga no Mumako
no Sukune was made Oho-omi.
5th month, rst day. The Emperor inquired of the Imperial
Prince and the Oho-omi, saying :—‘‘ Where are the Koryé
Envoys now?” The Oho-omi answered His Majesty,
saying :—‘“‘ They are in the official residence of Sagaraka.”
' Nunakura is the name of a place ; the rest is literally big-jewel-spread.
2 Clever. ite, Chinese,
4 Written with the Chinese characters for Pékché, viz. A #%. It is
here the name of a place in Kahachi.
BIDATSU. Ol
The Emperor hearing this was exceedingly vexed, and flushing
up, exclaimed, saying :—‘‘ How sorry I am! The names of
_ these Envoys were already announced to the Emperor, my
deceased father.” So he despatched the Ministers to the
official residence of Sagaraka to inspect and take note of the
tribute offered by them, and to cause them to be sent on to the
capital.
15th day. The Emperor took the Kory6 memorial, and
passing it on to the Oho-omi, assembled all the scribes and
directed them to read and explain it. At this time all the
scribes for the space of three days were unable to read it.
Now there was one O Chin-ni, founder of the family of the
Funa no fubito,’ who was able to read it and explain its mean-
ing to the Emperor. Consequently the Emperor and the
Oho-omi, both together, complimented him, saying :—‘‘ What
diligence, Chin-ni! Well done, Chin-ni! If thou hadst not
been fond of learning, who could have done the interpretation ?
From this time forward let thy attendance be near Us in the
Palace.” After this, an edict was issued to the scribes of East
and West,’ saying :—‘‘ How is it that the art which ye practise
has come to naught? Though ye are many, none of you is
equal to Chin-ni.” Nor was this all. The memorial presented
by Koryo was written on crow’s feathers, and the characters,
like the feathers, being black, nobody had been able to read
them. Chin-ni accordingly steamed the feathers in the vapour
from boiled rice, and took an impression of them on a piece of
silk, whereupon all the characters were transferred to it, to the
wonder of the Court.
6th month. The Chief Koryo Envoy Madicued the Associate
Envoys, saying :—‘‘ In the time of the Emperor of Shikishima,”
ye, contrary to my advice, allowed yourselves to be deceived
by others. You unauthorizedly shared the national tribute,
and without due consideration granted it to mean persons.
Were you not to blame in this? If the King of our country
were to hear of it, he would certainly have you executed.” The
Associate Envoys then said to one another :—‘ If on our return
1 ie. recorders of ships. His name shows that he was of Chinese or
Corean origin.
2 East means here Yamato ; West, Kahachi.
3’ Kimmei Tenn6, so called from his place of residence.
XX.
REX:
KDy. 573
92 NIHONGI.
to our country the Chief Envoy reveals our misconduct, it will
be unfortunate for us. It is desirable to slay him secretly,
and so stop his mouth.” The same night their conspiracy
leaked out, and became known to the Chief Envoy. He put
on his clothes, and stealing out alone, stood in the inner court
of the official residence. He was there not knowing what to
do, when one of the ruffians came forward with a club and
struck the Chief Envoy on the head, and then. went away.
Next there came another ruffian, who, facing right opposite
to the Chief Envoy, struck him on the head and hands and
then went away. The Chief Envoy remained silent, and stood
his ground, wiping the blood from his face. Again there came
another ruffian, who rushed forward with a sword, and having
stabbed the Chief Envoy in the belly, went away. This time
the Chief Envoy prostrated himself on the ground in fear, and
in an attitude of supplication. Afterwards there came another
ruffan, who killed him, and went away. The next morning,
the official entertainer Komaro, Yamato no Aya no Saka no
Uhe no Atahe, and the others inquired the cause of this. The
Associate Envoys got up a false story, and said :—‘‘ The
Emperor presented a wife to the Chief Envoy. The Chief
Envoy was disobedient to the Imperial command and refused
to accept her. This was a piece of extreme insolence, and
your servants therefore slew him on the Emperor’s behalf.”
The officials buried him with due ceremony.
Autumn, 7th month. The Koryo Envoys took their
departure.
This year was the year Midzunoye Tatsu (2gth) of the
Cycle.
2nd year, Summer, 5th month, 2nd day. Koryo Envoys
anchored on the coast of the Sea of Kushi. Their ship was
wrecked anda great many were drowned. The suspicions of
the Court were excited by their so frequently losing their way,
and they were dismissed without entertainment. Accordingly
Naniha, Kibi no Amabe no Atahe, was sent by the Emperor’s
orders to escort home the Koryo Envoys.
Autumn, 7th month, 1st day. Naniha and the Koryo
Envoys met in consultation on the coast of the Sea of Koshi.
Ihahi, Ohoshima no Obito, and Masa, Saoka no Obito, seamen
of Naniha, the escort Envoy, were made to go on board the
BIpAaTSU. 93
Koryo Envoys’ ship, while two KoryO men were made to
embark in the escort Envoy’s ship. Having in this manner
exchanged ships, as a precaution against treachery, they both
set sail together. They had only gone a few ri, when the
escort Envoy, Naniha, fearing the waves, took the two Koryo
men and flung them into the sea.
8th month, 14th day. The escort Envoy, Naniha, returned
and reported the result of his mission, saying :—‘‘ The whale-
fish of the sea assemble in great numbers and intercept and
devour the ships with their sculls and oars. Naniha and his
companions fearing to be swallowed up by these fishes were
unable to go upon the sea.” The Emperor hearing this saw
that his language was untruthful, and employed him in one of the
public offices,’ not allowing him to return to his own province.
3rd year, Summer, 5th month, 5th day. The Koryé6 Envoys
anchored on the sea-coast of Koshi.
Autumn, 7th month, zoth day. The Koryé Envoys entered
the capital and addressed the Emperor, saying :—‘‘ Last year
thy servants departed, in company with the escort Envoy, in
order to return to their own country. Formerly when thy
servants arrived at their frontier State,’ thy servants’ frontier
State entertained Ihahi, Ohoshima no Obito, and his com-
panions in accordance with the ceremony due to Envoys, and
the King of Koryo treated them with specially cordial civility.
Notwithstanding this, the ship of the escort Envoy had not
arrived up till now, and therefore he has respectfully again sent
Envoys along with Ihahi and his companions to request infor-
mation as to why our Envoys* have not come.” When the
Emperor heard this he enumerated Naniha’s offences, saying :
—‘* Thou art doubly guilty, first for having deceived the Court,
and secondly, for having drowned the Envoys of a neighbouring
State. These are heinous crimes, and thou canst not be
released.” He was therefore sentenced to punishment.‘
Winter, roth month, gth day. The Oho-omi, Soga no
Mtimako, was sent to the province of Kibi to extend the Shirawi
1 As a slave.
? Note the fiction of Koryé being a dependency of Japan.
3 This must be taken as referring to the two men whom Naniha threw
overboard.
* No doubt of death.
A.D. 574:
Ke
ape eye.
NOS
6.
94 . NIHONGI.
Miyake and the staff of serfs attached to it. He accordingly
took the register of serfs and handed it over to Itsu, Shirawi
no Fubito.
11th day. By an Imperial order, the title of Tsu no Fubito'
was granted to Ushi,? younger brother of O Chin-ni, Funa no
Fubito.*
t1th month. Silla sent Envoys to offer tribute.
4th year, Spring, ist month, 9th day. MHirohime, daughter
of Prince Mate of Okinaga, was raised to the rank of Empress
Consort. She had one son and two daughters. The eldest
was called the Imperial Prince Oshizaka Hikohito no Ohine
[otherwise the Imperial Prince Maroko]. The second was
called the Imperial Princess Sakanobori. The third was called
the Imperial Princess Uji no Shitsukahi.
In this month a consort was appointed named Womuna gimi
no Otoshi,* the daughter of Nakatsu kimi, Kasuga no Omi.
[She was otherwise called Kusu-kimi no Iratsuko.| She bore
three sons and one daughter. The first was called the Imperial
Prince Naniha; the second was called the Imperial Prince
Kasuga; the third was called the Imperial Princess Kuwada ;
the fourth was called the Imperial Prince Ohomata. The next,
an Uneme named Unako no Otoshi, daughter of Wokuma, Ise
no Ohoka no Obito, gave birth to the Imperial Princess Futo
hime [otherwise called the Imperial Princess Sakurawi] and
the Imperial Princess Nukade hime [also called the Imperial
Princess Tamura]. |
2nd month, 7th day. The Oho-omi, Mumako no Sukune,
returned to the capital and reported the result of his mission
respecting the Miyake.
3rd month, 11th day. Peékché sent envoys to offer tribute,
more in quantity than in ordinary years. The Emperor, inas-
much as Silla had not yet established Imna, gave orders to the
Imperial Prince and to the Oho-omi, saying: :—“* Be not remiss
in the matter of Imna.”
Summer, 4th month, 6th day. The Kishi, Kanako, was sent
on a mission to Silla, the Kishi, Itahiko, to Imna, and the Kishi,
Wosa-hiko,® to Pékché.
1 Port-recorder. * The ox. 3 i.e. Shipping-recorder.
+ This is the rendering of the Interlinear Kana version.
5 \Vosa means interpreter. Kishi was originally a Corean title.
BIDATSU. 95
6th month. Silla sent envoys to offer tribute, more in
quantity than usual. They also sent tribute for the four town-
ships of Ta-ta-ra, Su-na-ra, Hwa-tha, and Pal-kwi.
In this year, by command, the diviners divined a site for the
dwellings of Prince Amabe and Prince Itowi. The divination
was propitious, and eventually a palace was constructed at
Wosada,' which was called the Palace of Sakidama.
Winter, 11th month. The Empress Consort Hirohime died.
5th year, Spring, 3rd month, roth day. The functionaries
petitioned that an Empress Consort should be appointed. By
the Emperor’s command Toyomike Kashikiya hime no
Mikoto? was appointed Empress Consort. She bore two sons
and five daughters. The first was called the Imperial Princess
Uji no Kahitako [otherwise called the Imperial Princess Uji
no Shitsukahi]. She was wedded to Sho6-toku, the heir to the
throne. The second was called the Imperial Prince Takeda;
the third was called the Imperial Princess Woharida. She
was wedded to the Imperial Prince Hiko-hito no Ohine.? The
fourth was called the Imperial Princess Umori [otherwise
called the Imperial Princess Karu no mori]; the fifth was
called the Imperial Prince Wohari; the sixth was called the
Imperial Princess Tame. She was wedded to the Emperor
Okinaga tarashi-hi hiro-nuka.*./ The seventh was called the
Imperial Princess Sakurawi no Yumibari.
6th year, Spring, 2nd month, 1st day. By Imperial com-
mand there were established a Sun-worship Be and a private
Be
Summer, 5th month, 5th day. Prince Ohowake and Woguro
no Kishi were sent to govern the Land of Pékché.
The representatives of the Crown, who by Imperial com-
mand were sent on service to the three Han, called them-
selves 3#, meaning that they governed Corea. This was
doubtless an ancient rule. They resembled what are now
called Envoys. This explanation applies to all other pas-
sages also. It is not clear what was the extraction of
Prince Ohowake.
The Interpreter’s field.
> Afterwards the reigning Empress Suiko Tenno.
3 Her half-brother. 4 Jomei Tenno.
This is ‘explained to mean “for the Empress’s service.”
A.D. 576.
XNA Zs
A.D. 579.
A.D. 580.
AED yoke
96 NIHONGI.
Winter, 11th month, 1st day. The King of the Land of
Pékché presented to the Emperor, through the returning Envoys
Prince Ohowake and his companions, a number of volumes of
religious books,’ with an ascetic,’ a meditative monk,’ a nun, a
reciter of mantras,‘ a maker of Buddhist images, and a temple
architect, six persons in all. Eventually there was founded the
Temple of Prince Ohowake of Naniha.
7th year, Spring, 3rd month, 5th day. The Imperial Princess
Uji was made to attend on the shrine of Ise, but an intrigue
which she had with the Imperial Prince Ikenobe having come
to light, this appointment was cancelled. ;
8th year, Winter, roth month. Silla sent Chi-cheul-chéng
Nami’ to bring tribute. At the same time he sent a Buddhist
image.
gth year, Summer, 6th month. Silla sent Ato Nami and
Chil-syo Nami to offer tribute, but they were dismissed without
its being received.
roth year, Spring, Intercalary znd month. Several thousand
Yemishi showed hostility on the frontier. Accordingly their
chiefs [they were very hairy men] Ayakasu’ and others were
sent for, and the Emperor gave them his commands, saying :—
“You Yemishi! In the reign of the Emperor Oho-tarashi-
hiko® those of you whom it was meet to kill were put to death,
and those who deserved forgiveness were pardoned. We now,
in observance of this precedent, intend to put to death the ring-
leaders.”” Hereupon Ayakasu and the others were filled with
fear and awe. They went down into the middle stream of the
Hatsuse river, and with their faces turned towards Mount
Mimoro rinsed * their mouths and made oath, saying :—‘‘ We
Yemishi promise that from this time forward, we, our children,
and our children’s children [there is an old saying, ‘ The chil-.
1 A later writer says that there were 200 vols., Buddhist Sutras being
among them.
2 Monks who practise vinaya. Véde Eitel, p. 202, 2nd edition.
* Yogi. Vide Eitel, p. 209. + Buddhist magic spells.
’ Here and below Nami may be a mistake for Nama, the Corean title of
rank, The characters used for mi and ma closely resemble each other.
6 It is to be remembered that all the northern part of the main island of
Japan, including the province of Mutsu and Dewa, were at this time in Aino
possession.
7 A Japanese name. 8 Keiko Tenno. ® As a purifying ceremony.
BIDATSU. 97
dren of our body eighty times continued’] will serve the
Celestial Gate with sincerity of heart. If we break this oath,
may all the Gods of Heaven and Earth, and also the spirits of
the Emperors, destroy our race.”
11th year, Winter, roth month. Silla sent Ato Nami and
Sil-syo Nami to render tribute. They were dismissed, their
tribute not being accepted.
r2th year, Autumn, 7th month, 1st day. The Emperor
made an order, saying :—‘‘ In the reign of the late Emperor,
my father, Silla destroyed our inner Miyake State.
In the 23rd year of the Emperor Ame-kuni oshi-hiraki
hiro-niha, Imna was destroyed by Silla. Therefore it is
said that Silla destroyed our inner Miyake State.
Our father, the late Emperor, devised measures for restoring
Imna, but he died without carrying them out, and did not
fulfil ‘his purpose. It therefore devolves on Us to render
assistance to his divinely admirable policy, and to restore
Imna again. The Talsol, Illa, son of the Arisateung,
Miyakko of the Province of Ashigita in Hi,’ now resident in
Pékché, is a wise and brave man. Therefore we wish to
consult with him.’ Accordingly he sent Oshikatsu, Ki no
kuni no Miyakko, and Hashima, Kibi no Amabe no Atahe, to
summon him from Peékche.
Winter, roth month. Oshikatsu, Ki no Kuni no Miyakko,
and his colleague returned from Pékché and reported the result
of their mission to the Court, saying :—‘‘ The King of the
Land of Pekche gendered Illa and would not consent to allow
him to come up.”
This year, Hashima, Kibi no Amabe no Atahe, was again
sent to summon Illa from Pekché. Hashima, having gone to
Pékché, wished first of all to see Illa privately. He was
standing all by himself facing the door of his house, when
there suddenly came from within the house a Corean woman
who addressed him in the Corean language, saying :—‘“ Radix
tua ineat in meam radicem,” and then went away into the
house. Hashima perceived her.meaning, and followed i in after
her. Upon this Illa came to meet him, and taking him by the
hand, made him take his place on a seat. He then secretly
1 Includes Higo and Hizen.
WOE. th. H
A.D. 582.
A.D. 583.
OG. Ws
98 NIHONGI,
informed him, saying :—‘‘ I have received private information
that the King of the Land of Pékché is suspicious of the
Celestial Court, fearing that if I were sent, I might afterwards
be detained and not allowed to return. He is therefore
reluctant, and will not consent to offer me. It would be well,
when the Imperial commands are delivered, to make a show
of severity, and to insist peremptorily on summoning me.”
Hashima accordingly followed this plan, and required Illa
from the King of the Land of Pékché. He stood in awe
of the Celestial Court, and, not daring to disobey the
Imperial message, sent Ilia to the Emperor. The Eun-sol,'
Tok-ni, Y6-no, and Kanochi, the Associate Official the
Tok-sol,? Chhia-kan-t6ék, with a good number of steersmen
and sailors, together with Ila and his companions, arrived
at the Miyake of Kojima in Kibi. The Court sent Oho-
tomo no Nukadeko no Muraji to express sympathy for their
fatigues. Afterwards Daibu* were sent to the official residence
at Naniha to wait upon Illa. At this time Illa, clad in armour,
and riding on horseback, came up to the gate.* Then
advancing in front of the Hall of Audience, he did his obei-
sances when advancing and retiring in a kneeling posture, and
sighing bitterly, said:—‘‘In the reign of the Emperor who
ruled the world from the Palace of Hinokuma,’ my Lord Oho-
tomo no Kanamura no Ohomuraji sent Arisateung, Hi no
Ashigita no Miyakko, and Yugehi’ of the Osaka Be,’ beyond
the sea, on the service of the State. Thy servant, the son of
the Arisiiteung, the Talsol Ila, having heard the Imperial
summons, with fear and awe presents himself at thy Court.”
He accordingly took off his armour and delivered it to the
Emperor. An official lodging was built for him at Kuha no
ichi in Ato, where he was made to dwell, and provided with
everything which he desired. Afterwards Abe no Me no Omi,
Mononobe no Niheko no Muraji, and Ohotomo no Nuka-
deko no Muraji were sent to inquire of Illa respecting the
government of the country. Illa answered and said :—‘“ The
Emperor’s aim in governing the Empire is to ensure the
1 3rd rank, 2 4th rank, 3 A general term for high officials.
+ Leading to the Hall of Audience.
- > Senkwa Tenno. 6 Archér,
7 The executioners.
BIDATSU. 99
protection and nourishment of the people. Why should he
hastily stir up warfare which will redound to their destruction ?
Therefore now having made all, from his counsellors, viz. the
Omi, Muraji, and Miyakko of both kinds [the Kuni no Miyakko
and the Tomo no Miyakko], whose duty it is to serve the >
Court, down to the people, without exception, to enjoy
prosperity, let him cause them to want for nothing. When
this has been continued for three years, when food has
been made abundant, and arms plentiful, the people being
dealt with by means of gladness, will fear neither water nor
fire, and will join with the Emperor in commiserating the
troubles of the country. Thereafter let ships be built in
numbers and stationed in order at all the ports, so that visitors
from abroad may view them and be filled with dread. There
should then be sent a capable Envoy to Pékché to summon
the King of that country, If he does not come, let his
Prime Minister or a Prince be summoned to appear, Their
hearts will in that case naturally be filled with submissive
reverence, and they ought then to be called to an account
for their misconduct’? [the crime of delaying to establish
Imna|].
Moreover he addressed (a message to) the Emperor,
saying :—‘‘ The people of Pékché talk of a plan according to
which it is intended to request (a settlement in) Tsukushi
for 300 ships (of emigrants?). If they really make this
request, I advise Your Majesty to pretend to grant it. Pekché
will then wish to create a new country, and will certainly put
the women and children on ship-board and come with them
in advance. The Government, when this time is at hand,
should place in ambush in Iki and Tsushima plenty of troops,
and, awaiting their arrival, slay them. On the other hand,
guard against being yourselves over-reached, and solidly build
fortresses in all the strong positions.”’'
Hereupon one of the Eun-sol and the Associate, on the
eve of their departure for their own country [an old book
says :—‘‘ One Eun-sol and one Associate ’’] held secret com-
munication with T6k-ni and others, saying :—‘‘ If you, having
allowed sufficient time for us to get past Tsukushi, will secretly
‘ All this seems great nonsense, It has puzzled the native commentators.
se
OXes ee
eX Ss
109 NIHONGI.
kill Illa, we will report the matter fully to the King, who will
confer on you high official rank, so that you and your families
will leave prosperity to your descendants.” T6k-ni and Yé-no
both agreed. The Associate Official and the others at length
started on their journey to Chika.’ Hereupon-: Illa removed
from the village of Kuha-ichi to the official residence of Naniha.
To6k-ni and his colleague conspired together day and night how
they were to slay him. Now Illa’s body was radiant like a
flame of fire,? and therefore Tok-ni and the others were afraid,
and did not kill him. At length, during the interlune of the
12th month, they awaited his loss of radiance and slew him.
But Illa came to life again, and said:—‘‘ This is the doing
of our. slaves, and not of Silla.” [This is said because
there were at this time Silla Envoys (at the Court).] Having
thus spoken, he died.
The Emperor gave command to Niheko no Ohomuraji and
Nukadeko no Muraji, and had him buried in front of the Hill
of the western boundary of Wogohori. His wife, children,
and sailors were made to live at Ishikaha.* Hereupon Oho-
tomo no Nukadeko no Muraji counselled, saying :—‘“ If
they are made to live all together at one place, I fear it may
give rise to trouble.’’ Accordingly the wife and children were
made to dwell at Kudara‘-mura in Ishikaha, and the sailors
at Ohotomo no mura in Ishikaha. Tok-ni and the other were
arrested and kept.at Ada-mura in Lower Kudara, where a
number of Daibu were sent to-investigate the matter. Tok-ni
and the other confessed their guilt, saying :—‘‘ Indeed it was
the Eun-sol and the Associate who by their instructions made
us do this. We, being underlings, did not dare to refuse.”
They were accordingly cast into prison, and the Daibu reported
the result of their mission to the Court. A messenger was
sent to Ashigita® to summon all Illa’s household, and Tok-ni
and the other were delivered to them to fix their punishment
at their discretion. Then the Kimi of Ashigita took them,
and having slain them all, cast away their-bodies on the Island
of Mimejima. Sia is perhaps er | Illa was
1 In Hizen. | 2 Tlis H, i.e. sun.
* Tlla’s history resembles somewhat that of Kim Ok-kiun in our own day.
# 1,6, Pékché, _In.Kahachi., ,
® Ila was of the Ashigita family. See abov e, p. 97.
_BIpATsu. IOI
removed for interment at Ashigita. Later the coast people
reported that the Eun-sol’s ship had met with a storm and
foundered, and that the Associate’s ship had not been able
to return until it had first drifted to Tsushima.
13th year, Spring, 2nd month, 8th day. Kitahiko, Naniha
no Kishi, was sent to Silla. . He at length arrived at Imna.
Autumn, gth month. Kafuka no Omi [the personal name is
wanting], who had come from Pékché, had a stone image of
Miroku,’ and Saheki no Muraji [the personal name is wanting]
an image of Buddha. This year Soga no Mitmako no Sukune,
having asked for. these two Buddhist images, sent Shiba Tatts,”
Kurabe no Sukuri, and Hida, Ikenobe no Atahe, in all directions
A.D. 584.
to search out persons who practised. (Buddhism). Upon this _-
he only found in the province of Harima a man named..Hyé-
phyon of Koryé,* who from a Buddhist priest had become a
layman again. So the Oho-omi made him teacher, and caused
him to receive Shima, the daughter of Shiba Tatté, into religion.
She took .the name of Nun Zen-shin [twelve years of age].
Moreover he received into religion two pupils of the Nun
Zen-shin. One was Toyome, the daughter of Ayabito‘.no Yaho.
She took the name of Nun Sen-zd. The other was Ishime,
daughter of Nishikori Tsubu. She took the name of Nun Kei-
zen. Miumako no Sukune, still in accordance with the Law of
Buddha, reverenced the three nuns, and gave them to Hida no
Atahe and Tatt6, with orders to provide them with food and
clothing.. He erected a Buddhist Temple on the east side of
his dwelling, in which he enshrined the stone image of Miroku.
He insisted on the three nuns holding a general meeting to
partake of maigre fare.® At this time Tatto found a Buddhist
1 In Sanskrit Maitréya, the expected Messiah of the Buddhists. Vid
Eitel, p. 92. ;
2 A Chinese or Corean name. ~3 In Japanese Koma no Keibin.
4 Ayabito is written J\, ie. a man of Han (China), Here it isa proper
name, though no doubt indicating a Chinese ancestry. Eee
5 The Chinese character for “ maigre fare” is #, This the Interlinear
Kana renders here and below in many places by Ogami, i.e. prayer. That
the meetings here referred to were practically for religious services is
unquestionable, and we have seen above, Vol. I. p. 41, that this character
when used in connection with Shinto, is equivalent to “worship,” although
primarily meaning “religious abstinence.” Here the proper meaning is, I
submit, “the vegetable diet of Buddhist priests.” A few lines further down
DONS It
A.D 585.
102 NIHONGI.
relic on the food of abstinence, and presented it to Mtimako no
Sukune. Mutmako no Sukune, by way of experiment, took the
relic, and placing it on the middle of a block of iron, beat it
with an iron sledge-hammer, which he flourished aloft. The
block and the sledge-hammer were shattered to atoms, but the
relic could not be crushed. Then the relic was cast into water,
when it floated on the water or sank as one desired. In con-
sequence of this, Mumako no Sukune, Ikenobe no Hida, and
Shiba Tatto held faith in Buddhism and practised it unremit-
tingly. Mutmako no Sukune built another Buddhist Temple
at his house in Ishikaha. From this arose the beginning of
Buddhism.
14th year, Spring, 2nd month, 15th day. Soga no Oho-omi,
Mimako no Sukune, erected a pagoda north of the Hill of Ohono,
and having held a general meeting to partake of maigre food,
deposited the relic obtained by Tatt6 on the top of the pillar.’
24th day. Soga no Oho-omi took ill. Having made
inquiry of a diviner,’ the diviner answered and said :—‘“‘It is a
curse sent by will of the Buddha ’* worshipped in thy father’s
time.’ Soga no Oho-omi accordingly sent a young man of his
family to report to the Emperor the nature of the divination.
The Emperor gave orders, saying :—‘‘ In accordance with the
words of the diviner, let thy father’s Gods be worshipped.”” The
Oho-omi, in obedience to the Emperor’s commands, worshipped
the stone image, and prayed that his life might be prolonged.
At this time there was a pestilence rife in the land, and many
of the people died.
3rd month, 1st day. Mononobe no Yugehi no Moriya no
Ohomuraji and Nakatomi no Katsumi no Daibu addressed the
Emperor, saying :—‘‘ Why hast thou not consented to follow
thy servants’ counsel? Is not the prevalence of pestilence from
the reign of the late Emperor thy father down to thine, so that
we have RS =, “abstinence food,” Lenten fare, as we should say, and
Giles (p. 18) renders HE fF “to give meals to priests.” This is a well-
known duty of pious Buddhists. In the history of Corea there is frequent
mention of Jarge numbers of priests being entertained by the kings from
time to time.
1 i.e. the central pillar round which a pagoda is built.
2 Urabe, or native augurs.
’ The word for Buddha is {i} ji}, Buddha-Kami.
BIDATSU. 103
the nation is in danger of extinction, owing absolutely to the
establishment of the exercise of the Buddhist religion by Soga
noOmi?” The Emperor gave command, saying :—‘‘ Manifestly
so: let Buddhism be discontinued.”
30th day. Mononobe no Yugehi no Moriya no Ohomuraji
went himself to the Temple, and sitting on a chair,’ cut down XX. 16.
the pagoda,’ which he then set fire
to and burnt. He likewise burnt
the image of Buddha and the
Temple of Buddha. Having done
so, he took the remains of the
image of Buddha which were left
from the burning and had them
flung into the Naniha canal. On
this day there was wind and rain
without any clouds, and _ the
Ohomuraji had on his rain-coat.
He upbraided Mumako no Sukune
and those who followed him in
the exercise of religion, and made
them feel shame and contrition
of heart. Moreover he sent
Mimoro [also called Oruke}, Saheki no Miyakko, to summon
Zen-shin and the other nuns provided for by Miimako no
Sukune. So Mimako no Sukune did not dare to disobey this
command, but with grief and lamentation called forth the nuns
and delivered them to Mimoro. The officials accordingly took
away from the nuns their three garments,’ imprisoned them
and flogged them at the road-station of Tsubaki no ichi.
The Emperor, with the view of establishing Imna,
appointed as his Envoy Prince Mimiko of Sakata. Just at this
1 Chair here and elsewhere is in the original represented by two Chinese
characters which mean “ Tartar couch.” The Japanese word which the
writer had in mind was no doubt agura, “leg-seat,” which is the rendering of
the Interlinear Kana,
? The meaning may be that he sat on a chair to superintend the workmen
who were employed for this purpose.
* The three priestly garments, viz. the Samghati, reaching from the
shoulders to the knees, the Uttara Samghati, a sort of overcoat, and the
Kachaya (esa in Japanese), a coloured mantle. V7de Eitel, sub voczbus.
eal,
MX 18:
104 NIHONGI.
time the Emperor and the Ohomuraji were suddenly afflicted
with sores, and he was therefore after all not sent. The
Emperor gave command to the Imperial Prince Tachibana no
Toyohi, saying :—‘‘ The injunctions of the late Emperor my
father must not be See es the Government of Imna
must be diligently put in order.”
Again the Land was filled with those who were attacked
with sores and died thereof.. The persons thus afflicted with
sores said :—‘‘ Our bodies are as if they were burnt, as if they
were beaten, as if they were broken,” and so lamenting,
they died. Old and young said privately to one another,
“Is this a punishment for the burning of the Image of
Buddha ?”
Summer, 6th month. Mimako no Sukune addressed the
Emperor, saying :—‘‘ Thy servant’s disease has not yet been
healed ; nor isit possible for succour to be afforded me unless
by the power of the three precious things.’ Hereupon the
Emperor commanded Miimako no Sukune, saying :—‘‘ Thou
mayest practise the Buddhist religion alone, but discontinue
it in so far as others are concerned.” So the three nuns were
given back. to Mttmako no Sukune, who received them with
rejoicing, lamenting their unexampled misfortunes, and bowing
down his head in their honour. He built them a Temple
anew, into which he welcomed them, and provided them with
sustenance.
One book says :—‘‘ Mononobe no Yugehi no Moriya no
Ohomuraji, Oho-miwa no Sakahe no Kimi and Nakatomi
no Ihare no Muraji conspired together to destroy the
Buddhist religion. They wanted to burn the Temple and
pagoda, and also to throw. away the Buddhist images.
Mumako no Sukune opposed this project, and would not
agree to it.”
Autumn, 8th month, 15th day. The Emperor’s disease
having become more and more inveterate, he died in the
Great Hall. At this time a Palace of temporary interment was
erected at Hirose. Mitmako no Sukune delivered a funeral
oration with his sword girded on. Mononobe no Yugehi no
Moriya no Ohomuraji burst out laughing, and said :—‘ He is
-! The Triratna, i.e. Buddha, the Law and the Priesthood. Vide Eitel, sué
voce.
BIDATSU. 105
like a sparrow pierced by a hunting-shaft.”” Next Yugehi no
Moriya no Ohomuraji, with trembling hands and _ legs,
delivered his funeral oration. The Oho-omi, Mimako no Sukune,
laughed and said :—‘‘ He ought to have bells hung upon him.”
From this small beginning the two Ministers conceived a hatred
of each other. Sakahe, Miwa no Kimi sent Hayato for the
protection of the Courtyard of the temporary tomb. The
Imperial Prince Anahobe,' who wished to possess himself of
the empire, flew into a rage, and declared, saying :—‘‘ Why do ye
serye the Court ofa dead King, and do no service where the
living King is?”
1 Younger brother of the Emperor by a different mother.
THE EMPEROR OKINAGA TARASHI-HI HIRO-NUKA.’
(JOMEI*® TENNO.)
Tue Emperor Okinaga tarashi-hi hiro-nuka was the grandson
of the Emperor Nunakura futo-dama-shiki,* and the son of the
Imperial Prince Hikobito no Ohoye. His mother’s name was
the Imperial Princess Nukade hime.
In the 2oth year of the reign of the Empress Toyo-mike
Kashikiya hime‘ the Prince Imperial Toyotomimi no Mikoto
died. No successor to him had been appointed. In the 3rd
month of the 36th year the Empress died. In the gth month
the funeral ceremonies were completed, but no decision as to
who should succeed to the throne had yet been come to. At
this time Soga no Yemishi no Omi was Oho-omi. He wished to
decide the matter of the succession on his sole authority. But
apprehending that the Ministers generally would not acquiesce
in this, he consulted Abe no maro no Omi, and having
assembled all the Ministers, they entertained them in the
Oho-omi’s house. When the feast was over, and they were
about to disperse, the Oho-omi through Abe no Omi addressed
the Ministers, saying:—‘‘The Empress is dead, leaving no
successor. If measures are not taken promptly, civil disturbances
are to be feared. Which, therefore, of the Princes is to be her
successor? When the Empress took ill, she commanded the
Imperial Prince Tamura, saying :—‘ The Empire is a great
charge, and, of course, not to be lightly spoken of. Do thou
1 Okinaga is the name of a place; tarashi-hi, suffice-sun, a honorific ;
hiro-nuke, broad forehead, is no doubt descriptive of. the Emperor’s
appearance.
2 Extend-brightness. % Bidatsu Tenno. 4 Suiko Tenno.-
OSE, (2%
158 NIHONGI.
the Imperial Prince Tamura be watchful and observant, and
not remiss.’ She next sent for Prince Yamashiro no Ohoye,
and said to him :—‘ Do thou avoid brawling speech of thine
own, and fail not to follow the words of the many. Be self-
restrained, and not contentious.’ These were the dying
injunctions of the Empress. Whom now shall we make
Emperor?” The Ministers were silent, and made no answer.
Again he asked them, but there was no reply. He persisted in
questioning them, and thereupon Ohotomo no Kujira no
Muraji advanced and said:—‘‘Let us simply obey the
Empress’s dying injunctions. There is no need to go beyond
them, and consult general opinion.’’ Abe no Omi straightway
inquired, saying :—‘‘ What does this mean? Explain thy
opinion.” He answered and said :—‘‘ What was the Empress’s
intention when she gave command to the Imperial Prince
Tamura, saying: ‘The Empire is a great charge; be not
remiss’? Judging by this, the Imperial Dignity is already
decided. And who shall gainsay this decision?” Then the
four Ministers, Mareshi, Uneme no Omi, Uma, Taka-muku no
Omi, Mike, Nakatomi no Omi, and Musashi, Naniha no Kishi,
said :—‘ Let us comply with the advice of Ohotomo no Muraji;
there is no more objection to be made.’’ Ohomaro, Kose no
Omi, Adzumédo, Saheki no Muraji, and Shihote, Ki no Omi,
these three, stood forward and said :—‘‘ It is Prince Yamashiro
no Ohoye who should be made Emperor.” But Soga no
Kuramaro no Omi [also called Womasa] alone said :—‘‘ I am
unable to say anything at this moment, but I will think further
over the matter and declare myself later.” Upon this the
Oho-omi, seeing that the Ministers were inharmonious, and
that the matter could not be accomplished, retired.
Before this, the Oho-omi had by himself inquired of Saka-
hibe no Marise no Omi, saying :—‘‘ The Empress has died,
leaving no heir. Whom shall we’ make Emperor?” He
answered and said :—‘‘ Let us raise up Yamashiro no Ohoye,
and make him Emperor.” At this time Yamashiro no Ohoye
was living in the Palace of Ikaruga. This consultation having
come to his ears, he sent Prince Mikuni and Wajiko, Sakurawi
no Omi, these two, with a secret message to the Oho-omi,
saying :—‘‘It has come to my knowlege that (thou) my
maternal uncle art desirous of making the Imperial Prince
Jomet. 159
Tamura Emperor. On hearing this report, I have thought of
it standing and have thought of it sitting, but without being
able to see on what just grounds it.rests. I beg that I may be
clearly informed of my uncle’s intentions.” Hereupon the
Oho-omi, when he received this message from Yamashiro no
Ohoye, was unable of himself to give an answer. So he sent
for Abe no Omi, Nakatomi no Muraji, Ki no Omi, Kahabe no
Omi, Takamuku no Omi, Uneme no Omi, Ohotomo no Muraji,
and Kose no Omi, to whom he communicated fully Yamashiro
no Ohoye’s message. He then proceeded to address these
Daibu, saying :—‘‘ Go, ye Daibu, in a body to the Palace of
Ikaruga, and say to Prince Yamashiro no Ohoye, ‘ How should
his humble servant! be so rash as of his own authority to decide
the succession to the Dignity? All that he has done is to take
up the Empress’s dying commands, and communicate them to
the Ministers.’ The Ministers said with one voice, ‘ In accord-
ance with the dying instructions of the Empress, the Imperial
Prince Tamura is the natural successor to the Dignity. Who
has any further objection?’ Such were the words of the
Ministers.: They are not specially my sentiments. Although I
have a private opinion of my own, out of respect I refrain from
communicating it by message, and await the opportunity of an
interview in order to inform thee personally.” Hereupon the
Daibu, having received the words of the Oho-omi, proceeded
together to the Palace of Ikaruga, where Prince Mikuni and
Sakurawi no Omi were made to deliver to Yamashiro no Ohoye
the message of the Oho-omi. Now Prince Ohoye made them
go and ask the Daibu what were the dying commands of the
Empress. They answered and said :—‘‘ We do not know the
depth of the matter. Only we gathered from the account given
us of the circumstance by the Oho-omi that on the day in
which the Empress took to her sick bed, she gave command to
the Imperial Prince Tamura, and said to him, ‘The future
government of the country is not to be lightly spoken of.
Therefore do thou the Imperial Prince Tamura speak of it with
self-restraint, and be not remiss.’ She next gave command to
Prince Ohoye, and said to him, ‘ Thy heart is young; avoid
1 The interlinear Kana version has yakkora, making the humble servant
plural, and to refer to the Daibu.
160 NIHONGI.
brawling words, and fail not to obey the: voice of general
opinion.’ The princesses in immediate attendance on the
Empress, and the ladies-in-waiting all know this. Moreover,
it is within the direct knowledge of the great Prince.” Here-
upon Prince Ohoye caused further inquiry to be made, saying :
—‘‘Is there any special person who has heard these dying
injunctions of the Empress?” The answer was, ‘“‘ We have no
knowledge of any secret particulars.’’ After this he sent a
fresh message to the Daibu, saying :—‘‘ My beloved maternal
uncle has been at the pains to send me not simply a single
messenger, but a number of high officials for my instruction.
For this I am deeply grateful. It appears, however, that the
dying commands of the Empress which the Ministers now tell
me of are somewhat different from what I heard. As soon as I
learnt that the Empress had taken to her sick bed, I hastened
' to the: palace and waited at the gate. Then Mike, Nakatomi
Sx. s.
no Muraji, came out from the forbidden precinct, and said :—
‘I summon thee by command of the Empress.’ Accordingly I
proceeded to the inner gate. Moreover Kurome, Kurikuma no
Uneme, met me in the courtyard, and led me to the Great
Hall. Now the Empress’s personal attendants, with Princess
Kurimoto at their head, and eight ladies-in-waiting, Shibime
among the number, several tens of persons in all, were in attend-
ance beside the Empress. The Imperial Prince Tamura was also
present. Now the Empress was very ill, and could not see me.
Accordingly Princess Kurimoto informed her that Prince Yama-
shiro no Ohoye, whom she had sent for, had arrived. Then the
Empress raised herself up and gave command, saying :—‘ We,
with our poor abilities, have long borne the burden of the great
institution. But now our destined career is drawing to a close;
and this disease admits of no avoidance. Therefore, thou hast
always been dear to Our heart, and Our affection for thee has
no parallel. Now the great foundation of the State is not a
thing of Our reign (alone), but from all time has demanded
diligence. Do thou, though thy heart’ is young, be watchful
over thy words.’ All those who were in immediate attendance
on the Empress at that time know this. Therefore when this
great favour was conferred on me, I was on the one hand full
of awe, and on the other full of grief. I leaped for joy, and
1 Lit. liver (kimo), He was thirty-six.
JoMEI. 161
knew not what to do. Then I bethought me :—‘ The Spirits of
the land and of grain and the ancestral shrines are weighty
matters. I am young and devoid of wisdom: how can I
presume to accept this charge?’ Just at this time I desired to
converse with my maternal uncle and the Ministers on the
subject, but there was no (fit) opportunity for me to speak, and
it is for this reason only that I have been silent up to the
present. Ona former occasion I went to the capital in order
to pay a visit of inquiry to my sick maternal uncle, and lodged
in the Temple of Toyora. On this day the Empress sent
Shibime, Yakuchi no Uneme, to me with an Imperial message,
saying:—‘ Thy’ maternal uncle, the .Oho-omi, constantly
expresses anxiety on thy account. After a hundred years,’ is it
not to thee that the succession to the Dignity will fall? Be,
therefore, watchful, and spare thyself.’ This matter is clear.
What doubt can there be about it? But am I covetous of the
- Empire? Iam simply declaring what I have heard, and I call
to witness to its truth the Gods both of Heaven and Earth.
Therefore it is my desire to ascertain accurately the dying
commands of the Empress. Moreover, ye, the Ministers sent
to me by the Oho-omi, are men who have always addressed the
sovereign as it were holding the sacred spear by the middle.’
Will you be so good, therefore, as to inform my uncle?”
After this Prince Hatsuse, the second son (of Prince Ohoye’*),
sent for Nakatomi no Muraji and Kahabe no Omi separately,
and said to them :—‘ Both my father and I spring from the
Soga family, as is well known to the world. We, therefore, rely
on it as on a high mountain. I pray, therefore, that the
succession to the Dignity be not lightly spoken of.’ So he sent
Prince Mikuni and Sakurawi no Omi along with the Ministers,
saying :—‘“‘ I desire to receive an answer.” Then the Oho-omi
sent Ki no Omi and Ohotomo no Muraji to say to Prince
Mikuni and Sakurawi no Omi:—‘‘ On a former occasion I said
all I had to say: there is nothing else. However, how should
I presume to despise one prince and honour another ? ”
Several days after, Prince Yamashiro no Ohoye again sent
Sakurawi no Omi to the Oho-omi to say :—‘‘ What I repre-
1 Le. some day or another: after my death.
2 Without bias (?).
3 Prince Ohoye could, therefore, not have been very young.
Vom. 4 M
162 NIHONGI.
sented on the former day was cou what I heard. Shall I
oppose my maternal uncle ? ”
On this day the Oho-omi was ill, and unable to hold a
personal conversation with Sakurawi no Omi.
The next day the Oho-omi sent for Sakurawi no Omi, and
straightway despatched Abe no Omi, Nakatomi no Muraji,
Kahabe no Omi, Oharida no Omi, and Ohotomo no Muraji to
address Prince Yamashiro no Ohoye, saying:—‘‘ From the
time of the Emperor ' who reigned in the Palace of Shikishima
until recently, the Ministers have all been wise men. Now
I am not wise, yet having happened on a time when men are
scarce, I hold rank wrongfully above all the Ministers. This
being.so, I have been unable to settle the great foundation.’
This is, however, a grave matter, and cannot well be discussed
by intermediaries. Therefore,’ although my age makes it
burdensome to me, I will speak with thee personally. This is
merely that there may be no misunderstanding as to the
Empress’s dying Bae, and not because I have any
private views of my own.’
After this the Oho-omi sent Abe no Omi and Nakatomi no
Muraji with a message to Sakahibe no Omi to inquire again of
him, saying :—‘‘ Which Prince shall be made Emperor?” He
answered and said :—‘‘ When the Oho-omi formerly asked me
in person, his slave said all that he had to say on the matter.
What need is there now for any further message ?”’ And he was
greatly enraged, and got up and went out. Just at this time
there was a gathering of all the kinsmen of the Soga House to
construct a tumulus for Shima no Oho-omi. They lodged at
the place where the tomb was. Hereupon Marise no Omi,°®
having pulled down the sheds at the tomb, retired to the Soga
farm-house, and would do no official duty. Upon this, the
Oho-omi was angry, and sent Katsushi, Musa no Kimi, and
Akawi, Nishikori no Obito, to admonish him, saying :—‘“‘ I
know thy evil speeches, but by reason of our relationship of
elder and younger brother I cannot injure thee. But if others
are wrong and thou art right, I shall oppose them and follow
thee: if others are right and thou art wrong, I shall in that
1 Kimmei Tenno. 2 That is, the succession to the throne.
> The same as Sakahibe no Omi.
OMEI. 1623
ro)
case oppose thee and follow them. If, therefore, thou shouldst
eventually disagree with me, there will be a breach between us,
and there will, moreover, be civil broils in the land. Then
posterity will say that thou and I have brought the country to
ruin. Such would be our ill-fame with after generations. Do
thou be watchful, nor allow a rebellious spirit to arise.”
But he still refused compliance, and at length went to
Ikaruga, where he dwelt in the Palace of Prince Hatsuse.
Hereupon the Oho-omi became more and more wrathful, and
sent the Ministers to make a request of Yamashiro no Ohoye,
saying :—“‘ Marise has of late been disobedient to me, and has
concealed hiniself in the Palace of Prince Hatsuse. I pray
thee, let me have Marise, so that I may examine the reasons.”
Hereupon, Prince Ohoye answered and said :—‘‘ Marise was
always a favourite of the wise Empress, and has only come
here for a short visit. Howshould he set himself in opposition
to the sentiments of my maternal uncle? I pray thee, do not
find fault with him.” Accordingly he spoke to Marise, saying :
— It is most kind of thee to come, not forgetting the gratitude
which thou owest to the former prince.’ But the peace of the
Empire is now threatened on thy sole account. Moreover, the
former Prince, when near his end, addressed his children,
saying :—‘ Avoid wickedness of every kind, practise good of
every kind.’ I heard this speech, and have made it my con-
stant rule of life. On this account, although I have my private
sentiments, I am patient, and not wrathful. Nor can I set
myself in opposition to my uncle. I pray thee, henceforward,
be not afraid to reform thy views. Yield to the many, and do
not withdraw thyself.’ ?
At this time, the Daibu also admonished Marise no Omi,
saying :—‘“‘ Thou shouldst not disobey the commands of Prince
Ohoye.” Hereupon Marise no Omi, having advanced to a
point where he had nowhere to turn for support, burst out
weeping and went home again. He remained in his house
for more than ten days. Prince Hatsuse suddenly took ill and
died. Hereupon Marise no Omi said:—‘‘ Though I live, on
whom shall I place my trust ?”
‘The Japanese commentators explain this expression as referring to
Shotoku Daishi, Prince Ohoye’s father.
2 From duty as a public servant.
M 2
A.D. 620.
164 NIHONGI,
The Oho-omi, wishing to put to death Sakahibe no Omi,
raised troops which he sent against him. Sakahibe no Omi
hearing that an armed force was coming, took with him his
second son, Aya, and going outside the gate, sat down on a
chair and waited. Then the troops arrived, and Ikuhi, Kume
no Mononobe, was made to strangle him. Father and son
died together and were buried in the same place. But the
eldest son, Ketsu, fled and concealed himself in the tiled house '
of a nunnery, where he had intrigues with one or two of the
nuns. Now one of the nuns was jealous and informed on him.
The temple was surrounded and he was on the point of being
caught, when he got away and went to Mount Unebi. There-
fore they searched the mountain. Ketsu had no place to
escape to, and committed suicide on the mountain by stabbing
himself in the throat. The people of that day made a song,
saying :—
On Mount Unebi
Though thin are the trees,
May there not be trust in them ?
The youth Ketsu
Seems to have hidden there.”
1st year, Spring, ist month, 4th day. The Oho-omi together
with the Ministers took the Imperial Seal and offered it to the
Imperial Prince Tamura. He declined it, saying :—‘‘ The
ancestral shrines are a weighty matter. I, the inept one, am
wanting in wisdom; how can I presume to undertake their
_ charge?” The Ministers humbly persisted in their request,
A.D. 630.
saying :—‘‘ Thou, great Prince, wert the favourite of the late
sovereign. Both the spirit realm and this visible world incline
their hearts to thee. It isright that thou shouldst continue the
Imperial line, and dispense thy radiance down on the people.”
On the same day, he assumed the Imperial Dignity.
Summer, 4th month, rst day. Tanabe no Muraji was sent
to Yakus
This year was the year Tsuchinoto Ushi (26th) of the Cycle.
and year, Spring, rst month, rath day. The Imperial
1 The “ Tsusho” says that at this period the only part of a temple which
had a tiled roof was the Hall of Worship.
2 A Regular Tanka of thirty-one syllables.
3 See above, XXII. 28.
- JOMEI. 165
Princess Takara was appointed Empress-consort. She had
two sons and one daughter. The name of the eldest was the °
Imperial Prince Katsuraki [the Emperor who reigned in the
Palace of Ohotsu in Afumi];' the second was called the
Imperial Princess Hashibito;* the third was called the Im-
perial Prince Oho-ama [the Emperor who reigned in the
Palace of Kiyomihara] .* The Lady Hode no Iratsume, daughter
of the Oho-omi Soga no Shima, bore (to him) the Imperial
Prince Furubito [also called the Imperial Prince Ohoye}.
He also took to him Kaya* no Uneme, of the province of
Kibi, who bore to him the Imperial Prince Kaya.
3rd month,.1st day. The senior ambassador from Kory6é
named Yon Cha-phé, and the junior ambassador Ya-tok, with
the senior ambassador from Pékché, the Eun-sol, Socha, and
the junior ambassador the Tok-sol, Muték, offered tribute
together.
Autumn, 8th month, 5th day. The Dainin, Mitasuki,
Inugami no Kimi, and the Dainin Kusushi® no Ejitsu were sent
to Great Thang.°
8th day. The Koryo and Pekché guests were entertained
at Court. MEP
gth month, 4th day. The Koryé and Pekché guests returned
to their own country.
In this month Tanabe no Muraji and his companions
returned from Yaku.
Winter, roth month, r2th day. The Emperor removed (the .
palace) to a place near the Hill of Asuka. This was called
the Palace of Okamoto.’ In this year the official residences
of the three Han * in Oho-kohori at Naniha were repaired.
3rd year, Spring, 2nd month, roth day. People from Yaku
emigrated hither.
3rd month, rst day. Wi-chi,’ King of Pékché, sent Prince
Phung-chyang as hostage.
1 Tenchi Tenno. 2 Wife of Kotoku Tenno. 3 Viz. Temmu Tenno.
4 Kaya is the name of a place. The Uneme generally were called by the
names of the places they came from.
® Physician.
6 This Embassy is mentioned in the Thang annals.
7 i.e. “bottom of hill.” In Yamato. 8 Silla, Kory6 and Peékché.
9 Wi-cha, according to the “ Tongkam,” came to the throne in A.D. 641.
So there is something wrong here.
A.D. 631.
XXIII. te.
A.D. 632.
OGG eae:
A.D. 633.
A.D. 634.
166 NIHONGI.
Autumn, gth month, 19th day. The Emperor made a pro-
gress to the hot springs of Arima * in the Province of Settsu.
Winter, 12th month, 13th day. The Emperor arrived from
the hot springs.
4th year, Autumn, 8th month. Great Thang sent Kao
Piao-jén to escort Mitasuki (on his way back from China to
Japan). They anchored together at Tsushima. At this
time the student-priests Rydng-un and Bin, together with
Suguri no Torikahi and Silla Escort Envoys, came in their
train.
Winter, roth month, 4th day. The Envoys from the Land
of Thang, Kao Piao-jén and his companions, arrived in the
harbour of Naniha. Accordingly Mumakahi no Muraji was
sent to meet them at E-guchi.” There were thirty-two boats,
which, as well as the drums, fifes and flags, were all gaily
decorated. He addressed Kao Piao-jén and his companions,
saying :—‘‘ Hearing that the Envoy appointed by the Son of
Heaven has arrived at the Emperor’s Court, I have come to
receive him.’”’ Then Kao Piao-jén answered and said :—‘‘ Ona
day when the wind is so chill, it gives me great pleasure that
you have been good enough to come to meet me with these
gaily-decked boats.” Hereupon Wotsuki, Naniha no Kishi,
and Yafushi, Ohoshi-kahachi no Atahe, were appointed to be
their guides as far as the front of the official residence. Then
Itto, Iki no Fubito, and Yatsushi, Naniha no Kishi, were sent to
introduce the guests into the official residence. On the same
day, sacred sake * was given them.
5th year, Spring, 1st month, 26th day. The Envoys from
Great Thang, Kao Piao-jén and his companions, returned to
their own country. The envoys sent to escort them, viz. the
Kishi Womaro, Kuromaro and the rest, went as far as Tsushima,
and then came back. ¢
6th year, Autumn, 8th month. A long star was seen in the
south. The people of that time called it a besom-star.*
1 Well known to residents at the Treaty Port of Kobe.
2 River-mouth.
* This sake was made under special arrangements from rice grown in
certain Temple glebe-lands. Vide “ Yengishiki.” It was customary to offer it
to foreign ambassadors.
4 Hahaki-boshi or hoki-boshi, the present name for a comet.
JOMEL. 167
7th year, Spring, 1st month. The besom- star went rages
and was seen in the East.
Summer, 6th month, roth day. Peékché sent the Tal-sol,
Yu and others with tribute.
Autumn, 7th month, 7th day. The Pékché guests were
entertained at Court. In this month a lotus of auspicious
omen grew in the Tsurugi pond. There were two flowers on
one stalk.
8th year, Spring, 1st month, 1st day. There was an
eclipse of the sun.
3rd month. All those who had had illicit intercourse with
the Uneme were put on their trial, and were all punished.’
At this time Wosazaki, ‘Miwa no Kimi, by reason of the
pain of the examination,’ committed suicide by stabbing himself
in the throat.
Summer, 5th month. There were great rains and floods.
6th month. The Palace of Okamoto having been destroyed
by fire, the eres removed his residence to the Palace of
Tanaka.
Autumn, 7th month, 1st day. Prince Ohomata addressed
Toyora no Oho-omi, saying :—‘‘ The Ministers and function-
aries are remiss in their attendance at Court. Henceforward,
let them attend at the beginning of the hour of the Hare,* and
withdraw after the hour of the Serpent. Regulate this by
means of a bell.” The Oho-omi, however, did not take this
advice.
This year there was a great drought, and there was famine
throughout the Empire.
gth year, Spring, 2nd month, 23rd day. A great star floated
from East to West, and there was a noise like that of thunder.
The people of that day said that it was the sound of the falling
star. Others said that it was earth-thunder. Hereupon the
Buddhist Priest Bin said :—“ It is not the falling star, but the
Celestial Dog,’ the sound of whose barking is like thunder.”
‘ No doubt capital punishment is meant. 2 By torture.
% 5 to7am. Tobe more exact, the beginning of this hour is an hour
before daybreak.
* gto 11am. Such early hours are usual in Eastern Courts. The King
of Corea at the present day receives his Ministers before daybreak.
° “ The Classic of the Mountains and Seas” (a very ancient Chinese book)
A.D. 635.
A.D. 636.
DOS OU sa.
A.D 637.
, AD, 638.
168 NIHONGI.
3rd month, 2nd day. There was an eclipse of the sun.
In this year the Yemishi rebelled and did not come to Court.
The Dainin, Katana, Kamitsukenu no Kimi, was appointed
generalto smite them. But it was he, on the contrary, who
was defeated by the Yemishi, and fled into a fortress, where he
was eventually besieged by the enemy. His soldiers all slipped
away, and the castle became empty. The general was per-
plexed and knew not what to do. Then at nightfall he was
climbing over the palisade in order to escape, when his wife
lamented, saying :—‘‘ Oh, what a shame that.we should be slain
by Yemishi!’’ And to her husband she spoke, saying :—‘“‘ Thy
ancestors crossed the blue ocean and travelled 10,000 ri to
reduce to submission Governments beyond the water, and so
hand down to future generations their dread valour. If thou
dost now bring disgrace on the name of thy forefathers, thou
wilt surely become a laughing-stock to posterity.” So she
poured out sake for her husband, and compelled him to drink
it. Then she girded on herself her husband’s sword, and bend-
ing ten bows, caused the women, of whom there were several
tens, to twang the bow-strings. When this was done, her
husband roused himself again, and seizing a weapon which was
lying on the ground, advanced. The Yemishi thought that the
army was still numerous, and by degrees withdrew. Hereupon
the routed troops reassembled, and, re-forming their ranks,
attacked the Yemishi, whom they greatly defeated, taking them
every one prisoners.
roth year, Autumn, 7th month, 19th day. There was a great
storm, which broke trees and tore up houses.
gth month. There were continuous rains, and peaches and
plums blossomed.
says: “At the Heaven-gate-mountain there isa red dog, called the Celestial
Dog. Its lustre flies through Heaven, and as it floats along becomes.a
star of several tens of rods (10 feet) in length. It is swift as the wind. Its
voice is like thunder, and its radiance like lightning.”
The Celestial Dog FR Fit} is a group of seven stars near the zodiacal
constellation fj (Cancer). Giles says that it is in Argo. The interlinear
Kana has Ama no Kitsune, or the Celestial Fox.
The Celestial Dog, or Tengu, of modern Japanese superstition is a winged
creature in human form with an exceedingly long nose, which haunts moun-
tain-tops and other secluded places. .It is a favourite subject of artists. See
“ Anderson’s British Museum Catalogue,” p. 410.
JOMEI. - 169
Winter, roth month. There was an Imperial progress to the
Palace of the hot springs of Arima.
This year Pékché, Silla, and Imna all sent tribute.
11th year, Spring, rst month, 8th day. The Imperial carriage
returned from the hot springs.
11th day. The festival of tasting the new rice ' was held,
12th day. There was thunder without any clouds.’
22nd day. There was a storm with thunder.
26th day.. A long star appeared in the north-west. Priest
Bin said that it was a besom-star. When it appeared, there
- was famine.*
Autumn, 7th month. The Emperor made a decree, saying:
—‘ This year let there be a great palace and a great temple
built.” So the bank of the Kudara* River was chosen as the
site for the palace. Herewith the western population built the
palace, and the eastern population® built the temple. Agata,
Fumi no Atahe, was made architect.
Autumn, gth month. The priests who had studied in Great
Thang, viz. Ye-on and Ye-un, entered the capital in the train of
the Silla Escort Envoys.
Winter, 11th month, 1st day. The Silla Envoys were enter-
tained at Court. Accordingly the Emperor granted them one
grade of cap-rank.
12th month, 14th day. There was an Imperial progress to
the Palace of the hot springs of Iyo.
In this month a pagoda of nine stories was erected on the
bank of the River Kudara.
12th year, Spring, 2nd month, 7th day. A star entered the
moon.°
Summer, 4th month, 16th day. The Emperor returned from
Iyo, and took up his residence in the Palace of Mumaya-zaka.
5th month, 5th day. A great Buddhist maigre entertainment
1 Nihi-name.
2 An evil omen, according to the Chinese and Romans.
3 Bin is the Priest quoted above, XXIII. 12, as an authority on
astronomical matters.
4 The Japanese name for Pékché.
5 The west is no doubt Kahachi, the east Yamato.
® Chinese history records that Venus entering the moon was looked upon
by the diviners as portending mortality among the people.
A.D. 639.
MMIII 36.
A.D. 640.
XXITT.16.
A.D. 641.
170 NIHONGI.
was given, at which by request the priest Ye-on expounded the
Muryo jiu ki.’
Winter, roth month, 11th day. Shd-an, a priest who had
studied in Great Thang, and the student Kuromasa, Takamuku
no Ayabito arrived by way of Silla. The tribute-bearing Envoys
of Péekché and Silla came in their company. Each of them *
was granted a grade of cap-rank.
This month (the Emperor) removed to the Palace of Kudara.
13th year, Winter, roth month, gth day. The Emperor died
in the Palace of Kudara.
18th day. He was temporarily interred north of the Palace.
This was called the ‘‘ great temporary tomb” of Kudara. At
this time the Heir Apparent, the Imperial Prince Hirakasu
wake, was sixteen years old, and pronounced the funeral
eulogium.
' Florenz, quoting “‘Bunyu Nanjio,” says this is the Amitayu Sutra or
Sukhavati Vytha ;.Muryo jiu means ‘ Everlasting life.”
2 i.e. of the Envoys,
Book 24
THE EMPRESS AME TOYO-TAKARA IKASHI-HI TARASHI HIME.’
(KOGYOKU? TENNO.)
THE Empress Ame toyo-takara ikashi-hi tarashi hime was the
great-granddaughter of the Emperor Nuna-kura futo-dama-
shiki,* granddaughter of the Imperial Prince Ohoye, Oshizaka
no hiko-bito, and daughter of Prince Chinu. Her mother’s
name was Princess Kibi.
This Empress conducted the government in conformity with
the ancient path.
In the second year of the Emperor Okinaga tarashi-hi hiro-
nuka,* she was appointed Empress-consort. This Emperor
died in the roth month of the 13th year of his reign.
Ist year, Spring, ist month, 15th day. The Empress-con-
sort assumed the Imperial Dignity. Yemishi, Soga no Omi,
was made Oho-omi as before. The Oho-omi’s son, Iruka [also
called Kuratsukuri], took into his own hands the reins of
government, and his power was greater than his father’s.
Therefore thieves and robbers were in dread of him, and things
dropped on the highways were not picked up.
29th day. The Dainin, Hirafu, Adzumi no Muraji, who had
gone as Envoy to Peékché, returned from Tsukushi, riding on
post-horses, and said :—‘‘ The Land of Pékché, hearing of the
Emperor’s death, has sent Ambassadors of condolence, along
with whom I arrived in Tsukushi. But I wished to take part
1 Heaven-rich-treasure-great-sun-suffice-princess.
* This word occurs in the “ Shooking,” p. 328 of Legge’s edition, where it
is translated “royal perfection.”
3 Bidatsu Tenno. 4 Jomei Tenno.
A.D. 642.
DOME Ve 35
172 NIHONGI.
in the funeral ceremonies, and therefore have come on alone
in advance. That country, however, is at present greatly
disturbed.”
2nd month, 2nd day. MHirafu, Adzumi no Yamashiro no
Muraji, Ihakane, Kusakabe no Kishi, and Agata, Yamato no
Aya no fumino Atahe, were sent to the Péekché Ambassadors of
condolence to inquire their news. The Ambassadors of con-
dolence replied, saying :—‘‘ The sovereign of Pékché said to
us :—‘ Se-syang is always behaving badly.. I request that he
may be delivered to the Envoys on their return.’’”’ The Empress
did not consent.
The servants of the Pékché Envoys of condolence said :—
“In the 11th month of last year, the Té-sa-phyong,’ Chi-
chy6k, died. Moreover the Pékché Envoys flung the Kunluen *
Envoys into the sea. In the first month of this year the King’s
mother died. Again, Kyoki, the son of the younger Prince,
and also his younger sisters by the same mother, four persons
in all, with the Lord Ne-sa-phyéng,*? and over forty notables,
were banished to an island.” *
6th day. Kory6 Envoys anchored in the harbour of Naniha.
21st day. The Daibu were sent to the district (government
house) of Naniha to inspect the gold and silver sent as tribute
by the Land of Koryé, as well as the other things presented by
that country. After the Envoys had delivered over all the
tribute, they said:—‘‘ The younger Prince died in the sixth
month of last year. In the autumn, the gth month, the Prime
Minister, Irikasyumi, slew the King, and also put to death
Irik6-lyésa and others to the number of more than 180. Then
he took the son of the younger Prince and made him King.’ He
also made his own relation’ To-syu-ryu Keum-nyu Prime
Minister.”
22nd day. The Koryo and Pekché guests were entertained
K Vr 2, Prime Minister.
? Kun-luen, ine ae may be the Kunluern mountains between the desert
of Gobi and Tibet, or it may be Pulo Condore in the China Sea.
3 AY fe 2B, a Corean officer, Japanese Naidaijin, says a commentator.
4 This is servants’ gossip—not to be taken without many grains of salt.
Chi-chyék is alive later on, and Kyoki appears as chief envoy to Japan. See
below, XXIV. 4.
5 The “ Tongkam” places these events in A.D. 642, roth month.
6 Lit. of the same surname.
KOGYOKU. 173
at the Naniha district (Government office). The Empress
commanded the Oho-omi to send Oho-ama, Tsumori no
Muraji, as Envoy to Koryé, Kuhina, Naniha no Kishi, to Pekché,
Mato, Kusakabe no Kishi, to Silla, and Nagaye, Sakamoto no
Kishi, to Imna.
24th day. Kyoki was sent for and lodged in the house of
Adzumi no Yamashiro no Muraji.
25th day. The Koryé and Pekché guests were entertained.
27th day. The Kory6 and Pékché Envoys both took their
departure.
3rd month, 3rd day. There was rain without any clouds.
Silla sent Envoys of congratulation on the accession, and
also Envoys of condolence.
r5th day. The Silla Envoys took their departure. This
month there were continual rains. .
Summer, 4th month, 8th day. The Chief Envoy Kyoki and
his companions had an audience of the Empress.
roth day. The Oho-omi, Soga, invited Kyoki of Pékché and
his companions to his house at Unebi. He had friendly con-
versation with them and presented a good' horse and twenty
bars of iron. But he did not invite Sé-syang.
This month there were continuous rains.
5th month, 5th day. Kyoki and his companions were
invited to witness an archery-hunt* in front of the Miyake of
Yosami in the province of Kahachi.
16th day. The ship of the Envoys of the Land of Pékché
and the ship of the Kishi anchored together in the harbour of
Naniha.
18th day. The Pekché Envoys delivered their tribute, and
the Kishi reported their mission. .
21st day. One of Kyoki’s companions died.
2and day. A child of Kyoki died. At this time, Kyoki and
his wife shrunk with horror from the dead child, and were not
present at the funeral ceremonies. It is the general custom in
Pékché and Silla when a death occurs that even the parents,
brothers, husband or wife, and sisters of the deceased should
never look on him again. Judging from this, they are utterly
1 ie. well-broken.
2 The interlinear Kana has uma-yumi, i.e. shooting with bow and arrows
from horseback.
174 NIHONGI.
wanting in feeling, and not to be distinguished from birds and
beasts.
23rd day. Ripe rice was seen.
24th day. Kyoki removed with his wife and children to the
house in Ohowi in Kudara, and sent people to bury his child in
Ishikaha.'
6th month, 16th day. Fine rain fell.
6th month. There was a great drought.
Autumn, 7th month, 9th day. A guest-star entered the moon.’
22nd day. The Pékché Envoys, the Teé-sa-phyong, Chi-
chyék, and his colleagues were entertained at Court.
One writing has :—‘‘ The Té-sa-phyong, Chichyok, and
his son the Tal-sol—the name is wanting—the Eun-sol
Kun-syon.”
Therewith stout fellows were commanded to wrestle before
Kyoki, Chichyok and the others. When the banquet was over,
they retired and went to pay their respects at Kyoki’s gate.
23rd day. The pages of Iruka, Soga no Omi, caught a white
sparrow.* On the same day at the same time there was a man
who put a white sparrow (or sparrows) into a cage and sent it
as a present to Soga no Omi.
25th day. The Ministers conversed with one another, say-
ing :—‘‘In accordance with the teachings of the village hafuri,
there have been in some places horses and cattle killed as a
sacrifice to the Gods of the various (Shinto) shrines, in others
frequent changes of the market-places,* or prayers to the River-
1 Name of a district in Kahachi.
* This is evidently what we call the “occultation” of a star.
3 A lucky omen.
4 This is an old custom in China. A Chinese book, JA )I| GZ, says that ina
certain village there is a pond. At this pond thereis astone cow. In years
of drought, the peasants kill a cow and, mixing its blood with mud, smear it
on the back of the stone cow, with prayers.
The “ Kogojiui,” an ancient Japanese book, speaks of sacrifices of oxen
to the Ohotsuchi (great-earth) nushi (master) no Kami. The flesh was eaten
by the peasants.
The practice of changing the market-place as a means of averting drought
is also an old Chinese custom. The present custom of closing the city gates
of Sdul, the capital of Corea, to put a stop to excessive rain, may be com-
pared with it.
A modern commentator denounces both these customs (sacrifice of animals
and changing the market-place) as contrary to the spirit of Shintoism.
—
KOGYOKU. He
Gods. None of these practices have had hitherto any good
result.” Then Soga no Oho-omi answered and said :—‘“‘ The
‘Mahayana Sutra’ ought to be read by way of extract’ in the
temples, our sins repented of, as Buddha teaches, and thus
with humility rain should be prayed for.”
27th day. In the South Court of the Great Temple, the
images of Buddha and of the Bosatsu,’? and the images of the
four Heavenly Kings, were magnificently adorned. A multitude
of priests, by humble request, read the ‘‘ Mahayana Sutra.”
On this occasion Soga no Oho-omi held a censer in his hands,
and having burnt incense in it, put up a prayer.
28th day. A slight rain fell.
29th day. The prayers for rain being unsuccessful, the
reading of the ‘‘ Sutra ’’ was discontinued.
8th month, 1st day. The Emperor made a progress to the
river-source of Minabuchi. Here he knelt down and prayed,
worshipping towards the four quarters, and looking up to
Heaven.* Straightway there was thunder and agreat rain, which
eventually fell for five days, and plentifully bedewed the Empire.
(One writing has :—‘ For five days there was continuous rain,
and the nine grains ripened.”’|
Hereupon the peasantry throughout the Empire cried with one
voice, ‘‘ Bansai,” and said, ‘‘ An Emperor of exceeding virtue !”
6th day. The Pékché Envoys, viz. the Associate Official and
the rest, took their departure. They were given a large ship
and three boats.
This day at midnight it thundered in the south-west corner,
and there was wind and rain. The ship in which the Associate
Official and his companions were embarked ran ashore and was
wrecked.
’ The tendoku ( Hi 38) is the reading of passages of a book to repre-
sent the whole. I have seen a dozen priests each with a pile of books on his
right, of which he took one, read a few words at the beginning, made the
pages defile rapidly before him, and then reading a few words at the end,
passed it to a gradually increasing pile on his left. In this way a eh
takes only a few seconds to dispose of, and although the Buddhist scriptures
are pretty voluminous, an hour or two of this sort of thing makes some
impression on them.
2 Boddhisatwa.
* This is the Chinese as ss ae to the Buddhist style, which had been
without result.
XO T6:
176 NIHONGI.
13th day. The rank of Shédtoko was conferred on the
Pékché hostage, the Tal-sol, Chyang-pok. One grade of rank
was conferred on the guests of middle and lower condition, and’
they each received presents according to their station.
15th day. A ship was given to the Associate Official of
Pékche and his companions, in which they were sent off.
16th day. The Koryo Envoys returned to their country.
26th day. The Pékché Envoys returned to their country.
gth month, 3rd day. The Empress commanded the Oho-
omi, saying :—‘“‘ It is our wish to build a great temple. Let
labourers be levied from Afumi and Koshi.” Moreover, charge
was given to the various provinces to have ships built.
roth day. The Empress commanded the Oho-omi, saying :
—‘‘] wish the building of a palace to be begun in this month,
and completed not later than the 12th month. Let building-
timber be taken from the various provinces. Accordingly,
workmen for building the palace were levied from Tétomi on
the east, as far as Aki on the west.
21st day. ‘The Yemishi of the Koshi neighbourhood, several
thousand in number, made their submission.
Winter, roth month, 8th day. There was an earthquake,
with rain.
gth day. There was an earthquake. This night there was
an earthquake, with wind.
rath day. The Yemishi were entertained at Court.
t5th day. Soga no Oho-omi entertained the Yemishi in
his house, and personally made kind inquiries after their
welfare.
On this day, the ship of the Silla Envoys of condolence, and
the ship of the Envoys of congratulation on the accession,
anchored at the island of Iki.
24th day. There was an earthquake at midnight.
This month summer ordinances were put in force. There
was rain without clouds.
_ | The writer had probably in his mind a passage of the “ Liki” (Legge’s
translation, Vol. I. p. 276), of which the following is an extract :—“Ifin the
second month of summer the governmental proceedings of winter were
observed, hail and cold would injure the grain; the roads would not be
passable, and violent assaults of war would come.” The general purport is
that bad government is the cause of bad weather, pestilence and other
disasters. I am not sure, however, that the Japanese writer adopts this
KoGyoku. L327
11th month, 2nd day. There was great rain, with thunder.
5th day. At midnight there was a thunder-clap in the north-
west corner.
8th day. It thundered five times in the north-west corner.
gth day. The weather was warm, as in spring.
.Ioth day. Rain fell.
11th day. The weather was warm, as in spring.
13th day. There was a thunder-clap in the northern quarter,
and wind sprang up.
16th day. The Empress celebrated the festival of tasting
the new rice. On this day the Prince Imperial and the Oho-
omi each personally-tasted the new rice.’
12th month, rst day. The weather was mild, as in spring.
3rd day. It thundered five times during the day, and twice
at night.
gth day. It thundered twice in the east, and there was wind
and rain.
13th day. The mourning ceremonies for the Emperor
Okinaga tarashi-hi hiro-nuka were begun. On this day, the
Shotoko, Tokudai, Kose no Omi, pronounced a_ funeral
eulogium on behalf of Prince Ohomata. Next the Shotoko
Hosome, Ahata no Omi, pronounced a funeral eulogium on
behalf of the Imperial Prince Karu. Next the Shotoko, Muma-
kahi, Ohotomo no Muraji, pronounced a funeral eulogium on
behalf of the Oho-omi,
14th day. Okinaga no Yamana no Kimi pronounced an
eulogium of the Imperial line. ee
20th day. It thundered three times in the north-east
corner.
2tst day. The Emperor Okinaga tarashi-hi hiro-nuka was
buried on the Hill of Name-hazama.
On this day the Empress removed her residence to the
Palace of Woharida.
One writing says :—‘‘ To the temporary palace in the
southern courtyard of the Eastern Palace.”
23rd day. It thundered once in the night with a splitting
noise.
theory. He may only mean that the weather was unseasonable, without
intending to saddle the Empress with the responsibility for it.
1 They probably celebrated this ceremony in their own houses.
WO) by BL: N
A.D. 643
178 NIHONGI.
30th day. The weather was mild, as in spring.
This year Yemishi, Soga no Oho-omi erected his own
ancestral temple at Taka-miya in Katsuraki, and performed an
eight-row dance.' Finally he made a song, saying :—
In order to ford
The River Hiro-se of Oshi
In Yamato,
I adjust my garters
And gird up my loins !?
Moreover he levied all the people of the land as well as the
serfs of the 180 Be, and constructed two tombs at Imaki in
preparation for his death.* One was called the Great Misasagi,
and was intended as the tomb of the Oho-omi; one was
called the Small Misasagi, and was meant for the tomb of
Iruka no Omi. It was his desire that after his death other
people might not be troubled. Moreover he assembled all the
Mibu people of Kamutsumiya,* and made them do forced
labour on the precincts of the tombs. Hereupon Princess
Kamutsumiya no Oho-iratsume* was wroth, and exclaimed,
saying :—‘‘ Soga no Omi wantonly usurps the Government of
the land, and does many outrageous things. In Heaven there
are not two suns: in a state there cannot be two sovereigns.
Why should he, at his own pleasure, employ, in forced. labour,
all the people of the fief?” From this her hate began to
gather, and she at length shared in the common downfall.°
This year was the year Midzunoye Tora (39th) of the Cycle..
and year, Spring, ist month, 1st day. In the morning great
clouds of five colours‘ covered all the sky, except in the
north-east, where they were wanting. A mist of a uniform
blue colour arose from the earth on all sides.
! These were assumptions of Imperial rank. Vide “ Legge’s Chinese
Classics,” Vol. I, p. 18.
? Hiro-se means a broad ford. Apparently Soga, in these lines, is
supposed to hint at his secret ambition of usurpation.
* It was not unusual to build sepulchral mounds during the esto of the
intended occupant. Nintoku Tenné is an example.
4 The serfs of the late Prince Shdtoku Daishi.
® Shotoku Daishi’s daughter. 6 See below, XXIV, 13.
7 Rainbow-tinted.
Kocyoxu. 179
roth day. A great storm.
2nd month, 20th day. Peach-blossoms first appeared.
25th day. The leaves and flowers of herbs and trees were
injured by hail.
In this month there were wind, thunder, and_ ice-rain.
Winter ordinances were in force.
3rd month, 13th day. The official quarters of the Pékché
guests at Naniha and the houses of the people took fire.
25th day. The flowers and leaves of the herbs and trees
were injured by frost.
In this month there were wind, thunder, rain and ice-rain.
Winter ordinances were in force.
Summer, 4th month, 7th day. A great storm, with rain.
8th day. A wind sprang up and the weather was chilly.
2oth day. There was a west wind‘ and hail. The weather
was cold, and people wore three wadded garments.
2tIst day. The Viceroy? of Tsukushi sent a mounted
messenger with a message to the Empress, saying :—‘‘ The
Prince, the younger brother of Kyoki, son of the King of
Pekché, has arrived in company of the tribute Envoys.”
25th day. It was reported from the province of Ohomi that
hail had fallen there one inch in diameter.
28th day. The Empress removed her residence from the
temporary palace to the new Palace of Itabuki in Asuka.
5th month, 16th day. There was an eclipse of the moon.
_ 6th month, 13th day. The Viceroy of Tsukushi sent a
mounted messenger with a message to the, Empress, say-
ing :—‘‘ Kory6 is sending Envoys to our Court.” When
the Ministers heard this, they said :—‘‘ Koryé has not come to
Court since the year Kanoto i,* and this year they are coming
to Court.”
23rd day. The Pékché tribute-ships anchored in the port of
Naniha.
Autumn, 7th month, 3rd day. Several Daibu were sent to
the district (Government house) of Naniha to inspect the
Pékché tribute and presents. Hereupon the Daibu inquired of
the tribute Envoys, saying :—“ The national tribute offered by
' The west wind in Japan comes from North China and Siberia, and
resembles our east wind in character.
2 Dazai. . FFAs 630,
N 2
XXIV to.
XT at,
180 NIHONGI.
you is less than by previous precedent. The articles sent to
the Oho-omi are of no better quality than those which were
returned in a former year; and, in defiance of previous prece-
dent, no articles at all have been brought for the Ministers.
How is this?”
The senior Envoy, the Tal-sol, Chi-sa, and the junior Envoy,
the Eun-sol, Kun-sy6n, together answered and said :—‘‘ The
deficiency will be speedily supplied.” Chia-s&% was a son of the
hostage, the Tal-sol, Mu-cha.
In this month the water of the Mamuta pond stank greatly,
and was covered with small grubs, which had black mouths
and white bodies.
8th month, 15th day. The water of the Mamuta pond
changed, and became like indigo juice. Its surface was covered
with dead grubs. Moreover the running water in the drains
became coagulated to the thickness of three or four inches, and
the fishes, both great and small, stank, as when they are
scorched to death in summer. They were therefore unfit for
food.
gth month, 6th day. The Emperor Okinaga tarashi-hi
hiro-nuka was buried in the Oshi-zaka Misasagi.
A certain writing says:—‘‘ The Emperor Hironuka is
also called the Emperor Takechi.”
t1th day. Kibi no Shima, the Empress’s grandmother, died.
17th day. The Empress instructed Wite, Hashi no Saba no
Muraji, to superintend the funeral ceremonies of her grand-
mother. From the time that the Empress’s grandmother took
ill, until the beginning of the mourning, the Empress never left
her bedside, and was assiduous in attending to her nourishment.
1gth day. The Empress’s grandmother was buried on the
Hill of Mayumi.
On this day there was great rain, with hail.
zoth day. The work of constructing the tomb of the
Empress’s grandmother was discontinued, and presents of
silk and cloth’ were given to the Omi, the Muraji, and Tomo
no Miyakko, each according to his rank.
In this month the water of the Mamuta pond gradually
changed, and became white. Moreover, it was no longer ill-
smelling.
1 Of hemp or mulberry bark fibre.
KOGYOKU. 181
Winter, roth month, 3rd day. The Ministers and Tomo no
Miyakko were entertained in the Court of the Imperial
Residence, and the matter of bestowing Dignities was con-
sidered. Ultimately instructions to the Governors of Provinces
were given as before ordered, and no change was made. They
were told to proceed to their posts, and to be watchful in
respect to their administration.
6th day. Yemishi, Soga no Oho-omi, was unable from
illness to attend at Court. On his own private authority, he
granted his son Iruka a purple cap, which made him rank, as
it were, with the Oho-omi. He also called the younger
brother (of Iruka) Mononobe no Oho-omi. The Oho-omi’s
grandmother was the younger sister of Mononobe no Yugehi
no Ohomuraji. Therefore, by reason of his mother’s property,
he acquired an influential position in the world.
12th day. Iruka, Soga no Omi, plotted by himself to set
aside the Kamutsumiya Princes,’ and to establish Furubito no
Ohoye as Emperor. At this time there was a children’s song
which said :—
By the cliff,
A little monkey is cooking rice :
Pass on—having stolen
Even the very rice,
O thou mountain-goat? old man.
One book says :—‘‘ Iruka, Soga no Omi, had a profound
repulsion for the prestige and fame of the Kamutsumiya
Princes throughout the Empire, and plotted by himself
how to become established in their stead.”
In this month the water of the Mamuta pond became clear
again. . :
tith month, 1st duy. Iruka, Soga no Omi, sent the Shotoko,
Kose no Tokudai no Omi, and the Dainin, Hashi no Saba no
Muraji, to seize Prince Yamashiro no Ohoye and the rest at
Ikaruga.
One book says :—‘‘ With Kose no Tokudai no Omi and
Yamato no Mtma-kahi no Obito as commanders.”
1 The sons of Shdtoku Daishi.
2 The kama-shishi is probably the animal now known as the kamoshika, a
kind of antelope with a shaggy fleece. Vzde “ Satow and Hawes’ Handbook,”
2nd ed. p. [41]. See below, XXIV. 14, for an interpretation of this poem.
XML), £2;
DOTS:
182 NIHONGI.
Hereupon the slave Minari and several tens of toneri came
forth and fought in their defence. Hashi no Saba no Muraji
was hit by an arrow and died, and the troops were afraid, and
retreated. They said to one another:—‘‘ The saying ‘one
man as good as a thousand’ is applicable to Minari.”
Yamashiro no Ohoye accordingly took the bones of a horse
and flung them into his sleeping-chamber, and eventually,
taking with him his consort, and accompanied by the younger
members of his family, seized an opportunity to escape, and
concealed himself on Mount Ikoma. Miwa,no Fumuya no
Kimi, a toneri named Tame no Muraji, and his daughter Uda
no Morowoshi, and Ise no Abe no Katafu followed him.
Kose no Tokudai no Omi and the others, having burnt the
Palace of Ikaruga, found bones among the ashes, and wrongly
imagined that the Prince was dead. So they raised the siege
and withdrew. Therewith Prince Yamashiro no .Ohoye and
his companions tarried on the mountain for four or five days.
They had nothing to eat or drink.. Miwa no Fumuya no Kimi
advanced, and advised him, saying :—“‘ Let us, I pray thee, go
over to the Miyake of Fukakusa, and thence on horseback towards
the Eastern provinces. Let us make Mibu our headquarters,
and having raised troops, come back and fight. Our success
is not doubtful.” Prince Yamashiro no Ohoye and his com-
panions* answered and said :—‘“‘If we did as thou sayest, we
should certainly succeed. In my heart, however, I desire for
ten years not to impose a burden on the people. For the
sake of one person only, why should I distress the ten thousand
subjects? Moreover, I do not wish it to be said by after
generations that for my sake anyone has mourned the loss of a
father or mother. Is it only when one has conquered in battle
that he is to be called a hero? Is he not also a hero who has
made firm his country at the expense of his own life?”’ There
was a man who from afar perceived the Princes of Kamutsu-
miya on the mountains, and went back and told this to Iruka,
Soga no Omi. When Iruka heard this he was much afraid,
and immediately set in movement an armed force. Then he
informed Kuni-oshi, Takamuku no Omi, where the Prince was,
and said:—‘‘ Thou must at once proceed to the mountain
and arrest the Prince.” Kuni-oshi answered and said :—‘‘ Thy
1 The speech itself can be only that of Prince Yamashiro.
KOGyOoKu. 183
slave guards the Imperial Palace, and dares not go elsewhere.”
Iruka was about to go himself when the Imperial Prince
Furubito no Ohoye arrived, panting for breath, and asked
whither he was going. Iruka informed him of the whole
circumstances. Then the Imperial Prince Furubito said :—
‘* The rat lies down in its hole and lives; it leaves its hole and
dies.” Accordingly Iruka gave up the idea of going, and sent
commanders to make search at Ikoma, but they were never
able to find him.
Hereupon Prince Yamashiro no Ohoye and his companions
returned from the mountain and entered the Temple of Ikaruga.
The commanders straightway surrounded the Temple with
troops. Then Prince Yamashiro no Ohoye sent Miwa no
Fumuya no Kimi with a message to the commanders, saying :—
“Tf I had raised an army, and attacked Iruka, I should cer-
tainly have conquered. But for the sake of one person, I was
unwilling to destroy the people. Therefore I deliver up myself
to Iruka.” Finally he and the younger members of his family,
with his consorts, strangled themselves at the same time, and
died together. At this time five coloured banners and umbrellas
shone in the sky, and descending, hung over the Temple to
the sound of various music. Every one looked up with cries
of admiration. At length they were pointed out to Iruka, upon
which the banners and umbrellas were changed into a black
cloud, so that Iruka was unable to see them.
Yemishi, Soga no Oho-omi, hearing that Prince Yamashiro
no Ohoye and his people had all been destroyed by Iruka, chid
him angrily, saying:—‘ Ah! Iruka! Thou are foolish ex-
ceedingly, and dost arbitrarily practise outrage. Is not thine
own life precarious ?”
The people of that day explained the application of the above
poem’ as follows :—
By “the cliff” is meant Kamutsumiya:* by the “little
monkey” is meant Hayashi no Omi [Hayashi no Omi is
Iruka] : by ‘‘cooking rice” is intended the burning of
Kamutsumiya: by “‘ Pass on, having stolen even the very
rice, oh thou mountain-goat old man,’ Prince Yamashiro’s
head of hair, which was streaked with grey so as to resemble
1 See above, XXIV. 11. 7 ie. Upper Palace.
A.D. 644. —
184 NIHONGI.
that of a wild goat, is alluded to. Another explanation is that
it refers to his having abandoned his Palace and concealed
himself deep among the mountains.
This year the Heir Apparent to the throne of Peékché,
Yo Phung-chyang, set loose and kept four hives of honey-bees
on Mount Miwa; but they did not multiply their kind.
3rd year, Spring, ist month, 1st day. Nakatomi no Kamako'
no Muraji was appointed Chief? of the Shinté religion. He
declined the appointment several times, and would not take it
up. On the plea of ill-health he went away and lived at
Mishima. At this time the Imperial Prince Karu had an
ailment of the leg which prevented him from coming to
Court. Now Nakatomi no Kamako no Muraji had before this
a friendship for the Imperial Prince Karu, and therefore went
to his Palace to spend the night in attendance on him. The
Imperial Prince Karu, knowing well that Nakatomi no Kamako
no Muraji was a man of exalted sentiments and of a bearing
which made rudeness to him impossible, sent his favourite
consort, a lady of the Abe House, to sweep out a separate
room and to spread high a new sleeping-mat. There was
nothing which was not provided for him, and the respect shown
him was extraordinary. Nakatomi no Kamako no Muraji was
very sensible of (the cordiality of) his reception, and addressed
the toneri, saying :—‘‘ I have been treated with a special kind-
ness which exceeds all that I had expected. Who would not
make him Ruler over the Empire?” The toneri accordingly
reported to the Imperial Prince what he had said. The
Irnperial Prince was greatly pleased.
Nakatomi no Kamako no Muraji was a man aie an upright
and loyal character and of a reforming disposition. He was
indignant with Soga no Iruka for breaking down the order of
Prince and Vassal, of Senior and Junior, and cherishing veiled
designs upon the State. One after another he associated with
the Princes of the Imperial line, trying them in order to
discover a wise ruler who might establish a great reputation.
He had accordingly fixed his mind on Naka no Ohoye, but for
want of intimate relations with him he had been for so far
unable to unfold his inner sentiments. Happening to be
x qt Wwe {A, Kamutsukasa no Kami.
2 Better known as Kamatari Ko. See below, XXV. 54.
KOGYOKU. 185
one of a football’ party in which Naka no Ohoye played at the
foot of the keyaki tree of the Temple of Hokoji, he observed the
(Prince’s) leathern shoe fall off with the ball. Placing it on the
palm of his hand, he knelt before the Prince and humbly offered
it to him. Naka no Ohoye in his turn knelt down and respect-
fully received it. From this time they became mutual friends,
and told each other all their thoughts. There was no longer
any concealment between them. They feared, however, that
jealous suspicions might be caused by their frequent meetings,
and they both took in their hands yellow rolls,’ and studied
personally the doctrines of Chow* and Confucius with the
learned teacher of Minabuchi.! Thus they at length while on
their way there and back, walking shoulder to shoulder,
secretly prepared their plans. On all points they were agreed.
Now Nakatomi no Kamako no Muraji counselled him,
saying :—‘‘ For him who cherishes great projects, nothing is
so essential as support. I pray thee, therefore, take to thee
the eldest daughter of Soga no Kurayamada no Maro, and
make her thy consort. When a friendly marriage relationship
has been established, we can then unfold our desire to associate
him with us in our plans. ,There is no shorter way to success
than this. Now when Naka no Ohoye heard this, he was
much pleased, and acted in accordance with his advice in every
particular. Nakatomi no Kamako no Muraji accordingly went
himself, and as go-between conducted the marriage negotiations
to a successful result. On the night, however, fixed upon for
(the consummation of the marriage with) the eldest daughter,
she was stolen away by a relation [his name was Musa no
Omi]. In consequence of this, Kurayamada no Omi was
1 Dakiu, “strike-ball,” the word here used, now means “ polo,” for an
account of which see “ Things Japanese,” p. 350. But here some kind of
football is evidently meant. What kind of football—like ours, or in Chinese
fashion, knocking the ball from one to another like a shuttle-cock—does not
appear.
2 i.e. Chinese books.
5 Chow, the supposed author of the Chow-li, a set of rules for the guidance
of officials. Vzde Mayers, p. 20.
4 No doubt the Shodan above mentioned, XXII. 21. It is often far from
clear, as here, whether a proper name is to be understood as a man’s name
or as the name of his place of residence. ‘The latter meaning fades into the
former.
186 NIHONGI.
grieved and alarmed. He looked up and looked down, and
knew not what to do. His younger daughter, wondering at
her father’s grief and alarm, went up to him and inquired of
him, saying :—‘‘ Why art thou sorrowful and in fear?” Her
father told her the cause. The younger daughter said :—‘“‘ I
beseech thee, do not grieve, but offer me. It is still not too
late.” Her father was. greatly rejoiced, and at length offered
this daughter. She served (the Prince) with sincerity of heart,’
and without any shyness whatever.
Nakatomi no Kamako no Muraji recommended Komaro,
Saheki no Muraji, and Amida,’ Katsuraki no Waka-inu-kahi *
no Muraji, to Naka no Ohoye, saying, &c., &c.
3rd month. An owl brought forth young in the Miyake of
Ohotsu belonging to Toyora no Oho-omi.
It was reported from the Province of Yamato :—‘“‘ Lately a man
of the Uda district, called Oshizaka no Atahe, went with a boy
for a walk over the snow. They climbed Mount Uda, and there
they saw purple mushrooms growing out of the snow six inches
or more in height, and covering about four chod.* So he made
the boy gather them, and went back and showed them to his
neighbours. They all said:—‘ We do not know them,’ and
suspected that they were poisonous. Hereupon Oshizaka no
Atahe and the boy boiled and ate them. They were very
savoury. The next day they went to see, but there were none
at all. Oshizaka no Atahe and the boy, from having eaten the
mushroom soup, were free from disease, and lived long. Some
one said :—‘ Probably the common people, not knowing the
herb of long life,’ mistakenly called it a mushroom.”
Summer, 6th month, 1st day. Ohotomo no Muimakahi no
Muraji presented to the Empress a lily, the stem of which was
eight feet in length, separated as to the lower part, but joined
together as to the end.
iit a réd heart: 2 Net-ricefield. > Puppy-keeper.
4 The cho is at present, according to Hepburn, a land measure of 3000
tsubos, or 108,000 square feet.
5 The “ Yengishiki” describes the Hi as a plant resembling coral in
shape, with clustering leaves and branches. Some are red, others purple,
others black, others golden-coloured, while some change their colour in the
four seasons. It blossoms three times a year, and gives long life to the
person who eats it.
KoGyoKku. 187
3rd day. It was reported from the district of Shiki no
Kami:—‘‘ There was a man on Mount Miwa who, seeing a
monkey haying its noonday sleep, stealthily took it by the
elbow, but without doing it bodily harm. The monkey kept
its eyes closed, and sang a song, saying :—
It can be none but the soft hand
Of a friend who stands
On the opposite hill
That has taken my hand :
Whose happy hand is it
—Oh happy, happy hand !—
That hath taken my hand?!
The man was amazed at the monkey’s song. He set it free
and came away. This was a portent, indicating, after many
years had passed, the siege of the Kamutsumiya Princes on
Mount Ikoma by Soga no Kura-tsukuri.”
6th day. Among the lotuses in the Tsurugi pond, there was
one which had two flowers on one stem. Toyora no Oho-omi
inferred without sufficient reason that this portended the future
prosperity of Soga no Omi. So he made a picture’ with
golden ink, and presented it to the sixteen feet high Buddha of
Great Hok6ji.
In this month the witches and wizards*® of the whole
country, breaking off leafy branches and hanging them with
tree fibre,* watched the time when the Oho-omi was crossing a
bridge and vied with one another in addressing to him subtle
interpretations of divine words. They were in great numbers,
so that they could not be distinctly heard. Old people said
* The metre belongs to no recognized standard. The text of this song is
probably corrupt. As it stands it is very obscure, though, perhaps, not more
so than we should expect from a drowsy monkey. The Japanese com-
mentators vary widely in its interpretation. Dr. Florenz’s version will be
found to differ from the one given above. I should be sorry to say that
mine is any improvement.
2 Or writing.
* The interlinear Kana has Kamunai (for Kamunagi), which Yamada
renders by miko. See Vol. I. p. 79, Note.
* In the manner of offerings to the Gods. The Chinese characters for
tree-fibre now mean cotton, which is a much later introduction into Japan.
The fibre was probably that of the inner bark of the paper mulberry.
BROXGIV 20;
188 NIHONGI.
that this was a sign of changes. At this time three popular
songs were made. The first was :—
From afar off
Something is heard—
The jungle-plain of Shima.}
The second was :—
Though I have slept,
Not allowing a noise to be made
By the pheasants of the Ahanu plain,
On yonder side,
Others allow them to make a noise.
The third was :—
I know not the face,
Nor do I even know the house
Of him who did it,
Having led me
Into the Little Wood.’
Autumn, 7th month. A man of the neighbourhood of the
River Fuji in the East Country named Ohofu Be no Oho urged
his fellow-villagers to worship an insect, saying :—‘‘ This is the
God of the Everlasting World. Those who worship this God
will have long life and riches.” At length the wizards and
witches, pretending an inspiration of the Gods, said :—‘‘ Those
who worship the God of the Everlasting World will, if poor,
become rich, and, if old, will become young again.’ So they
more and more persuaded the people to cast out the valuables
of their houses, and to set out by the roadside sake, vegetables,
and the six domestic animals.’ They also made them cry out :
—‘* The new riches have come!” Both in the country and in
the metropolis people took the insect of the Everlasting World
1 Shima is the Oho-omi’s place of abode. The “ something heard” is said
to mean the explanations of the wizards above referred to.
2 Wood (Hayashi) is an allusion to Hayashino Omi. The commentators
have done their best to explain the political allusions in the above verses,
but they do not at all agree among themselves, and are none of them very
satisfactory. See below, XXIV. 26.
3 i.e. the flesh of these animals, viz., of the horse, ox, sheep, pig, dog, fowl.
But this is merely a Chinese phrase for domestic animals generally. There
is no reason to suppose that the Japanese had sheep at this time.
Kodcyoxv. 189
and, placing it in a pure place, with song and dance invoked
happiness. They threw away their treasures, but to no
purpose whatever. The loss and waste was extreme. Here-
upon Kahakatsu, Kadono no Hada no Miyakko, was wroth
that the people should be so much deluded, and slew! Ohofu
Be no Oho. The wizards and witches were intimidated, and
ceased to persuade people to this worship. The men of that
time made a song, saying :—
Udzumasa ?
Has executed
The God of the Everlasting World
Who we were told
Was the very God of Gods.
This insect is usually bred on orange trees, and sometimes on
the Hosoki.’ It is over four inches in length, and about as
thick as a thumb. It is of a grass-green colour with black
spots, and.in appearance entirely resembles the silkworm.’
Winter, 11th month. Iruka no Omi, son of Yemishi, Soga
no Oho-omi, built two houses on the Amagashi Hill. The
Oho-omi’s house was called the Palace-Gate:* Iruka’s
house was called the Valley-Palace-Gate. Their sons and
daughters were styled Princes and Princesses. Outside
the houses palisades were constructed, and an armoury was
erected by the gate. At each gate there was set a tank
for water, and several tens of wooden hooks as a provision in
case of fire." Stout fellows were constantly employed to guard
the houses, with arms in their hands.
The Oho-omi made Osa no Atahe build the Temple of Hoko-
nuki on Mount Ohoniho. Moreover, he built a house on the
east side of Mount Unebi and dug a pond,’ so as to make of ita
1 The original is FJ, strike, which I take to be a euphemism for slay.
2 i.e. Hada no Miyakko.
* The Chinese characters used mean “creeping pepper.” I have not
been able to identify this plant or tree. It is also called itachi-hajikami, i.e.
weasel-ginger.
* It was evidently a caterpillar of some kind.
° The interlinear Kana version has Uhe no Mikado, Upper Palace,
which suggests that a character has been lost here.
6*A pole with a hook at the end is in use by Japanese firemen at the
present day for pulling down houses.
7 i.e. a moat.
OC TVG 2s
A.D. 645.
190 NIHONGI.
castle. He erected an armoury, and provided store of arrows.
In his goings out and comings in he was always surrounded by
an attendant company of fifty soldiers. These sturdy fellows
were called the Eastern’ Company. The people of the various
Uji® came to his gate, and waited upon him. He called him-
self their father, and them his boys. The Aya no Atahe
attended wholly upon the two houses.*
4th year, Spring, rst month. On mountain-peaks, by river-
sides, or among shrines and temples, there was a something
visible afar, and there was heard a humming of monkeys, as
it were ten or sometimes twenty together. But when one
approached to see what it might be, nothing was visible. There
was still heard the sound of crying and screaming, but no one
was able to distinguish any bodily form.
An old book says:—‘‘In this year the capital was
removed to Naniha, and this was an indication that the
Itabuki palace would become a waste.”
The men of that day said :—‘‘ These are the messengers of
the Great Deity of Ise.” *
Summer, 4th month, Ist day. The Koryé student-priests
said that their fellow-student Kura-tsukuri no Tokushi had
made friends witha tiger, and had learnt from him his arts,
such as to make a barren mountain change into a green
mountain, or to cause yellow earth to become clear water, and
all manner of wonderful arts too many to enumerate. More- .
over, the tiger bestowed on him his needle, saying :—‘“‘ Be
watchful! be watchful, and let no one know! Treated with
this, there is no disease which may not be cured.” Truly, as
the tiger had said, there was no disease which was not cured
when treated byit.* Tokushi always kept the needle concealed
in a pillar. Afterwards the tiger broke the pillar and ran away,
taking the needle with him. The Land of Koryé, hearing that
Tokushi wished to return, put him to death by poison.
6th month, 8th day. (Prince) Naka no Ohoye secretly
1 Perhaps because his house stood on the eastern side of Mount Unebi. An
interlinear gloss has Adzuma or East Country. The Soga family had much
to do with the Eastern provinces, as the name of its head, viz. Yemishi (Aino)
suggests. Possibly the guard here spoken of consisted of Ainos. ’
2 Noble houses. 3 Of the father and son.
4 The Sun-goddess. > Acupuncture is no doubt meant.
KOGYOKU. I9l
addressed Kurayamada no Maro no Omi, saying :—‘“‘ On the
day that the three Corean kingdoms present their tribute I
will surely cause thee to read aloud their memorial,” and |
went on to inform him of his plan for slaying Iruka no Omi.
Maro no Omi respectfully assented.
12th day. The Empress held a Court in the Taikyokuden.'
(Prince) Furubito no Ohoye was in attendance.
Nakatomi no Kamako no Muraji, knowing that Soga, Iruka
no Omi, was of a very suspicious nature, and wore a sword
day and night, showed the performers an expedient to make
him lay it aside. Iruka no Omi laughed, and, having un-
girded his sword, entered and took his place in attendance by
the throne. Kurayamada Maro no Omi advanced and read
aloud the memorials of the three kingdoms of Corea. Here-
upon (Prince) Naka no Ohoye ordered the Guard of the Gates
to fasten all the twelve gates at the same time, and to allow
nobody to pass. Then he called together the Guards of the
Gates to one place and promised them rewards. (Prince)
Naka no Ohoye then took in his own hands a long spear and
hid it at one side of the Hall. Nakatomi no Kamako no
Muraji and his people, armed with bows and arrows, lent their
aid. Katsumaro, Ama no Inukahi no Muraji, was sent to give
two swords in a case to Komaro, Saheki no Muraji, and Amida,
Katsuraki no Waka-inu-kahi no Muraji, with the message,
’ “Up! up! make haste to slay him.’”’ Komaro and the other
tried to send down their rice with water, but were so frightened
that they brought it up again.» Nakatomi no Kamako no
Muraji chid and encouraged them. Kurayamada Maro no
Omi feared lest the reading of the memorials should come to
an end before Komaro and his companion arrived. His body
was moist with streaming sweat, his voice was indistinct, and
his hands shook. Kuratsukuri no Omi wondered at this,
and inquired of him, saying :—‘‘ Why dost thou tremble ?”
Yamada Maro answered and said:—It is being near the
Empress that makes me afraid, so that unconsciously the
perspiration pours from me.” Naka no Ohoye, seeing that
‘The Fe File, Taikyoku, is the Absolute or first principle of Chinese
philosophy, from which proceed the Yin and Yang. The Taikyokuden was
the Great Hall of Audience.
* Probably only to be taken’ metaphorically.
192 NIHONGI.
Komaro and his companion, intimidated by Iruka’s prestige,
were trying to shirk and did not come forward, cried out
“Val” and forthwith coming out with Komaro and his com-
panion, fell upon Iruka without warning, and with a sword cut
open his head and shoulder. Iruka started up in alarm, when
Komaro with a turn of his hand flourished his sword and
wounded him on the leg. Iruka rolled over to where the
Empress sat, and bowing his head to the ground, said :—
‘‘She who occupies the hereditary Dignity is the Child of
Heaven. I, Her servant, am conscious of no crime, and I
beseech Her to deign to make examination into this.’’ The
Empress was greatly shocked, and addressed Naka no Ohoye,
saying :—‘‘I know not what has been done. What is the
meaning of this?” Naka no Ohoye prostrated himself on the
earth, and made representation to Her Majesty, saying :—
‘‘Kuratsukuri wished to destroy utterly the Celestial House,
and to subvert the Solar Dignity. Is Kuratsukuri to be sub-
stituted for the Celestial descendants?’’ The Empress at
once got up, and went into the interior of the Palace. Komaro,
Saheki no Muraji, and Amida, Waka-inu-kahi no Muraji, slew
Iruka no Omi. On this day. rain fell, and puddle-water over-
flowed the Court. They covered Kuratsukuri’s body with
screens of matting.! When Furubito no Ohoye saw this, he
ran into his private palace, and said to his people :—‘‘ The
Coreans have slain Kuratsukuri no Omi. My heart is sore.”
Then he went into his sleeping-chamber, shut the door, and
would not come out.
Naka no Ohoye presently entered the Temple of Hokoji,
which he fortified and prepared to defend. The Imperial
Princes, Ministers, Daibu, Omi, Muraji, Tomo no Miyakko,
and Kuni no Miyakko, one and all followed him. Men were
sent to deliver the body of Kuratsukuri no Omi to Yemishi no
Oho-omi. Hereupon the Aya no Atahe* assembled all their
clan. Clad in armour and with weapons in their hands, they
came to the assistance of the Oho-omi, and formed an army.
Naka no Ohoye sent the General Kose no Tokuda*® no Omi
to explain to the rebel band that ever since the creation of
Heaven and Earth there were lords and vassals, and to make
1 Or mats and screens. 2 See above, XXIV. 21.
3 Called Tokudai above.
KOGYOKU. 193
himself acquainted with the cause of this uprising. Hereupon
Kunioshi, Takamuku no Omi, addressed the Aya no: Atahe,
saying :—‘‘ We are bound to receive (capital) punishment on
account of our Lord’s' eldest son. Moreover, it is not
doubtful that to-day or to-morrow swift execution awaits
the Oho-omi. This being so, for whom should we fight to no
purpose, rendering ourselves all liable-to be put to death?”
When he had finished speaking, he ungirded his sword, flung
away his bow, and went away, deserting the cause. The rebel
troops, moreover, following his example, dispersed and ran
away.
13th day. Yemishi, Sams no Omi, and his people, when
about to be executed, burnt the History of the Emperors, the
History of the Country, and the objects of value. Yesaka
Funa no Fubito straightway hastened to seize the burning
History of the Country, and delivered it up to Naka no Ohoye.
On this day permission was given for the interment of the
bodies of Yemishi, Soga no Omi, and Kuratsukuri in seu ak
Lament for them was also allowed.
Upon this, some explained the first of the popular songs,’
saying :—
The song which says—
From afar off
Something is heard—
The jungle-plain of Shima,
prefigured the building of palaces together at the house of
Shima no Oho-omi, and the secret conspiracy of Naka no
Ohoye and Nakatomi, Kamako no Muraji in the cause of
justice, with their plot to kill Iruka.
The second of the popular songs was explained as follows :—
The song which says—
Though I have slept,
Not allowing a noise to be made
By the pheasants of the Ahanu plain
* On yonder side,
Others allow them to make a noise,
ge
* Yemishi, * Haka, not misasagi. See above, XXIV.
5 See above, XXIV. 19.
WOle gs ABE O
194 NIHONGI,
was ominous of the Kamutsumiya Princes, of gentle dis-
position, and none of them guilty of a crime, being harmed
by Iruka, and of Heaven bringing about his death by the
hands of others, though they could not themselves have their
revenge.
The third popular song was explained as follows :—
The song which says—
I know not the face,
Nor do I even know the house
Of him who did it,
Having led me
Into the little wood,
was ominous of Iruka no Omi heing suddenly slain in the
Palace by Komaro, Saheki no Muraji, and Amida, Wakainu-
kahi no Muraji.
14th day. The Dignity was abdicated in favour of the
Imperial Prince Karu, and Naka no Ohoye was made Prince
Imperial.
Book 25
THE EMPEROR AME-YORODzU TOYO-HI.!
(KOTOKU? TENNO)
Tue Emperor Ame-yorodzu toyo-hi was a younger brother by
the same mother of the Empress Ame-toyo-takara ikashi-hi
tarashi-hime.* He honoured the religion of Buddha and
despised the Way of the Gods* [as is instanced by his cutting
down the trees of the shrine of Iku-kuni-dama]. He was of a
gentle disposition, and loved men of learning. He made no
distinction of noble and mean, and continually dispensed
beneficent edicts. .
In the fourth year, the sixth month, and the fourteenth day
of her reign, the Empress Ame-toyo-takara ikashi-hi tarashi-
hime wished to transfer the Dignity to Naka no Ohoye, and
made order, saying :—‘‘etc., etc.’ Naka no Ohoye, when :he
retired (from her presence), informed Nakatomi, Kamako no
Muraji, who advised him, saying :—‘‘ Furubito no Ohoye -is
Your Highness’s elder brother: the Imperial Prince Karu is
Your Highness’s maternal uncle. If at present, during the life-
time of Furubito no Ohoye, Your Highness should ascend to
the Imperial Dignity, it would be a transgression against the
sentiment of respect and obedience due from younger brothers.
Would it not, therefore, be better to raise your maternal uncle
to the throne, and so respond to the expectations of the
people ?”’ Upon this Naka no Ohoye was profoundly pleased
with this advice and reported it privately to the Empress. The
* Heaven-myriad-abundant-sun.
2 Virtue of filial piety. There is much evidence in this reign of the exten-
sion and development of the Imperial power in the provinces.
3 Kogyoku Tenno. * 1.6. Shinto.
One,
XSKVAS2:
196 NIHONGI.
Empress Ame-toyo-takara ikashi-hi tarashi-hime granted the
Imperial Seal and resigned the Dignity to the Imperial Prince
Karu, and madea rescript, saying :—‘‘ Thou, the Imperial Prince
Karu, etc., etc.’ The Imperial Prince Karu declined firmly
and repeatedly in favour of Furubito no Ohoye [also called the
Imperial Prince Furubito no Ohochi], saying :—‘‘ Ohoye no
Mikoto is the offspring of the former Emperor,’ and he is of
mature age, for both which reasons it is fit that he should
occupy the Celestial Dignity.” Upon this, Furubito no Ohoye
left his seat, and, retiring to a distance, folded his arms and
excused himself, saying :—‘‘ Let us comply with the sage will of
the Empress. Why shouldst thou take the trouble to transfer
it to thy servant? It is my desire to renounce the world, and
to go to Yoshino, there to devote myself to the practice of the
Law of Buddha, and thus render support to the Emperor.”
When he had concluded his refusal, he ungirt the sword which
he had on, and flung it to the ground. Moreover he gave
orders to all his household? to ungird their swords. That same
day he went to the Temple of Hokoji, and there, between the
Hall of Buddha and the pagoda, he shaved off his beard and
hair, and put onthe kesa. In consequence the Imperial Prince
Karu was unable to persist in his refusal, and, ascending the
throne, assumed the Dignity.
At this time Ohotomo no Nagatoko no Muraji [his cognomen
was Mumakahi], girt with a golden quiver, stood on the right
hand of the throne,’and Inugami no Takebe no Kimi, girt with
a golden quiver, stood on the left hand of the throne. The
functionaries, Omi, Muraji, Kunino Miyakko, Tomo no Miyakko
and the 180 Be, ranged in order, went round * making obeisance.
On this day the title of Kd-so-bo ® was conferred on the Empress
Toyo-takara, and Naka no Ohoye was made Prince Imperial,
Abe no Uchimaro no Omi was made Sa-dai-jin, and Soga no
Kurayamada Ishikaha no Maro no Omi was made U-dai-jin.®
' Jomei Tenné. * The toner.
3 Probably a raised dais is meant.
4 Probably passing before the Emperor in rotation, as at our levees.
» Empress Dowager. Lit. Empress grandmother or ancestress.
6 Sadaijin and Udaijin are respectively Great. Minister of the Left and
Great Minister of the Right. The left has precedence of the right in these
matters. It is the same characters which above represent Oho-omi which
KOTOoKU. 197
A great brocade cap of honour was given to Nakatomi no
Kamako no Muraji, and he was made Naijin,' with an increased
feudal revenue of a large number of houses,’ etc., etc. Naka-
tomi no Kamako no Muraji cherished the most sincere loyalty.
Trusting to his power as ruling Minister, he took place over the
various functionaries. In respect therefore to advancements
and dismissals, taking measures or abandoning them, every-
thing was done in accordance with his counsel, etc., etc.’ The
Buddhist priest* Min Hoshi and Kuromaro Takamuko no
Fubito were made national doctors.’
15th day. Golden tablets were granted to the Oho-omi, Abe
no Kurahashi no Maro, and to the Oho-omi, Soga no Yamada
no Ishikaha no Maro. [One book says they were granted
refined gold. |
- 19th day. The Emperor, the Empress Dowager, and the
Prince Imperial summoned together the Ministers under the
great tsuki® tree, and made an oath appealing to the Gods of
Heaven and Earth, and saying :—
‘* Heaven covers us: Earth upbears us: the Imperial ’
way is but one. But in this last degenerate age, the order
of Lord and Vassal was destroyed, until Supreme Heaven
by Our hands put to death the traitors. Now, from this
time forward, both parties shedding their heart’s blood,
the Lord will eschew double methods of government, and
the Vassal will avoid duplicity in his service of the
are here used for daijin. That a change in the mode of reading them took
place at some time is certain, but it is impossible to fix it exactly. Oho-omi
is retained below, though daijin is possibly more correct. Sadaijin and
Udaijin have been in use in our own day.
‘ Minister (Omi) of the Interior, i.e. of the Household, a rank next after
that of Prime Minister.
Of serfs.
* The “Shukai” editor says the etc., etc. marks a hiatus in the MS.
much to be deplored. The previous two sentences are a quotation from a
Chinese history.
* The word used is Shamon, the equivalent of the Sansk. S’ramana. Vide
Eitel, p. 157. Min Hoshi is probably the priest who studied in China,
and whose astronomical knowledge is above referred to. Hoshi is a priestly
rank, the Sansk. Upadhyaya.
° Hakase, men of learning—not medical men.
6 Planera. 7 Or Divine.
SGV a,
XXV. s,
AD. 645.
198 NIHONGI.
sovereign! On him who breaks this oath, Heaven will
send a curse and earth a plague, demons will slay them,
and men will smite thém. This is as manifest as the sun
and moon.’*?
The style 4th year of the Empress Ame-toyo-takara ikashi-hi
tarashi-hime was altered to Daikwa, Ist year.’
Daikwa,. Ist year, Autumn, 7th month, 2nd day. The
Imperial Princess Hashibito, daughter of the Emperor Okinaga
tarashi-hi hiro-nuka,* was made Empress. Two consorts were
appointed. The senior was Wo-tarashi-hime, daughter of the
Oho-omi, Abe no Kurahashi no Maro. She was the mother of
the Imperial Prince Arima. The junior consort was Chi-
iratsume, daughter of the Oho-omi, Soga no Yamada no
Ishikaha no Maro.
roth day. Koryo, Pékché, and Silla all sent Envoys at the
same time bearing tribute. The Pekché tribute-envoys were
also charged with the office of Envoys from Imna and with the
Imna tribute. But the Pékché Chief Envoy, the Cha-phyéng *
YOn-pok, fell ill, and remained in the official residence of the
Port,’ so that he did not enter the capital. Kose no Tokuda
no Omi addressed the Koryé Envoys on the Emperor’s behalf,
saying :—‘‘ This is the mandate of the Emperor of Japan, who
rules the world as a God incarnate. ‘The Envoys sent by the
Emperor and the Envoys sent by the Kory6 Sons of the Gods,°
have a brief past, but a long future. Let them, therefore,
simply continue to pass backwards and forwards with friendly
hearts.’’’ Next he addressed the Pékché Envoys on the
Emperor’s behalf, saying:—‘‘ This is the mandate of the
Emperor of Japan, who rules the world as a God incarnate.
‘At first, in the reign of our remote Imperial ancestor, the
Land of Pékché was made an interior Miyake’ which might be
' It may be noted that there is nothing Buddhist or Shintd in this vow.
It is pure Chinese. It is not exactly an oath according to our ideas, but an
imprecation on rebellion.
? This is the first introduction of the nengo, $e Be, or year-period, a
Chinese chronological device. [Vzde Introduction to “ Satow’s Chronological
Tables.” Daikwa means great civilization or development. Asa matter
of fact very revolutionary changes took place in this reign.
3 Jomei Tenno. * Minister of the Left. > Doubtless Osaka.
6 A polite term for kings.
7 i.e. immediately dependent on the throne.
KOTOKU. 199
compared to a three-fold cord.'. In more recent times Imna
was handed over to be a dependency of Pekché. After that,
Adzumabito, Miwa no Kurikuma no Kimi, was sent to inspect
the frontier of the Land of Imna, and the King of Pékché, in
obedience to the Emperor’s behest, showed him all the frontier.
Yet there is a deficiency in the tribute, and it is therefore
returned. The articles which are the produce of Imna are
distinctly observed by the Emperor. Now for the future the
country should be noted down as well the tribute which comes
from it.2~ May you, the Cha-phyéng and the others, come back
unchanged in appearance,’ and speedily bring us a clear
answer. Adzumabito, Miwa no Kimi, and Mtmakahi no
Miyakko will now be sent again.’ ”’
A further Imperial order was given—‘‘ Let the wife and
children of Wi-sa, a Talsol of Kwipu, be sent away.” *
12th day. The Emperor gave command to the Oho-omi,
Abe no Kurahashi no Maro, and the Oho-omi, Soga no Ishi-
kaha no Maro, saying :—‘‘ The Empire should be ruled by
following in the footsteps of the Emperors ofantiquity. More-
over, in your government of the Empire, you should preserve
fidelity.”’
13th day. The Emperor gave command to the Oho-omi,
Abe no Kurahashi no Maro, and the Oho-omi, Soga no Ishikaha
no Maro, saying:—‘‘ Inquire of the Daibu and the hundred
Tomo no Miyakko, one after another, as to the method of making
gladness the means of using the people’s services.’
14th day. The Oho-omi, Soga no Ishikaha no Maro,
addressed the Emperor, saying :—‘‘ First of all the Gods of
Heaven and Earth should be propitiated by worship ; thereafter
affairs of government ought to be considered.”
On this day, Hirafu, Yamato no Aya no Atahe, was sent to
' This is explained to mean Pékché, the Japanese authority in Imna, and
the native Kings of Imna.
2 The meaning seems to be that, as the Emperor takes special notice of
the produce of Imna, a list should be prepared showing what tribute is sent
by Pékché and what by Imna, so that any deficiency may be at once
recognizable.
3 By sickness or old age.
4 They were probably hostages. Vzde XXIV. Io.
* Of reconciling the people to forced labour.
XUV ve
200 NIHONGI.
the province of Wohari and Komaro, Imbe no Obito to the
province of Mino, to levy offerings for the Gods.'
8th month, 5th day. Governors of the Eastern provinces’
were appointed. Then the Governors were addressed as
follows :—‘‘ In accordance with the charge entrusted to Us by
the Gods of Heaven, We propose at this present for the first
time to regulate the myriad provinces.
When you proceed to your posts, prepare registers of all
the free subjects of the State and of the people under the con-
trol of others, whether great or small. Take account also of
the acreage ® of cultivated land. As to the profits arising from
the gardens and ponds, the water and land, deal with them in
common with the people.* Moreover it is not competent for
the provincial Governors, while in their provinces, to decide
criminal cases, nor are they permitted by accepting bribes to
bring the people to poverty and misery. When they come up
to the capital they must not bring large numbers of the people
in their train. They are only allowed to bring with them the
Kuni no Miyakko and the district officials.* | But when they
travel on public business they may ride the horses of their
department, and eat the food of their department. From the
rank of Suke * upwards those who obey this law will surely be
rewarded, while those who disobey it shall be liable to be
reduced in cap-rank. On all, from the rank of Hangwan'°
1 Shinto.
2 iyi, which is here rendered acreage, is the Chinese mow, now fixed by
treaty as equal to 7333 sq. yards. is used here in the more general sense
of cultivated land generally, not merely rice-fields. The Kana gloss tahatake
appears to me to be put for HJ in this wider sense. Dr. Florenz interprets
this expression differently. He takes hata or hatake to represent fil,
making the whole mean rice-land and dry fields—Reis- und Trockenfelder.
3 Take them into your counsel.
* This is the way in which the commentators construe this passage. If
there was any authority for doing so, I should like to take 34 as equivalent
to ff SH J\ a few lines above, or to suppose that this phrase has been
omitted. This would give the meaning, “the serfs of the Kuni no Miyakko
and of the district.” These local Governors usually were Kuni no Miyakko.
» Assistant to a Governor.
6 The interlinear gloss is Matsurigotobito, i.e. Government-man. It is
doubtful whether this and many more of these glosses are anything more
than translations of the Chinese. The hangwan was a sort of aide of the
chief local authority. Chancellor, perhaps nearly corresponds to it.
“.-———
KorToKu. 201
downwards, who accept bribes a fine shall be imposed of double
the amount, and they shall eventually be punished criminally
according to the greater or less heinousness of the case. Nine
men are allowed as attendants on a Chief Governor, seven on an
assistant, and five on a secretary. If this limit is exceeded,
and they are accompanied by a greater number, both chief and
followers shall be punished criminally.
If there be any persons who lay claim to a title,’ but who,
not being Kuni no Miyakko, Tomo no Miyakko, or Inaki of
districts by descent, unscrupulously draw up lying memorials,
saying :—‘ From the time of our forefathers we have had
charge of this Miyake or have ruled this district ’—in such
cases, ye, the Governors, must not readily make application to
the Court in acquiescence in such fictions, but must ascertain
particularly the true facts before making your report.
Moreover on waste pieces of ground let arsenals be erected,
and let the swords and armour, with the bows and arrows of
the provinces and districts, be deposited together in them. In
the case of the frontier provinces which border close on the
Yemishi, let all the weapons be mustered together, and let
them remain in the hands of their original owners. In regard
to the six districts of the province of Yamato, let the officials
who are sent there prepare registers of the population, and
also take an account of the acreage of cultivated land.
This means to examine the acreage of the cultivated
ground, and the numbers, houses, and ages of the people.
Ye Governors of provinces, take careful note of this and
withdraw.” Accordingly presents were made them of silk and
cloth, which varied in the case of each person.
This day a bell and box were provided in the Court. The
1 Lit. name.
? It would seem that at this time there was a reorganization of the local
governments, giving a more centralized character to the administration
temporary Governors superseding in some measure the hereditary titular
officials. No clear account is given of this change, but it seems plainly to
be inferred from the above passage. Kokushi, #4 i!, are not now men-
tioned for the first time, and it is clear that the change was not made all at
once. The similar change from the Daimio system to that of local prefec-
tures in 1868 will occur to the reader.
* The box was for the purpose of receiving petitions and complaints, like
the Me-yasu-bako of later times. This custom was derived from China.
See Florenz’s note.
OOO
EXC 1.
202 NIHONGI.
Emperor issued an order, saying :—‘‘ If there be a complainant,
in case the person in question belongs to a Tomo no Miyakko,
let the Tomo no Miyakko first make inquiry and then report to
Us. In case the person in question has an elder,’ let the elder
first make inquiry and then report to Us. If, however, the
Tomo no Miyakko or the elder does not come to a clear
decision respecting the complaint, let a document be received
and placed in the box, and punishment will be inflicted
according to the offence. The person who receives the docu-
ment should at dawn take it and make report to the Inner
Palace, when We will mark on it the year and month, and com-
municate it to the Ministers. In case there is any neglect to
decide it, or if there are malpractices on the part of intriguing
persons, let the complainant strike the bell. This is why the
bell is hung and box provided in the Court. Let the people of
the Empire know and appreciate Our intention.
Moreover the law of men and women shall be that the children
born of a free man and a free woman shall belong to the father :
if a free man takes to wife a slave woman, her children shall
belong to the mother : if a free woman marries a slave man, the
children of the marriage shall belong to the father ; if they are
slaves of two houses, the children shall belong to the mother.
The children of temple serfs shall follow the rule for freemen.
But in regard to others who become slaves, they shall be
treated according to the rule for slaves. Do ye now publish
this well to the people as a beginning of regulations.” ”
8th day. A messenger was sent to the Great Temple* to
summon together the Buddhist priests and nuns, and to address
them on the part of the Emperor, saying :—‘‘ In the 13th year
of the reign of the Emperor* who ruled the world in the
Palace of Shikishima, King Myong of Pékché reverently trans-
mitted the Law of Buddha to our great Yamato. At this time
the Ministers in a body were opposed to its transmission.
Only Soga no Iname no Sukune believed in this Law, and the
Emperor accordingly instructed him to receive it with reverence.
In the reign of the Emperor who ruled the world in the Palace
1 The senior member of his family.
2 The first example of what we should call legislation. Compare the
so-called laws of Shotoku Daishi above, A.D. 604.
3 Kudara Temple. 4 Kimmei Tenno.
aan ee
— a
a
~Koroku. 203
of Wosada,’ Soga no Mttmako no Sukune, influenced by
reverence for his deceased father, continued to prize highly the
doctrines of Buddha.? But the other Ministers had no faith
in it, and its institutes had almost perished when the Emperor
instructed Mtmako no Sukune reverently to receive this Law.
In the reign of the Empress who ruled the world in the Palace
~ of Woharida,? Mimako no Sukune, on’ behalf of the Empress,
made an embroidered figure of Buddha sixteen feet high and
a copper image of Buddha sixteen feet high. He exalted the
doctrine of Buddha and showed honour to its priests and nuns.
It is Our desire anew to exalt the pure doctrine and brilliantly
to promulgate great principles. We therefore appoint as
professors the following ten persons:—The S‘ramana, Pok-
nyang, Hyé-un, Syang-an, Nyéng-un, and Hyé-chi, Taihoshi *
of Koma, and Sodbin, Déto, Yerin, Yemyd and Yeon, chief
priests of temples.’ We separately appoint the Hoshi, Yemyo,
chief priest of the Temple of Kudara.
Let these ten professors well instruct the priests in general
in the practice of the teachings of Shaka. It is needful that
they be made to comply with the Law. If there is a difficulty
about repairing Temples built by any from the Emperor down
to the Tomo no Miyakko, We will in all cases assist in doing
so. We shall also cause Temple Commissioners and Chief
Priests to be appointed, who shall make a circuit to all the
temples, and having ascertained the actual facts respecting the
priests and nuns, their male and female slaves, and the acreage
of their cultivated lands, report all the particulars clearly
og ta
Accordingly Kume no Omi, Miwa no Shikobu no Kimi,
and Ohi, Nukadabe no Muraji, were appointed Hoto.°
gth month, 1st day. Officials were sent on a mission to all
the provinces to regulate the matter of weapons.
One book says:—‘‘ From the 6th to the gth month
1 Bindatsu Tenno.
2 No-jin, fe 6, “he who can produce benevolence,” i.e. Sakyamuni.
3 Suiko Tenno. 4 A rank in the Buddhist priesthood.
» I give the last five names the Japanese pronunciation. But some of them
may have been Coreans. Some editions make “chief priests of temples ”
part of the original commentary.
§ 1.e. Heads of the Law. See above, XXII. 38.
» OOF
II.
204 : NIHONGI.
messengers were sent to the provinces of the four quarters
to collect weapons of all kinds.”
3rd day. The Imperial Prince Furubito, Kahahori, Soga no
Taguchi no Omi, Shihimi, Mononobe no Yenowi no Muraji,
Shidaru, Kibi no Kasa no Omi, Maro, Yamato no Aya no fumi
no Atahe, and Takutsu, Yechi no Hada no Miyakko, plotted
rebellion. |
One book says :—‘‘ The Heir Apparent Furubito.” One
book says :—‘‘ Furubito no Ohoye.” This Imperial Prince
repaired to the mountains of Yoshino, and he is therefore
sometimes styled the Heir Apparent of Yoshino.
12th day. Shidaru, Yoshino no Kasa no Omi, surrendered
himself to Naka no Ohoye, saying :—‘‘ The Imperial Prince
Yoshino no Furubito and Kahahori, Soga no Taguchi no Omi,
etc., having plotted rebellion, thy servant became an accom-
plice of their party.”
One book says :—‘“‘ Shidaru, Kibi no Kasa no Omi, told
Abe no Oho-omi and Soga no Oho-omi that he was an
accomplice of the band of rebels of the Imperial Prince of
Yoshino, and that he therefore now surrendered himself.”’
Naka no Ohoye straightway sent Uda no Yenomuro no Furu
and Koma no Miyachi with a considerable force to attack the
Imperial Prince Furubito no Ohoye and his companions.
One book says:—‘‘ 11th month, 30th day. Naka no
Ohoye sent Abe, Kosobe no Omi, and Sahekibe no Komaro,
these two, with a force of thirty men to attack Furubito no
Ohoye. They slew Furubito no Ohoye and his children.
His consorts strangled themselves.’”’ One book says :—
“tithmonth. Prince Yoshino no Ohoye plotted rebellion,
but the matter having become public, he was executed.”
“roth day. Commissioners were sent to all the provinces to
take a record of the total numbers of the people. The
Emperor on this occasion made an edict, as follows :—
“In the times of all the Emperors, from antiquity down-
wards, subjects have been set apart for the purpose of making
notable their reigns and handing down their names to posterity.’
Now the Omi and Muraji, the Tomo no Miyakko and the
Kuni no Miyakko, have each one set apart their own vassals,
1 The reference is to the institution of Be with names commemorative of
the reign.
KOTOKU. 205
whom they compel to labour at their arbitrary pleasure.
Moreover they cut off the hills and seas, the woods and plains,
the ponds and rice-fields belonging to the provinces and
districts, and appropriate them to themselves. Their contests
are never-ceasing. Some engross to themselves many tens of
thousands of shiro’ of rice-land, while others possess in all
patches of ground too small to stick a needle into. When
the time comes for the payment of taxes, the Omi, the Muraji,
and the Tomo no Miyakko, first collect them for themselves
and then hand over a share. In the case of repairs to palaces
or the construction of misasagi, they each bring their own
vassals, and do the work according to circumstances. The
Book of Changes says:—‘‘ Diminish that which is above:
increase that which is below: if measures are framed according
to the regulations, the resources (of the State) suffer no injury,
and the people receive no hurt.’’?
‘“‘ At the present time, the people are still few. And yet the
powerful cut off portions of land and water,’ and converting
them into private ground, sell it to the people, demanding the
price yearly. From this time forward the sale* of land is not
allowed. Let no man without due authority make himself a
landlord, engrossing to himself that which belongs to the
helpless.”’
The people were greatly rejoiced.
Winter, 12th month, gth day. The Emperor removed the
capital to Toyosaki in Nagaraat Naniha. Old people, remark-
ing upon this to one another, said :—‘‘ The movement of rats
towards Naniha from spring until summer was an omen of the
removal of the capital.’ °
24th day. It was reported from the land of Koshi :—‘‘ Drift-
wood of the sea shore passed away towards the east, leaving
an impression on the sand like a ploughed rice-field in
appearance.”
This year was the year Kinoto Mi (42nd) of the Cycle.
1 A land measure of 15°13 acres.
* Vide Legge’s “‘ Yih-King,” pp. 247 and 262,
* i.e. rice ground and other cultivated land.
* By sale is evidently meant letting. An early example of a “Land Act.
* A similar story is related in Chinese History (in the Wei dynasty) of
rats indicating a change of capital by their movements.
A.D. 646.
XXV.
14.
206 NIHONGI.
2nd year, Spring, 1st month, 1st day. As soon as the
ceremonies of the new year’s congratulations were over, the
Emperor promulgated an edict of reforms, as follows :—
‘“‘T. Let the people established by the ancient Emperors, etc.,
as representatives of children be abolished, also the Miyake of
various places and the people owned as serfs by the Wake,’ the
Omi, the Muraji, the Tomo no Miyakko, the Kuni no Miyakko
and the Mura no Obito.? Let the farmsteads* in various
places be abolished.’ Consequently fiefs were granted for
their sustenance * to those of the rank of Daibu and upwards
on a descending scale.* Presents of cloth and silk stuffs were
given to the officials and people, varying in value.
‘“‘Further We say. It is the business of the Daibu to govern
the people. If they discharge
this duty thoroughly, the
people have trust in them,
and an increase of their
revenue is therefore for the
good of the people.
II. The capital is for the
first time to be regulated, and
Governors appointed for the
Home provinces and districts.
Let barriers, outposts,guards,
and post-horses, both special
. and ordinary, be provided,
bell-tokens® made, and mountains and rivers regulated.’
Bell-token.
he See-above, Viol. I. ps 192: 2 Chief men of villages.
> Of serfs. 4 Instead of the serfs taken from them.
® The “ Roku-rei” gives a scale of sustenance-fiefs at a later period. A
Prime Minister had 3000 houses, a Junior Prime Minister 2000, a Dainagon
800, etc., etc. These fiefs were hereditary.
6 I was at first disposed to regard the bells and tokens as different
objects, but now agree with Dr. Florenz that they are the same. They
were small globular bells, sometimes single, sometimes in groups as in
the illustration, and indicated by their shape and number how many
horses the bearer was entitled to. This institution was borrowed from
China. ;
7 By the regulation of mountains and rivers is meant the provision of
guards at ferries and mountain passes which serve as boundaries between
different provinces.
2 eeEeE———— et
KOTOKU. 207
For each ward in the capital let there be appointed one
alderman,’ and for four wards one chief alderman,’ who shall
be charged with the superintendence of the population, and
the examination of criminal matters. For appointment as
chief aldermen of wards let men be taken belonging to the
wards, of unblemished character, firm and upright, so that
they may fitly sustain the duties of the time. For appoint-
ments as aldermen, whether of rural townships or of city wards,
let ordinary subjects be taken belonging to the township or
ward, of good character and solid capacity. Ifsuch men are
not to be found in the township or ward in question, it is
permitted to select and employ men of the adjoining township
or ward.
The Home provinces shall include the region from the
River Yokogaha at Nabari* on the east, from Mount Senoyama
in Kii on the south, from Kushibuchi in Akashi on the west, and
from Mount Afusaka-yama in Sasanami in Afumi on the north.
Districts of forty townships * are constituted Greater Districts,
of from thirty to four townships are constituted Middle Districts,
and of three or fewer townships are constituted Lesser Districts.
For the district authorities, of whatever class, let there be
taken Kuni no Miyakko of unblemished character, such as
may fitly sustain the duties of the time, and made Tairei and
Shorei.? Let men of solid capacity and intelligence who are
skilled in writing and arithmetic be appointed assistants and
clerks.
The number of special or ordinary post-horses given shall in
all cases follow the number of marks on the posting bell-tokens.
When bell-tokens are given to (officials of) the provinces and
barriers, let them be held in both cases by the chief official, or
in his absence by the assistant official.
III. Let there now be provided for the first time registers of
1 The interlinear gloss is zwosa, or chief.
* The interlinear gloss is wzagashz, one who demands.
In Iga. ;
ff A ri or sato consisted of 50 houses.
Greater and Lesser Governors. These terms are rendered Kori no
Miyakko and Suke no Miyakko in the interlinear glosses. But I have little
doubt that the Chinese words are intended, and that these are mere trans-
lations, and not the real titles of these officials.
ONE:
XXV.
is.
16.
XXV.
XXV.
XXV.
ey:
18.
19.
208 NIHONGI.
population, books of account and a system of the receipt and
re-granting of distribution-land."
Let every fifty houses be reckoned a township, and in every
township let there be one alderman who shall be charged with
the superintendence of the population,? the direction of the
sowing of crops and the cultivation of mulberry trees, the pre-
vention and examination of offences, and the enforcement of the
payment of taxes and of forced labour.
For rice-land, thirty paces in length by twelve paces in
breadth shall be reckoned a tan.’ Ten tan make one cho.
For each tan the tax is two sheaves and two bundles (such as
can be grasped in the hand) of rice; for each cho the tax is
twenty-two sheaves of rice. On mountains or in valleys where
the land is precipitous, or in remote places where the population
is scanty, such arrangements are to be made as may be con-
venient.‘
IV. The old taxes and forced labour are abolished, and a
system of commuted taxes instituted. These shall consist of
fine silks, coarse silks, raw silk, and floss silk,® all in accordance
with what is produced in the locality. For each cho of rice-
land the rate is one rod° of fine silk, or for four chd one piece
forty feet in length by two and a half feet in width. For coarse
silk the rate is two rods (per cho), or one piece for every two
cho of the same length and width as the fine silk. For cloth
‘The Denryé (Land Regulations) says, “In granting Kd-dun-den (land
shared in proportion to population) men shall have two tan, women a third
less, and children under five years of age none. Lands are granted for a term
of six years.” This seems to point to a general redistribution of lands once
in six years, something after the manner still practised in Russia.
? i.e. of the registers of population.
* Allowing five feet to the pace, this would make the tan gooo square feet.
The Japanese foot is not very different from our own. The present Zaz is
10,800 square feet. Thesinterlinear gloss of E¥ is kida; but I am strongly
inclined to think that the Chinese word ¢az is here intended.
4 The “Shikai” editor brings in this last sentence at the end of the
previous paragraph. It would then apply to the appointment of rural
aldermen. The old reading is better.
> The “Shikai” adds i, or cloth, by which is meant fabrics of hemp or
of the fibre of the inner bark of the paper mulberry. Textiles served the
purpose of currency in this period, so that this commutation was in the nature
of a substitution of payment in money for payment in rice.
6 Ten feet. ;
KOorToKu. 209
the rate is four rods of the same dimensions as the fine and
coarse silk, i.e. one tan’ for each cho. [No rates of weight
are anywhere given for silk or floss silk.] Let there be levied
separately a commuted house tax.’ All houses shall pay each
one rod and two feet of cloth. The extra articles of this tax,
as well as salt and offerings,* will depend on what is produced
in the locality. For horses for the public service, let every
hundred houses contribute one horse of medium quality. Or
if the horse is of superior quality, let one be contributed by
every two hundred houses. If the horses have to be purchased,
the price shall be made up by a,payment from each house of
one rod and two feet of cloth. As to weapons, each person
shall contribute a sword, armour, bow and arrows, a flag, and a
drum. For coolies, the old system, by which one coolie was
provided by every thirty houses, is altered, and one coolie is to
be furnished from every fifty houses [one is for employment as
a menial servant! for allotment to the various functionaries.
Fifty houses shall be allotted to provide rations for one coolie,
and one house shall contribute two rods and two feet of cloth
and five masu ‘ of rice in lieu of service.
For waiting-women in the Palace,’ let there be furnished the
sisters or daughters of district officials of the rank of Shorei or
upwards—good-looking women [with one male and two female
servants to attend on them], and let 100 houses be allotted to
provide rations for one waiting-woman. The cloth and rice
supplied in lieu of service shall, in every case, follow the same
rule as for coolies.’’®
In this month the Emperor occupied the separate Palace of
Koshiro. He sent messengers to command the provinces and
districts to repair the arsenals. Yemishi came and did
homage.
One book says :—‘“‘ The Miyake of Koshiro, in the village
‘ There are two tan to the hiki or piece, which now measures about
213 yards.
> The Chinese is #4, rendered in Japanese by mitsugi, or tribute. Here
it seems to exclude the rice-tax, but to include various miscellaneous taxes.
* Or “salted articles of food for the Emperotr’s table.”
* Or shO = 109 cubic inches. > Uneme.
° For an account of the modern system of taxation in Japan the reader is
referred to a paper in the “T.A.S.J.,” Vol. XX., Supplement, p. 121.
MONEY Bh 7 ee
XXV.
20,
DOXOVin eT,
210 NIHONGI.
of Sayabe, at Naniha, was pulled down, and a temporary
Palace erected.”
2nd month, 15th day. The Emperor proceeded to the
Eastern Gate of the Palace, where, by Soga, Oho-omi of the
Right,’ he decreed as follows :-—
“The God Incarnate, the Emperor Yamato-neko,’ who rules
the world, gives command to the Ministers assembled in
his presence, to the Omi, Muraji, Kuni no Miyakko, Tomo no
Miyakko, and subjects of various classes, saying :—
‘We are informed that wise rulers of the people hung a bell
at their gate, and so took cognizance of the complaints of their
subjects; they erected buildings in the thoroughfares, where
they listened to the censures of the passers-by. Even the
opinions of the grass and firewood gatherers* they inquired
personally and used for their guidance. We therefore, on a
former occasion, made an edict, saying:—‘‘In ancient times
the Empire was ruled by having at the Court flags of honour
for the encouragement of good, and a board of censure, the
object being to diffuse principles of Government and to invite
remonstrances.” All this served widely to ascertain the opinions
of those below. Kwan-Tsze* said:—‘‘The Emperor Hwang,
by establishing the Conferences of the Bright Hall,’ observed
the opinions of the wise on the upper hand, while the Emperor
Yao, having the inquiries of the street-houses, listened to the
people on the lower hand. Shun again had flags to proclaim
merit and thus secure publicity; and Yii set up a drum at his
1 Or we should perhaps construe Udaijin.
2 This title is found in the Japanese names of the ancient Emperors
Korei and his two successors. It also occurs in the Japanese names of the
Empresses Gemmei and Gensho in the early part of the eighth century.
Here Yamato-neko is used by the Emperor himself, although it was no part
of his name. It would appear therefore that it had become, to some extent,
a common name, like Pharaoh or Cesar.
3 Vide Legge’s “ Shiking,” p. 501. The ancients had a saying, “‘ Consult
the grass and firewood gatherers.” This is the equivalent of our “ Man in
the street.”
4 One of the most renowned statesmen of Chinese antiquity. Died B.c.
645. Vide Mayers’ “Chinese Manual,” p. 91. The quotation is by no means
accurate.
5 As this is purely legendary, it is useless to inquire the nature of the
institution in question. The term Bright Hall, or Meids, is now applied to
the Imperial University in Japan.
KOrToKu. 211
Court, thus providing for the investigation into expectations.
T’ang' had the Court of the general control of Districts,
whereby he observed the faults of the people. King Wu? had
the park of the Spirit terrace, and therefore the wise had
advancement. Thus the sage Emperor and _ Illustrious
Sovereigns of antiquity possessed and did not lose; they
gained and did not destroy.”
The object of hanging up a bell, of providing a box, and of
appointing a man to receive petitions, is to make those who
have grievances or remonstrances deposit their petitions in the
box. The receivers of petitions are commanded to make their
report to Us every morning. When We receive this report We
shall draw the attention of the Ministers to it, and cause them
to consider it, and We trust that this may be done without
delay. But if there should be neglect on the part of the
Ministers, and a want of diligence or partizan intrigues, and if
We, moreover, should refuse to listen to remonstrance, let the
complainant strike the bell. There has been already an
Imperial command to this effect. But some time afterwards
there was a man of intelligence and uprightness who, cherish-
ing in his heart the spirit of a national patriot, addressed Us a
memorial of earnest remonstrance, which he placed in the box
prepared for the purpose. We therefore now publish it to the
black-haired people here assembled. This memorial runs as
follows :—‘‘ Those subjects who come to the capital in con-
nection with the discharge of their duty to the Government of
the Country, are detained by the various public functionaries and
put to forced labour of various kinds, etc., etc.” We are still
moved with strong sympathy by this. How could the people
expect that things would come to this? Now no long time has
elapsed since the capital was removed, so that so far from being
at home, we are, as it were, strangers. It is therefore impossible
to avoid employing the people, and they have therefore been,
against Our will, compelled to labour. As often as Our minds
dwell on this We have never been able to sleep in peace.
When We saw this memorial we could not refrain from a joyous
exclamation. We have accordingly complied with the language
* Founder of the Shang Dynasty in China, B.c. 1766.
* The founder of the Chow Dynasty, p.c. 1169-1116. Vide Mayers
“ Handbook,” p. 264.
Pas
Ny
212 NIHONGI.
of remonstrance, and have put a stop to the forced services at
various places.
In a former edict, We said :—‘“‘ Let the man who remonstrates
sign hisname.”’ Those who disobey this injunction are doubt-
less actuated by a wish to serve their country, and not by a
desire of personal gain. Whether a man signs his name or not,
let him not fail to remonstrate with Us on Our neglect or
forgetfulness.’ ”’!
Another edict was made as follows:—‘‘ There are many
things of which the assembled people of the land complain.
Weare now about to explain our principles. Listen attentively
to what We say. Those who come to the capital and assemble
at Court in order to obtain decisions of doubtful points, should
not disperse in the morning,” but remain together in attendance
at Court.”
Kory6, Pekché, Imna, and Silla all together sent envoys to
offer tribute.
22nd day. The Emperor returned from the detached
Palace of Koshiro. ;
3rd month, 2nd day. An edict was issued to the Governors
of the Eastern provinces, saying :—‘“‘ Do all ye Ministers and
Daibu assembled in attendance on Us, as well as ye Omi,
Muraji, Kuni no Miyakko, and Tomo no Miyakko, and also ye
subjects of every class, listen to this :—He that is lord between
. Heaven and Earth and rules the myriad people ought not to —
exercise control alone: he must have Ministers to support him.
From generation to generation, therefore, Our Imperial
ancestors have governed along with the ancestors of you, My
Ministers. It is Our wish also, with the protecting power of
the Gods, to associate you with Ourselves in the government.
We therefore, on a former occasion, appointed Daibu, of good
family, to the government of the eight Eastern provinces.
Then the Governors went to their posts. Six obeyed the laws,
and two were regardless of Our commands. In each case
censure or praise became audible. We thereupon commended
those who kept the law, and were severe with those who dis-
regarded the instructions given them. He that would be a
ruler, whether he be Lord or Minister, should first correct
' This is a difficult passage ; Dr. Florenz renders it somewhat differently.
2 The interlinear Kana has shibaraku, “ for a while.”
———————— eae
KOTOKU. a3
himself, and then correct others. If he do not correct himself,
how shall he be able to correct others?’ He therefore who
does not correct himself, be he Lord or be he Minister, will
meet with calamity. Should one not be watchful? If ye, the
leaders, are upright, who shall presume to be otherwise? Do
ye now be guided by Our former commands in dispensing your
judgments.” .
1gth day. The Emperor made a decree to the Choshiishi’
of the Eastern provinces, saying :—
‘“‘ Hear this, all ye Ministers and Daibu assembled in Our
presence, as well as ye Kuni no Miyakko and Tomo no Miyakko,
together with the subjects of all classes! In the 8th month of
last year, We in person admonished you, saying :—‘ Do not
use your official authority to appropriate public or private
property : you should consume food of your own domain, and
ride horses of your own domain. Those who disregard this
admonition, if of the rank of Assistant Governor or higher,
shall be degraded in official rank, if of the rank of Clerk or lower,
shall be sentenced to flogging. Those who convert property
to their own use shall be mulcted in double its value.’ Such
was the edict which We issued. Now, when We inquired
from the Choshishi and the Miyakko of the various provinces
whether the local Governors, when they proceeded to their
posts, attended to this admonition or not, the Choshiishi and
the others informed Us fully of the facts, to wit :—The offence
of Kuhi, Hodzumi no Omi, consists in having made exactions
from each family among the people, and though he repented
and gave back the things, not doing so completely. His two
assistants, Fuse no Omi and Shidamu, Kose no Omi, have
offended by not correcting the error of their chief, etc., etc.
The inferior officials have all been guilty of offences. The
offence of Kose no Tokune no Omi consists in having made
exactions from each family among the people, and though he
repented and returned the things, not doing so completely.
He has moreover taken away the horses of the agricultural
1 See Legge’s “ Chinese Classics,” Vol. I. p. 221.
2 The institutes of the T’hang dynasty define Choshitshi (court-assemble-
messenger) as persons sent to the capital bearing tribute from the provinces.
Here they seem to have been officials who reported on the conduct of the
local officials.
214 NIHONGI.
serfs. His two assistants, Yenowi no Muraji and Oshizaka no
Muraji, did not correct the faults of their chief, but on the
contrary joined with him in prosecuting their own advantage.
They have moreover taken away horses belonging to the Kuni
no Miyakko Sumi, Utena no Atahe, although at first he
remonstrated with his chief, yet at last became corrupt along
with him. The inferior officials are all guilty of offences. The
offence of Ki no Marikida no Omi consists in having sent men
to Asakura no Kimi and Winouhe' no Kimi to fetch their
horses for him to look at. Further, he made Asakura no Kimi
manufacture swords. Further, he got from Asakura no Kimi
his bow-cloth.’ Further, he did not honestly return to their
owners the articles sent by the Kuni no Miyakko in lieu of
weapons, but delivered them to the Kuni no Miyakko in an
irregular manner.* Further, in the province committed to his
charge, he allowed himself to be robbed ofasword. Further, in
the provinceof Yamato he allowed himself to berobbed of a sword.
These are the offences of Ki no Omi and of his assistants,
Oho-guchi, Miwa no Kimi, and Momoyori, Kahabe no Omi.
Their subordinate officials, Shihatsu, Kahabe no Omi, Tajihi no
Fukame, Mozu no Nagaye, Katsuraki no Saigusa, Naniha no
Kuhikame, Inukahi no Isogimi, Maro, Iki no Fubito, Tajihi no
Inume ‘—these eight persons, all are guilty of offences. The
offence of Adzumi no Muraji consists in this—that when
Wadoku no Fubito was ill, he caused the Kuni no Miyakko to
send (him?) government property. Further, he took horses
belonging to the Yube.* The offence of his assistant Momoyori,
' Now pronounced Inoiiye.
2 The meaning of this phrase is not quite clear. Cloth was the money of
the period, and perhaps the bow-cloth was by way of commutation for bows
to be furnished, or an allowance for making bows. Or it may have been
one of the articles referred to in the next clause as deposited with the local -
authorities as a security for arms lent out.
’ The “Shukai” editor’s rendering is—-“ reported falsely to the Kuni no
Miyakko that they had done so.”
+ It may be observed that the higher ranks of the local authorities seem
to have been filled from the old nobility. Most of the subordinates, as
appears from this passage, had no titles, only a personal name and a name
indicative of the locality of their birth or residence.
° The Yube was originally a Be for the purpose of Heoreate hot baths
for some Emperor or Prince. This term was also applied to the village where
KOTOKU. 215
Kashihade no Omi, consists in his having received and stored
in his house articles paid in lieu of hay. Further, he took the
horses of the Kuni no Miyakko and exchanged them for others.
The two brothers, Ihatsutsu and Yumaro, Kahabeno Omi,’ have
also been guilty of offences. Ohochi no Muraji’s offence
consists in his having disobeyed Our former decree, which was
as follows :—‘ Let not the local Governors personally judge the
plaints of the people in the districts placed under their charge.’
He has disobeyed this edict in that he has taken it upon himself
personally to judge the plaints of the men of Udo, and the matter
of the slaves of Nakatomi no Toko. Nakatomi no Toko is
equally guilty with him in this matter. The offence of Kishida
no Omi consists in his having had his official sword stolen
when he was in the province of Yamato. Thisshowed a want
of circumspection. As for Womidori no Omi and Tamba no
Omi, they have been simply incompetent, but not guilty of
any offence. The two men, Imbe no Konomi and Mutsuki,?
Nakatomi no Muraji, have also been guilty of offences.
Neither of these two men, viz. Hada no Omi and Taguchi no
Omi, have committed any offence. The offence of Heguri no
Omi consists in his having neglected to investigate the plaints
of the men of Mikuni. Upon a review of these facts we find
that all this is owing to the neglect and incompetence of you
three, viz. Ki no Mariki no Omi, Kose no Tokune no Omi and
Hodzumi no Kuhino Omi. Is it not painful to Us to think of
your disobedience to Our edict ? Now if he who has pastoral
care of the people, whether as Lord or Minister, gives a
personal example of upright conduct, who shall presume to do
otherwise? But if he, whether Lord or Minister, be not
upright in heart, it is fit that he should bear the guilt. What
avails it to repent afterwards? We shall therefore consider
the cases of all these local Governors and punish them
according to the gravity of their offences.
With regard moreover to the Kuni no Miyakko who have
disobeyed Our edict by sending presents to the Governors of
their provinces, and, at length joining with them in the
the serfs of the Be lived, and subsequently became a mere proper name.
It is not easy to decide in which application it is here used.
1 Both had the title Kahabe no Omi
? This name has the curious signification of Ist month.
DOV a 208
EXOV SS 217%
216 NIHONGI.
pursuit of gain, constantly conceive foul wickedness, repressive
measures are indispensable. But although such are Our
thoughts, we have only begun to occupy our new palace, and
are about to make offerings to all the Kami, both which
matters belong to the present year. Moreover it is not meet
to employ the people in labour during the months of -
agriculture. But in connection with the building of a new
palace, it was decidedly impossible to avoid doing so. Deeply
conscious of both these considerations, We proclaim a general
amnesty throughout the Empire. From this time forward, let
the local Governors of provinces and districts be zealous and
do their utmost. Let them avoid profligacy. Let messengers
be sent to release all banished men of the various provinces,
and all prisoners in the gaols without exception.
In contradistinction from the rest, the following six men, viz.
Shihoya no Konoshiro,' Kamikozo” no Saigusa,*? Asakura no
Kimi, Mariko no Muraji, Mikaha no Oho-tomo no Atahe and.
Suzuki wo no Atahe, have been obedient tothe Emperor. We
profoundly commend their sentiments.
Let the official rice-fields belonging to the public offices in
various places be done away with, as well as the lent-rice* in
various places belonging to the Ko-so-bd Kibishima® and let
her official rice-lands be distributed among all Our Ministers
and Tomo no Miyakko. Moreover, let rice-land and _hill-
tracts® be given to those temples which are omitted from the
registers.”
20th day. The Prince Imperial, by a messenger, addressed
a petition to the Emperor, saying :—‘‘In the reigns of the
former Emperors, they treated the Empire as a whole, and so
ruled it. But, when we come to the present time, there was
division and separation, to the injury of the Work [the work
of the State is meant]. Now that it has devolved on the
Emperor our Sovereign to have pastoral charge of the myriad
people, Heaven and Man respond harmoniously to each other,
1 Shihoya means salt-house; Konoshiro is the name of a kind of
herring.
2 Shinto shrine. | 3 Herb of luck.
* Lent out to the peasants at seed-time; to be returned at harvest.
*» The Empress Dowager. She died A.D. 643.
6 Not arable land.
—
ae
= ——
——
KOTOKU. ay
and the government has been reformed.’ I, therefore, filled
with joy and veneration, place it on my head,’ and prostrating
myself, address Your Majesty :—‘ The Emperor who now rules
the Land of the Eight Islandsas an Incarnate Deity inquired
of thy servant, saying :—‘‘ Should the Koshiro no Iribe in the
possession of Ministers, Muraji, Tomo no Miyakko, Kuni no
Miyakko, and established in the days of former Emperors, the
Mina no Iribe in the private possession of Imperial Princes, and
the Mina no Iribe belonging to the Imperial Father; Ohoye
[Hikobito Ohoye is meant], as well as their Miyake, be allowed
to remain the same as in former generations, or not?” * Thy
servant having received this command with reverence, replies
respectfully, saying :—‘‘ In Heaven there are not two suns: in
a country there are not tworulers. Itis therefore the Emperor
alone who is supreme over all the Empire, and who has a right
to the services of the myriad people. Make a special
selection of labourers from the Iribe and from the people
granted in fee, and follow the former arrangement.’ For the
rest,° it may be feared that they will be put to forced labour on
private authority. I therefore offer to the Emperor 524 men of
the Iribe, and 181 Miyake.”’”
22nd day. The Emperor made a decree, as follows :—‘‘ We
are informed that a Prince of the Western Land’ admonished
his people, saying :—‘ Those who made interments in ancient
times resorted to a high ground which they formed into a
tomb. They did not pile up a mound, nor did they plant
| This is the same term (i-shin) as is used of the revolution of 1868.
* This is a figurative expression of his respect for the reformed Govern-
ment. At this day a Japanese often puts a present to his head in token of
thanks.
3 Father of Jomei Tenno.
* Ko-shiro means literally ‘ equivalent of children.” The Koshiro no Iribe
seem to have been communities of serfs (be) instituted (iri) by persons who
had no children, to perpetuate their name. This practice is frequently
mentioned above. Mina means august name, and the Mina no Iribe were
apparently similar communities instituted to perpetuate an Emperor’s (or
Empress’s) name. Vide also Chamberlain’s ‘“ Kojiki,” pp. 186, 197, 268,
269, etc.
® See above, XXV. 19.
° Others than Iribe and people granted in fee.
‘ i.e. China.
218 NIHONGI.
trees." The inner and outer coffin were merely enough to
last till the bones decayed, the shroud was merely sufficient
to last till the flesh decayed. I shall therefore cultivate? the
unproductive pieces of land occupied by these tombs, to the
end that their place may be forgotten after changing genera-
tions. Deposit not in them gold or silver or copper or iron,
and let earthenware objects alone represent the clay chariots
and straw figures* of antiquity. Let the interstices of the
coffin be varnished. Let the offerings consist of rice pre-
sented three times, and let not pearls or jewels be placed
in the mouth of the deceased. Bestow not jewel-shirts or
jade armour. All these things are practices of the unenlight-
ened vulgar.’ Again it is said:—‘ Burial is putting away,
and proceeds from the desire to prevent the dead from being
seen by people.’ Of late, the poverty of our people is abso-
lutely owing to the construction of tombs.‘ We now issue
regulations making distinction of noble and mean.
The inner dimensions of tombs of persons of the rank of
Princes and upwards® shall be nine feet in length by five in
width. Their outer limits shall be nine fathoms square
and their height five fathoms.° The work shall be completed
by 1000 labourers in seven days. At the time of interment
white cloth shall be used for the hangings (of the bier), etc.
A hearse may be used.
The inner dimensions of tombs of Superior Ministers?
shall be similar in length, breadth and height to the above.
' The trees planted were evergreens, viz. the fir and cryptomeria, for the
same reasons as make the yew to be considered a proper churchyard tree
in this country.
“When the ancients buried their dead, they covered the body thickly
with pieces of wood, having laid it in the open country. They raised no
mound over it, nor planted trees around.”—Legge’s “ Yih-King,” p. 308.
2 The “Shikai” has 3 in error for . See Volt, p.. 131.
* It must be remembered that some of these were of enormous size.
Vide Chamberlain’s “Things Japanese,” 2nd Ed. p. 27. Also above
Volslop. £35.
® This does not apply to Imperial tombs.
° The height is probably measured along the slope, not perpendicularly.
The fathom is now of about five feet, but may have been more in those
days.
7 i.e. Oho-omi, says the “ Shikai ” editor.
; KOTOKU. 219
Their outer limits shall be seven fathoms square, and they
shall be three fathoms in height.!| The work shall be com-
pleted by 500 labourers in five days. At the time of interment
white cloth shall be used for the hangings of the bier, which
shall be borne on men’s shoulders.
The inner dimensions of a tomb of a Minister of a lower
class shall be in every respect similar in length, breadth, and
height to the above. Their outer limits shall be five fathoms
square, and they shall be two and a half fathoms in height. The
work shall be completed by 250 labourers in three days. At
the time of interment white cloth shall be used for hangings.
In other matters the same rule as before is to be followed.
The inner dimensions of the tombs of persons of the rank
of Dainin and Shonin shall be nine feet in length and four
feet in height and breadth. The ground shall be made level
and no mound raised. The work shall be completed by 100
labourers in one day.
In the case of persons from the rank of Dairei to that of
Shochi inclusive, the tombs shall in all respects follow the
rule of Dainin, but the work shall be completed by fifty
labourers in one day.
Let small stones? be used for the tombs of all from the
rank of Prince down to that of Shochi, and let white cloth
be used for the hangings.
When ordinary persons die, let them be buried in the
ground, and let the hangings be of coarse cloth. Let the
interment not be delayed for a single day.
The construction of places of temporary interment is not
allowed in any case, from Princes down to common people.
Not only in the Home provinces, but in the provinces
generally, let plots of ground be set apart for interments.* It
1 Or 24 feet, says the “ Shikai.”
2 The reference is doubtless to the stones covering the roof of the vault,
which were of great size, some which I have seen weighing many tons. A
note to the “ Shukai” says that stones with monumental inscriptions are
meant. But no such stones have been found in connection with the tombs
of this period.
’ There are numerous groups of these tombs still to be seen, more
. especially in the Home provinces, sometimes thirty or forty together,
usually on the lower slopes of the hills.
220 NIHONGI.
is not permitted to pollute the earth by dispersed interments
in various places.
When a man dies, there have been cases of people sacri-
ficing themselves by strangulation, or of strangling others by
way of sacrifice, or of compelling the dead man’s horse to be
sacrificed, or of burying valuables in the grave in honour of
the dead, or of cutting off the hair, and stabbing the thighs
and pronouncing an eulogy on the dead (while in this condi-
tion). Let all such old customs be entirely discontinued.
A certain book says:—‘No gold or silver, no silk
brocades, and no coloured stuffs are to be buried.’ Again
it is said :—‘ From the Ministers of all ranks down to the
common people, it is not allowed to use gold or silver.’
Should there be any cases of this decree being disregarded
and these prohibitions infringed, the relations shall surely
receive punishment.
Again, there are many cases of persons who, having seen, .
say that they have not seen, or who, having not seen, say that
they have seen, or who, having heard, say that they have not
heard, or who, having not heard, say that they have heard,
being deliberate liars, and devoid of truth in words and in sight.
Again, there have been many cases in which slaves, both
male and female, false to their masters in their poverty, betake
themselves of their own accord to influential houses in quest
of a livelihood, which influential houses forcibly detain and
purchase them, and do not send them to their original owners.
Again, there have been very many cases in which wives
or concubines, when dismissed by their husbands, have, after
the lapse of years, married other husbands, as ordinary morality
allows. Then their former husbands, after three or four years,
have made greedy demands on the second husband’s property,
seeking their own gain.
Again, there have been very many cases in which men,
relying on their power, have rudely demanded people’s
daughters in marriage. In the interval, however, before going
to his house, the girl has, of her own accord, married another,
and the rude suitor has angrily made demands of the property
of both families for his own gain.
Again, there have been numerous cases of this kind.
Sometimes a wife who has lost her husband marries another
KOTOKU. 221
man after the lapse of ten or twenty years and becomes his
spouse, or an unmarried girl is married for the first time. Upon
this, people, out of envy of the married pair, have made them
perform purgation.'
Again, there are cases in which women, who have become
men’s wives and who, being put away owing to their husbands’
dislike of them, have, in their mortification at this injury,
compelled themselves to become blemished * slaves.
Again, there are cases in which the husband, having
frequent occasion to be jealous of his wife’s illicit intercourse
with others, voluntarily appeals to the authorities to decide
the matter. Let such persons not lay their information until
they have obtained, let us say, three credible witnesses to join
with them in making a declaration. Why should they bring
forward ill-considered plaints ?
Again, there have been cases of men employed on forced
labour in border lands who, when the work was over and they
were returning to their village, have fallen suddenly ill and
lain down to die by the roadside. Upon this the (inmates of
the) houses by the roadside say:—‘ Why should people be
1 Harahi, clearing away, purgation, is properly a religious ceremony. The
Oho-harahi, or “Great Purgation,” was performed every year by the Naka-
tomi as a general purification of the sins of the people. The ritual used on
this occasion has come down to us, and is perhaps the mest interesting of
the Norito. When harahi was performed in the case of individual offences
the necessary offerings to the Gods were provided by the guilty person (see
above, Vol. I. p. 49). From this to a penalty the transition is easy, and has
parallels in other countries. In the present passage the harahi was evi-
dently what we should now call a “ squeeze.” The “ Tstisho ” commentator
quotes here a statement by one Kurokaha, to the following effect :—
“During the first month of the year following the marriage of a newly-
united couple, their friends assemble at the house bearing pails of water,
with which they souse the husband liberally. This is called harahi.” It
may not be out of place to point out that marriage is in many uncivilized
countries considered as an infringement of the rights of the community
which calls for some sort of compensation.
2 The meaning of this term—rendered kotosaka in the “ Original Com-
mentary ”—is not very clear. It perhaps applies to persons who were made
slaves on account of some offence or vice.
Dr. Florenz and some Japanese scholars whom he consulted take this
view of this paragraph. I am not sure, however, that the real meaning is
not that the husband, mortified that his wife has left him from dislike, sells
her as a slave.
XXV.
33¢e
222 NIHONGI.
allowed to die on our road?’ And they have accordingly
detained the companions of the deceased and compelled them
to do purgation. For this reason it often happens that even
if an elder brother lies down and dies on the road, his younger
brother will refuse to take up his body (for burial).
Again, there are cases of peasants being drowned in a river.
The bystanders say :—‘ Why should we be made to have any-
thing to do with drowned men?’ They accordingly detain the
drowned man’s companions and compel them to do purgation.
For this reason it often happens that even when an elder
brother is drowned in a river his younger brother will ‘not
render assistance.
Again, there are cases of people who, when employed on
forced labour, cook their rice by the roadside. Upon this the
(inmates of the) houses by the roadside say :—‘ Why should
people cook rice at their own pleasure on our road ?’ and have
compelled them to do purgation.
Again, there are cases when people have applied to others
for the loan of pots in which to boil their rice, and the pots
have knocked against something and have been upset. Upon
this the owner of the pot compels purgation to be made.
All such practices are habitual among the unenlightened
vulgar. Let them now be discontinued without exception, and
not permitted again.
Again, there are cases in which peasants, when they are
about to proceed to the capital, apprehensive lest their riding
horses should be worn out and unable to go, give two fathoms
of cloth’ and two bundles of hemp to men of the two provinces
of Mikaha or Wohari, to hire them to feed their horses. After
they have been to the capital and are on their way home, they
make them a present of a spade, and then find that the men of
Mikaha, etc., have not only failed to feed their horses properly,
but have allowed them to die of starvation. In the case of
horses of a superior class, they conceive covetous desires, and
invent lying tales of their having been stolen, while in the case |
of mares which become pregnant in their house, they. cause
purgation to be made, and inthe end make a plunder of the beast.
Such things having come to our ears, We therefore now
establish the following regulation :—
1 Cloth was evidently used as money.
KOTOKU. 233
Whenever horses are left at livery in any of the provinces
along the highway, let the owner take with him the man whom
he engages for this purpose, and make a full statement to the
village elder, handing over (to the latter) at the same time the
articles given as remuneration. It is unnecessary for him to
make any further payment when he returns home. If he has
caused the horse to suffer harm, he should get nothing.
If anyone disobeys this edict, a severe penalty shall be
imposed.
The dues payable to Market Commissioners,’ for main roads,
and to ferrymen, are abolished and lands are granted instead.
Beginning with the Home provinces, and embracing the
provinces in all four quarters, during the agricultural months,’
let everyone apply himself early to the cultivation of the rice-
land. It is not meet at sucha time to let them eat dainty food or
drink sake. Let faithful messengers be appointed to intimate
this to the Home provinces. And let the Kuni no Miyakko of
the provinces in every quarter choose good messengers to urge
(the peasants to work) in accordance with the edict.”
Autumn, 8th month, 14th day. An edict was issued,
saying :—
‘* Going back to the origin of things, we find that itis Heaven
and Earth with the male and female principles of nature,* which
guard the four seasons from mutual confusion. We find, more-
over, that it is this Heaven and Earth * which produces the ten
thousand things. Amongst these ten thousand things Man is the
most miraculously gifted. Among the most miraculously gifted
beings, the sage takes the position of ruler. Therefore the
Sage Rulers, viz. the Emperors, take Heaven as their exemplar
in ruling the World, and never for a moment dismiss from
their breasts the thought of how men shall gain their fit place.
- Now as to the names of the early Princes, the Omi, Muraji,
Tomo no Miyakko and Kuni no Miyakko have divided their
1 The “ Shoku-in-ry6o ” says the Market Commissioner shall have superin-
tendence of the currency, commerce, the genuineness of wares, the justness
of weights and measures, buying and selling prices, and prohibitions and
offences (relating thereto.)
2 i.e. of getting in the crops.
3 The Yin and Yang of Chinese philosophy. The interlinear gloss has
samuku-atataka, i.e. “cold and warm,” a most inadequate rendering.
* i.e. Nature.
SV. 235.
224 NIHONGI.
various Be’ and allotted them severally to their various titles (or
surnames). They afterwards took the various Be of the people,
and made them reside in the provinces and districts, one mixed
up with another. The consequence has been to make father
and child to bear different surnames, and brothers to be
reckoned of distinct families, while husbands and wives have
names * different from one another. One family is divided into
five or split up into six, and both Court and country are there-
fore filled with contentious suits. No settlement has been come
to, and the mutual confusion grows worse and worse. Let the
various Be, therefore, beginning with those of the reigning
Emperor and including those in the possession of the Omi,
Muraji, etc., be, without exception, abolished, and let them be-
come subjects of the State. Those who have become Tomo no
Miyakko by borrowing the names of princes, and those who
have become Omi or Muraji on the strength of the names of
ancestors, may not fully apprehend our purport, and might
think, if they heard this announcement without warning, that
the names borrowed by their ancestors would become extinct.
We therefore make this announcement beforehand, so that they
may understand what are our intentions.
The children of rulers succeed one another in the government
of the Empire, and it is well known that the names of the actual
Emperor and of his Imperial ancestors will not be forgotten by
the world. But the names of sovereigns are lightly given to
rivers and plains,* or common people are called by them. This
1 Instituted in commemoration of Princes and bearing their names, or
names intended to recall their memory.
2 #4 or Names must here apply to surnames, or rather Be names. The
Japanese at this time had no proper surnames, and the Chinese characters
for the two kinds of names are not always rightly distinguished.
3 The “Shukai” quotes here the instances of Kibitsuhiko no Mikoto,
whose descendants were called Kibi no Omi, and Achiki, whose descendants
were styled Achiki no Fubito.
4 The “Shukai” editor instances Annei Tenn6, whose name of Shiki-tsu-
hiko is borne by the plain of Shikiin Yamato, and Yiriaku Tenné, whose
name of Ohohatsuse is applied to the River Hatsuse-gawa. But it is more
likely that the facts are the other way, and that the names of places were
given to the Emperors.
The “ Shoku-ni-hon-go-ki” (a continuation of the ‘“ Nihongi”) records an
edict which directed the alteration of names of persons, villages, mountains,
or rivers, which coincided with the names (z7zzza) of Emperors.
—————————_——
KOTOKU. 225
is a truly fearful state of things. The appellations of sovereigns,
like the sun and moon, will float afar: the names of those of
the Imperial line’ will last for ever, like unto Heaven and
Earth. Such being our opinion, we announce as follows :—
‘Do ye all, from those of the Imperial line down to the Ministers,
the Daibu, Omi, Muraji, and Tomo no Miyakko, who do Us
service, (in short) all persons of whatever Uji? [One book has
‘royal subjects of whatever name ’], give ear to what We say.
With regard to the form of your service, We now abolish the
former offices and constitute afresh the hundred bureaus.
We shall, moreover, grant grades of rank and confer official
dignities.*
Let the local Governors who are now being despatched,
and also the Kuni no Miyakko of the same provinces, give ear
to what we say. In regard to the method of administration
notified last year to the Court Assembly,’ let the previous
arrangement be followed, and let the rice-lands which are re-
ceived and measured be granted equally to the people, without
distinction of persons.’ In granting rice-lands the peasants’
houses should adjoin the land. Those whose houses lie near
the lands must therefore have the preference. In this sense
receive Our injunctions.
In regard to commuted taxes,’ they should be collected from
males (only).
Labourers should be haptic at the rate of one for every
fifty houses. The boundaries of the provinces should -be
examined and a description or map prepared, which should be
brought here and produced for Our inspection. The names of
the provinces and districts will be settled when you come.
With respect to the places where embankments are to be
constructed, or canals dug, and the extent of rice-land to be
1 jill Ff, lit. ancestors and children. But I strongly suspect that ii.
is a mistake for §4 imperial.
2 House of nobles.
* This edict seems intendedas a final severance of titles of various kinds from
the offices they nominally represent. Official rank (fiZ) and grade of office (BE)
do not invariably correspond, though they do in a general way. A Daijin, for
example, is not necessarily first rank, though he will doubtless hold high
rank, second or third at least.
* Chosht. The reference is to the Chishiishi named above, XXV. 23.
> See above, XXV. 17. 5 Of other things than rice.
VOL. Ti, Q
226 NIHONGI.
brought under cultivation, in the various provinces, uniform
' provision will be made for causing such work to be executed.’
A.D. 647.
Give ear to and understand these injunctions.”
- gth month. The Shotoko, Kuromaro, Takamuko no Hakase,
was sent to Silla to cause them to send a hostage. Ultimately
the tribute from Imna was discontinued.
In this month the Emperor occupied the temporary Palace
of Kahadzu.’. [Some books have ‘‘ detached Palace.”
In this year the rats of the province of Koshi drew together
in troops by night and day, and took their departure towards
the East.
3rd year, Spring, Ist month, 15thday. There wasarchery at
the Court.
On this day Koryé and Silla sent messengers together to offer
tribute.
Summer, 4th month, 29th day. An edict was issued as
follows :—
' “The, Empire was entrusted (by the Sun-Goddess to her
descendants, with the words) ‘ My children, in their capacity of
Deities, shall rule it.’ [The phrase Jf ## means to follow the
way of the Gods, or again to possess in oneself the way of
the Gods.] For this reason, this country, since Heaven and
Earth began, has been a monarchy. From the time that
Our Imperial ancestor? first ruled the land, there has been
great concord* in the Empire, and there has never been any
factiousness. In recent times, however, the names, first of the
Gods, and then of the Emperors, have in some cases been
separated (from their proper application) and converted into
the Ujiof Omi or Muraji, or they have been separated and made
the qualifications of Miyakko,* etc. In consequence of this, the
minds of the people of the whole country take a strong
partisan bias, and conceiving a deep sense of the me and thee,
hold firmly each to their names. Moreover the feeble and in-
competent Omi, Muraji, Témo no Miyakko and Kuni no
} Probably pronounced Kédzu and identical with P§ (Kodzu), where
a palace of the Emperor Nintoku stood at Osaka.
2 Jimmu Tennd. ’ Vide Legge’s “ Shooking,” p. 337.
4 The “ Shikai” editor gives as instances that the descendants of the God
Oho-kuni-nushi are called Oho-kuni-nushi, of Oho-kume no Mikoto are called
Kume no Atahe.
—S——
te
.
KOTOKU. | 2297
Miyakko make of such names their family names; and so the
names of Gods and the names of sovereigns are applied to per-
sons and places in an unauthorized manner, in accordance with
the bent of their own feelings. Now, by using the names of
Gods and the names of sovereigns as bribes, they draw to
themselves the slaves of others, and so bring dishonour upon
unspotted names. The consequence is that the minds of the
people have become unsettled and the government of the coun-
try cannot be carried on. The duty has therefore now devolved
on Us in Our capacity as Celestial Divinity, to regulate and
settle these things. In order to make them understood, and
thereby to order the State and to order the people, We shall
issue, one after another, a succession of edicts, one earlier,
another later, one to-day and another to-morrow. But the
people, who have always trusted in the civilizing influence’ ex-
ercised by the Emperors, and who are used to old customs, will
certainly find it hard to wait until these edicts are made. We
shall therefore remit to all, from Princes and Ministers down
to the common people of all classes, the tax in lieu of service.”
In this year Wogohori’? was pulled down and a Palace
built.
The Emperor, having taken up his residence in the Palace
of Wogohori, established a Law for Ceremonies, the regulations
of which were as follows :—
All persons holding, official rank must draw up in lines to
right and left outside the south gate at the hour of the Tiger,*
and wait there until the first appearance of the sun. They
shall then enter the Court, and having made their obeisances,
shall attend in the Hall. Those who come late will not be
permitted to enter and take up their attendance. When the
hour of the Horse* arrives, they shall retire when they hear
the sound of the bell. The officer whose business it is to strike
the bell shall wear a red apron. The bell-stand shall be set up
in the Middle Court.
' The interlinear gloss is mi omofu koto, i.e. “august thoughts,” which is
ludicrously inadequate. It is as impossible to render such phrases in pure
Japanese as it would be in Anglo-Saxon.
* The small (government house of a) district. It seems to have become a
proper name.
#3 405s a at. * 11 to I, noon.
Q 2
228 NIHONGI.
The engineer of the rank of Daisen,! Aratawi no Hirafu,
Yamato no Aya no Atahe, mistakenly dug a canal which heled
to Naniha and thereby distressed the people. Upon this some
one presented a memorial of remonstrance, and the Emperor
made a decree, saying :—‘‘ We unwisely gave ear to Hirafu’s
misrepresentations, and so dug this canal to no purpose. It
is We who are to blame.” That same day the work was
discontinued.*
‘Winter, roth month, 11th day. The Emperor made a
progress to the hot baths of Arima. He was accompanied by
the Oho-omi of the Right and Left, and by the other Ministers
and Daibu.
12th month, last day. The Emperor returned from the hot
baths and stayed in the temporary Palace of Muko.
On this day the Palace of the Prince Imperial took fire, to
the great marvel of the people of that time.
In this year there were instituted caps of seven kinds and
thirteen grades.
The first was called Shoku-kwan.* Of this there were
two grades, the greater and the lesser. It was made of
woven stuff, and embroidered on the borders. The colour of
the clothing was in both cases dark purple.
The second was called Shu-kwan.’ Of this there were
two grades, the greater and the lesser. It was made of
1 This rank was not introduced until later.
2 It is thesame person who is called above Hirafu, Yamato no Aya noAtahe,
and below Hirafu, Aratawi no Atahe. A few lines further on, the Emperor
speaks of him as Hirafu. Thecomplete title Aratawi no Hirafu, Yamato no
Aya no Atahe, corresponds pretty exactly to such an English description as
“Edmund of Langley, Duke of York.” Hirafu is the personal name corre-
sponding to Edmund; Langley and Aratawi are names of places, the
residences of the persons in question or their forefathers ; Duke and Atahe
are titles. Yamato no Ayais, however, the name ofa community of artisans
of presumed Chinese descent who were settled in Yamato, while York
is a territorial designation, of which, it may be noted, there are plenty
among the ancient Japanese nobility.
3 I have myself in 1869 seen a canal in course of construction at Osaka,
which cost many thousands of pounds, and which was ultimately abandoned
as impracticable.
4 i.e. woven-cap. No doubt some special fabric is meant, which it is now
difficult to identify.
*> Embroidered cap.
KOTOKU. 229
embroidered stuff. The border of the cap and the colour of
the clothing was the same as for the Shoku-kwan.
The third was called Shi-kwan.1. Of this there were two
grades, the greater and the lesser. It was made of purple
material, with a border of woven stuff. The colour of the
clothing was light purple.
The fourth was called Kin-kwan.? Of this there were
two grades, the greater and the lesser. The greater Kin-kwan
was made of Dai-haku-sen* brocade, and had the cap-border
of woven stuff: the lesser Kin-kwan was made of Sho-haku-
sen brocade, and had the cap-border of Dai-haku-sen brocade.
The colour of the clothing was in both cases true dark red.
The fifth was called Sei-kwan,* and was made of blue silk.
Of this there were two grades, the greater and the lesser. The
greater Sei-kwan had a border of Dai-haku-sen brocade. The
colour of the clothing was in both cases deep violet.
The sixth was called Kok-kwan,’ and was made of black
silk. Of this there were two grades, the greater and the lesser.
The greater Kok-kwan had a border of wheel-pattern brocade.
The lesser Kok-kwan had a border of diamond-pattern
brocade. The colour of the clothing was in both cases green.°
The seventh was called Kembu’ [the initial (or lowest) rank.
It was also called Risshin].* It was made of black silk and
had a border of dark violet.
In addition to the above there were To-kwan,° made of:
black silk. These caps had varnished gauze stretched behind.
1 Purple-cap. . 2 Brocade-cap.
’ Nothing more is known of this than that Hakusen seems to have been
the name of a place.
4 Blue cap. Neither the Chinese nor Japanese in ordinary speech or
writing think it worth while to distinguish between green and blue. fy, the
Chinese character used here stands for both colours, and the corresponding
Japanese word awokz may be either green or blue. It is also used of a pale
complexion, and, strange to say, of a black horse. It does not follow that
these nations cannot distinguish between green and blue. I have seen a
dyer’s sample book which contained numerous shades of both, each with an
appropriate name.
> Black-cap. 6 Especially grass-green.
7 Kembu means “ to establish valour.”
8 Risshin means advancement.
® Stirrup-caps, so called no doubt from their shape. The Japanese name
is 2subo-kammurt, i.e. jar-caps.
XXV, 4o.
A.D. 048.
230 NIHONG1.
Distinctions of rank were indicated by the border and the
hair ornaments.’ The latter were in shape likea cicada. The
hair ornaments of the grades from the Lesser Kin-kwan
upwards were of a combination of gold and silver: the hair
ornaments of the Greater and Lesser Seikwan were made of
silver: the hair ornaments of the Greater and Lesser Kok-
kwan were made of copper. The Kembu caps had no hair
ornaments.
These caps were worn at Grand Assemblies,’ when foreign
guests were entertained, and at the (Buddhist) maigre feasts of
the fourth * month and seventh month.
Silla sent Kim Chhyun-chhyu, a Superior Minister, of the
rank of Greater Ason, and others to accompany the Hakase,
Takamuko no Kuromaro, of Shotoko rank, and Oshikuma,
Nakatomi no Muraji, of middle Shdsen rank,* and bring a
present to the Emperor of a peacock and a parrot. Chhyun-
chhyu was made a hostage. He was a handsome man, who
talked and smiled agreeably.’
The Nutari ® barrier was constructed, and a barrier-settlement
established. Old men talked to one another, saying :—‘‘ The
migration of the rats towards the East some years ago
prefigured the making of this barrier.”
4th year. Spring, ist month, rst day. The ceremony of
New Year’s congratulations took place.
In the evening the Emperor proceeded to the Palace of
Toyosaki in Naniha.
2nd month, 1st day. Student priests were sent to Corea.
8th day. The Oho-omi Abe invited the four classes’ to the
Temple of Shitenoji, where, having brought in four images of
Buddha, he had them enshrined within the pagoda. He con-
Wau
2 As at the New Year’s receptions, the ceremony of accession, etc.
3 The anniversary of the birth of Buddha and the festival of All-Souls—
now known as bon. Vzde Eitel’s “ Handbook”—article Ullambana, also
“Things Japanese,” pp. 155, 156.
4 See below, XXV. 41, where, however, no middle Shdsen rank is
mentioned, only upper and lower.
> He is mentioned in the “ Tongkam.”
° In Echigo, as a defence against the Yemishi or Ainos.
7 Of Buddhists, viz.: Biku (Bhikchu), Bikuni (Bhikchuni), Uhasoku (Upa-
saka) and Ubai (Upasika). Priests, nuns, and lay members, male and female.
=e
Koroku. 23
structed a figure of the wondrous Vulture Mountain,’ which he
made by piling up drums on one another.
Summer, 4th month, 1st day. The old caps were discon
tinued. The Oho-omi of the Left and Right, however,
continued to wear the old caps.
This year Silla sent envoys bearing tribute.
The barrier of Ihabune* was put to rights as a precaution
against the Yemishi. Eventually subjects from the provinces
of Koshi and Shinano were selected, and a barrier-settlement
for the first time established.
5th year. Spring, 1st month, rst day. The New Year’s
congratulations took place.
2nd month. Nineteen cap grades were fwstibuted,. as
follows :—
First Dai-shiki (greater-woven-stuf)
Second Sho-shiki (lesser-woven-stuff)
Third Dai-sht (greater embroidery)
Fourth Sho-shi (lesser do.
Fifth Dai-shi (greater purple)
Sixth Sho-shi (lesser ao.)
Seventh Upper Dai-kwa (greater flower)
Eighth Lower Dai-kwa_ ( do. )
Ninth Upper Sho-kwa _ (lesser flower)
Tenth Lower Sho-kwa ( do. )
Eleventh Upper Dai-sen* (greater mountain)
Twelfth Lower Dai-sen ( do. }
Thirteenth Upper Sho-sen (lesser mountain)
Fourteenth Lower Sho-sen ( do. )
Fifteenth Upper Dai-otsu *
Sixteenth Lower Dai-otsu
Seventeenth Upper Sho-otsu
‘ Gridhraktta. Vide Eitel, sud voce. 2 In Echigo. 3 Or Daisan.
4 Otsu (G) is stated by the Japanese commentators to be put for H8,
which has the same sound, Dai-otsu would then mean Greater Kingfisher,
and Shé-otsu Lesser Kingfisher, and it is true that there was a kingfisher
cap in China. But does not rather the following extract from Giles apply ?—
“The Z, of the tiger,—i.e. its majesty, which is supposed to be in the shape
of this character, and concealed under the skin of its ribs. Anyone who
gets it and wears it, as an official will be a terror to evil-doers, while as a
private individual he will have no enemies.”
KV. pt
AD. 649.
232 NIHONGI.
Eighteenth Lower Sho-otsu
Nineteenth Risshin (Promotion or advancement)
In this month an order was given to the Hakase, Takamuko
no Kuromaro, and the Buddhist Priest Bin to establish Eight
Departments of State and one hundred bureaus.’
3rd month, 17th day. Abe no Oho-omi died. The Emperor
proceeded to the Shujaku* gate, where he raised up lamenta-
tions for him and showed much emotion. The Empress
Dowager, the Prince Imperial, and the other Princes, together
with the Ministers of every rank, all, following his example,
mourned and lamented.’
24th day. Hiuga, Soga no Omi [styled * Musashi] slandered
the Oho-omi Kurayamada to the Prince Imperial, saying :—
‘Maro, thy servant’s elder brother by a different mother, is
watching the opportunity of the Prince Imperial making an
excursion to the seaside, in order to do him a mischief. He
will ere long commit treason.”’ The Prince Imperial believed
this. The Emperor sent Ohotomo no Komano Muraji,
Mikuni no Maro no Kimi, and Hodzumi no Kurafu no Omi to
the Oho-omi, Kurayamada no Maro, and questioned him as to
the truth of the charge of treason. The Oho-omi answered
and said :—‘‘ I will have a personal interview with the Emperor,
1 These eight Departments were in imitation of the six boards of the
Thang Dynasty in China. They were the Nakatsukasa Sho, or Central
Department ; the Shikibu Sho, or Board of Civil Office ; the Jibu Shé6, or
Board of Ceremonies; the Mimbu Sh6, or Board of Population; the
Hyébu Shé, or Board of War; the Gydbu Shé, or Board of Justice ; the
Ohokura Sho, or Treasury ; and the Kunai Shé, or Household Department.
Those who wish to examine this matter more particularly are referred to
Walter Dickson’s “ Japan,” Count Ité’s “‘Commentaries on the Constitution
of the Empire,” from which Dr. Florenz quotes largely, and Mayers’
“Chinese Handbook,” pp. 324, 326, 332. Of course the word “hundred ”’ in
hundred bureaus is not to be taken literally.
2 The Scarlet Bird or South Gate.
3 This reminds one of Achilles acting as fugleman to the mourners at the
funeral of Patroclus—rotor d€ TIydetdns adwod eEnpye ydouo. “ Iliad,” XXIII. 17.
The official character of the mourning is shown by. the fact that it took
place at the Southern Gate of the Palace. The Emperor’s official position is
facing the. South, even at this day. _
4 The * or style. “A name or style taken at the age of twenty. A
man’s Prince and father call him by his ming (%), other people call him
by his * or style.”—Giles.
KOTOKU. 233
and shall then answer to the charge brought against me.” The
Emperor again sent Mikuni no Maro no Kimi and Hodzumi,
Kurafu no Omi, to investigate the circumstances of the treason.
The Oho-omi, Maro, again answered as before. The Emperor
was therefore about to raise an armed force and surround there-
with the Oho-omi’s house, when the Oho-omi, taking with him .
his two sons, Hidshi'and Akagoma [also called Mawosu], fled
by way of Chinu towards the boundary of the province of
Yamato. Before this, Koshi, the Oho-omi’s eldest son, was
already staying in Yamato, where he was building the Temple.
[This means that he was staying in the Yamada house.| Now
being suddenly apprised that his father was coming thither in
_ flight, he went out to meet him at the great Tsuki tree in
Imaki. Having approached, he took the lead and entered the
Temple. Then he looked back to the Oho-omi and said :—
‘“‘ Koshi desires to advance straight on in person, and oppose
the army which is coming.” But the Oho-omi would not allow it.
That night Koshi conceived the idea of burning the Palace
[the Palace of Woharida is meant], and went on assembling
troops.
25th day. The Oho-omi addressed his eldest son Koshi,
saying :—‘‘ Dost thou love thy life?’ Koshi answered and
said :—‘‘I love it not.” The Oho-omi thereupon harangued
the priests of the Yamada Temple, his eldest son Koshi and
some tens of other persons, saying :—‘ Shall one who is in the
position of vassal contrive treason against his Lord? Shall
the duty of a son to a father be brought to nothing? This
temple was originally built, not for me personally, but under a
vow for the sake of the Emperor. I have now been slandered
by Musashi, and I fear that I shall be unjustly put to death.
With so near a prospect of the yellow springs,’ I would with-
draw (from life) still cherishing fidelity in my bosom, and the
object of my coming to this Temple is that my last moments
may be made easier.”
When he had done speaking, he opened the door of the
Buddha Hall and uttered a vow, saying :—‘‘In all future
births and existences, let me not have resentment against my
sovereign!” When he had made this vow, he strangled him-
1 Hoshi means Buddhist priest. 2 Hades.
Bea. =: NIHONGI.
self and died. His wife and children, to the number of eight
persons, sacrificed’ themselves with him.
On this day, Oho-tomo no Koma no Muraji and Soga no
Hiuga no Omi were sent as Generals in command of a body of
troops to pursue the Oho-omi. General Ohotomo no Muraji
and his colleague had gone as far as Kuroyama when Mu,
Hashi no Muraji, and Omimaro, Uneme no Omi, came running
from the Yamada Temple, and brought information that the
Oho-omi Soga, with his three sons and one daughter, had
already committed suicide together by strangulation. The
Generals therefore returned from Tajihi no Saka.
26th day. The wife, children, and personal attendants of
_ the Oho-omi Yamada, who committed suicide by strangulation,
were many. Kurafu, Hodzumi no Omi, arrested in a body the
Oho-omi’s people, viz. Tsukushi, Taguchi no Omi, and others,
placed cangues round their necks, and tied their hands behind
their backs. That night, Maro, Kino Omi, Hiuga, Soga no Omi,
and Kurafu, Hodzumi no Omi, having surrounded the Temple
4. with an armed force, called Shiho, Mononobe no Futsuta no:
Miyakko, and ordered him to cut off the Oho-omi’s head.
Upon this Futsuta no Shiho drew his sword, raised up the
body on its point, yelled and reviled, and then cut it off.
30th day. There were executed, as implicated with the
Oho-omi, Soga no Yamada, Tsukushi, Taguchi no Omi,
Miminashi no Dotoko, Takada no Shikowo,? Nukadabe no.
Yumasu no Muraji, Hada no Adera and others, fourteen persons.
in all. Nine were strangled,’ and fifteen banished.
In this month, messengers were sent to take over the property
of the Oho-omi, Yamada.. Among his property was a beautiful
book with the inscription ‘Book belonging to the Prince
Imperial,” and a valuable object inscribed ‘“‘ Property of the
Prince Imperial.” When the messengers returned and reported
the circumstances of their having taken over the property, the
Prince Imperial recognized for the first time that the heart of
the Oho-omi had remained pure and unspotted. He was seized
with shame and remorse for the past, and bewailed his fate
1 Sy AE, Junshi. 2 Ugly-iman.
3 Owing to the objection entertained in China and Japan to the mutilation
of the body, hanging or strangulation is reckoned a less severe punishment
than decapitation.
KOTOKU. rae a
incessantly. Hiuga no Omi was accordingly appointed Viceroy
of Tsukushi. The people of the aaa said to one another, “Is
not this a disguised banishment ?’
When Soga no Miyakko hime, consort of tig Prince Imperial,
heard that her father the Oho-omi had been decapitated by
Shiho, she took it deeply to heart, and grieved bitterly. She
detested hearing Shiho’s name mentioned, and so her personal
attendants, whenever they had occasion to speak of salt (shiho),
altered the word and called it Kitashi1 At last Miyakko hime
died of a broken heart. When the Prince Imperial heard that
she had passed away, he was grieved and deeply shocked, and
bewailed her loss exceedingly. Upon this Mitsu, Nunaka
Kahara no Fubito, came forward and presented verses of poetry
as follows :—
On a mountain-stream
Two mandarin-ducks? there be,
Well matched together :—
But the wife who was a like mate for me
Who is it that has taken away?
This was the first verse.
Though on every tree
The flowers are blooming,
How can it be that
My darling wife
Does not blossom again ?
This was the second verse.
The Prince Imperial, with a sigh of deep despair, praised
the verses, saying :—‘‘ How beautiful! how pathetic!” So he
gave him his lute * and made him sing them. He also presented
him with four hiki of silk, twenty tan of cloth, and two bags
of floss silk.
Summer, 4th month, zoth day. Kose no Tokodako no Omi,
of Shoshi rank, was granted the rank of Daishi, and was made
Oho-omi of the Left.*
Ohotomo no Nagatoko no Muraji [styled Mumakahi] of
1 Hard or coarse salt.
2 The emblem of conjugal love in China and Japan, like the turtle dove in
Europe.
3 Koto. 4 Sadaijin in later parlance.
XXYV. 45.
A.D. 650
236 NIHONGI.
Shoshi rank, was granted the rank of Daishi, and was made
Oho-omi of the Right."
5th month, 1st day. Shikofu, Miwa no Kimi, of Lower
Shokwa rank, Tsunomaro, Harahibe no Muraji*? of Upper
Daisen rank, and others were sent to Silla.
This year, the Queen of Silla sent Kim Ta-sya, Sa-son of
Sa-tok-pu, as hostage. He had a suite of thirty persons.
One Buddhist priest, two Si-rang,® one Assistant, one
Usher, five Chung-keék,* ten Artists,> one Interpreter,
and sixteen servants of various kinds—in all thirty-seven
persons.
Hakuchi,° 1st year, Spring, ist month, rst day. The Imperial
chariot proceeded to the Palace of Ajifu, where the Emperor
viewed the ceremonies of the New Year’s congratulations.
On this day the Imperial chariot returned to the Palace.
2nd month, gth day. Shikofu, Kusakabe no Muraji,
Governor of the Province of Anato, presented to the Emperor
a white pheasant, saying :—‘‘ Nihe, a relation of Obito, the Kuni
no Miyakko, caught it on the gth day of the first month on
Mount Wonoyama.” Upon this inquiry was made of the Lords
of Pékché, who said :—“‘ In the eleventh year’ of Yung-p‘ing,
in the reign of Ming Ti of the Later Han dynasty, white
pheasants were seen in a certain place.” Further, inquiry was
made of the Buddhist priests, who answered and said :—‘‘ With
our ears we have not heard, nor with our eyes have we seen
such. May it please Your Majesty to ordera general amnesty ;
-and so give joy to the hearts of the people.”
The Priest Dotd said :—‘‘ At one time Koryé desired to build
a Buddhist Temple. There was no place which was not
examined for this purpose. Then in a certain place a white
-
' Udaijin.
? A note in the “Shikai” identifies this family with the Kamori no Muraji
of the “ Seishiroku.’ They seem to have had originally something to do with
the performance of the harahi or purification ceremonies.
3 In China 4# $f) are Vice-Presidents of a Board. Chancellors (?)
4 op xe literally middle guests, officials of middle rank.
> Including skilled artisans.
° i.e. “white pheasant.” The reason for this name of the year-period
appears below.
7 A.D. 68.
KOTOKU. 237
deer was seen quietly moving, and eventually a Temple was
built on this spot. It was called the Temple of the park of the
white deer, and the practice of the Buddhist Law was there
permanently established. Again, a white sparrow was seen at
the farmstead of a certain Temple. The people of the country
all said that it was a good omen. Moreover, Envoys sent to
Great Thang’ brought back a dead crow with three legs.” The
people of the country again said that this was a good omen.
Though these things are trifles, yet they are deemed of favour-
able omen. Much more is this so in the case of a white
pheasant.”
The Priest Bin said :—‘‘ This is to ‘be deemed a lucky omen,
and it may reasonably be accounted a rare object. I have
respectfully heard that when a Ruler extends his influence to
all four quarters, then will white pheasants be seen. They
appear, moreover, when a Ruler’s sacrifices are not in mutual
disaccord, and when his banquets and costumes are in due
measure. Again, when a Ruler is of frugal habits, white
pheasants are made to come forth on the hills. Again, they
appear when the Ruler is sage and humane. In the time of
the Emperor Ch‘éng Wang of the Chou Dynasty, the Yiieh-
shang * family brought and presented to the Emperor a white
pheasant, saying:—‘ We were told by the old men of our
country :—‘‘ What a long time it has been since there have been
any exceptional storms or long-continued rains, and that the
great rivers and the sea have not surged up over the land!
Three years have now elapsed. We think that in the Central
Land there is a Sage. Would it not be well to go and pay
your respects at his Court ?”’ We have therefore come, having
tripled our interpreters.’ Again, in the first year of Hien-ning*
in the reign of Wu-ti of the Tsin Dynasty, one was seen in
Sung-tsze. This is accordingly a favourable omen. A general
amnesty ought to be granted.”
Upon this the white pheasant was let loose in the garden.
15th day. The array of guards at Court was like that on
1 China.
2 We have obviously here an echo of the Chinese myth of a red three-
legged crow which inhabits the sun, and which has all manner of mystical
significance.
3 The name of a region lying to the south of China. +, ADE 235.
238 . NIHONGI.
the occasion of a New Year’s reception. The Oho-omi of the
Right and Left and all the functionaries formed four lines out-
side of the purple gate. Ihimushi, Ahata no Omi, and three
others were made to take the pheasant’s litter and move off
ahead, while the Oho-omi of the Right and Left at the head of
all the functionaries and Phung-chyang, Lord of Peékché, his
younger brother Sé-syong, Chhyung-seung,' the physician to
the King of Kory6, by name Mo-chhi, the scholar attached to
the Court of Silla, and others, advanced into the Central Court.
These four men, viz. Maro, Mikuni no Kimi, Takami, Wina
no Kimi, Mikaho, Miwa no Kimi, and Maro Kida,? Ki no Omi,
taking up the pheasant’s litter in turn, advanced in front of the
Hall. Then the Oho-omi of the Right and Left approached
and held the litter by the forward end. The Prince of Ise,
Maro, Mikuni no Kimi, and Woguso, Kura no Omi, took hold
of the hinder end of the litter and placed it before the Imperial
throne. The Emperor straightway called the Prince Imperial,
and they took it and examined it together. The Prince Imperial
having retired, made repeated obeisances, and caused the Oho-
omi Kose to offer a congratulatory address, saying :—‘‘ The
Ministers and functionaries offer their congratulations. Inas-
much as Your Majesty governs the Empire with serene virtue,
there is here a white pheasant, produced in the western region.
This is a sign that Your Majesty will continue for a thousand
autumns and ten thousand years peacefully to govern the Great-
eight-islands* of the four quarters. It is the prayer of the
Ministers, functionaries, and people that they may serve Your
Majesty with the utmost zeal and fidelity.”
Having finished this congratulatory speech, he made repeated
obeisances. The Emperor said :—
‘‘Whena sage Ruler appears in the world and rules the
Empire, Heaven is responsive to him, and manifests favourable
omens. In ancient times, during the reign of Ch‘eng-wang of
the Chou Dynasty, a ruler of the Western land,‘ and again in
the time of Ming Ti of the Han Dynasty, white pheasants were
1 Phung-chyang’s uncle.
2 So the “Shikai” edition. But it has been conjectured with some
probability that Kida is really the name of the Silla scholar just mentioned,
which has come in here by mistake.
3 Oho-ya-shima. See Vol. I. p, 15. j 4 China.
KOTOKU. 239
seen. In this our Land of Japan,’ during the reign of the
Emperor Homuda,’ a white crow made its nest in the Palace.
In the time of the Emperor Oho-sazaki,* a Dragon-horse
appeared in the West.* This shows that from ancient times
until now, there have been many cases of auspicious omens
appearing in response to virtuous rulers. What we call
phoenixes, unicorns,’ white pheasants, white crows, and such
like birds and beasts, even including herbs and trees, in short
all things having the property of significant response, are
favourable omens and auspicious signs produced by Heaven
and Earth. Now that wise and enlightened sovereigns should
obtain such auspicious omens is meet and proper. But why
should We, who are so empty and shallow, have this good
fortune? It is no doubt wholly due to our Assistants, the
Ministers, Omi, Muraji, Tomo no Miyakko and Kuni no
Miyakko, each of whom, with the utmost loyalty, conforms
to the regulations that are made. For this reason, let all,
from the Ministers down to the functionaries, with pure
hearts reverence the Gods of Heaven and Earth, and one
and all accepting the glad omen, make the Empire to
flourish.”
Again he commanded, saying :—
‘The provinces and districts in the four quarters having been
placed in our charge by Heaven, We exercise supreme rule
over the Empire. Now in the province of Anato, ruled over by
Our divine ancestors, this auspicious omen has appeared. For
this reason We proclaim a general amnesty throughout the
Empire, and begin a new year-period, to be called Haku-chi.°
Moreover we prohibit the flying of falcons within the limits of
the province of Anato.”
Presents were made to the Ministers, Daibu and officials of
lower rank down to the clerks, varying in value according to
their rank. Hereupon the local Governor, Shikofu, Kusakabe
1 The characters are H a, but whether the Emperor actually said Nippon
or Yamato is not quite clear. The interlinear gloss has Mzkado, which is
absurd.
2 Ojin Tenno. 3 Nintoku Tenno.
4 The dragon-horse has wings on its head. It crosses water without
sinking. It appears when an illustrious sovereign is on the throne.
> Kirin. § White pheasant.
AD: O51.
240 NIHONGI.
no Muraji, was commended and granted the rank of Daisen,
together with liberal presents. The commuted taxes and
corvées of Anato were remitted for three years.
Summer, 4th month. Silla sent Envoys to offer tribute.
One book says:—‘‘In the reign of this Emperor the
three countries of Koryé, Pékché and Silla sent Envoys
bearing tribute every year.”
Winter, roth month. In respect of the tombs which had
been demolished in order to include the ground in a site for a
Palace, and of the people who had been made to remove for
the same purpose, presents were given, varying in value. This
having been done, the chief builder Hirafu Aratawi no Atahe,
was sent to set up the boundary posts of the Palace.
In this month the construction was begun of an embroidery’
figure of Buddha sixteen feet in height with its attendant
Bosatsu,’ and of figures of beings of the eight classes *—forty-
six figures in all.
In this year, Ohoguchi, Aya no Yamaguchi no Atahe, in
obedience to an Imperial order, carved one thousand images of
Buddha.
Agata, Yamato no Aya no Atahe, Abumi, Shiragabe no
Muraji, and Agura, Naniha no Kishi, were sent to the province
of Aki to build two Pékché ships.
2nd year, Spring, 3rd month, 14th day. The sixteen feet
high embroidery figure of Buddha and the others were finished.
15th day. The Empress Dowager invited the ten Buddhist
professors * and prepared a maigre entertainment for them.
6th month. Peékché and Silla sent Envoys to bring tribute
and to offer presents.
Winter, 12th month, last day. More than 2100 priests and
nuns were invited to the Palace of Ajifu, and made to read the
Issaikyo.°
' No doubt what we call tapestry. 2 See above, XXI. 6.
3 The eight classes are described as I. Heaven; II. Dragons; III. Yasha,
the Sanskrit Yaksha, a kind of demons; IV. Kentatsuba, the Sanskrit
Gandharva, a kind of demons; V. Asura, the mightiest of all demons ;
VI. Karora, Sanskrit Garuda, a kind of monstrous bird; VII. Kinnara,
Sanskrit Kimnara, doubtful (horned) spirits, the musicians of Kuvéra;
VIII. Makoraka, Sanskrit Mahoraga, demons shaped like a boa.
4 See above, XXV. Io.
5 The complete Buddhist canon as received in China. It consists of
KOTOKU. 241
That night over 2700 lights were lit in the courtyard of the
Palace, and there were caused to be read the Antaku and
Dosoku' Sutras, etc. Upon this, the Emperor removed his
residence from Oho-gohori to the new Palace. It received the
name ofthe Palace of Naniha no Nagara no Toyosaki.
This year the Silla tribute-envoys, Chi-man, of Sa-son rank,
and his companions anchored at Tsukushi, wearing garments
of the Thang country. The Government, disgusted at this
wanton change of habit, reproved them and drove them back
again. At this time Kose no Oho-omi addressed the Emperor,
saying :—‘‘ If we do not give a blow to Silla at this present time,
we shall certainly have to regret it afterwards. Now as to the
manner of giving a blow to Silla, we can do so without raising a
sword.? From the port of Naniha as far as Tsukushi let the
surface of the sea be covered with ships, one touching another.
Then if Silla be summoned and called to an account for her
offences, it will be easy for us to gain our object.”
3rd year, Spring, Ist month, 1st day. When the New
Year’s ceremonies were over, the Imperial chariot proceeded to
the Palace of Oho-gohori. :
From the rst month to the 2nd month the distribution of
rice-lands* had been brought toaclose. As to the length‘ of
the rice-fields, thirty paces made a tan, and ten tan a cho.
The tax-rice was one sheaf anda half per tan, or fifteen
sheaves per cho.
3rd month, gth day. The Imperial chariot returned to the
Palace.
Summer, 4th month, 15th day. The SiAmen® Ye-un, was
invited to the interior of the Palace and made to explain the
hundreds of volumes, and was no doubt read by the femdoku system, i.e. by
reading a few words at the beginning and at the end of each volume, turning
rapidly over the intermediate pages by a single motion of the hand.
1 These are not known as Sutras. Probably they were litanies used as
suitable for the occasion of taking up a residence in the new Palace. An-taku
means ‘ peaceful-house,” and Do-soku “ earth-side,”. or perhaps “ earth-
survey.” j
2 The older reading is “ without an effort.” I follow the “ Shikai” editor’s
emendation of JJ for JJ. 3 See above, XXV. 17.
4 The breadth is not stated here. From other evidence it appears to
have been twelve paces.
5 Sanskrit S‘ramana, Buddhist priests or ascetics. Vzde Eitel, svb voce.
VOL. Il. R
A.D. 052.
KV: 53:
A.D. 653.
SEXV, 54,
242 NIHONGI.
Murydjiu* Sutra, the Shamon Ye-ji was made lecturer and
1000 Shamon were constituted the audience.
20th day. The explanations (of the Sutras) was discontinued.
From this day forward rain began to fall continually, lasting
for nine days. It demolished buildings, and destroyed the
young rice-plants in the fields. Many men, horses and oxen
were drowned.
In this month the registers of population were prepared.
Fifty houses were made a township, and for each township
there was appointed an elder. The senior member of the .
family * was always made the head of the household. The
houses were all associated in groups of five for mutual protec-
tion, with one elder to supervise them one with another.
Silla and Pékché sent Envoys to bring tribute and offer
presents.
Autumn, gth month. The building of the Palace was com-
pleted. It is impossible adequately to describe the appearance
of the Palace Halls.
Winter, 12th month, last day. The priests and nuns of the
Empire were invited to the interior of the Palace and enter-
tained with meagre fare. Plentiful alms were given, and lights
kindled.
4th year, Summer, 5th month, 12th day. There were sent
to Great Thang, as Chief Ambassador, Kishi no Nagani, of
Upper Shisen rank, as Associate Ambassador, Kishi no Koma
also called Ito] of Upper Sho-otsu rank, as Student Priests,,
Dogen, Dodtsi, Dokwo, Yese, Gakusho, Bensho, Yesho, Sonin,
Chiso, Disho, Joye* [Joye was the eldest son of the Oho-omi
of the Middle*], Adachi [Adachi was the son of Nakatomi no
1 i.e. immortal life, called in Sanskrit the Sukhavati Vydha Sutra.
2 i.e. the eldest son or heir, to the exclusion of uncles, say the commen-
tators. This would be primogeniture. This principle had not yet become
established for the succession to the throne.
3 There is a biography of Joye extant. He remained for many years
studying in China. On his return to Japan he had the body of his father |
removed from the old-fashioned dolmen-tomb in which he had been interred,
and buried under a miniature pagoda of stone. This marks the decline of
the old style of interment. The original tomb is still in existence. It is
shown in the annexed illustration, which is reproduced with the kind per-
mission of the editor of the “ Asiatic Quarterly Review,” where it appeared,
July, 1892.
4 Naidaijin.
KOTOKU.
the son of
Kome no Muraji}] and Ddkwan _Dodkwan was
ASH IIE Uh
NSIS
*11ByeUeyy £9}21G JO IO}SIUTT, OY} JO quioy,
Kudara, Kasuga no Ahata no Omij as students,’ Kusuri, Kose
1 i.e. students of Chinese literature.
244 NIHONGI.
no Omi {son of Toyotari no Omi], and Okina, Hi no Muraj
[son of Madama. Another book adds the student priests
Chiben and Gitoku and the student Ihatsumi, Sakahibe no
Muraji|, in all r2z persons, who sailed together in the same
ship. Mita, Nunobara no Obito, was appointed as envoy to
accompany them. Again, the Chief Ambassador Nemaro
[also called Yatsukahagi], Takada no Obito, of Lower Daisen
rank, and the Associate Ambassador Womaro, Kamori’ no
Muraji, of Upper Sho-otsu rank, with the student priests Dofuku
and Giko, in all 120 persons, sailed together in one ship.
Yatsute, Hashi no Muraji, was appointed as Envoy to escort
them. |
In this month the Emperor visited the chamber of the priest
Bin, inquired after his illness, and at length from his own
‘mouth delivered his gracious commands,
One book says :—‘‘ In the 7th month of the 5th year,
the priest Bin took ill in the Temple of Adzumi. There-
upon the Emperor paid him a visit of inquiry, and taking
him by the hand, said :—‘If your Reverence dies to-day,
We shall follow you in death to-morrow.’ ”’
6th month. Pékché and Silla sent Envoys bearing tribute
and offering presents.
The highways of various places were repaired.
The Emperor was informed of the death of the priest Bin,
and sent a messenger of condolence and also numerous
presents.
The Empress Dowager, the Prince Imperial, etc., all sent
messengers to offer condolences on the death of the priest Bin.
Eventually the Emperor commanded Komaro, Koma no
Tachibe, a painter, with Funado no Atahe and others to make
a large number of figures of Buddha and Bosatsu, to be placed
in the Temple of Kahara [one book says they are in the Temple
of Yamada}.
Autumn, 7th month. Takada no Nemaro and his colleagues,
the Ambassadors sent to Great Thang, were drowned by the
sinking of their ship in the Gate? of Takashima, off the coast
of Satsuma. Only five men who lashed themselves to a plank,
1 See above, XXV. 45.
2 A narrow passage between two islands. Or it may mean the entrance
to a harbour. 1
—Koroxu. 245
floated ashore on the island of Takashima. They knew not
what to do, until one of the five, named Kadobe no Kogane,
gathered bamboos’ and made of them a raft, with which they
anchored at the island of Shitoji-shima. These five men
passed six days and six nights without any food whatever.
Thereupon Kogane was complimented (by the Emperor),
advanced in rank, and presents given him.
This year the Prince Imperial petitioned the Emperor,
saying :—‘‘ I wish the Imperial residence were removed to the
Yamato capital.”” The Emperor refused to grant his request.
Upon this the Prince Imperial took with him the Empress
Dowager, the Empress Hashibito, and the younger Imperial
Princes, and went to live in the temporary Palace of Asuka no
Kahabe in Yamato. At this time the Ministers and Daibu,
with the various functionaries, all followed and changed their
residence. The Emperor resented this, and wished to cast
away the national Dignity. He had a palace built in Yama-
zaki and sent a song to the Empress Hashibito, saying :—
The pony which I keep,
I put shackles on
And led it not out :
Can anyone have seen
The pony which I keep?
5th year, Spring, ist month, 1st day. In the night the rats
migrated towards the Yamato capital.
Nakatomi no Kamatari no Muraji was granted the Shikwan,’
and his fief increased by a number of houses.
2nd month. The Controlling Envoys sent to Great Thang,
namely, Kuromaro Takamuku no Obito, of Upper Daikin
A.D, 654.
rank [one book says :—‘‘ Summer, 5th month. There were sent —
to Great Thang the Controlling Envoy Takamuku no Kuromaro,
of Lower Daikwa rank ’’|, the Chief Ambassador Maro, Kahabe
no Omi, of Lower Shokin rank, the Associate Ambassador
Kusushi* Yenichi, of Lower Daisen rank, the two Hangwan,
Maro Fumi no Atahe, of Upper Daiotsu rank, and Miyaji no
Amida fone book says:—‘‘ The Hangwan, Maro, Fumi no Atahe,
of Lower Shésen rank”], Yoroshi, Oka no Kimi, of Upper
! Takashima means “ bamboo island.” 2 Or purple cap.
3 Doctor.
246 NIHONGI.
Shé-otsu rank, Daihaku, Okizome no Muraji, Oyu, Nakatomi
no Hashibito no Muraji, of Lower Sho-otsu rank, Tori, Tabe
no Fubito, and others. They embarked separately on two ships.
Having delayed for several months, they proceeded by way of
Silla, and anchored at Laichou.’ At last they reached the
capital, where they had an audience of the Emperor. There-
upon Kuo Weén-chii, superintendent of the guards of the Prince
Imperial’s Palace, inquired particularly of them regarding the
geography of the Land of Japan, and the names of the Gods
of the beginning of the country. To all which inquiries
suitable answers were given.
The Controlling Envoy Takamuku no Kuromaro died in
Great Thang.
Yuki no Hakatoko says:—‘“‘ The student-priest Yemyo
died in Thang; Chiso died at sea; Chikoku died at sea;
Chiso? returned in a Silla ship in the year Kanoye Tora’;
Gakusho died in Thang; Gitst died at sea; Joye returned
in the year Kinoto Ushi‘ in the ship of Liu Teh-kao’;
Myoi, Hosho and the students Okina, Hi no Muraji and
Ko Wo-gon,° twelve persons in all, with Kan Chiko and
Cho Gempo, of foreign Japanese birth, came back this
year along with the envoys.”
Summer, 4th month. Two men and two women of the
Land of Tukhara‘ and one woman of S‘ravasti* were driven
by a storm to Hiuga.
Autumn, 7th month, 24th day. Kishi no Nagani and his
colleagues, who had gone as Envoys to the Western Sea,’
1 In Shantung.
Spelt with a different Chinese character to the other.
3 A.D. 690. 4 A.D. 665. ®> Presumably a Chinese.
° A Japanese who had taken a Chinese name.
7 The region round Badakshan in India. Vide Eitel, sub voce.
8 An ancient city of India situated near Sirkhee or Fuzabad. Vzde Eitel.
It is absurd to speak of natives of India being cast ashore in Hiuga. | It is
plain from a comparison of the passage in Book XXVI., 4, in which these
persons are again referred to, that the place here called Tukhara is really the
island of Tokara, one of the Loochoo group. The writer of the “ Nihongi,”
however, shows by the characters with which he writes the name, and by
his poetic license of associating S‘ravasti with it, that he was thinking of
the Indian locality. The native commentators follow him in this.
® China.
KOoroxu. 247
anchored in Tsukushi with Escorting Envoys from Silla and
Pékché. This month the Emperor commended the Envoys to
the Western Sea for having had a personal audience of the
Emperor of the Thang country, and for having obtained
numerous books and precious objects. He bestowed on the
Chief Ambassador Kishi no Nagani, of Upper Shosen rank,
the lower grade of Shokwa rank, and granted him a fief of 200
houses with the name of the Kure House. On the Associate
Ambassador, Kishi no Koma, of Lower Sho-otsu rank, there
was bestowed the upper grade of the Shdsen rank.
Winter, roth month, 1st day. The Prince Imperial, being
informed that the Emperor had taken ill, proceeded to the
Naniha Palace with the Empress Dowager, the Empress
Hashibito, and also accompanied by the younger Imperial
Princes and the Ministers.
roth day. The Emperor died in the State Bedchamber.
He was temporarily interred in the southern courtyard.
Dotoko, Mozu no Hashi no Muraji, of Upper Shosen rank,
superintended the business of the Palace of Temporary
Interment. |
12th month, 8th day. He was buried in the misasagi of
Shinaga at Ohosaka.’
- On this day, the Prince Imperial, accompanied by the
Empress Dowager, changed his residence to the Temporary
Palace of Kahabe in Yamato. Old people said :—‘‘ The
migration of the rats to the Yamato capital was an omen of
the transference of the capital thither.”
In this year, Koryo, Pekché and Silla sent ambassadors of
condolence.
1 In the province of Kahachi.
A.D. 655.
Book 26
THE EMPRESS AME-TOYO-TAKARA IKASHI-HI TARASHI-HIME.
(SAITMEI! TENNO.)
Tue Empress Ame-toyo-takara ikashi-hi tarashi-hime first
married the Emperor Tachibana no toyohi’s” grandson, Prince
Takamuku, and bore to him the Imperial Prince Aya. She
was afterwards married to the Emperor Oki-naga tarashi-hi
hiro-nuka,* to whom she bore two sons and one daughter. In
his second year she was raised to the rank of Empress-consort,
as may be seen in the history of the Emperor Oki-naga tarashi-
hi hiro-nuka. In the thirteenth year of his reign, Winter, the
tenth month, the Emperor Oki-naga tarashi-hi hiro-nuka died.
In the first month of the following year the Empress assumed
the Imperial Dignity. In the sixth month of the fourth year
of the new reign, she resigned the Dignity to the Emperor
Ame-yorodzu-toyo-hi, and was entitled Empress Dowager. The
Emperor Ame-yorodzu-toyohi died in the tenth month of the
later fifth year.*
Ist year, Spring, 1st month, 3rd day. The Empress
Dowager assumed the Imperial Dignity in the Palace of Asuka
no Itabuki.
Summer, 5th month, rst day. In the midst of the Void?
there was seen one riding on a dragon, who resembled a man
1 Uniform-bright. The Empress Kogyoku restored.
2 Yomei Tenno. % Jomei Tennd.
‘4 i.e. the later of the two year-periods of his reign, viz. Hakuchi.
® Sora. To be distinguished from Ten, heaven or firmament.
i i eee a a
SAIMEI. 249
of Thang in appearance. He had on a broad hat of green
oiled stuff. He rode fast from the peak of Katsuraki and
disappeared on Mount Ikoma. When it became noon, he
galloped off over the firs of Sumiyoshi in a westerly direction.
Autumn, 7th month, r1th day. There were entertained at
the Court of Naniha of the Northern Yemishi ninety-nine
persons, and of the Eastern Yemishi ninety-five persons. At
the same time entertainment was provided for 150 persons who
came as tribute envoys from Pékché. Caps of honour, of two
grades in each case, were bestowed on nine Yemishi of Kikafu '
and on six Yemishi of Tsugaru.”
8th month, 1st day. Maro, Kahabe no Omi, and others
returned from Great Thang.
Winter, roth month, 13th day. There was a Palace in
course of construction at Woharida which it was intended to
roof with tiles. Rut in the recesses of the mountains and on
the broad valleys, much of the timber with which it was
proposed to erect the Palace buildings rotted. In the
end the work was put a stop to, and no building was
erected.’
This winter the Palace of Asuka no Itabuki* was burnt, and
the Empress therefore removed her residence to the Palace of
Asuka no Kahara.?
This year Koryo, Pékché and Silla sent Envoys together to
offer tribute.
The Pékché Chief Ambassador was Talsol of the
Western division, by name Y06-wi-syu; the Associate
Ambassador was an Eunsol of the Eastern division, by
name Tyo-sin-in, There were over one hundred persons
altogether.
Yemishi and Hayato,’ attended by a large number of fol-
lowers, offered homage and came to Court with presents for
the Empress.
1 In Mutsu. 2 In Mutsu.
3 This shows that roofing with tiles was considered an innovation. To
this day the shrines of Ise have not tiled roofs.
4 Ita-buki means shingle-roofed.
5 This name is written with characters which mean river-bed. But
kahara also means tiles, which in this connection does not seem a mere
fortuitous coincidence.
§ See Vol. I. p.-100:
DOXVilie 2:
A.D. 656.
XXVI.
3.
250 NIHONGI.
Silla sent specially Mi-mu of Keup-son' rank as a hostage,
and twelve men as skilled workmen.
Mi-mu fell ill and died.
This year was the year Kinoto U (52nd) of the Cycle.
2nd year, Autumn, 8th month, 8th day. Koryé sent Tal-sa
and others to offer tribute. [The Chief Ambassador was
Talsa, and the Associate Ambassador I-li-chi. There were _
eighty-one persons in all.]
gth month. There were sent to Koryo, as Chief Ambassador,
Hatsumi, Kashihade no Omi, and as Associate Ambassador
Thasuki, Sakahibe no Muraji, as Senior Hangwan, Shiromaro,
Inugami no Kimi, as Second Class Hangwan, Kahachi no.
Fumi no Obito, and as Junior * Hangwan, Maro, Ohokura no:
Kinunuhi no Miyakko.
In this year a fresh site for a Palace was fixed upon at Asuka
no Wokamoto.
At this time, Kory6, Pékché and Silla together sent envoys.
to offer tribute. Dark purple curtains were drawn round this
Palace site for them, and they were entertained there. At last
the Palace buildings were erected, and the Empress removed
into them. This Palace was called the later Palace of Asuka
no Wokamoto.
Tamu Peak was crowned with a circular enclosure. More-
over on the summit of the Peak, close by where two tsuki trees.
grew, a lofty building was erected to which the name was given
of the Palace of Futa-tsuki.* It was also called Amatsu* miya.
At this time public works were in favour. Navvies° were
employed to dig a canal from the western end of Mount Kagu
yama as far as the Mountain of Iso no kami. Two hundred
' Ninth of the seventeen grades. * Including artists.
’ For Junior (Jy) the interlinear gloss is Sunai. Ohoi and Sunai were:
respectively the Japanese terms applied to Senior and Junior degrees of
rank. Sunai would therefore appear to be abbreviated from sukunaki,
which now means few, scanty, but which anciently meant also small, as in
the case of the dwarf god Sukuna-bikona. Cf. Corean chak-eun, small.
From this it would appear that the colloquial abbreviation of the termination
of the adjective had already come into use when these glosses were added—
ong after the time of the “ Nihongi.”
* Le. the two tsuki trees. 5 Palace of Heaven.
Lit. “ water workmen,” a closely parallel expression to our “ navigators ”
‘“‘navvies,” whose original business it was to dig canals.
SAIMEI. 251
barges were loaded with stones from the Iso no Kami Moun-
tain and hauled with the current to the mountain on the east of
the Palace, where the stones were piled up to form a wall.
The people of that day reviled the work, saying :—‘‘ This mad
canal, which has wasted the labour of over 30,000 men! This
wall-building, which has wasted the labour of over 70,000 men!
And the timber for the Palace which has rotted!’ And the
top of the mountain which has collapsed ! ”
Again they reviled, saying :—‘*‘ May the mound built at Iso
no kami break down of itself as fast as it is built!’ [This
abuse was probably uttered while the work was incomplete.|
A Palace was also built at Yoshino.
The Ambassadors to the Western Sea,? Takunaha, Saheki
no Muraji, and Kunikatsu, Naniha no Kishi, of Lower Shosen
rank, with their companions returned from Pékché and pre-
sented the Empress with a parrot.
The Palace of Wokamoto took fire.
3rd year, Autumn, 7th month, 3rd day. Two men and four
women of the Land of Tukhara® who had drifted to Tsukushi,
said :—‘* We first of all drifted to the island of Amami.’’* So
they were sent for by post-horses.
15th day. A model of Mount Sumi’ was constructed to the
west of the Temple of Asuka-dera. Moreover the festival of
All Souls ° was held. In the evening the people from Tukhara
were entertained. [One book says, ‘‘ the people of Tora.” |
gth month. The Imperial Prince Arima’ was of a deceitful
disposition, and pretended insanity, etc., etc. He went to the
hot baths of Muro, under the pretence of treatment of disease.
On his return he praised the quality of the country, saying :—
“Scarce had I seen that region, when my complaint disap-
peared of itself,’ etc., etc. The Empress, hearing this, was
rejoiced, and wished to go and visit it.
This year envoys were sent to Silla with the following mes-
1 See above, XXVI. 2. 2 China. * See above, XXV. 57.
* Now called Amami no Ohoshima, or oftener simply Ohoshima. The
chief northern island of the Loochoo group.
* Sanskrit, Suméru or Méru,
° Urabonye, in Sanskrit Ullambana, called by Europeans the Feast of
Lanterns.
7 Son of Kotoku Tenno. doakcas.
A.De 657.
KV ics
A.D. 658.
OQ ee
252 NIHONGI.
sage :—‘‘ We wish to send to Great Thang under the charge ot
your country’s envoys the Buddhist priest Chitatsu, Mimtmaya,
Hashibito no Muraji, and Wakugo, Yozami no Muraji.” Silla
refused to grant such escort, and therefore the Buddhist priest
Chitatsu and his colleagues returned.
The Ambassadors to the Western Sea, Tsuratari, Adzumi no
Muraji, of Lower Sho-kwa rank, and Kutsuma, Tsu no Omi, of
Lower Shésen rank, returned from Pekché. They brought
presents for the Empress of one camel and two asses.
The people of Ihami said that a white fox’ had been seen.
4th year, Spring, ist month, 13th day. Kose no Tokuda no
Omi, Oho-omi of the Left, died.
Summer, 4th month. Abe no Omi went on an expedition
against the Yemishi in command of a fleet of 180 ships. The
Yemishi of the two districts of Aita? and Nushiro * were struck
with fear, and tendered their submission. Hereupon the ships
were drawn up in order of battle in the bay of Aita. A Yemishi
of Aita named Omuka came forward and made an oath, say-
ing :—‘“‘ It is not by reason of the arrival of the Imperial forces
that we slaves carry bows and arrows, but because it is our
nature to live upon animal food. If we have provided bows
and arrows against the Imperial forces, may the Gods of the
bay of Aita take note of it! We will serve the Government
with pure hearts.”
Omuka ‘was accordingly granted the rank of Upper Sh6-otsu,
and local governors were established in the two districts of
Nushiro and Tsugaru. Ultimately the Yemishi of Watari no
Shima * were summoned together at the shore of Arima and a
great feast provided them, after which they were dismissed
home.
5th month. A grandson of the Empress named Prince
Takeru died. He was eight years of age. His remains were
deposited in a temporary tomb which was raised for him over
' A good omen. Perhaps they expected a remission of their taxes, as was
the case when a white pheasant was reported from the adjoining province
of Anato.
? District of Akita, province of {|Deha. The former place is also read
Agida. It is probably identical with the present Akita.
3 By Watari no Shima, “the island of the crossing, or ferry,” is no doubt
meant the island of Yezo. Arima cannot be identified.
SAIMEL. 253
the Imaki valley. The Empress had always esteemed her
grandson highly for his obedient conduct. She was therefore
beside herself with grief, aud her emotion was exceeding great.
Sending for the Ministers, she said :—
“After ten thousand years and a thousand sear ey he
must be interred along with us in our own misasagi.”
So she made songs, saying :—
On the Hill of Womure ?
In Imaki—
If but a cloud
Arose, plain to be seen,
Why should I lament?
This was the first song.
I never thought
That he was young *
As the young grass
By the riverside whither one tracks
The deer wounded by an arrow.
This was the second song.
Like the flowing water
Of the River Asuka
Which surges as it flows,
Unceasingly
I long for him !
This was the third song.
The Empress sang these songs from time to time, and
lamented bitterly.
1 A Chinese expression for the date of the death of an Emperor.
2 A native commentator remarks that mure is the Corean word for moun-
tain. Womure would therefore mean little-mount. There were Corean
settlers in Imaki. The modern Corean word for mountain is moi, which is,
no doubt, a contraction of mure. Cf. né (nai) for nari or nare, river. As
shown by Chamberlain in his Loochooan Grammar, “ T.A.S.J.” XXIII.
Supplement, Loochooan resembles modern Corean in dropping 7 in words
where this letter is retained in Japanese. An example quoted by him is
Loochooan mui, a wood, for Japanese mori. I suspect that the Loochooan
mui, wood, the Japanese mori, wood, and the Corean moi, mountain, are
identical roots.
The sense of the poem is that the Empress would try to console herself
with the imagination that a cloud over the young Prince’s tomb was his
representative.
3 He was wise beyond his years.
254 NIHONGI.
Autumn, 7th month, 4th day. More than two hundred
Yemishi came to Court with presents for the Empress. The
entertainment and largess to them was on a more liberal scale
than usual. Two Yemishi of Kikafu received one grade of
rank. Saniguna, the Senior Governor of the district of
Nushiro, was made Lower Sho-otsu [one book says was granted
two steps in rank and given the superintendence of the
population (register)], the Junior Governor Ubasa received the
rank of Kembu, and two brave men received one grade of rank.
In addition there were given to Saniguna and the others twenty
cuttle-fish flags,’ two drums, two sets of bows and arrows, and
two suits of armour. Mamu, the Senior Governor of the
district of Tsugaru, was granted the rank of Upper Dai-otsu,
Awohiru, the Junior Governor, the rank of Lower Sh6-otsu,
and two brave men received a step in rank. In addition there
were granted to Mamu and the others twenty cuttle-fish flags,
two drums, two sets of bows and arrows, and two suits of
armour. Two grades of rank were conferred on the Miyakko
of the barrier of Tsukisara, and one grade on the Hangwan.
Inadzumi Ohotomo no Kimi, Miyakko of the barrier of Nutari,
received the rank of Lower Sho-otsu. Moreover Sanaguna,?
Senior Governor of the district of Nushiro, was commanded by
the Empress to investigate the Yemishi population and the
captive population.
In this month, the Buddhist priests Chitst and Chitatsu
went by the Empress’s command to Great Thang on board a
Silla ship, where they received instruction from the teacher of
religion,® Hsiian-ts‘ang, on the philosophy of things without life
and living beings.’
1 So called because the top was in this shape.
2 Same as Saniguna, mentioned above,
3 Hoshi = D‘D. This is the famous Buddhist priest (also called Yiian-
chwan) who left China for India in A.D. 629, in fulfilment of a vow. After
an absence of seventeen years he returned in A.D.~645, bringing with him
,657 volumes of the Buddhist scriptures, besides numerous sacred relics.
The record of his travels has been translated by Stanislas Julien under the
title of “ Histoire de la vie de Hiouen-tsang et de ses voyages dans I’Inde.”
Mayers, p. 290.
4 Another work states that Chitsi went to Thang to obtain instruction
respecting the Greater Vehicle (Mahayana). No doubt Buddhism generally
is meant by the expression in the text.
SAIMEI. 255
Winter, roth month, 15th day. The Empress visited the
hot baths of Ki. The Empress, remembering her Imperial
grandson, Prince Takeru, grieved and lamented. She exclaimed, xxv1.s
saying :—
Though I pass over the mountains
And cross the seas
Yet can I never forget
The pleasant
Region of Imaki.
The first.
With the harbour’s
Ebbing tide,
As the sea goes down,
With the darkness behind me
Leaving him, I must go—
The dear one.
My young child !
Leaving him, I must go.!
The second
She commanded Mari, Hada no Oho-kura no Miyakko, say-
ing :—‘‘ Let these verses be handed down and let them not be
forgotten by the world.”
11th month, 3rd day. Soga no Akaye no Omi, the official
who had charge during the Empress’s absence, addressed the
Imperial Prince Arima, saying :—‘‘ There are three faults in the
Empress’s administration of the affairs of Government. The
first is that she builds treasuries on a great scale, wherein she
collects the riches of the people. The second is that she wastes
the public grain revenue in digging long canals. The third is
that she loads barges with stones and transports them to be
piled up into a hill.” * The Imperial Prince Arima, recognizing
Akaye’s friendly disposition towards himself, was gratified, and
replied, saying :—‘‘ I have only now come to an age when I am
fit to bear arms.”
5th day. The Imperial Prince Arima proceeded to the house
of Akaye, where he went up into an upper storey, and conspired
' Some editions make the last three lines a distinct poem
* See above, XXVI. 4.
256 NIHONGI.
with him. A leg-rest' broke of itself. They both recognized
that this was a bad omen, and
swore to one another to proceed
no further. The Imperial Prince
returned home, where he was
staying for the night, when at
midnight Akaye sent Shibi,
Mononobeno Yenowi no Muraji,
in command of the labourers
engaged in building the Palace,
to surround the Imperial Prince
Arima in his house at Ichifu,
and straightway despatched a mounted courier to inform the
Empress.
gth day. The Imperial Prince Arima, with Oho-ishi, Mori
no Kimi, Kusuri, Sakahibe no Muraji, and Konoshiro, Shihoya
no Muraji, were arrested, and sent to the hot springs of Ki.
His toneri Yonemaro, Nihitabe? no Muraji, followed him.
Thereupon the Prince Imperial in person questioned the
Imperial Prince Arima, saying:—‘‘ Why didst thou plot
treason ?”’ He answered and said:—‘‘ Heaven and Akaye
know. I do not at all understand.” .
11th day. Kuniso, Tajihi no Wosaha no Muraji, was sent to
strangle the Imperial Prince Arima at the Fujishiro acclivity.
On this day Konoshiro, Shihoya no Muraji, and the toneri
Yonemaro, Nihitabe no Muraji, were executed at the Fujishiro
acclivity. When Konoshiro, Shihoya no Muraji, was about to
be executed, he said :—‘‘ I request that my right hand may be
made a national treasure.” Oho-ishi, Mori no Kimi, was
banished to the province of Kamitsukenu,’ and Kusuri, Sakahibe
no Muraji, to the province of Wohari.
Kyosoku.
1 The Chinese characters mean ‘‘ something inserted between the knees,”
in hot weather, when in bed, for coolness. A pillow is used for this pur-
pose at Singapore, where it is called “a Dutch wife.” The corresponding
Chinese term means “a bamboo wife.” But the Japanese interlinear gloss
has oshimadzuki, something which is usually put for a sort of stool to lean
the arm on when sitting on the mats, also called kyosoku. The ‘ Wamydsho ”
has also oshimadzuki, but this word has probably a wider meaning, and
includes both objects. See illustration.
2 Or Nittabe.
3 Now Kodzuke,
SAIMEI. 257
One book says:—‘‘ The Imperial Prince Arima, with
Akaye, Soga no Omi, Konoshiro,' Shihoya no Muraji,
Oho-ishi, Mori no Kimi, and Kusuri, Sakahibe no Muraji,
divined the future of their treasonous conspiracy by draw-
ing slips of paper.” One book says:—‘ The Imperial
Prince Arima said :—‘ First of all we will burn the Palace.
Then with five hundred men for a day and two nights we
will waylay (the Empress) at the harbour of Muro, and
. speedily with a fleet cutting off the Land of Ahaji, makeas
it were a prison. This can be easily accomplished.’ Some
one objected, saying:—‘It cannot be so. For all your
plans, the faculty (of carrying them out) is wanting. At
the present time, Your Imperial Highness is only nineteen
years of age, and has not yet attained to manhood, You
must first reach manhood and then you will gain the
faculty.’” . Another book says:—‘‘ When the Imperial
Prince Arima was plotting treason along with a judicial
officer, the leg of the Imperial Prince’s arm-rest broke of
itself without cause, but he did not cease from conspiring,
and was eventually executed.”
In this year, Hirafu, Abe no Hikida no Omi, Warden of the
Land of Koshi, went on an expedition against the Su-shén.?
He presented to the Emperor two live white bears.’
1 The “Shikai” is clearly right in thinking that 3€ of the text is a
mistake for f{. The name is therefore Konoshiro, as above, and not
Wohoko.
* See above, Vol. II. p. 58. It may be inferred from the narrative given
below, XXVI. 16, that the Manchus here referred to were not resident
on the mainland, but occupied a trading-post in Yezo or some of the
adjoining islands. .
3 The character used here, viz. A, is read shiguma by the Japanese, and
the description of this animal given in Yamada’s dictionary and in the
“Sansaidzuye” refers plainly to the Polar Bear. Dickins, in Murray’s
“ Handbook of Japan,” says that the Polar Bear is sometimes found on the
shores of the Hokkaido, but it is rare. Seventy pe skins are mentioned
below (XXVI. 15), a number which: makes one suspect that the animal here
referred to may be after all not the Polar Bear, but the Ursus Arctos, a
large brown bear which abounds in all these northern regions from Yezo to
Kamtchatka, and which is quite distinct from the much smaller black bear of
the Japanese islands. It is possible, however, that the Polar Bear may have
been more abundant in Yezo at this time.
wt” It. s
OXOVE 10;
XXXVI. It
259)" NIHONGI.
The Buddhist priest Chiyu made a south-pointing chariot.’
pes AD | It was reported from
the province of Idzumo :—
“On the shore of the
northern sea the fish are
dying in heaps three feet
in depth. In size they
resemble the globe-fish”
They have the beaks of
sparrows and thorny scales
several inches long. The
common people say that
they are sparrows which
have gone into the sea and
become changed into fish,
and give them the name
of ‘ sparrow-fish.’ ”
One book says :—
“In the seventh month
ots the: “sixth year,
Péekché sent Envoys
with the following
message to the Empress:—‘ Great Thang and Silla have
joined their powers for an attack upon us. They have
taken away as prisoners King Wicha, his Queen,’ and the
Heir to the Throne. Our Government has therefore
stationed troops on the north-western frontier and repaired
‘ South-pointing Chariot.
1 ie.a compass. For some curious learning about the compass, wide “ The
Night of the Gods,” Vol. I. p.97, by John O’Neill. Tradition says that a
south-pointing chariot was made in the days of the Emperor Hoang, so that
his troops might find their way surely in foggy weather. Vzde Mayers, p.
21, where the tradition of a south-pointing chariot being made in B.€. 1110
is referred to.
2 The Tetraodon Hyxtris, or fugu,a poisonous fish, which has the power
of puffing out its belly, a kind of globe-fish. There is a pretty conflict of
authority as to the fish intended by fie, the character heré used. One
Japanese dictionary gives same or shark, and hata, the terranus moara, while
the interlinear gloss is yebi or prawn.
3 The interlinear version has Koniworu for Queen, and Konikishi for
Heir to the Throne, I cannot identify these with any modern Corean
words.
SAIMEI. 259
the fortifications as an indication that the mountains and
rivers are blocked.’ ’”’?
Moreover Tsuratari, Adzumi no Muraji, of Lower Shokwa
rank, who had gone as Envoy to the Western Sea, returned
from Pekché and reported that Pékché had returned after a
successful expedition against Silla. At this time a horse of his
own accord went round the Golden Hall* of a temple night
and day without ceasing, and only stopping to graze.
One book says :—‘*‘ This was an echo * of its destruction
by the enemy in the year Kanoye Saru.”’ *
5th year, Spring, rst month, 3rd day. The Empress arrived
from the hot springs of Ki.
3rd month, rst day. The Empress visited Yoshino® and
held a banquet there.
3rd day. The Empress visited Hira-ura in Afumi.
roth day. The man of Tukhara® with his wife, a woman
of S‘ravasti, arrived. .
17th day. A Mount Sumi was constructed on the river-bank
east of Amakashi no Oka, and the Yemishi of Michinoku and
Koshi were entertained.
1 This entry comes in awrong place. Pékché’s destruction took place later
—in A.D. 660. Vide “ Tongkam,” VII. 25.
2 The Hallin which the image of Buddha is enshrined. The Chinese
characters for “went round” are ff 34, a term which is applicable to any
religious procession. But doubtless the interlinear gloss meguri, “to go
round,” is right here. It is clearly a case of religious circumambulation.
This term is also applied to the “ orbit” of heavenly bodies.
The more usual characters for “ circumambulation” are J Hs. The
Sanskrit word is pradakchina, which is defined by Eitel as “the (Brahmanic
and Buddhist) ceremony of circumambulating a holy object with one’s right
side turned to it.” This practice is still kept up. Rockhill mentions it in
his travels in Thibet, and during Lord Dufferin’s viceroyalty of India, Lady
Dufferin was on one occasion “‘circumambulated” by some tribesmen as a
mark of the very highest respect.
. > Le. an omen.
* a.D. 660. Under this year, the “Tongkam” has the following :—-“ The
wells in the Royal capital of Pékché turned red as blood, multitudes of fish
on the coast of the Western Sea died, so that the people could not eat them,
and the waters of a river turned red like blood.”
* A beautiful spot in Southern Yamato. See Murray’s “ Handbook,” 3rd
ed, p. 336, et seqq.
6 See above, XXV. 57.
_ A.D. 659.
BOX De 2
260 NIHONGI.
In this month, Abe no Omi was sent in command of 180
ships on an expedition against the Yemishi country. Abe no
Omi assembled a selection of the Yemishi of the two districts
of Akita and Nushiro to the number of 241 persons with 31 of
their captives, 112 Yemishi of the district of Tsugaru with 4
captives, and 20 Yemishi of Ifurisahe, in one place, feasted
‘them and gave them presents.
Accordingly he made an offering to the Gods of that Land
of a boat and silk stuffs of various colours, and proceeded to
Shishiriko. Then two Yemishi of Tohiu, named Ikashima
and Uhona, came forward and said :—‘‘ You ought to make
Shiribeshi' your seat of Government.” In accordance with
the advice of Ikashima and his companion, a district-governor
was ultimately established there, after which he (Abe no Omi)
returned. The provincial governors of Michinoku and Koshi
were each granted two grades of rank, while the district-
governors and administrators received each one degree.
One book says :—‘‘ Hirafu, Abe no Hikida no Omi,
fought with the Su-shén, and on his return presented to
the Empress forty-nine captives.”
Autumn, 7th month, 3rdday. IThashiki, Sakahibe no Muraji,
of Lower Shokin rank, and Kiza, Tsumori no Muraji, of Lower
Daisen rank, were sent on a mission to the Land of Thang.
They took with them a Yemishi man and woman of Michinoku
to show to the Thang Emperor.
In the writing of Hakatoko, Yuki no Muraji, it is
stated :—‘‘In the reign of this Empress, Sakahibe no
Ihashiki no Muraji, of Lower Shokin rank, Tsumori no
Kiza no Muraji, of Lower Daisen rank, and others, in two
ships, received orders to go on a mission to Thang of Wu.’
In the year Tsuchinoto Hitsuji (659), the 7th month, and
the 3rd day of the month, they started from the Bay of
Mitsu in Naniha. On the 11th day of the 8th month,
they left the Bay of Ohotsu*® in Tsukushi. On the 13th
day of the gth month, they arrived at an island on the
southern border of Pékché. Thename of the island is not
known. At four am. on the r4th, the two ships put out
to sea in company. On the 15th day, at sunset, the ship
' On the west coast of Yezo.
2 Wu is here a geographical designation. 3’ Hakata in Chikuzen,
! Chekiang. ? Nanking.
SAIMEI. 261
of Ihashiki no Muraji met crosswise with a contrary wind
and was driven to an island in the Southern Sea, named
Erh-kia-wei, where it was destroyed by the islanders.
Arima, Yamato no Aya no Wosa no Atahe, with Inadzumi,
Sakahibe no Muraji, and three others, stole a ship belonging
to the islanders, and embarking in it, escaped to Kwa-
chow. The officials of this district sent them under escort
to the capital, Loh-yang. At midnight on the 16th day,
the ship of Kiza no Muraji arrived at Mount Hsu-an near
Kuei-chi in the Yueh district,) when a north-east wind
sprang up and blew with such violence that on the 23rd
they reached the district of Yii-yao. The great ship on
which they were embarked, with allits gear, was left behind
at this place, and on the Ist day of the 11th intercalary
month, they arrived at the seat of Government of the
Yueh district. On the 15th they entered the capital,’
riding on post-horses. On the 2gth, travelling with all
speed, they reached the Eastern capital,* where the
Emperor had then his residence. On the 30th they had
an audience of the Emperor, who inquired of them, say-
ing :—‘‘ Is the Empress of your country in good health?”
The Envoys answered respectfully :—‘‘ Her virtue is in
harmony with Heaven and Earth, and she therefore
naturally enjoys good health.”” The Emperor inquired of
them :—‘‘ And the Ministers in charge of affairs—is it well
with them?” The Envoys answered respectfully :—‘ As
they enjoy the favour and esteem of our Empress, it is
well with them also.” The Emperor inquired of them,
saying :—‘‘Is there peace within your country or not?”
The Envoys answered respectfully, saying :—‘‘ The Govern-
ment accords with Heaven and Earth, and therefore there
is nothing untoward among the multitude.” The Em-
peror inquired of them, saying :—‘“‘ In what quarter is the
Land of these Yemishi situated?’ The Envoys answered
respectfully, saying :—‘‘ It lies to the north-east.” The
Emperor inquired of them, saying :—‘‘ How many tribes
of Yemishi are there?’’ The Envoys answered respect-
fully, saying :—‘‘ There are three kinds. The most distant
are called Tsugaru, the next Ara-Yemishi, ahd the nearest
3 Lohyang, near Honanfu.
Nigi-Yemishi." These now here are Nigi- Yemishi—they
bring tribute yearly to our country’s Court.” The Em-
peror inquired of them, saying :—‘‘In their country are
there the five kinds of grain?” The Envoys answered
respectfully, saying :-—“‘ No, they sustain life by eating
flesh ?’’ The Emperor inquired of them, saying :—‘‘ Have
they houses in their country?” The Envoys. answered
respectfully, saying:—‘‘No, they have their dwelling
under trees in the recesses of the mountains.” The
Emperor went on to say:—‘‘ When We look at the
unusual bodily appearance of these Yemishi, it is strange
in the extreme.. You Envoys must have suffered greatly
on. your long voyage hither. Now retire and abide in
your official residence. We shall meet again.” On the
1st day of the 11th month the festival of the Winter
Solstice was celebrated at Court. On the festival day,
they again saw the Emperor. Amongst the various frontier
states who attended the Court, the Japanese’ visitors
were the most distinguished. Thereafter, by reason of
the confusion caused by a conflagration, the matter was
neglected and not further attended to. On the 3rd
day of the rath month, Kahachi no Aya no Ohomaro, a
servant of Han Chi-hung, slandered our visitors, who were
found guilty by the Court of Thang, and were already
condemned to banishment. Previously Chi-hung was
banished to a distance of 3000 li. Among the visitors was
one, Hakatoko, Yuki no Muraji, who made representations
to the Emperor in consequence of which their punishment
was remitted. When everything was concluded, the
Emperor decreed as follows:—‘‘ This Government has
determined next year to take administrative measures in
regard to the lands east of the sea,* and you, the visitors
from Wa, may not return to the east.” In the end they
were detained in the Western capital. They were placed
1 Ara and Nigi mean respectively rough and soft or gentle. The reference
is to their greater or less degree of civilization. The Yezo Ainos are not
mentioned.
2 The character used is {&, i.e. Wa, but possibly the writer meant it to
be read Yamato,
3 The campaign against Pékché is no doubt meant.
4 Féng-hsiang, in the province of Shensi.
SAIMEI, 263
in separate seclusion, their door was closed and prohibited,
and they had no liberty of movement. In such misery
they passed the year. The writing of Wobito, Naniha no
Kishi, says :—‘‘ The Chief Envoy to Great Thang struck
on an island and was overturned.' The Associate Envoy
had a personal audience of the Emperor and showed him
some Yemishi. Upon this the Yemishi presented to the
Emperor a white deer-skin, three bows, and eighty
arrows.”
15th day. - By a decree to the Ministers, the Empress had
the Urabon’ Sutra expounded in all the Temples of the capital,
and requital made to the ancestors for seven generations.
In this year, the Kuni no Miyakko of Idzumo was com-
manded to repair the shrine of the Itsuki*® God.
A fox bit off the end of a creeper which a labourer of the
district of Owi held in his hand, and went off with it. Moreover
a dog brought in his mouth a dead man’s hand and forearm
and laid it in the Ifuya shrine. [Signs that the Empress was
about to die. |
Again, the Koryé6 Envoys had a bear-skin,* on which they
put a price of sixty pounds of floss silk. The market com-
missioner laughed and went away.
A Koryo painter, named Komaro,’ on the day on which he
entertained guests of his own surname in his private house,
borrowed seventy official Polar bear-skins for them to sit upon.
The guests were ashamed and astonished and went away.
6th year, Spring, 1st month, 1st day. The Koryo Envoys,
the Eul-syang, Ha Chhyu-mun, and his suite, numbering over
one hundred persons, anchored in Tsukushi.
3rd month. Abe no Omi was sent on an expedition with a
fleet of 200 ships against the land of Su-shén. Abe no Omi
made some Yemishi of Michinoku embark on board his own
ship. They arrived close to a great river.’ Upon this over a
1 Sze in original. 2 Ullambana in Sanskrit.
3 The character rendered Itsuki (with several variants) means stern,
severe, and at first sight would seem a general epithet’ for the Gods of
Idzumo. But there was a Temple of Itsuki in this province, so that the
word seems to have become a proper name. The same root occurs in
Itsuku-shima, the sacred island in the Inland Sea, near Hiroshima,
4 A shiguma skin. See above, XXVI. Io.
> Obviously a Japanese name. 6 Perhaps the Ishikari river.
A.D. 660.
264 NIHONGI.
thousand Yemishi of Watari-shima’ assembled on the sea-
shore and made a camp facing the river. Two men of this
camp came forward and called out hurriedly, saying :—‘‘ The
Su-shén fleet has arrived in great force and threatens to slay
us. We pray, therefore, to be allowed to cross the river and
to serve the Government. Abe no Omi sent a boat to go and
fetch these two Yemishi, and inquired from them where the
enemy were concealed and the number of their ships. The
two Yemishi accordingly pointed out the place of their con-
cealment, saying :—‘‘ There are over twenty ships.” There-
upon he sent messengers to summon them, but they refused to
come. Abe no Omi accordingly heaped up on the beach
coloured silk stuffs, weapons, iron, etc., to excite their cupidity.
The Su-shén people thereupon drew up their fleet in order,
and tying feathers to poles, raised them aloft by way of flags.
They approached with equal oars and came to a pause ina
shallow place. Then from one of the ships they sent forth two
old men who went round the coloured silk stuffs and other
articles which had been piled up, examining them closely.
They then changed the single garments they had on, and each
taking up one piece of cloth in his hand, went on board their
ship and departed. Presently the old men came back again,
took off the exchanged garments, and laying them down along
with the cloth they had taken away, went on board their ship
and departed.? Abe no Omi sent several ships to fetch them,
but they refused to come, and returned to the island of Herobe.
[ Herobe is a separate part of Watari-shima.] After some time
they asked for peace, but Abe no Omi refused altogether to
listen to them. So they betook themselves to their own
palisades and fought. At this time Mamukatsu, Noto no Omi,
was slain by the enemy. While the battle was still going on,
and was not yet fought out, the enemy, finding that they were
being beaten, put to death their own wives and children.
Summer, 5th month, 8th day. The Koryéd Envoy, the
Eul-syang, Ha Chhyu-mun, and his suite arrived at the official
residence of Naniha.
In this month, the officials, by order of the Empress, prepared
LVero
* This passage reads like a distorted account of the “ unseen trade” which
was carried on in these parts up till a comparatively recent period.
SAIMEI. 265
one hundred raised seats! and one hundred Nokesa,’ and held
a Ninwo Hanya * meeting.
Moreover, the Prince Imperial for the first time made a
clepsydra,* by which he caused the people to know the hours.
Again, Abe no Hikida no Omi presented to the Empress
more than fifty savages.’
Again, a Mount Sumi was built near the pond of Iso no
Cm
Clepsydra.
Kami, as high as a pagoda. On this occasion forty-seven men
of Su-shén were entertained.
! A sort of square dais from which the priests delivered their lectures.
? A kind of Buddhist priestly garment.
’ Hanya is the Sanskrit Pradjfia, defined by Eitel as the “highest of the
six Paramita (cardinal virtues), intelligence, the principal means of attaining
to Nirvana.” The meeting was to hear the reading of the Ninwo Hanya
Sutra. Ninw6 means “ benevolent king.”
4 Vide Florenz for particulars as to clepsydra.
* No doubt Ainos or Yemishi are meant.
266 NIHONGI.
Again, the people of the whole country carried arms without
reason when passing to and fro on the highways. The old
people of the country. said :—‘ This perhaps denotes the
destruction of the Land of Pékché.”!
Autumn, 7th month, 16th day. The Koryé Envoy, the
Eul-syang, Ha Chhyu-mun, and his suite took their departure.
Again, the man of Tukhara, Kendzuhashi Tatsua, desired to
return to his native country, and asked for an escort officer,
saying :—‘‘I intend later to pay my respects to the Court of
the Great Country, and therefore, in token of this, I leave my
wife behind. Accordingly, he took the way of the Western
Sea with several tens of men.
In the “ Record of the reigns of Japan,” ? written by the
Koryé priest To-hyén, it is said :—‘*‘ In the seventh month,
etc., Chhyun-chhyu-chi,* by the aid of the General-in-
Chief, Su Ting-fang, caused Pékché to be invaded and
destroyed.’ One account says :—‘‘ Pékché brought ruin
upon itself, owing to the feminine want of principle of the
Royal Consort, who arbitrarily usurped the helm of
Government and slew the wise and good, thus inviting the
calamity which came upon them. Ought one not to be
watchful? Ought one not to be watchful?” In a note it
is stated :—‘‘ Chhyun-chhyu-chi, of Silla, was unable to
accomplish his wishes by the Minister Keé-kim.* There-
fore he again served Thang, and, putting off the national
garb, made a fawning appeal to the Son of Heaven, with
the object of bringing disaster on a neighbouring kingdom
and preparing the accomplishment of his ends.”
The writing of Hakatoko, Yuki no Muraji, says :—‘‘ In
the year Kanoye Saru, the 8th month, Pékché was reduced
to submission. After this, on the 12th day of the gth
month, the visitors’ were dismissed to their own country.
On the 19th day they started from the Western capital.
On the 16th day of the 1oth-month, they arrived back at
the Eastern capital, and then for the first time met
! Which took place in this year. 2 H *.
3 King of Silla. His historical name is Thé-chong.
4 A Koryo statesman,
5 i.e. the Japanese Envoys to Thang. See above, XXVI. 15.
SSAIMEL 267
Arima and his four companions. On the ist day of the
11th month, the thirteen royal persons captured by
General Su Ting-fang and his men, from the King of
Pékché down to the Crown Prince Nyung and others,
with the Prime Minister Sa-chhéek, Chhyén-pok-kuk,
Pyoén-syoéng, and others of lower rank, thirty-seven persons,
making in all fifty persons, were delivered up to the Govern-
ment. They were at once led before the Emperor, who
spoke kindly to them and released them on the spot. On
the 19th the Emperor bestowed presents,’ and on the 24th
we started from the Eastern capital.”
gth month, 5th day. Pekché sent a Talsol, the Buddhist
novice,’ Kak-chyong, and others with the following message to
the Empress [one book says, “They escaped hither and
gave information of their hard case”’|:—‘‘ In the 7th month of
this year, Silla, relying on its strength and assuming a bluster-
ing attitude, picked a quarrel with its neighbour, and drawing
the Thang people into it, overturned Pekché. Sovereign and
Ministers were all captured, and scarce a living soul* was left.”
In one book it is said:—‘‘On the roth day of the 7th
month of the present year, Su Ting- fang, of Great Thang,
drew up the fleet under his command in the harbour of XXVI.20.
Micha, while Chhyun-chhyu-chi, King of Silla, with his
horse and foot occupied Mount No-syu-ri, and so they
attacked Pékché from both sides. The fighting went on
for three days. Our Royal city was taken. On the 13th
day of the same month, they began to demolish the Royal
city. Mount No-syu-ri is on the eastern border of
Pékché.”
Upon this Kwisil Pok-sin, Eunsol of the Western Division,
was mightily enraged, and betook himself to Mount Im-sya-ki
[one book says, ‘‘ Northern Mount Im-kém-li”], while Yo
Cha-chin, Eunsol of the Central Division, occupied the
walled city of Kumanori* [one book says, ‘‘ Mount To-to-ki-
nyu’’]. They each formed a camp and assembled the scattered
troops. Their weapons had become exhausted in the previous
1 On the Japanese Envoys. 2 S‘ramanéra.
3 Lit. “a chewer of food.” 4
4 No doubt identical with Kumanare mentioned above, the present Ung-
chon. See above, Vol. I. p. 367.
V2 1.
MMVI. 22,
268 NIHONGI,
campaign, and therefore they fought with flails.!. The Silla
army was beaten, and Pekché made booty of their arms, so
that the Pekché weapons were as efficient as ever, and Thang
did not dare to come in. Pok-sin and the others at length got
together their countrymen, and with them held the Royal city.
The people of the land paid honour to them, saying :—‘‘ The
Minister Pok-sin! The Minister Cha-chin!” It was only
Pok-sin who, by the admirable military expedients which he
invented, raised up the country, which was already ruined.
Winter, roth month. Kwisil Pok-sin, Minister of Pékché,
sent the Minister Kwi-chi and others with a present to the
Empress of over one hundred Thang prisoners. These are
now the men of Thang of the two districts of Fuha and Kata-
agata in the province of Mino. They also asked for troops
and requested assistance. At the same time they prayed that
the Prince Y6 Phung-chyang? might be given back [one
book says :—‘‘ Minister Kwi-chi is the Talsol, Chyéng-chin ”],
saying :—‘‘ The men of Thang, leading after them our maggot-
pests,* came and wasted and harassed our territory. They
overturned our Government and took prisoners our Sovereign
and his Ministers.
King Wicha, of Pékché, his wife Eun-ko, his son
Nyung, etc., and his Ministers, viz. the Prime Minister,
Chhyé6n Pok-kuk, Py6n-sy6ng, Son-teung, and others,
over fifty persons in all, were captured by General Su on
the 13th day of the 7th month, autumn, and sent away to
the Land of Thang. This was perhaps'what was denoted
by the causeless bearing of arms.*
Now the people of the Land of Peékché, putting their trust
afar off in the Emperor’s protecting care, have assembled
together anew, and formed a kingdom. We now humbly
beg that we may be allowed to wait upon the Prince Phung-
chyang, who was sent by Pékché to be in attendance at the
Celestial Court, and to make him the Ruler of the Country,
etc., etc.” -
The Empress made an order, saying :—‘‘ We learn that in
1 Or clubs. 2 See above, A.D. 631.
3 The “maggot pest” is a kind of grub destructive to grain. But the
word for pest also means “enemy.” Silla is obviously intended.
+ See above, XXVI. 17.
:
SAIMEI. 269
ancient times there have been cases of troops being asked for
and assistance requested: to render help in emergencies, and
to restore that which has been interrupted, is a manifestation
of ordinary principles of right. The Land of Pekché, in its
extremity, has come to us and placed itself in our hands.
Their own country having been brought to ruin, having no-
where to betake themselves for help and none to apply to,
making spears their pillows, tasting gall,’ and holding firmly
to the hope of aid, they have come from afar and made a
memorial to us. Our’ resolution in this matter is unshakeable.
We shall give separate orders to Our generals to advance at
the same time by a hundred routes, and then, like gathering
clouds with thunderous commotion, meeting together at Satok,
to massacre the monsters, and afford relief to the sufferers. Let
the proper officials supply them with everything they require,
and let them be dismissed with all due ceremony, etc., etc.”
Prince Phung-chyang, with his wife and children, and
his uncle, Chhyung-seung, etc., were dismissed home.
The actual time of their being sent off may be seen in
Year VII. One book says:—‘‘ The Empress established
Phung-chyang as King, and made Sé-syang his assistant.
They were sent off with all due ceremony.”
12th month, 24th day. The Empress proceeded to the
Palace of Naniha. The Empress, in order to comply with the
_request of Pok-sin, thought of going to Tsukushi and thence
despatching a force in aid, and she therefore went there * in the
first place and made provision of weapons of all kinds.
This year, with a view to the invasion of Silla in the interest
of Pékché, an order was given to the province of Suruga to
build a ship. When it was finished, and had been hauled as
far as Womino, that ship, during the night, without cause,
changed its bow foritsstern. By this people knew that in the
end there would be defeat.*
1 To taste gall at every meal or to be always looking at gall—as the Prince
of Yueh did in order not to forget his grievance against the Wu State.
Giles. Gall in China does not represent bitterness, as with us, but courage.
2 Or their. 3 To Naniha.
4 The commentators suggest that Womino was a place in Shinano, but
Shinano is an exclusively inland province, and it is not probable that a
vessel destined for use in an invasion of Corea should have been dragged
overland.
A.D. 661.
270 NIHONGI.
It was reported from the province of Shinano:—‘‘ A swarm
of flies has flown in a westerly direction, crossing the Oho-
saka hill. It was ten fathoms in thickness, and in height
reached the azure sky.” Some people gathered that this por-
tended the defeat of the army of relief. There was a popular
song which said :— |
The little rice-field
Cultivated by my wife
The wild geese devour—
The wild geese of Mitowada—
The woman’s rice-field
The wild geese devour :
My eldest son and I make a noise
(But still) the woman’s rice-field
The wild geese devour.!
7th year, Spring, rst month, 6th day. The Imperial ship
first put to sea for the expedition against the West. |
8th day. The Imperial ship arrived at the sea of Ohoku.?
At this time the Imperial Princess Ohota-hime* gave birth to
a daughter, to whom accordingly the name was given of the
Imperial Princess Ohoku.
14th day. The Imperial ship came to an anchor at the
temporary Palace of Nigitatsu no Ishiyu in the province of Iyo.
3rd month, 25th day. The Imperial ship returned to Una no
Ohotsu, where the Empress occupied the temporary Palace of -
Ihase, the name of which the Empress altered to Nagatsu.
1 The text of this poem is extremely corrupt and obscure, and the above
interpretation is highly conjectural. I have followed pretty closely the
“ Shiki” version, the writer of which had before him a somewhat different
text from that now given in editions of the “ Nihongi.” To arrive at the
meaning he transposes a number of syllables, which may appear a rather
violent proceeding, his idea apparently being that the original author of the
poems had purposely transposed these syllables so as to render hiscomposition
unintelligible to those who had not the clue. The wild geese are the Chinese
and Silla men, who, in spite of the protests of Japan, continue to lay waste
the Land of Pékché, whose weakness is alluded to by the words wife and
woman. Dr. Florenz gives a detailed critical examination of the various
versions of this poem.
2 In Bizen,
’ Daughter of Tenchi Tenno, and consort of Temmu Tenno.
SAIMEI. 271
Summer, 4th month. Pok-sin, of Pékché, sent an Envoy to
present a memorial requesting gauss to wait upon (and
bring away) their Prince Kyu-he.
In the ‘‘ Record of the reigns of Japan,” written by the
Priest To-hyén,' it is said :—‘‘ Pok-sin, of Pékche, pre-
sented a writing in which he begged the Eastern Court to
give up his Lord Kyu-he.” One book says :—‘‘In the
fourth month the Empress transferred the capital to the
Palace of Asakura.” f
5th month, 9th day. The Empress removed her residence
to the Palace of Asakura? no Tachibana no Hironiha.
At this time trees belonging to the Shrine* of Asakura were
cut down and cleared away in order to build this Palace.
Therefore the Gods were angry and demolished the building.
Some were also struck,* and in consequence the Grand
Treasurer * and many of those in waiting took ill and died.
23rd day. Tamna,° for the first time, sent Prince A-pha-ki
and others with tribute.
In the writing of Hakatoko, Yuki no Muraji, it is stated:
—‘On the 25th day of the rst month of the year Kanoto
Tori (A.D. 661), we arrived at Yueh-chow on our return
journey. On the ist day of the 4th month, leaving Yueh-
chow, we proceeded homewards in an easterly direction,
and on the 7th arrived south of Mount Ch‘éng-an-shan.
On the 8th day at cock-crow we put out to sea with a
south-west wind in our favour, but in mid-ocean we lost
our way and tossed about, undergoing much suffering.
On the gth day at nightfall we reached the island of
Tamna with great difficulty. There we induced Prince
A-pha-ki and eight other natives of the island to
embark with us in the Guest-ship® to the end that we
! See above, XXVI. 18.
* Thought to be in Chikuzen. Tachibana no Hironiha (the wide court of
the orange-blossom) is probably an ornamental epithet.
* Shrine is used for a Shinto place of worship ; temple means a Buddhist
temple.
4 By a curse from the deities.
° Another reading is Chief Chamberlain.
§ Quelpaert. 7 See above, XXVI. 109.
8 The ship in which they had gone as visitors to China.
XX VI. 26.
272 NIHONGI.
might present them to the Imperial Court. On the 23rd
day of the 5th month, we presented them to the Imperial
Court at Asakura. This was the first time that Tamna was
received at Court. Moreover, the Envoys, who had been
slandered by Tarushima, Yamato no Aya no Atahe, a
follower of Chihung, received no gracious command.’
These Envoys were wroth, and their anger penetrated to
the Gods of High Heaven, who with a thunderbolt killed
Tarushima.” * The men of that day said of this :—‘‘ The
divine vengeance of Yamato is near.”
6th month. Prince Ise died.
Autumn, 7th month, 24th day. The Empress died in the
Palace of Asakura.
8th month, rst day. The Prince Imperial, in attendance on
the Empress’s remains, returned as far as the Palace of Ihase.
That evening, on the top of Mount Asakura, there was a
demon’* wearing a great hat, who looked down on the funeral
proceedings. All the people uttered exclamations of wonder.
Winter, roth month, 7th day. The Empress’s funeral train
returning, put to sea. Hereupon the Prince Imperial, having
come to an anchor in the same place, was filled with grief and
longing for the Empress. So he sung to himself, saying :—
Longing as I do
For a sight of thee,
Now that I have arrived here,
Even thus do I long
Desirous of a sight of thee !
23rd day. The funeral of the Empress, returning, anchored
at Naniha.
11th month, 7th day. The Empress’s remains were tem-
porarily interred at Asuka-gahara.
Mourning began on this day, and lasted for nine days.
1 It is not clear whether the “ gracious command ” was that of the Emperor
of China or the Empress of Japan. It appears to me that the writer is here
going back to the slander of the Envoys, while in China, by another follower |
of Chihung (XXVI. 14), and that the gracious command, the want of which
enraged them, was a-courteous message from the Chinese Emperor to the
Empress of Japan.
2 Or spirit.
SAIMEI. 273
The ‘Record of the reigns of Japan” says :—“ The
men of Thang, Hsii Shou-yen and others, who were taken
prisoners by Pok-sin, arrived in Tsukushi.” One book
says :—‘‘ In the year Kanoto Tori (A.D. 661), the one hun-
dred and six Thang prisoners presented by Pok-sin,
Minister of Pékché, took up their abode at Harita in the
province of Afumi. Under the year Kanoye Saru
(A.D. 660), it is already stated that Pok-sin presented
Thang prisoners. Therefore it is now explained what was
done with them.”
VOL. Ti. Ji
XXVII.
THE EMPEROR AMA NO NUNAHARA OKI NO MABITO.'—PART ve
(TEMMU TENNO.)
THE Emperor Ama no Nunahara oki no mabito was the
younger brother by the same mother of the Emperor Ame
mikoto hirakasu wake. In his childhood he was called the
Imperial Prince Oho-ama.’ From his birth he had a majestic
and intelligent appearance: when he grew to manhood, he was
virile and martial. He was skilled in astronomy and the art of
becoming invisible. He took to him the Imperial Princess
Uno, daughter of the Emperor Ame mikoto hirakasu wake,’
and made her his wife. In the first year of the Emperor Ame
mikoto hirakasu wake, he was made Heir Apparent.* In the
fourth year of his reign, winter, the tenth month, and the seven-
teenth day, the Emperor took to his sick-bed. His sufferings
were very severe. Upon this he sent Yasumaro Soga no Omi
to fetch the. Heir Apparent, and to introduce him to the Great
Hall. Now Yasumaro had been always a favourite of the Heir
Apparent, and secretly taking thought for him, said :—‘* Think
' Heaven-of-marsh-middle-plain (Nunahara is the name of a place), offing-
of-true-man (i.e. noble). Temmu means “ Heavenly valour.”
This book contains the history of the civil war which resulted in establish-
ing Temmu Tenno on the throne. It is therefore wrongly entitled the
“History of Temmu.” It should rather be called the “ History of Kobun,”
the posthumous name by which some historians designate his predecessor,
Prince Ohotomo.
The Preface to the “ Kojiki” gives a highly imaginative account of the
events related in this book. See Ch. K., pp. 7, 8, 9.
2 This is not the same ama (heaven) as the previous one, but is written
with the characters for “ fisherman.”
3 Tenchi Tenno. 4 Literally “ Eastern Palace.”
XXVIII.
2:
A.D. 672.
302 ‘ NIHONGI.
before you speak.” Upon this the Heir Apparent suspected a
secret plot and was cautious. When the Emperor gave him his
commands and bestowed on him the vast undertaking,’ he de-
clined, saying :—‘‘ Thy servant has unfortunately always had
bad health: how could he maintain the State? I beseech Your
Majesty, bestow the entire Empire on the Empress-consort,
and let the Imperial Prince Ohotomo be established as successor
to the throne. I will to-day renounce the world, and it is my
desire for Your Majesty’s sake to perform acts of merit.’”’ The
Emperor gave his consent, and on the same day he renounced
the world and put on the priestly garb. He accordingly col-
lected his private weapons and deposited them every onein the
Department.
1gth day. He went to the Palace of Yoshino. At this time,
Soga no Akaye no Omi, Prime Minister of the Left, Nakatomi
no Kane no Muraji, Prime Minister of the Right, and Soga no
Hatayasu no Omi, the Dainagon, etc., escorted him. They re-
turned from Uji. Some one said :—“ Give a tiger wings and let
him go.”? This evening he occupied the Palace of Shima.
2oth day. He arrived at Yoshino and took up his abode
there.
At this time he assembled his toneri, and addressed them,
saying :—‘‘ Iam now entering religion, and will carry out its
practices. Let those therefore who wish to follow my example
and practise religion remain here. If any of you wish by
serving the Government to gain a name, let them return and
do so.’”’ But there were none who would go away.
He again assembled the toneri and addressed them as before.
Upon this one half of the toneri stayed with him, and one half
withdrew.
12th month. The Emperor Ame mikoto hirakasu wake
died.
Ist year, Spring, 3rd month, 18th day. Inashiki, Adzumi no
Muraji, of Inner Lesser seventh rank, was sent to Tsukushi to
announce the mourning for the Emperor to Kuo Ya-ts‘ung and
the others. Upon this Kuo Ya-ts‘ung and his people all put on
- 1 The succession to the throne.
2 A Chinese saying. ‘ You will have to bear the consequences,” is under-
stood.
3 The previous day’s entry can only refer to his starting on the journey.
TEMMU. 303
mourning and raised lament for him three times, turning
towards the East and bowing their heads to the ground.
21st day. Kuo Ya-ts‘ung’ and the others with repeated
obeisances offered a box with a letter and presents in token of
goodwill.
Summer, 5th month, 12th day. Armour and bows and
arrows were presented to Kuo Ya-ts‘ung and his companions.
Other presents were made to them on this day, amounting
altogether to 1673 hiki of coarse silk, 2852 tan of cloth, and
666 kin of floss silk.
28th day. Kory6 sent Pu Ka-pyon, of the Former Division,
and others with tribute.
30th day. Kuo Ya-ts‘ung and his people took their depar-
ture:
In this month, Wogimi, Yenowi no Muraji, addressed the
Emperor, saying:—‘‘ Thy servant went alone to Mino on
private business. At this time the Government? instructed the
Governors of the two provinces of Afumi and Wohari, saying:
‘ Let labourers be designated in advance for the construction
of a misasagi.’* Accordingly each man was provided with a
weapon. Thy servant is of opinion that this is not on account
of a misasagi, but that there surely will be trouble. If thou
dost not speedily get out of the way there may be danger.”
Another man said to the Emperor :—‘‘ Pickets have been
stationed at various places along the way from the Afumi
capital to the Yamato capital. Moreover orders have been
given to the guards of the Uji bridge to intercept the convey-
ance of private supplies of provisions by the officers of the
Household of the Heir Apparent, the Emperor’s younger
brother.”’* Fhe Emperor was displeased at this, and accord-
ingly gave orders to make investigation. Having ascertained
that it was a fact, he made order, as follows :—
1 These proceedings took place at the Court of the Emperor Kobun,
but this fact is intentionally slurred over by the historian, who chooses to
ignore this Emperor’s short reign as far as possible. Other authorities state
that this letter from the Emperor of China was addressed—“ The Emperor
(Kotei) of Great Thang respectfully inquires respecting the health of the
King of Wa {Zz TE). In another document of this time, however, the term
H A =, ie. King of Japan, is used.
* Kobun Tenno’s Government. 3 For the Emperor Tenchi.
4 Styled Emperor a few lines above.
XXVIII.
XXVIII.
Ae
304 NIHONGI.
‘‘The reason why We renounced the Dignity and retired
from the world was simply in order to heal Our disease, and
make whole Our body so that We might live for a hundred
years. But now, if, owing to circumstances over which We
have no control, We are to be exposed to calamity, why should
We quietly allow the destruction of Our person ?”
6th month, 22nd day. The Emperor gave orders to Woyori,
Murakuni no Muraji, Kimide, Wanibe no Omi, and Hiro,
Muketsu no Kimi, saying :—‘‘ We are now informed that the
Ministers of the Court of Afumi are plotting mischief against
Us. Do ye three therefore hasten to the province of Mino and
give information’ to Honji, Oho no Omi, the Governor of the
hot baths of the district of Yasuhama. Explain to him the
necessities of the position of affairs. Let him first of all levy
the soldiers of his own district, and then by means of the
Governors of provinces set on foot the troops of all kinds and
quickly beset the Fuha road. We are now starting.”
24th day. He was about to proceed to the East when one
of his Ministers made representation to him, saying :—‘‘ Can
the Afumi Ministers have no intention of conspiring? If they
have, they will certainly notify it to the Empire, and the roads
will in consequence become impassable. Why should we
proceed to the East unarmed, without a single soldier? (If we
do,) thy servant fears that our enterprise will fail of success.”
The Emperor followed this advice. He wished to summon
back to him Woyori and the others, and therefore despatched
Yesaka, Ohokida no Kimi, Ohotomo, Kibumi no Muraji, and
Shima, Afu no Omi, to Prince Takasaka, who had charge in
his absence,’ directing them to apply to him for posting
bells.2. Accordingly he said to Yesaka and the *others :—“ If
you cannot get the bells, let Shima come back and report to
me. Let Yesaka hasten to Afumi, and summon the Imperial
Princes Takechi and Ohotsu* to meet me in Ise.”” Yesaka and
his companions then went to the official charged with the care
of the Palace in the Emperor’s absence, and putting forward
the orders of the Heir Apparent,* asked Prince Takasaka for
1 Of the Palace of Okamoto in Asuka, says the “ Shikai” editor.
2 The bells conveyed aright to post-horses. See above, p. 206.
3 Sons of Temmu Tenno.
4 Temmu Tenno is meant. The original is literally “ Eastern Palace.”
TEMMU. 305
posting-bells, which were refused. Then Yesaka went to Afumi,
and Shima returned and reported to the Emperor, saying :—
“We did not get the bells.”’
On this day, they started on their journey to the East
Country. So great was the urgency that the Emperor did not
wait to ride, but went on foot. Suddenly he fell in with a
saddle-horse belonging to Ohotomo, Agata no Inukahi no
Muraji. The Emperor accordingly mounted him. The
Empress-consort followed in a palanquin. It was not until
they had gone as far as the River Tsufuri that the Emperor's
carriage’ came up, so he got into it. The original followers of
the Emperor at this time were the Imperial Princes Kusakabe
and Osakabe, with the toneri Wogimi, Yenowi no Muraji,
Ohotomo Agata no Inukahi no Muraji, Ohome, Saheki no
Muraji, Tomokuni, Ohotomo no Muraji, Ihose, Waka-zakura-be
no Omi, Nemaro, Fumi no Obito, Chitoko, Fumi no Atahe,
Wobayashi, Yamashiro no Atahe, Yamashirobe no Woda,
Chitoko, Ato no Muraji, Afumi, Mitsugi no Obito, and the
like, more than twenty persons in all. There were more than
ten women. The same day they arrived at Aki in Uda,” where
they were overtaken by Makuda, Ohotomo no Muraji, and
Ohotomo, Kibumi no Muraji, from the Palace of Yoshino. At
this time Mate, Hashi no Muraji, a toneri of the Department of
the official rice-fields, supplied food to those who followed the
Imperial carriage. Passing the village of Kammura, there were
there more than twenty hunters, with Ohokuni, Yenomoto no
Muraji, at their head. These were all summoned to follow the
Imperial carriage. Moreover, Prince Mino was called. He
forthwith came and joined the Emperor’s suite. At the Town
Hall of the district of Uda they were met by fifty pack-horses
of the province of Ise which were carrying the rice of the hot-
baths. All the rice was thrown away, and thus mounts were
provided for those who were going afoot. When they reached
Ohono, the sun went down, the mountains were dark, and
they were unable to proceed. Accordingly they pulled down
the fences of the houses of that village, by which they provided
lights and so reached the district of Nabari at midnight. They
set fire to the posting-station of Nabari, and made proclamation
to the people of that village, saying :—‘‘ The Emperor is on his
1 A palanquin is probably meant. 7 In Yamato
VOL. II. x
XXVIII.
5.
XXVIII.
O;
306. NIHONGI.
way to the East Country. Therefore let all the people flock to
join him.” However, not a single man would come. When
they were just arriving at the River Yokogaha, a dark cloud
overspread the sky to the breadth of more than ten rods. Now
the Emperor wondering at this, forthwith kindled a light, and
’ holding in his own hand the Rule,’ divined, saying :—‘“‘ This is
XXVIII.
IEE
XXVIII.
8.
an omen of the division of the Empire into two parts. How-
ever, in the end We shall probably acquire the Empire. So
they hastened onwards and arrived at the district of Iga, where
they set fire to the posting-station. Going round to Naka-
yama in Iga, they were joined by the district governors of that
province in command of a body of several hundred men. At
dawn they reached the plain of Tara, where a short halt was
made and food partaken of. On arriving at Yamaguchi’ in
Tsumuye they were joined by the Imperial Prince Takechi, who
came across by way of Kafuka. He was followed by Ohohi,
Tami no Atahe, Tokotari, Akazome no Miyakko, Hiro-sumi,
Ohokura no Atahe, Kunimaro, Sakanohe no Atahe, Furuichi
no Kuromaro, Takeda no Ohotoko, and Abe, Ikago no Omi.
They crossed Mount Miyama and arrived at Suzuka in Ise.
Here Ihatoko, Miyake no Muraji, Governor of the province,
with the Vice-Governor, Kobuto, Miwa no Kimi, Tarumaro,
Tanaka no Omi, magistrate of the hot-baths,’ Nihinomi, Takata
no Obito, and others joined the Emperor at the district of
Suzuka. So in the morning a body of 500 troops were
despatched to block the road over the mountain of Suzuka.
When they arrived at the foot of the Hill of Kahawa the sun
went down, and as the Empress-consort was fatigued, her
palanquin was stayed for a while until she rested. But the
night closed in gloomily, and it threatened rain, so that a pro-
longed halt was impossible, and they proceeded on their way.
Hereupon it became cold, and there was a violent thunder-
storm, with rain, so that the clothing of those in the Emperor’s
train was drenched and they could not bear the cold. When
they arrived at the Town Hall of the district of Mihe, they set
1 An instrument used in divination. It is described as round above to
represent Heaven and square below to represent the Earth.
2 Or, ‘the foot of the hill of Tsumuye.”
3 A village for the supply of things needful for the Emperor's hot baths is
probably meant. The hot baths above, pp. 304 and 305, are no doubt similar.
TEMMU. 307
fire to one of the buildings and so warmed the shivering men.
That night, at midnight, the Warden of the Barrier of Suzuka
sent a messenger to the Emperor to inform him that Prince
Yamabe and Prince Ishikaha had come to proffer their alle-
giance, and that he had therefore kept them at the Barrier.
The Emperor accordingly sent Masubito, Michi no Atahe, to
fetch them.
26th day. In the morning, on the bank of the River
Tohogaha, in the district of Asake, he worshipped towards the
Goddess Amaterasu no Ohokami.’ At this time Masubito
arrived and informed the Emperor that the men who were kept
at the Barrier were not Prince Yamabe and Prince Ishikaha,
but the Imperial Prince Ohotsu, who had accordingly come to
join the Emperor, along with Masubito. He was followed
by Yesaka, Ohokida no Kimi, Mitsuna, Naniha no Kishi,
Oshibito, Komada no Sukuri, Yasumaro, Yamabe no Kimi,
Wite, Woharida no Omi, Hasetsukabe no Shiki, Wakami,
Ohokida no Kimi, Kanemi, Ne no Muraji, Urushibe no Tomose
and their people. The Emperor was greatly rejoiced. When
they were just arriving at the Town Hall, Woyori came riding
post, and informed the Emperor, saying :—‘‘ Three thousand
Mino troops, which were despatched for the purpose, have
succeeded in blocking the Fuha road.” Upon this the
Emperor commended Woyori’s zeal. As soon as he reached
the Town Hall, he sent the Imperial Prince Takechi in advance
to Fuha to attend to military matters there, and sent
Yamashirobe no Woda and Akafu, Ato no Muraji, to mobilize
the troops of the Tokaido provinces. Moreover he sent Those,
Wakasakurabe no Omi, and Mate, Hashi no Muraji, to mobilize
the Tosando army. This day the Emperor lodged at the
Town Hall of Kuhana. He stayed here, and did not proceed
further.
At this time the Afumi Court heard that the Prince
Imperial, the (late) Emperor’s younger. brother, had gone to
the East Country. All the Ministers were alarmed, and the
capital was in commotion. Some made their escape, with the
intention of proceeding to the East Country, and others with-
drew in order to conceal themselves in the mountains and
* The Sun Goddess, whose chief temple was, and is, in the southern part
of the province of Ise.
x2
XXVIII.
9.
XXVIII.
Io.
308 NIHONGI.
marshes. Upon this, the Imperial Prince Ohotomo addressed
the Ministers, saying :—‘‘ What measures shall we take?”
One of the Ministers stood forward and said :—‘‘ If we are slow
to take measures, we shall certainly be too late. The best plan
is with all speed to assemble our choice cavalry and to pursue
in their track.” ;
The Imperial Prince did not take this advice, but sent
Thasuki,' Ina no Kimi, Kusuri, Fumi no Atahe, and Ohomaro,
Wosaka no Atahe, tothe East Country, and Momotari,
Hodzumi no Omi, with his younger brother, Ihoye, and Hiuga,
Mononobe no Obito, tothe Yamato capital. Moreover, he sent
Wotoko, Saheki no Muraji, to Tsukushi, and Ihate, Kusu no
Omi, to the province of Kibi, all of them with orders to levy
troops. He said further to Wotoko and Ihate :—‘“‘ These two,
viz. Prince Kurikuma, Viceroy of Tsukushi, and Hiroshima,
Tahema no Kimi, Governor of the province of Kibi, were
originally dependants of the Imperial younger brother the
Heir Apparent, and I suspect them of treason. If there is any
sign of disobedience, slay them forthwith.’’ Now when [hate
arrived at the province of Kibi, on the day on which he
presented his token of authority,’ he deceived Hiroshima, and
got him to ungird his sword. IThate then drew his sword and
slew him.
When Wotoko reached Tsukushi, Prince Kurikuma received
his token of authority, and said to him in reply :—‘‘ The province
of Tsukushi has always been a defence against the calamity of
foreign raids. Were these lofty battlements and deep moats
overlooking the sea meant as a protection from an internal
enemy? If, in awe of this command, I should now despatch
troops, this province would be left unprotected, and if troubles
were suddenly to arrive unexpectedly, the State would soon be
overturned. What good would it then do to put me to death
a hundred times? How can I dare to disregard my duty ?
This is my reason for refusing to set the troops in movement
hastily.”
Now the two sons of Prince Kurikuma, Prince Mino and
Prince Takebe, stood beside him, girt with their swords, and
did not withdraw. Hereupon Wotoko grasped his sword as
about to rush forward. But he feared lest on the contrary he
! This name means rock or stone mattock. % Lit. tally.
TEMMU. 309
might himself see destruction, and being therefore unable to
accomplish his purpose, went away empty.
Thasuki and his companions, the couriers to the East, were
approaching Fuha when Ihasuki alone, suspecting that there
were troops among the mountains, fell behind, and went on at
a leisurely pace. Then some ambushed soldiers came out from
the mountain and intercepted Kusuri and the others. Ihasuki,
seeing this, felt sure that Kusuri and his companions would be
captured, so he turned and fled, barely succeeding in making
his escape.
Just at this time Makuda, Ohotomo no Muraji, and Wofukehi,
~ Ohotomo no Muraji, both saw that the time was unfavourable,
so they pretended illness, and withdrew to their house in
Yamato. Learning, however, that the successor to the
throne was certainly the Prince Imperial, the (late) Emperor’s
younger brother, resident at Yoshino, Makuda first followed
the Emperor. But Wofukehi remained behind, saying :—‘“‘ I
will establish my fame all at once, and it is my purpose to
allay calamity.” -So he called to him one or two families of
relations, and all the stout fellows he could find, but could deealy
get a few tens of men.
27th day. The Imperial Prince Takechi sent a messenger to
the Town Hall of Kuhana with a message for the Emperor,
saying :—‘‘ It is inconvenient to carry on the Government with
Your Majesty residing at a distance: I would advise that some
nearer place should be occupied.” That same day the
Emperor proceeded to Fuha, leaving the Empress-consort
behind. By the time he reached the Town Hall, Sabichi,
Chihisakobe no Muraji, Governor of the province of Wohari,
joined him with a force of 20,000 men. The Emperor forth-
with commended him. These troops were divided, and beset
the roads to various places. When he arrived at Nogami, the
Imperial Prince Takechi came to meet him from Wasami, and
forthwith addressed the Emperor, saying:—‘‘ Last night
couriers came in haste from the Court of Afumi. I therefore
laid an ambush and captured them. They are Kusuri, Fumi
no Atahe, and Ohomaro, Wosaka no Atahe. When I asked
them where they were going, they answered and said that they
belonged to the suite of Ihasuki, Wina no Kimi, who was
sent on behalf of the Prince Imperial, the Emperor’s younger
XXVIII.
II.
310 NIHONGI.
brother, resident at Yoshino, to mobilize the army of the East
Country. Ihasuki, however, seeing the troops burst out, had
run away back again. .
After this the Emperor addressed the Imperial Prince
Takechi, saying :—‘‘ At the Court of Afumi there are the Oho-
omi of the Right and Left, and a body of shrewd Ministers,
with whom to conclude counsel. Now We have no one to
advise with except young children. Whatistobedone?’ The
Imperial Prince having bared his arms and grasped his sword,
addressed the Emperor, saying :—‘‘ However numerous the
Afumi Ministers may be, how shall they dare to oppose the
Emperor’s divine spirit? Though thou, the Emperor, art but
one, thy servant Takechi, in reliance on the spiritual help of
the Gods of Heaven and Earth, and requesting the Imperial
orders, will put himself at the head of all the generals, and will
inflict chastisement on them. Shall he meet with any
resistance ?”’ The Emperor commended him. Hetook him by
the hand and stroked his back, saying :—‘“‘ Be prudent, and not
neglectful.”” He accordingly presented to him a saddle-horse,
and delivered to him the entire conduct of military matters.
The Imperial Prince straightway returned to Wasami.
Upon this the Emperor established his temporary Palace at
Nogami and took up hisresidence there. That night there was
a violent storm of thunder, lightning and rain. The Emperor
put up a prayer, saying :—‘‘ Ye Gods of Heaven and Earth,
if ye will help Us, make the thunder and rain to cease.”
As soon as he had done speaking, the thunder and rain
stopped.
28th day. The Emperor went to Wasami. He returned
after having inspected the military arrangements. |
29th day. The Emperor went to Wasami and issued his
commands to the troops through the Imperial Prince Takechi.
The Emperor then went back again to Nogami, and abode
there.
On this day Wofukehi, Ohotomo no Muraji, had secret con-
ference with Kumage, Sakanohe no Atahe, the officer in charge
during absence.’ Addressing himself to one or two of the Aya
no Atahe, he said:—‘‘I shall pretend that Iam the Imperial
XXVIII.
‘In charge of the Palace of Okamoto during the Emperor’s absence,
along with Prince Takazaka.
TEMMU. 311
Prince Takechi, and at the head of some tens of cavalry
soldiers, will issue forth and approach the camp from the road
north of the Temple of Asukadera. So do you co-operate
_ with me secretly.” Having done so, he marshalled his troops
at the house of Kudara and issued forth from the South Gate.’
In the first place he caused Kuma, Hada no Miyakko, in his
waist-cloth, to mount a horse and gallop into the camp west of
the Temple and say to them :—‘ The Imperial Prince Takechi
has arrived from Fuha, followed by a numerous armed force.”
Hereupon Prince Takazaka, who had charge of the Palace in
(the Emperor’s) absence, Momotari, Hodzumi no Omi, who
had been sent as a messenger to levy troops, and others
repaired to the tsuki tree west of the Temple of Asukadera
and encamped there. But Momotari remained at the arsenal
of Woharida, where he transported arms to Afumi. Now when
the soldiery in camp heard Kuma’s outcry, they every one
dispersed and ran away, and Wofukehi, Ohotomo no Muraji,
with some tens of mounted troops arrived in hot haste.
Kumage and the Atahe fraternized with him, and the soldiers
also followed. So, saying that it was by command of the
Imperial Prince Takechi, they sent to the arsenal of Woharida
and summoned Momotari, Hodzumi no Omi. Upon this
Momotari mounted his horse and came in a leisurely way.
When he reached the tsuki tree west of the temple of
Asukadera, there was a man who said :—‘‘ Get down from your
horse.”” Momotari was slow in doing so, and the man took
hold of his collar, dragged him to the ground, and shot him
with an arrow. Then he drew his sword and smote him, so
that he died. Then Ihoye, Hodzumi no Omi, and Hiuga,
Mononobe no Obito, were bound, but presently released and
placed amongst the troops. Prince Takazaka and Prince
Wakasa were sent for and made to follow the army. When
this was done, Yasumaro, Ohotomo no Muraji, Woyu, Saka-
nohe no Atahe, Sukunamaro, Sami no Kimi, and others were
sent to the Palace of Fuha to report to the Emperor what had
taken place. The Emperor was greatly rejoiced, and accord-
ingly appointed Wofukehi general.
At this time Takechimaro, Miwa no Kimi, Yemishi, Kamo
1 Probably the official buildings of the village of Kudara. It will be
remembered that Kudara is Japanese for Pékché, the Corean kingdom,
XXVIII.
13.
XXVIII.
14.
412 NIHONGI.
no Kimi, and others, together with a body of valiant men, all
joined the general’s standard like an echo.’ A plan was
drawn up for invading Afumi, and the bravest among the
troops were selected and made lieutenants, generals, and-
judges.” First of all they marched towards Nara.
Autumn, 7th month, 2nd day. The Emperor sent Abemaro,
Kino Omi, Honji, Oho no Omi, Ko-ddo,*? Miwa no Kimi, and
Usagi, Okizome no Muraji, in command of several tens of
thousands of men, to cross over to Yamato by way of Mount
Miyama in Ise. Moreover he sent Woyori, Murakuni no
Muraji, Nemaro, Fumi no Obito, Kimite, Wanibe no Omi,
and Abe, Ikago no Omi, in command of several tens of
thousands of men, with orders to set forth from Fuha and to
proceed direct to Afumi. Fearing that these troops might be
difficult to distinguish from the army of Afumi, he placed a red
(mark) on their clothing. When this was done, he gave
separate orders to Honji, Oho no Omi, to take 3000 men and
encamp on the plain of Tara. Tarumaro, Tanaka no Omi, was
sent with instructions to guard the road to Kurafu.
ew Now Afumi* ordered Prince Yamabe, Hatayasu, Soga no
a Omi, and Hito, Kose no Omi, to take command of several tens
of thousands of men and proceed to attack Fuha. They en-
camped on the bank of the River Inugami.’ Here Prince
Yamabe was killed by Hatayasu, Soga no Omi, and Hito,
Kose no Omi. The troubles which ensued prevented the army
from advancing, and Hatayasu, Soga no Omi, returned from
Inugami and stabbed himself in the throat so that he died. At
this time, Yakuni, Hata no Kimi, an Afumi general, with his
son Ushi and others, came and surrendered with their people.
Accordingly he was granted the battle axe and halberd, and was
appointed general. Forthwith he proceeded northwards to
Koshi. Before this time, Afumi had sent picked troops to
make a sudden incursion to the village of Tamakurabe, so
Koma, Idzumo no Omi, was sent to attack them and drive
them off.
1 As the prompt result of Wofukehi’s brilliant exploit.
2 Gunkan, a term applied to military officers of high rank and experience
whose duty it was to watch closely the behaviour of the troops in battle.
Gubbins.
3 Or Kobito. 4 i.e. the Court of Afumi. ® In Afumi.
TEMMU. oS
3rd day. General Wofukehi encamped on the top of Mount
Narayama. Now Akamaro, Aredawo no Atahe, addressed the
general, saying :—‘“‘ The old capital is our headquarters. Let
it be well guarded.” The general took this advice and accord-
ingly sent Akamaro and Kobito, Imbe no Obito, to guard the
ancient capital.’ Upon this, Akamaro and the others went to
the ancient capital. They removed the planks of the bridges
on the roads and made of them breastworks, which they set up
on the highways in the neighbourhood of the capital, and so
kept guard.
4th day. General Wofukehi fought a battle with Hatayasu,
Ohono no Kimi, the Afumi general, at Mount Narayama. He
was defeated by Hatayasu, and his men all ran away. General
Wofukehi barely escaped with his life. Thereupon Hatayasu
pursued him as far as Yada, where he went up and viewed the
capital, but as there were breastworks set up on all the high-
ways, he suspected an ambush, and by degrees withdrew and
retreated.
5th day. Tanabe no Wosumi, a lieutenant-general of the
Afumi party, crossed Mount Kafuka and marched to Kurafu
with their flags rolled up and dragging’ their drums. At mid-
night, with gags in the soldiers’ mouths,’ they broke through
the fortifications and suddenly entered the encampment.
Accordingly, fearing that it might be difficult to distinguish
between his own men and those of Tarumaro, he gave each of
them the watchword ‘‘ Kane.” * Then they drew their swords
and charged, when those who had not the watchword ‘“‘ Kane”
were cut down without more ado. Upon this Tarumaro’s
troops were all thrown into confusion, and in this sudden
emergency knew not what to do. Only Tarumaro cleverly
noted the watchword, and he alone, by saying ‘‘ Kane,” effected
his escape with difficulty.
6th day. Wosumi again advanced in order to attack the
encampment on the plain of Tara. He arrived there unex-
pectedly. Hereupon General Honji, Oho no Omi, intercepted
1 Saimei Tenno’s Palace of Okamoto, frequently referred to above.
* Without beat of drum.
3 “Chinese soldiers making a, night attack are gagged with a piece of
wood, fastened like a bit, to prevent talking in the ranks.”—Giles.
4 Kane, metal.
XXVIII.
16.
XXVIII.
17.
314 NIHONGI.
him, and pursuing him with picked troops, smote him. Wosumi
alone made his escape and fled. He never came again after-
wards.
7th day. Woyori and his men fought with the Afumi troops
at the River Yokugaha in Okinaga and defeated them, killing
their General Kusuri, Sakahibe no Muraji.
gth day. Woyori and his men attacked the Afumi general,
Hada no Tomotari, at Mount Tokoyama, and slew him.
On this day, Abemaro, Ki no Omi, and his colleagues, the
generals for the Eastern provinces, hearing that Wofukehi,
Ohotomo no Muraji, general for the Yamato capital, had been
defeated by the Afumi men, divided their army and dispatched
Usagi, Okizome no Muraji, at the head of more than one
thousand cavalry in haste to the Yamato capital.
13th day. Woyori and his men fought a battle on the banks
of the River Yasukaha, and suffered a great defeat. Oho-
guchi, Kosobe no Omi, and Chishima, Hashi no Muraji, were
taken prisoners. :
17th day. The Kurimoto army was attacked and repulsed.
22nd day. Woyoriand his men arrived at Seta. Now the
Imperial Prince Ohotomo and his Ministers were encamped
together west of the bridge, where they formed a great array.
Their rear could not be seen. Their banners covered the
plain, the dust reached to the sky: the sound of their drums
and gongs could be heard for several tens of ri, their ranged
crossbows were discharged confusedly, and the arrows fell like
rain. Their General Chison defended it (the bridge) at the
head of an advanced body of pickedtroops. He cut the bridge
in the middle for a space of three rods,’ and over the gap he
placed a long plank. If any one attempted to cross over by
this plank, it could be pulled away, and he would fall. In this
way it was impossible to advance to the attack. Now, there
was one daring soldier, named Waka-omi, Ohokida no Kimi.
He laid aside his long spear and, donning double armour, drew
his sword, suddenly rushed across the plank, and cut the rope
which was fastened to it. In spite of the arrows, he entered
their array. The troops were all thrown into confusion and
dispersed in flight. It was not possible to prevent them.
General Chison drew his sword and cut down the fugitives,
1 Or thirty feet.
TEMMU. aa
but he was unable to check the rout. Accordingly, he was
himself slain near the bridge, while the Imperial Prince
Ohotomo and the Oho-omi of the Right and Left narrowly
escaped with their lives.
Woyori and his troops forthwith marched to the foot of the
Hill of Ahadzu. On this day Yakuni, Hata no Kimi, and
Koma, Idzumo no Omi, besieged the Castle of Miwo in concert,
and took it.
23rd day. Woyori and his men slew the Afumi generals
Isokimi, Inukahi no Muraji, and Shihote, Hasama no Atahe,
at the market-place of Ahadzu. Upon this the Imperial Prince
Ohotomo fled, and not having anywhere to go to, turned and
concealed himself at Yamazaki. There he strangled himself.
At this time the Oho-omi of the Right and Left and all the
other Ministers dispersed and were lost. There were left only
Maro, Mononobe no Muraji, and one or two toneri who
followed him.
Before this time General Wofukehi marched towards Nara.
On the day that he reached Hiyeda, he was told by a man
that a numerous force was coming from Kahachi. He accord-
ingly sent Takara, Sakamoto no Omi, Masumi, Nagawo no
Atahe, Maro, Kuragaki no Atahe, Woshibi, Tami no Atahe,
and Nemaro, Hasama no Atahe, at the head of 300 soldiers,
to take up a defensive position at Tatsuta. Moreover, he sent
Sukunamaro, Sami no Kimi, in command of several hundred
men, to encamp at Ohosaka.' Yemishi, Kamo no Kimi, was
despatched with several hundred men to guard the Ihate
road.
On this day, Takara, Sakamoto no Omni, and his colleagues
halted on the plain of Hiraishi. Hearing that the Afumi
troops were occupying the Castle of Takayasu, they ascended
thither. But the Afumi army, when they found that Takara
and his colleagues were coming, burnt all the granaries of
tax-rice, and then all dispersed and ran away. So they (Takara
and his men) spent the night within the Castle. At daybreak
they looked down towards the West, and saw a large army
coming from the two directions of Ohotsu and Tajihi. Their
flags were clearly visible. Somebody said :—‘‘ These are the
troops of Karakuni, Iki no Fubito, the Afumi general. Takara
1 Not the well-known city of that name, but a place in Yamato.
FOR VADUE
18.
XXVIII.
19.
XXVIII.
20,
316 NIHONGI.
and his colleagues descended from the Castle of Takayasu, and,
crossing the River Yegagaha, gave battle to Karakuni on the
west side of the river. But the troops of Takara and his
colleagues were few, and they were unable to maintain the
defence. Before this, Oho-oto, Ki no Omi, had been sent
with orders to guard the Kashikozaka road. Upon this, Takara
and his colleagues retreated to Kashikozaka, and took up their
position in Oho-oto’s camp. At this time Shihoko, Kume no
Omi, Governor of Kahachi, intending to join himself to the
Fuha Palace, had assembled an army. Now, when Karakuni
arrived, he secretly discovered his plans, and was about to slay
Shihoko. Shihoko, finding that the matter had leaked out,
committed suicide.
After the lapse of one day, the Afumi army arrived in great
force by several roads.’ (Takara and Oho-oto), finding that
with their joint force they were unable to meet them in battle,
broke up their camp and retreated.
On this day General Wofukehi was defeated by the Afumi
troops and fled with only one or two mounted men. Coming
to Sumizaka, he chanced to fallin with Usagi’s division, which
then came up. So he turned again and encamped at Kanatsu-
nawi, where he rallied his dispersed troops. Thereupon, he
heard that the Afumi army was coming by the Ohosaka road,
and, leading his troops westward as far as Chimata in Tahema,
gave battle to Karakuni, Iki no Fubito, by the pond of Ashi-ike.'
Now there was a brave soldier named Kume, who, with drawn
sword, rushed straight into the midst of the (enemy’s) army.
The cavalry advanced close upon his heels, and so the Afumi
troops all took to flight. They were pursued, and a very large
number slain. Upon this, the general gave orders to his army,
saying :—‘‘ This war was originally undertaken, not with the
object of killing the common people, but against the ring-
leaders. Therefore let there be no indiscriminate slaughter.”
Upon this, Karakuni got separated from his army and fled
alone. The general saw him from a distance, and made Kume
shoot an arrow at him, but he missed, and Karakuni succeeded
at last in making his escape by flight. The general then went
back again to his headquarters.
Now the Eastern (Afumi) army was constantly approaching
1 lar Yamato,
TEMMU. ral ue|
in force. So the army was divided, the divisions taking up
positions respectively on the Upper, Middle, and Lower roads.!
.But General Wofukehi took charge in person on the Middle
road. Hereupon Isogimi, Inukahi no Muraji, the Afumi
general, came up by the Middle road. He halted at Muraya,
and despatched his Lieutenant-General Kujira, Ihoriwi no
Miyakko, with 200 picked soldiers to attack the general’s
camp. At this time the troops under his standard were
but few, and could offer no resistance. Now there was a
slave of the Temple of Ohowidera, named Tokumaro, who,
with four others, followed the army. Tokumaro and his com-
panions, forming an advanced guard, went forward and shot
their arrows, so that Kujira’s army was unable to advance.
On this day Takechimaro, Miwa no Kimi, and Usagi, Oki-
zome no Muraji, who were stationed on the Upper road, fought
with the Afumi army at the Hashi Misasagi, and greatly de-
feated them. Following up their victory, they also cut off the -
retreat of Kujira’s army, upon which Kujira’s men all broke
and fled. Many of the common soldiers were killed. Kujira
made off, mounted on a white horse, but his horse tumbled
into a muddy rice-field and could make no progress. Then
General Wofukehi said to a brave soldier of Kahi:—‘‘ The
man on the white horse is Ihoriwi no Kujira. Hasten after
him and shoot him.” Upon this the brave soldier of Kahi
hurried in pursuit and came up to Kujira. Kujira whipped his
horse vigorously, and it succeeded in extricating itself and
getting out of the mud. Then he galloped off and made his
escape. The general went back again a second time to head-
quarters, and encamped his men there. From this time for-
ward the Afumi troops never came again.
Before this time, when the army was at Kanatsunawi.,
Kome, Takechi no Agata-nushi,? Governor of the district of
Takechi, suddenly had his mouth closed so that he could not
speak. After three days, a divine inspiration came over him,
1 “ Shikai ” editor’s. note:—“I gather from what is stated below that the
Upper road was that of the district of Shiki no Kami, the Middle road that
of the district of Shiki no Shimo, and the Lower road that of the district of
Takechi” (in Yamato). -
2 Here we have an example of an old territorial noble holding the office
mplied by his ancestral title.
XXVIII.
Zits
XXVITI.
22.
318 NIHONGI.
and he said:—‘‘I am the God who dwells in the Shrine of
Takechi, and my name is Koto-shiro-nushi no Kami.’ Again,
‘Iam the God who dwells in the Shrine of Musa, and my name
is Iku-ikadzuchi* no Kami.’ This was their revelation :—‘ Let
offerings of horses and weapons of all kinds be made at the
misasagi of the Emperor Kamu-yamato-ihare-biko.? Further
they said:—‘ We stood in front and rear of the Imperial
descendant and escorted him to Fuha, whence we returned.
We have now again taken our stand in the midst of the
Imperial army for its protection.’ Further they said :—‘ An
army is about to arrive by the Western road. Be on your
guard.’”’ When he had done speaking, he awoke (from his
trance). For this reason, therefore, Kome was sent to worship
at the Imperial misasagi and to make offerings of horses and
weapons. He also made offerings of cloth‘ and worshipped
the gods of the Shrines of Takechi and Musa.
After this Karakuni, Iki no Fubito, arrived from Ohosaka.
Therefore the people of that day said :—‘‘ The words of the
instructions of the Gods of the two Shrines are in accordance
with the fact.” ®
Moreover the Goddess of Muraya® said by the mouth of a
priest :—‘‘ An army is now about to arrive by the middle road
of my shrine. Therefore let the middle road of my shrine be
blocked.” Accordingly, not many days after, the army of
Kujira, Ihoriwi no Miyakko, arrived by the middle road. The
men of that day said :—‘“‘ So the words of the teaching of the
god were right.”” When the war was over, the Generals
reported the monitions of these three gods to the Emperor,
who straightway commanded that the three gods should be
raised in rank‘ and worshipped accordingly.
1 See above, Vol. I. p. 76.
2 Live-thunder. Another reading is Ikudama, live-jewel. This is not
one of the eight thunder-deities enumerated as having been born from the
putrefying body of the’ Goddess Izanami. See above, Vol. I. p. 30. Kome
was apparently inspired by two gods at once.
3 Jimmu Tenno.
4 Nusa or mitegura, now represented by the paper gohei.
° Referring to the prediction that the Army of the West was approaching.
6 Named Mifuto hime.
7 There were three classes of shrines, Greater, Middle and Lesser. The
Greater Shrines included those from the senior division of the first rank to
‘TEMMU. 319
22nd day. When General Wofukehi had subdued the land
of Yamato, he crossed the great pass! to Naniha, while the
other lieutenant-generals, proceeding severally by three routes,
marched to Yamazaki, where they encamped south of the river.
General Wofukehi, at Wogohori in Naniha, sent for the
Governors of all the Western provinces and made them deliver
up their keys, their posting-bells,? and posting-tallies.
23rd day. The generals, having all met at Sasanami, sought
for and arrested the Prime Ministers of the Left and Right, as
well as all the criminals. ;
25th day. The generals proceeded to the Palace of Fuha,
and before the camp presented to the Emperor the head of the _
Imperial Prince Ohotomo.
8th month, 25th day. The Imperial Prince Takechi was
commanded to announce the verdicts on the Afumi Ministers.
Eight who were found guilty of heinous offences were con-
demned to suffer the extreme penalty. The Udaijin Kane,
Nakatomi no Muraji, was accordingly executed at Tane in
Asawi.* On this day the Sadaijin, Akaye, Soga no Omi, the
Dainagon, Hito, Kose no Omi, and their children and grand-
children, with the children of Kane, Nakatomi no. Muraji, and
of Hatayasu, Soga no Omi, were all sent into banishment.
The others without exception were pardoned.
Before this time, Sabichi, Chihisakobe no Muraji, Governor
of the province of Wohari, hid in the mountains and commit-
ted suicide. The Emperor said:—‘‘Sabichi did good service.
Why should he have committed suicide, not being guilty of
any crime? Could he have been conspiring secretly?” ~
27th day. The Emperor gave his gracious commands to all
those who had rendered good service, and bestowed on them
public favour and reward.
gth month, 8th day. The Imperial car, on its return journey,
stayed for the night at Kuhana in Ise.
gth day. It stayed the night at Suzuka.
the senior division of the third rank ; the Middle included those from the
junior division of the third rank to the junior division of the fourth rank ;
the Lesser included those from the senior division of the fifth rank to: the
junior division of the fifth rank. The lands allotted to each shrine and
the offerings made to them were regulated accordingly.
Ohosaka. 2 See above, p. 206. * In the province of Afumi.
RRVL
23.
XXVITI.
24.
320 NIHONGI.
toth day. It stayed the night at Abe.
11th day. It stayed the night at Nabari.
12th day. The Emperor proceeded to the Yamato capital
and took up his residence in the Palace of Shima.
15th day. He removed his residence from the Palace of
Shima to the Palace of Okamoto.
In this year a Palace was erected south of the Palace of
Okamoto, and the Emperor removed his residence thither that
same winter. This was called the Palace of Kiyomibara in
Asuka.
Winter, 11th month, 24th day.: Kim Ap-sil and other Silla
guests were entertained in Tsukushi. The same day presents
were made them, varying in the case of each.
12th month, 4th day. All those who had rendered good
service were chosen out, and higher cap-ranks conferred on
them, from that of Shdsen upwards, varying according to
circumstances.
15th day. A ship was given to the Silla guests.
26th day. Kim Ap-sil and his companions took their
departure.
In this month Takami, Wina no Kimi, of Daishi rank, died.
THE EMPRESS TAKAMA NO HARA HIRO-NO NO HIME. '
(JITO?, TENNO)
THE Empress Takama no hara hiro-no no hime’s name as a
child was the Imperial Princess Uno no Sarara. She was the
second daughter of the Emperor Ame-mikoto hirakasu wake.’
Her mother’s name was Wochi no Iratsume. [Also called
Minodzuko hime.] She was of reserved manners and a
liberal disposition. Inthe third year ofthe Empress Ame-toyo
takara ikashihi tarashi hime, she was united to the Emperor
Ame no Nunahara oki no Mabito as his consort. Although the
daughter of an Emperor, she loved courtesy and economy, and
was possessed of motherly virtues. In the first year of the
Emperor Ame-mikoto hirakasu wake, she gave birth to His
Highness the Imperial Prince Kusakabe in the palace of
Ohotsu. In the tenth month of the tenth year (of the same
reign) she followed the Shamon the Emperor Ame no
Nunahara oki no Mabito to Yoshino in order to avoid the sus-
picious dislike of the.Court, as has been related in the history
of the Emperor Ame no Nunahara oki no Mabito. In the first
year of the reign of the Emperor Ame no Nunahara oki no
Mabito, summer, the sixth month, she followed the Emperor
when he took refuge in the Eastern provinces. She addressed
the troops and mingled with the throng, until at length they
together formed a plan by which several tens of thousands of
fearless men were separately ordered to take up their posts in
all the most defensible positions. In autumn, the seventh
month, the Mino generals acting in concert with the Yamato
heroes slew the Imperial Prince Ohotomo and sent his head to
1 High-Heaven broad-plain princess.
2 Jits means “holding supreme control.” 3 Tenchi Tenno.
TT
JiTO: 383
be shown at the Fuha Palace. Inthe second year she was
raised to the rank of Empress-consort. The Empress-consort
from the beginning until now had assisted the Emperor in
pacifying the Empire. It constantly happened that in the con-
duct of business, her ready advice on Government matters was
of the greatest assistance.'
In the first year of Shucho, on the ninth day of the ninth
month, the Emperor Ame no Nunahara oki no Mabito died.
The Empress-consort presided over the Court and exercised
control.
Winter, roth month, 2nd day. The Imperial Prince Ohotsu’s
treason was discovered and he was placed under arrest. There
were arrested at the same time Wotokashi, Yakuchi no Ason, of
Jiki-kwo-shi rank, Hakatoko, Yuki no Muraji, of Lower Sho-
sen rank,? and also the Ohotoneri Omi-maro, Nakatomi no
Ason, Tayasu, Kose no Ason, a Silla priest named Héng-sin, with
Tobari, Toki no Michi-dzukuri, and others, more than thirty
persons in all, who had been led astray by the Imperial Prince
Ohotsu.
3rd day. Death was bestowed on the Imperial Prince
Ohotsu in his house at Wosada. He was twenty-four years of
age. His consort, the Imperial Princess Yamanobe, hastened
thither with her hair dishevelled and her feet bare, and joined
him in death. All who witnessed sighed and sobbed.
The Imperial Prince Ohotsu was the third child of the
Emperor Ame no Nunahara oki no Mabito.* His demeanour
was noble and his language refined. He was beloved by the
Emperor Ame mikoto hirakasu wake. When he grew to man-
hood he showed an eminent talent for learning, and was very
fond of writing. The practice of composing Chinese verses had
its origin with Ohotsu.
29th day. An Imperial decree was issued as follows :—‘‘ The
Imperial Prince Ohotsu has been guilty of treason and has led
astray officials and people, so that We, within the curtain,
had no alternative.*. The Imperial Prince Ohotsu has now
perished. His followers deserve the same sentence as the
1 This sentence is borrowed from a Chinese author.
* This rank had been abolished some years before.
3 Temmu Tenno.
* The Empress is the speaker. Hence the phrase, “ Within the curtain.”
OXON
XXX. 4e
A.D. 687.
384 NIHONGT.
Prince, but We pardon them all. Toki no Michi-dzukuri is
however, banished to Idzu.” It was further decreed, saying:
— ‘We cannot bring ourselves to inflict punishment on the
Silla priest Héng-sin, who was an accomplice in the Imperial
Prince Ohotsu’s treason. He is therefore exiled to the temple
of the province of Hida.”
t1th month, 16th day. The Imperial Princess Ohoku, who
had been sent to attend at the shrine of Ise, returned to the
capital.
17th day. There was an earthquake.
i2th month, tgth day. On behalf of the Emperor ne no
Nunahara oki no Mabito, a universal great assembly was held
in the following five Temples, viz., of the Great Palace, of
Asuka, of Kahara, of Toyora in Woharida, and of Sakata.
26th day. Presents of cloth and silk stuffs of various values
were made to the orphans, to the childless and widowed, and
to the aged people of the capital.
Intercalary 12th month. The Viceroy of Tsukushi sent as
tribute common people, both men and women, of the three
countries of Koryé, Pékché, and Silla, and also sixty-two priests
and nuns.
In this year a serpent and a dog copulated. Presently they
both died together.
rst year,' Spring, Ist month, 1st day. The Prince Imperial,
accompanied by the Ministers and public functionaries, pro-
ceeded to the Palace of temporary interment and made
lament. The Nagon?® Miaruji Fuse no Ason performed the
ceremony of pronouncing a eulogy. When the eulogy was
over they all raised a lament. Next the common people made
lament. Upon this Mabito, Ki no Ason, and others of the High
Stewards ofthe Palace, made offerings of food. When this was
done, the Uneme of the Steward’s Department raised a lament.
Then music was performed by the officials of the Department of
Music.
5th day. The Prince anaes accompanied by the Ministers
and public functionaries, proceeded to the Palace of temporary
1 The nengo or year periods are dropped again and the old method of
reckoning by the year of the reign reverted to.
2 More familiar in the combinations Dainagon and Chunagon. The word
means Speaker, not inappropriate to his function on the present occasion.
Jiro. 385
interment and made lament. The common people followed and
raised lamentation.
15th day. Presents of various values, of coarse silk and floss
silk, were given to those residents of the capital who were eighty
years of age or more, to invalids whose cases were grave, and
to poor persons who were unable to support themselves.
19th day. Norimaro, Tanaka no Ason, of Jiki-kwo-shi rank,
_with Karita, Mori no kimi, of Tsui-dai-ni rank, and others were
sent to Silla to announce the Emperor’s decease.
3rd month, 15th day. Fifty-six immigrants from Koryé were
settled in the province of Hitachi. They were given lands,
received an allowance of grain, and made to pursue their avoca-
tions in peace.
2oth day. An ornamental chaplet was offered at the Palace
of temporary interment. This was called Mikage.’
On this day, Maro, Tajihi no Mabito, performed the ceremony
of pronouncing a eulogy. —
22nd day. Fourteen immigrants from Silla were settled in
the province of Shimotsukenu. They were given land and
received an allowance of grain, and made to pursue their
avocations in peace.
Summer, 4th month, roth day. The Viceroy of Tsukushi
presented priests, nuns and common people, men and women,
twenty-two persons, immigrants from Silla. They were settled
in the province of Musashi, where they were granted lands and
an allowance of grain, and were made to follow their avocations
in peace.
5th month, 22nd day. The Prince Imperial, accompanied by
the Ministers and public functionaries, proceeded to the Palace
of temporary interment and made lamentation. On this occa-
sion, the chiefs of the Hayato and of Ata in Ohosumi, each
accompanied by his people, advanced inturn and pronounced a
eulogy.
6th month, 28th day. Criminals were pardoned.
Autumn, 7th month, 2nd day. A decree was issued as fol-
lows :—‘‘ Interest may not be received on any debts contracted
* Mikage means “august shade.” The wreath was supposed to represent
the deceased Emperor. In a poem composed by the Empress at this time
there occurs the phrase “ tama-kadzura kage ni mietsutsu,” i.e. “while looking
on the jewel-wreath as thy shadow or representative.”
VOL. II. CC
So eae.
386 NIHONGI.
during or previous to the year Kinoto Tori! In cases where
creditors have already the personal service of their debtors,
they may not exact (additional) service (by way of) interest.”
gth day. Presents of various values were given to the chiefs
of the Hayato and of Ata in Ohosumi, 337 persons in all.
8th month, 5th day. Offerings* of food were made at the
Palace of Sat ee interment. On this day (nothing but) fine
boiled rice * was offered.
6th day. The aged people of the capital, both men and
- women, all drew near and made lamentation west of the
bridge.
28th day. The Empress sent Ohoshima, Fujihara no Ason,
of Jiki-dai-shi rank, and Ohotomo Kibumi no Muraji, of Jiki-
dai-shi rank, to invite together 300 Riu-zod and Dai-toku® to
the Temple of Asuka, and to present to each a priestly robe,‘
saying :—‘‘ This was made of the august garments of the
Emperor Ame no Nunahara oki no Mabito.” The language of
the Imperial message was so pathetic that it may not be set
forth in full.
gth month, gth day. A national feast of vegetable food’ was
given in the Temples of the capital.
toth day. A maigre entertainment was ace at the Palace of
temporary interment.
22nd day. Silla sent Prince Kim Sang-nim, Kim Sal-mo, of
Keupson rank, Kim In-syul, of Keupson rank, and the Té-sya
So Yang-sin to petition the Emperor (for advice) regarding the
Government of that country and to offer tribute. The student-
priest Chi-ryu arrived along with them. The Viceroy of Tsu-
kushi having informed Sang-nim and his colleagues of the
Emperor’s decease, they all on that same day put on mourning,
tL AD. 685. 2 The first mention of interest on loans.
3 The character used denotes specially the autumnal eu nes to ancestors.
4 Cooked down to one-third its original bulk. Giles. The ‘ sa ei ” ex-
plains this to mean “without fish or flesh.” The older reading is “green
food,” for which the interlinear Kana is hijiki-oho, a dish prepared with
hijiki, a kind of sea-weed.
5 Riu-zo is literally Dragon-elephant (Naga in Sanskrit), and Dai-toku
great virtue, corresponding to the Sanskrit Bhadanta. Both are compli-
mentary expressions for Buddhist dignitaries.
6 Kesa, in Sanskrit kachaya.
7 This was the anniversary of Temmu Tenno's death.
Jiro, 387
and with their faces turned to the East made obeisance three
times, and three times raised lamentation.
Winter, roth month, 22nd day; The “Princé.- Imperial,
accompanied by the Ministers and public functionaries, as well
as by the Governors of provinces, and the Kuni no Miyakko,
together with common people, both men and women, began
the construction of the Oho-uchi Misasagi.
12th month, roth day. Tomi, Michi no Mabito, of Jiki-
kwo-san rank, was appointed Imperial Envoy for the enter-
tainment of the Silla guests. .
This year was the year Hinoto I (24th) of the Cycle.
and year, ist month, 1st day. The Prince Imperial, accom-
panied by the Ministers and public functionaries, went to the
Palace of temporary interment and made lamentation.
2nd day. A company of priests made lament at the Palace
of temporary interment.
8th day. A public great congregation’ was held in the
Temple of Yakushi.
23rd day. The decease of the Emperor was formally
announced to Kim Sang-nim and his colleagues. Kim
Sang-nim and his colleagues thereupon made lament threc
times.
. 2nd month, 2nd day. The Viceroy presented the tribute
from Silla. It consisted of such things as gold and silver, thin
silks, cloth, skins, copper, and iron—more than ten articles in
all. There were also presented separately such things as
images of Buddha, all kinds of coloured fine silks, birds, and
horses, more than ten articles in all. Sang-nim’s presents
were gold and silver, coloured stuffs, and all manner of
rarities, altogether more than eighty articles.
roth day. Sang-nim and his colleagues were entertained in
the Tsukushi Government House, and received presents of
various values.
16th day. A decree was issued, as follows :—‘ In future, on
all days of national mourning it is absolutely necessary that
abstinence should be practised.” ?
29th day. Sang-nim and his colleagues took their departure.
1 Of priests.
* Some make this refer to a monthly fast on the day of the Emperor’s
decease, others to an annual observance.
Op (Ce Zs
A.D. 688.
MOOS 76
388 NIHONGI.
3rd month, 22nd day. An ornamental chaplet was offered
at the Palace of temporary interment. Ohoshima, Fujihara
no Ason, pronounced a eulogy.
5th month, 8th day. T6k-na-ri, Kyong-su_of Pekché was
transferred to the province of Kahi. |
6th month, 11th day. There was an Imperial decree,
ordering that all prisoners throughout the Empire who had
been guilty of capital crimes should have their punishment
mitigated by one degree, and that those who were in prison
for lighter offences should be all pardoned. Orders were given
to the Empire that for this year (only) half the commuted
taxes should be levied.
Autumn, 7th month, 11th day. By reason of the drought,
there was great praying for rain. as
20th day. The Pekché priest Doz was commanded to pray
for rain. Before a morning had passed, rain fell plentifully
throughout the Empire.
8th month, roth day. Offerings of food were made, and
lament raised at the Palace of temporary interment. On
this occasion Yasumaro, Ohotomo no Sukune, pronounced a
eulogy.
t1th day. Prince Ise, of J6-dai-shi rank, was commanded
to announce the state to be observed at the funeral.
25th day. The King of Tamna sent his Minister Kara with
tribute of the productions of the country.
gth month, 23rd day. Kara, Minister of Tamna, and his
companions were entertained at the Government House of
Tsukushi, and received presents of various values.
Winter, 11th month, 4th day. The Prince Imperial, accom-
panied by the Ministers and public functionaries, as well as
by the guests from the frontier lands, went to the Palace of
temporary interment and made lamentation. On this occa-
sion offerings of food were made, and the Tate-fushi' dance
performed. |
The Ministers each advanced in turn and pronounced a
eulogy, setting forth the circumstances of the services rendered
by their ancestors.
1 Shield-measure. So called because danced with shields (and swords)
in the hands of the performers. Ten persons took part in it.
ie)
Jiro. 359
5th day. More than !go Yemishi brought tribute on their
backs, and in this fashion pronounced a eulogy.
11th day. Miaruji, Fuse no Ason, and Miyuki, Ohotomo no
Sukune, pronounced eulogies alternately.
_Chitoko, Tahema no Mabito, of Jiki-kwo-shi rank, in a
eulogy recited the succession to the throne of the Imperial
ancestors. When this ceremony was finished, the Emperor
was buried in the Ohouchi’ Misasagi.
12th month, 12th day. Two hundred and thirteen Yemishi,
men and women, were entertained under the tsuki tree west
of the Temple of Asuka. Ranks were bestowed on them, and
they received presents. varying in value.
3rd year, Spring, 1st month, 1st day. The Empress gave
audience to the ten-thousand lands? in the Front Hall.
2nd day. The Department of Great -Learning presented
eighty staves.*
_ 3rd day. Maro and Kanawori, sons of Shiriko, of Mu-dai-
shi rank, Yemishi of Kikafu in the district of Utamu in the
1 In the district of ‘Takechi in Yamato, at the village of Gojo no mura.
The site is five cho in length by four in width. Five houses for caretakers
are allotted to it. The vault is eight feet wide and nine feet deep, and
contains two stone sarcophagi. It has been plundered, like many others.
2 “Ten-thousand lands or provinces” seems put for “everybody,” “all the
world,” as we might say. ‘
3 The staves were for the purpose of driving out evil spirits, a ceremony
which was performed on the first day of the Hare in each year. The
“ Yengishiki” mentions camellia, holly, peach, plum, etc., among the woods
used for this purpose. This custom is of Chinese origin. The later custom
of driving out evil spirits was by scattering beans, and was known as oni-
yarahi, tsuina, or mame maki. This was practised on the last day of the year.
Yamada, in his Dictionary, says that a man was dressed up as the demon
of pestilence ; he describes the ceremony gone through of driving him away,
and gives other particulars which are worth consulting. See also “ Sansai-
dzuye,” iv. 27.
Tylor quotes several examples of allied superstitious practices in his
, Primitive Culture,” li. p. 199, to which may be added the following from
the “ Life of Sir R. Burton” :—“ On Sylvester night the servants went through
a very usual ceremony in Trieste of forming procession and chevying the’
evil spirits with sticks and brooms out of the house, and inviting the good
spirits and good luck to come and dwell with us.” This reminds one
strongly of the Japanese formula used on this occasion :—‘ Oni wa soto,
fuku wa uchi ’—“ Devils out, luck in.” The ceremony too is performed on
the same day of the year.
A.D. 689.
XXX. I
390 NIHONGI.
province of Michinoku, begged permission to shave off their
hair and become priests. The Empress gave order, saying :—
‘‘Maro and the other, although young, are of refined tastes,
and their wishes are limited; so much so that they desire
nothing but vegetable food and to observe the precepts.’ In
accordance with their request, let them renounce the world
and practise religion.”
7th day. A banquet was given to the Ministers, and presents
of raiment were bestowed on them.
8th day. Norimaro, Tanaka no Ason, and his companions,
who were sent as Envoys to Silla, returned from thence.
gth day. The Empress gave orders to the Governor of
the province of Idzumo to send up to the capital men of the.
frontier lands who had met with stress of weather. |
On this day there were presented to Doshin, a Yemishi of
Koshi, who was a Buddhist priest, an image of Buddha, one
baptismal banner, one bell and one begging bowl, coloured
silks, five feet of each kind, five bundles of floss silk, ten tan of
cloth, ten mattocks, and one saddle.
Ahada no Mabito no Ason, Viceroy of Tsukushi, and others
presented to the Empress 174 Hayato,” with fifty fathoms of
cloth, six ox hides, and fifty deer-skins.
, 15th day. The civil and sai officials rane presents
of firewood.
16th day. A meal was given to the public functionaries.
18th day. The Empress visited the Palace of Yoshino.
2oth day. The Empress arrived from the Palace of
Yoshino.
2nd month, 13th day. The Empress gave orders that reliefs
should be sent for the Barrier Wardens of Tsukushi who had
completed their term of years.
26th day. Prince Takeda, of Jé-kwé-shi rank, Nemaro,
Hashi no Sukune, of Jiki-kwo-shi rank, Maro, Ohoyake no
c. Ason, Fubito, Fujihara no Ason, Sakurawi, Tahema no Mabito,
of Mu-dai-shi rank, Yamamori, Hodzumi no Ason, Omimaro,
1 The ten Buddhist commandments. Vide Eitel, S’ikchapada.
2 I suspect that the use of the Hayato as an Imperial Guard began at
this time; if this be so, the legend related of the reason why the Hayato
were vassals of the Emperor (see Vol. I. p. 107) must be of comparatively
recent origin. ‘
layer 391
Nakatomi no Ason, Tayasu, Kose no Ason, and Yasumaro,
Ohomiwa no Ason, were made judges.
3rd month, 24th day. There was a great amnesty for the
Empire. But. those crimes which were not pardoned in
ordinary amnesties were excepted frorn this amnesty.
Summer, 4th month, 8th day. Immigrants from Silla were
settled in the province of Shimotsukenu.
13th day. His Highness the Prince Imperial Kusakabe
died.
2oth day. Silla sent Kim To-na, of Keupson rank, and
others on a mission of condolence for the decease of the
Emperor Oki no Mabito. Silla sent up at the same time the
student-priests Mei-so, Kwan-chi, etc. Separately Silla sent
a present of a gold-copper'image of Amida, a gold-copper
image of Kwan-ze-on Bosatsu, and an image of Dai-sei-shi’
Bosatsu, together with coloured silks and brocades.
22nd day. Prince Kasuga died.
27th day. Orders were given to the Local Governors that
their labourers should be allowed four holidays in the month.
5th month, 22nd day. Nemaro, Hashi no Sukune, was
directed to convey to the Condolence Envoys from Silla, Kim
Tona, of Keupson rank, and his colleagues, an Imperial mes-
sage, as follows :—‘‘ The Ministers of the Council of State, by
order of the Empress, make this communication. In the first
year of the reign, Norimaro, Tanaka no Ason and others were
sent to announce the decease of the late Emperor. Then Silla
said that the persons charged to receive an Imperial message
had always had the rank of So-phan. This should also be the
case on the present occasion. For this reason Norimaro and
his colleagues were unable to deliver the Imperial message
which was entrusted to them. Nowif former matters are gone
into, there is the case of the decease of the Emperor who once
ruled the Empire from the Palace of Naniha,’ when Kose no
Inamochi and his colleagues were sent to announce it. On
that occasion Kim Chhyun-chhyu, of Yé-son* rank, received
1 Copper with a small admixture of gold. No doubt the shakudé of
modern times. See “Japanese Metallurgy,” by W. Gowland, in the
“Journal of the Society of Chemical Industry,” June, 1896.
2 Sanskrit, Mahanaman. * Kotoku Tenno.
4 Probably Té-a-son is meant. At least this was his rank above, and no
Silla rank of Yé-son is known.
dD. G5 5
NOOK LO
392 NIHONGI.
the Imperial message, so that if it is said that an official of the
rank of So-phan should receive the Imperial commands, this
would be at variance with former precedent.
Again, when the Emperor who ruled the Empire from: the
Palace of Afumi' died, Kim Sal-yu, of I]-kil-son rank, was sent
to offer condolence. But now an official of the rank of Keupson
offers condolence, which again is contrary to precedent. More-
over Silla has always addressed the Emperor saying :—‘ Our
country, since the reigns of the remote Imperial ancestors or
Japan, is a land which does service, never allowing the oars of
its ordered ships to become dry.’ Yet now but one ship is
sent, which is contrary to the ancient rule. And further in
addressing the Emperor Silla has said:—‘ Since the reign of
the remote Imperial ancestor of Japan, we have done service
with pure hearts.’ But you have not been careful to be
thoroughly faithful in the performance of the functions
originally entrusted to you. You have broken your true faith
and have had wilful recourse to arts of flattery. Therefore
your tribute and the separate presents are sealed up together
and returned to you. However, the generous affection shown .
to you since the reign of the remote Imperial ancestor of this
country will not be discontinued. Be therefore more and more
diligent, more and more watchful, and discharge the duties
entrusted to you with fear and trembling. The Celestial Court
will have a still more generous affection in case the laws are
honoured and observed. Do you, Tona and the rest, receive
this Imperial message and deliver it to your King.”
6th month, 1st day. Garments were presented to the
Viceroy of Tsukushi and others.
2nd day. The Imperial Prince Shiki, Sukuna-maro, Sami
no Ason, of Jiki-kwo-shi rank, Mugohe, Hata no Ason, Muma-
kahi, Iyobe no Muraji, of Gon-kwo-shi rank, Okina, Mitsugi no
Imiki, Ta-uchi, Ohotomo no Sukune, of Mu-dai-san rank,
Tayasu, Kose no Ason, and others were appointed Com-
missioners for the choice of good words.’
tgth day. Presents of rice, varying in value in each case,
' Tenchi Tenno.
* Explained to be the selection of specimens of auspicious language of
ancient and modern times to serve as models for addresses to the Fie Di
This office soon fell into abeyance.
JITO. 393
were given to Hsii Shou-yen, Sa Hung-k‘o, and others of the
Land of Great Thang.
20th day. The Empress commanded the Viceroy Ahada no
Mabito no Ason and others to give the student-priests Mei-so
and Kwan-chi each 140 kin of floss silk to send to their
teachers and friends in Silla.
23rd day. The Silla Condolence Envoys Tona and his col-
leagues were entertained at Wo-gohori' in Tsukushi and were
given presents, varying in the case of each.
29th day. A book of legal enactments’ in twenty-two
volumes was distributed to all the Local Governors.
Autumn, 7th month, 1st day. In accordance with his
request, the Buddhist priest Jitoku, Yemishi of Michinoku,
was granted a gold-copper image of Yakushi Butsu and a gold-
copper image of Kwanze-on Bosatsu, a bell, a dish,* a precious
curtain, an incense burner, and a banner.
On this day, the Silla Condolence Envoys Kim Tona and
his colleagues took their departure.
15th day. Orders were given to the Mayors of the Right
and Left divisions of the capital and to the Governors of the
provinces to build places for the practice of archery.*
20th day. The false Palace guard, Kashihabara no Hiroyama
by name, a man of the district of Shibukaha in the province of
Kahachi, was banished to the province of Tosa. The-rank
of Tsui-kw6-san was conferred on Tora, Mibu no Muraji, the
Palace guard who arrested the false Palace guard Hiroyama.
1 Wo-gohori means “ small district,” and probably means here the smaller
of the tvo Government establishments. There was also an Oho-gohori or
great district in Tsukushi.
2 An authority quoted by the “ Shikai” states that in the first year of
Tenchi’s reign there was prepared a collection of enactments in twenty-two
volumes, which were known to the public as the “laws of the Afumi Court.”
The same authority states that there was a revision of these laws in the 2nd
month of the roth year of Temmu Tenno. It is these revised regulations
which are referred to in the text. The ‘‘ Yengishiki,” which is still extant,
gives us some idea of the character of these compilations.
3 A begging bowl is meant. The word used is sara, which is written:
phonetically with the characters commonly used to represent the Sanskrit
Sala, the large timber tree under which SAkyamuni died.
* The interlinear Kana gives here ikusa, “ war,” as the equivalent of the
Chinese Hy, archery. Perhaps ikusa is derived from i, root of iru, to shoot,
and kusa, a kind
Rigs
394 NIHONGI.
23rd day: Presents were given to Yatsurina and others,
Yemishi of Koshi, varying in value in the case of each.
8th month, 2nd day. The public functionaries assembled in
the Department of the Shinto religion, where an Imperial
message was communicated to them respecting matters of the
Gods of Heaven and Earth.
4th day. The Empress visited the Palace of Yoshino.
16th day. Hunting and fishing were prohibited in the sea
of Muko in the province of Settsu for a distance of 1000 paces,
for a space of 20,000 shiro on the plain of Nagino in the district
of Ate in the province of Kii, and for a space of 20,000 shiro on
the plains of Minono in the district of Iga in the province of
Iga. Keepers were attached to these places in the same way
as to the Sea of Takashi in the district of Ohotori in the
province of Kahachi.
17th day. The Ministers received rewards, varying in the
case of each.
21st day. The Empress gave orders to the Governor-
General’ of Iyo, Norimaro Tanaka no Ason, and his colleagues,
saying :—‘‘ Let the white swallow caught in the district of
Mike in the province of Sanuki be set at liberty.”
23rd day. The Empress witnessed archery.
Intercalary 8th month, roth day. The Empress gave orders
to the Local Governors, saying :—‘‘ This winter the registers of
population are to be made up. Not later than the gth month,
let vagabonds be sought out and arrested. As to the militia,
let those of each province be divided into four parts, and
having selected one of these, cause the men to be trained in
warlike exercises.”
27th day. Prince Kahachi, of Jd-kwo-shi rank, was made
Viceroy of Tsukushi. He was granted arms and received
presents. The rank of Jiki-kw6-ichi was bestowed on Shima,
Tajihi no Mabito, of Jiki-kw6-ni rank. His fief was increased
by 100 houses, which were added to his former grant.
gth month, roth day. Maro, Iso no Kami no Ason, of Jiki-
kwo6-san rank, Mushina, Ishikaha no Ason, of Jiki-kwo-shi
rank, and others were sent to Tsukushi to deliver patents of
rank and also to inspect the new castle.
1 He seems to have had control over the whole island of Shikoku.
~
Jiro. 395
Winter, roth month, 11th day. The Empress visited the
Castle of Takayasu.
22nd day. Komaro, Shimotsukenu no Ason, of Jiki-kwo-shi
rank, represented to the Empress his desire to set free 600
slaves. His petition was granted.
r1th month, 22nd day. Ihanari, Takata no Obito, of Tsui-
kw6-ni rank, was complimented in the market-place on his
proficiency in the use of the three weapons,' and presents were
given him.
12th month, 8th day. The game of suguroku” was pro-
hibited.
4th year, Spring, rst month, 1st day. Mononobe no Maro®
no Ason set up great shields.“ Nakatomi no Ohoshima no
Ason, Minister of the Department of the Shinto religion, recited
(a prayer invoking) blessings from the Gods of Heaven. When
this was over, Shikofuchi, Imbe no Sukune, delivered to the
Empress-consort the divine seal, sword and mirror.’ The
Empress-consort accordingly assumed the Imperial Dignity.°®
The Ministers and public functionaries ranged in order, made
obeisance in rotation,’ and clapped their hands.
! Bow, sword, and lance.
* The Chinese characters mean double-six, i.e. dice. Hepburn gives
backgammon as the meaning of the Japanese word suguroku or sugoroku.
Yamada’s Dictionary gives the following description of it :—“ Sugoroku is
played by two players, with a board called kyoku, separated into twelve
divisions. Twelve horses (pieces) are set in rows, distinguished as black
and white. The dice are placed in a bamboo tube, shaken, and thrown
out, and the horses moved forward the number of spaces indicated. The
player who first moves his horses into the enemy’s camp is the winner.”
There are other forms of the game. It is said to have come originally
from India. See Culin’s ‘“ Korean, Chinese, and Japanese Games,”
p. 81.
3 Maro is probably the personal name, though out of its usual order.
4 Or a great shield. Shields were set up as offerings to the Shinté
Gods.
® Another rendering is “the divine tokens, i.e. the sword and mirror.”
6 The delay was no doubt in compliance with the Chinese idea of a three
years’ mourning.
* The ‘ Yengishiki,” in describing the ceremony of accession and of the
festival of first-fruits, says :—“ Those of the fifth rank and upwards stand
up together and advance to the tablet-position in the middle of the Court,
where they kneel down and clap their hands four times, eight claps each
time foreach. This is what is called in the sacred language Ya-hiraki-te
A.D. 690.
6:6. Oe
396 NIHONGI.
2nd day. The Ministers and public functionaries presented
their respects at Court with the same state as at the New
Year’s audience.
Tajihi no Shima no Mabito and Fuse no Renan no beret
presented their congratulations to the Empress on n her < accession
to the throne.
3rd day. A banquet was given to the Ministers i in the i inner
precinct.
7th day. A banquet was given to the Ministers in the i inner
precinct, and presents of clothing given them. .
15th day. The public functionaries presented firewood.
17th day. There was a general amnesty throughout the
Empire. It did not apply, however, to those criminals who
are excepted from ordinary pardons.
One grade of rank was granted to all persons who already
held official rank. |
Widows, orphans, lone persons, sufferers from grave illness,
and those who from poverty were unable to support themselves
were granted presents of rice, and exempted from commuted
taxes and forced labour.
20th day. One hundred tokibe’ were cy ee to the
Department of Justice.
23rd day. Offerings were distributed to the Gods of Heaven
and the Gods of Earth in the Home provinces. Moreover, the
lands and houses allotted for their service were augmented.
2nd month, 5th day. The Empress went to the embankment
of Wakinokami and inspected the iat of the Ministers and
Daibu.
11th day. A Buddhist priest of Silla named Chén-kil, Peuk
(eight-open-hand). The Prince Imperial claps his hands first and then retires.
Next officials of the fifth rank and upwards clap hands, and finally those of
the sixth or lower ranks in turn.” A Chinese authority states that the
Japanese showed their respect for men of distinction by clapping their
hands. The number of obeisances varied at different times from one
up. The “tablet-position” is probably something like what I have seen in the
Court in front of the Audience Hall in Soul, where slabs of stone are let
into the ground with inscriptions indicating the positions to be taken up by
the officials of each rank.
1 Shima and Miaruji are the personal names.
2 Tokibe were officers who held preliminary examinations and comunitted
prisoners for trial.
, Jiro. 397
Cho-chi, of Keupson rank, and others, fifty pubeae in all,
immigrated to Japan.
17th day. The Empress visited the Palace of Yoshino.
1gth day. A feast of vegetarian food was given within the
inner precinct.
25th day. H6-man, of Han Nama rank, and other Silla
men, twelve persons in all, who had come:as immigrants, were
settled in the province of Musashi.
3rd month, 20th day. Rice of the Shima Palace was given
to those inhabitants of the capital and the Home provinces
who were eighty years of age and upwards. Each person had
twenty, sheaves, and those who had official rank received in
addition two tan of cloth.
Summer, 4th month, 3rd day. Envoys were sent to worship
the great abstinence Deity of Hirose and the Wind-gods of
Tatsuta.
7th day. Presents of rice were made to 5031 old men and
old women of the capital and Home provinces. Each person
had twenty sheaves.
14th day. An edict was issued, as follows :—‘ Let all public
functionaries and people of the Home provinces be divided
into nine classes according to the number of days in which
they have done service. In the case of those who have official
rank, reckoning is to be made for six years, and not longer, and
in the case of those of no rank, for seven years only. In
accordance with the regulations for the examination of public
service, let those of the first four classes receive cap-rank in
proportion to their merits, their services, and the importance
of the House to which they belong. Their court costume shall
be dark purple for those from the rank of J6-dai-ichi down to
that of Kwo-ni, bright purple for those from the rank of |
Jo-dai-san to that of Kwo-shi, for the eight Sho’ grades bright
purple, for the eight Jiki grades dark red, for the eight Gon
grades dark green, for the eight Mu grades light green, for the
eight Tsui grades deep blue, and for the eight Shin grades light
blue. Apart from this, those of Jo-kw6-ni or higher rank may
wear all manner of thin silk gauzes, etc., of one breadth and
one kind, while those from the rank of Jo-dai-san to that of
Jiki-kwo-shi may wear all manner of thin silk gauzes, etc., of
1 See above, n 368,
398 NIHONGI.
one breadth and two kinds. Both the higher and lower ranks
should ordinarily wear girdles of variegated silk and white
trousers. Other matters to remain as usual.”
22nd day. By reason of a drought, rain was begun to be
prayed for in various places.
5th month, 3rd day. The Empress went to the Palace of
Yoshino.
roth day. Twenty-one immigrants from Pékché, men and
women, arrived.
15th day. Discourses on ‘‘ dwelling in peace”’' were begun
in the inner precinct.
6th month, 6th day. “The Empress visited Hatsuse.
25th day. All persons whatever, possessed of official rank,
were summoned, and the order of their rank and their ages
proclaimed.
Autumn, 7th month, 1st day. The Ministers and public
functionaries put on the new Court costume for the first time.
3rd day. Offerings were distributed to the Gods of Heaven
and the Gods of Earth.
5th day. The Imperial Prince Takechi was made Dajé-
daijin, the rank of Sho-kwo-san was granted to Tajihi no
Mabito, and he was made Udaijin. New appointments were
also made to all the eight Departments of State and the
bureaus.
6th day. New appointments were made of viceroys and
governors of provinces.
7th day. An Imperial Order was made that the Ministers,
public functionaries, and all persons holding official rank
should in future put on their Court costumes in their own
houses, and so present themselves before the opening of the
gate.
gth day. An Imperial edict was issued, as follows :—‘* When
those occupying the higher places at a Court assembly see a
Prince of the Blood, the usual ceremony is to be observed ;
when a Daijin and a Prince appear, every one should stand up
before the Hall; if two or more Princes appear, every one
should get down from his seat and kneel.”’
14th day. An Imperial edict was issued, as follows :—‘‘ When
1 The Buddhist retirement for meditation during the rainy season, a sort
of Lenten retreat. See above, p. 360.
Jrro 399
those occupying the higher places at a Court assembly see a
Daijin, they should move their seats and kneel down.”
On this day alms of coarse silk, raw silk, floss silk, and cloth
were given to 3363 priests of the seven temples who had taken
part in the “retreat.’”’' Separately alms were bestowed, on
behalf of the Prince Imperial, on 329 priests of three temples
who had taken part in the “ retreat.”
18th day. Envoys were sent to worship the Great Absti-
nence Deity of Hirose, and the Wind-gods of Tatsuta.
8th month, 4th day. The Empress visited the Palace of
Yoshino.
11th day. Silla immigrants were settled in the province of
Shimotsukenu.
gth month, 1st day. An edict was addressed to the governors
of all the provinces, as follows :—“ In preparing the returns of
population, let the house-regulations be attended to.”
11th day. A decree was issued, as follows :—‘‘ As We are
about to make a tour in the province of Kii, let no land-tax or
poll-tax be collected for the year in the capital.”
13th day. The Empress proceeded to Kii.
23rd day. Three priests who had gone to the Land of Great
Thang for study, named Chi-shiu, Gi-toku, and Jé-gwan, and
a private soldier named Ohotomobe no Hakama, of the dis-
trict of Upper Yame in the province of Tsukushi, returned to
Tsukushi in the train of the Silla Escort Envoy, Kim Ko-hun,
of Té-na-ma rank.
24th day. The Empress returned from Kii.
Winter, roth month, 5th day. The Empress visited the
Palace of Yoshino.
roth day. Chi-shiu and the other priests who had been to
Thang for study arrived in the capital.
15th day. Messengers were sent to Prince Kahachi, Viceroy
of Tsukushi, and his colleagues with the following order :—
“In entertaining the Silla Escort Envoy, Kim Ko-hun, of Te-
-na-ma rank, and his colleagues, let the precedent be followed
of the Escort Envoy, who escorted up the student Wohi,
Hashi no Sukune, and his companions. The attentions paid
them and the presents given them must follow strictly the
edict.”
1 See above, p. 398, note.
DOXOXG 10)
400 NIHONGI.
22nd day. An Imperial order was given to Ohotomobe no
Hakama, a private soldier of the district of Upper Yame in
the province of Tsukushi, saying :—‘‘ You were taken prisoner
by the Thang troops in the seventh year of the reign of the
Empress Ame_ toyo-takara-ikashi-hi-tarashi-hime during the
campaign undertaken for the assistance of Pékché. At length,
in the third year of the Emperor Ame mikoto hirakasu wake,
the four men Hoto Hashi, no Muraji, Oyu, Kohori no Muraji,
Satsuyama, Tsukushi no Kimi, and Gen Jitsu-ni,| Yuge no
Muraji, wished to inform the Emperor of the designs of the
men of Thang, but, as they had neither clothing nor provisions,
they were, to their sorrow, unable to carry out their purpose.
Upon this you, Hakama, said to Hashi no Hoto and the
others, ‘I should like to return to our own Court along with
you, but for want of clothing and provisions we cannot all
depart together. I pray you, sell me as a slave, and use the
money to buy food and clothing.’ Acting on your proposal,
Hoto and his companions were enabled to communicate with
the Celestial Court, and you alone remained in a foreign |
land for the space of thirty years until now. We are pleased
with the loyalty and patriotism which led you to sell yourself,
and thus display your fidelity. Asa mark of distinction for
this meritorious service We therefore grant you the rank of
Mu-dai-shi, with five pieces of coarse silk, ten bundles of floss
silk, thirty tan of cloth, 1000 sheaves of rice, and four cho of
rice-land, to be continued to your great-grandchildren, and
your relations of the three classes* are exempted from forced
labour.”
29th day. The Imperial Prince Takechi inspected the site
for the Palace of. Fujihara. He was accompanied by the
Ministers and public functionaries.
t1th month, 7th day. Presents were given to the Escort
Envoy Kim Ko-hun and his colleagues, of varying value in
the case of each.
11th day. In compliance with an Imperial order, the use of
the Yiian-kia and I-féng calendars was begun.*
1 Apparently a Chinese name which he had taken to himself.
? His father and mother, brothers and sisters, and wife and children.
* Yiian-kia is the Chinese period from 424 to 453; I-féng from 676 to 678.
The “ Sandai jitsu roku” says: “First the Yiian-kia calendar was used, and
\
Jiro. 401
12th month, 3rd day. The Escort Envoy Kim Ko-hun and
his colleagues took their departure.
12th day. The Empress went to the Palace of Yoshino.
14th day. The Empress returned from the Palace of
Yoshino.
19th day. The Empress went to Fujihara, and inspected
the site for the Palace. All the Ministers and public function-
aries accompanied her.
23rd day. Presents were given to the Ministers and officials
of lower rank, varying in value in the case of each.
5th year, Spring, Ist month, 1st day. Ranks were bestowed
on the Princes of the Blood, the Ministers,’ the Princesses of
the Blood, the Princesses, and the lady officials of the Palace.
7th day. Presents of eatables, drinkables, and clothing were
given to the Ministers. Rich presents varying in value in the
case of each were made to Y6 Syén-kwang, of Shd-kwo-shi
rank, and to Won-pong, Nyang-no, and Nam-chydn, of Jiki-dai-
shi rank, Princes of Pékché.
13th day. An increase of 2000 houses was made to the fief
of the Imperial Prince Takechi, which, added to his previous
fief, made 3000 houses. To the Imperial Prince Hodzumi, of
Jo-kwo-ni rank, there were given 500 houses; to the Imperial
Prince Kahashima, of Jo-dai-san rank, 100 houses, which, added
to his previous fief, made 500 houses; to the Udaijin, Tajihi no
Shima Mabito, of Sho-kwo-san rank, 300 houses, which, added to
his previous fief, made 500 houses; to thePékché Prince Chyén-
kwang, of Sho-kwo-shi rank, roo houses, which, added to his
DOOd ier
A.D. €Q1.
previous fief, made 200 houses; to Fuse no Miaruji no Ason, of |
Jiki-dai-ichi rank, and to Ohotomo no Miyuki no Sukune, 80
houses, which, added to their previous fiefs, made 300 houses.
Others received additions to their fiefs which varied in amount
for each.
14th day. An edict was made, as follows :—‘‘ Masaru, Tsuku-
shi no Fubito, of Jiki-kwo-shi rank, ever since his appointment
twenty-nine years ago as Secretary to the Viceroy of Tsukushi,
has been upright and faithful, and has not been guilty of any
next the I-féng calendar. The I-féng calendar is the same as the Lin-téh
calendar (664-665). For details respecting the ancient Japanese calendar
consult “ Bramsen’s Chronological Tables.”
1 Probably Ministers is a mistake for Princes.
VOL,° II. dd
402 NIHONGI.
remissness. He is, therefore, granted a sustenance-fief of
5000 ' houses, fifteen pieces of coarse silk, twenty-five bundles
of floss silk, fifty tan of cloth, and 5000 sheaves of rice.
16th day. The Empress visited the Palace of Yoshino.
23rd day. The Empress returned from the Palace of
Yoshino.
2nd month, 1st day. The Empress addressed a decree to
the Ministers, saying :—‘‘ In the reigns of the former Emperors
ye erected Buddhist Halls and Scripture (Sutra) Treasuries,
and practised the six monthly fasts.” The Emperors from time
to time sent Ohotoneri to inquire after the welfare of the priests,
and the same has also been done in Our own reign. Let us
therefore with zealous hearts continue to uphold the Buddhist
faith.”
On this day patents of rank were bestowed on officials.
3rd month, 3rd day. A banquet was given to the Ministers
in the Western Hall.
5th day. The Empress inspected the horses both of the
State and of private persons in the Imperial park.
2and day. An edict was issued, as follows :—“‘ If a younger
brother of the common people is sold by his elder brother, he
should be classed with freemen : if a child is sold by his parents,
he should be classed with slaves: persons confiscated into
slavery by way of payment of interest on debts are to be classed
with freemen, and their children, though born of a union with a’
slave, are also to be all classed with freemen.”’
Summer, 4th month, 1st day. An edict was issued, as follows :
—‘‘ Slaves who have been manumitted in the time of the ancestor
of a House, and already struck off the register of slaves, may
not be claimed again as slaves by members of that House.”
Kudara, Kami no Sukuri, Doctor of the University, was
granted 1000 sheaves of the greater tax-rice, as an encourage-
ment to his learning.
11th day. Envoys were sent to worship the Great Abstinence
Deity of Hirose, and the Wind-gods of Tatsuta.
16th day. The Empress went to the Palace of Yoshino.
1 No doubt a mistake for fifty, as the “ Shikai” suggests,
2 On the 8th, 14th, 15th, 23rd, 29th, and 30th, nothing was eaten after
noon. On these days the Shitenné (Tchatur Mahdaradjas) visit the earth
and take note of the good and evil actions of mankind.
SE
Jiro. 403
22nd day. The Empress returned from the Palace of
Yoshino.
5th month, 21st day. Syun-mu-mi-cha of Pékché was com-
mended for his services during the year Midzunoye Saru, was
granted the rank of Jiki-dai-san, and received presents of coarse
silk and cloth.
6th month. Sleet’ fell in forty places in the capital and
provinces.
1gth day. An edict was issued, as follows :—‘‘ This summer
profuse rain has fallen beyond measure, and We fear that cer-
tainly injury will be caused to the grain-crops. Our anxiety of
the night lasts until the morning, as We ponder where the blame
for this lies. Now We command you, our Ministers and. func-
tionaries, to prohibit the use of strong drink and animal food,
to compose your hearts and repent of your sins. Moreover let
the priests of the Temples of the capital and of the Home
provinces read the Sutras for a space of five days. It may
be hoped that this will have some effect.”
The rain had lasted from the fourth month until this month.
20th day. A general amnesty was proclaimed throughout
the Empire. Thieves and robbers were, however, excepted.
Autumn, 7th month, 3rd day. The Empress visited the
Palace of Yoshino. On this day, Norimaro, Tanaka no Ason,
Governor of the province of Iyo, and others presented three kin
and eight rid of silver and a basket of ore of Mount Mimtma-
yama in the district of Uwa.
7th day. A banquet was given to the Ministers and presents
of Court dress made them.
12th day. The Empress arrived from Yoshino.
15th day. Envoys were sent to worship the Great Abstinence
Deity of Hirose and the Wind-gods of Tatsuta.
8th month, 13th day. The Empress commanded eighteen
Houses [Oho-miwa, Sazaibe, Iso no Kami, Fujihara, Ishikaha,
Kose, Kashihade be, Kasuga, Kamitsukenu, Ohotomo, Ki, Abe,
Saheki, Uneme, Hodzumi, Adzumi, Heguri, and Hata] to
deliver to her the records of the tombs” of their ancestors.
! Another reading has rain, which agrees better with the time of year and
with what follows. The text is in other respects doubtful.
2 There is another, and preferable reading, which would mean simply
“their ancestral records.”
Db a2
NORUXS (232
404 NIHONGI.
23rd day. Envoys were sent to worship the Wind-gods of
Tatsuta, and the Gods of Suha' and Minuchi, in Shinano.
gth month, 4th day. Hsii Shou-yen and Sa Hung-k‘o, of
Great Thang, Professors of pronunciation, and Mal-sa and
Chyén-sin, of Pékché, Professors of writing, received presents
of twenty rid of silver each.
gth day. The Imperial Prince Kahashima, of Jo-dai-san
rank, died.
23rd day. The posthumous rank of Jiki-dai-ni was granted
to Ohome, Saheki no: Sukune, and also a contribution made for
his funeral expenses.
Winter, roth month, 1st day. There was an eclipse of the sun.
8th day. A decree was issued, as follows :—‘“‘ Let the houses
set apart for the care of the misasagi of former Emperors be
five or more in number; in the case of others, viz. princes
of distinguished merit, let three houses be allotted. If the
misasagi houses are insufficient, let the want be supplied by
peasants, whose forced labour shall be remitted, and who shall
be changed once in three years.”
13th day. Long-life places,’ each of Io00 paces, were insti-
tuted in the Home and other provinces.
On this day the Empress went to the Palace of Yoshino.
2oth day. The Empress returned from Yoshino.
27th day. Envoys were sent to perform a service for the
tranquillity of the new capital.’
11th month, 24th day. The festival of first-fruits * was held.
Ohoshima, Nakatomi no Ason, Minister of the Department of
the Shinto religion, recited the (prayer invoking the) blessing
of the Heavenly Deities.
25th day. Bed-clothes’ were presented to the Ministers.
28th day. Thin silks were given to all from the rank of Minister
down to that of Secretary. They varied in value for each.
3oth day. An entertainment was given to the officials of
1 Ya-saka-iri hime. Satow’s ‘“‘ Handbook,” p. 234. ;
2 Places within which the taking of animal life was prohibited—a Buddhist
institution.
3 At Fujihara. 4 Ohonihe.
§ Thickly wadded garments with sleeves, worn at night instead of blankets.
The practice of making presents of this kind continued up to the Revolution
of 1868.
Jiro. 405
the Shinto Department from the Chief down to the Kamibe, and
also to the Governors and others, including common people, both
men and women, of the districts of the provinces of Harima
and Inaba which had furnished (the rice used at the festival).
They received presents of thin silk of various values for each.
12th month, 2nd day. Toku Ji-chin,' of Mu-dai-san rank,
Doctor of Medicine, and Mokuso, Ché-mu, Shataku, and
Manjiu, Professors of exorcism, were given presents of twenty
rid of silver each.
8th day. A decree was issued, as follows :—“‘ To the Udaiin
let there be given four chi of land as asite” for a house, to those
of the rank of Jiki-kwo-ni and above, two chi, to those of the
rank of Jiki-dai-san and below, onechd. From the Gon grades ~
down to officials who have no rank, let the number of in-
habitants of their fiefs be taken asa guide, first class fiefs having
one cho, second class half a cho, and third class a quarter of
acho. Princes shall fo low the same rule.”
6th year, Spring, 1st month, 4th day. The Imperial Prince
Takechi was granted an additional fief of 2000 houses, making,
along with his previous one, a total of 5000 houses.
7th day. An entertainment was given to the Ministers, and
they received presents of garments.
12th day. The Empress inspected the road to* the new
capital.
16th day. An entertainment was given to officials from the
Ministers down to those of initial rank.
27th day. The Empress visited Takamiya.
28th day. The Empress returned from Takamiya.
2nd month, 11th day. Orders were given to the officials,
saying :—‘‘It is Our intention to proceed to Ise on the third
day of the third month. Take note of this Our purpose, and
get ready all the necessary clothing.”
The priests Ho-zd and Do-ki, Professors of the Yin and Yang,
received presents of twenty rié of silver each.
1 A Chinese name. But whether the bearer was a Chinaman or not is not
clear. I have given the Japanese pronunciation of the characters. The
other names are not Japanese.
2 Presumably these sites were in the new capital of Fujihara referred to
above.
3 Or “the roads of.’
AeD. 692.
406 NIHONGI.
1gth day. Orders were given tothe Board of Punishments to
release short-sentence prisoners.
On this day, the Chunagon, Takechi-maro, Miwa no Ason, of
Jiki-dai-ni rank, presented a memorial in which he made _ bold
to remonstrate roundly with the Empress for her proposed
visit to Ise, which he said would interfere with the time for
agricultural operations.
3rd month, 3rd day. Prince Hirose, of J6-kwé-shi rank,
Chitoko, Tahema no Mabito, of Jiki-kwo-san rank, and Yumi-
_ bari, Ki no Ason, of Jiki-kw6-shi rank, were appointed to take
charge of the Palace during the Empress’s absence. Upon
this the Chunagon, Takechi-maro, Miwa no Ason, divested
himself of his cap-rank and delivered it up to the Court, reite-
rating his remonstrance, and saying :—‘‘ During the season of
agricultural operations the (Imperial) chariot should not be
moved.”’
6th day. The Empress did not yield to his remonstrances,
’ but at length proceeded to Ise.
17th day. The Empress bestowed cap-rank on the Miyakko
of the sacred districts’ through which she had passed, and on the
Miyakko of the provinces of Iga, Ise, and Shima. These places
were also released from commuted taxes and forced labour for this
year. Moreover the commuted taxes and forced labour for the
year were remitted in the case of the horsemen provided for the
Empress’s service, the baggage-coolies of her officials, and the
labourers employed in constructing temporary Palaces. There
was a general pardon for the Empire, which, however, did not
comprise thieves and robbers.
19th day. Fifty sheaves of rice for each person were pre-
sented to men and women of eighty years of age and upwards,
common people of the province of Shima, through which the
Empress passed. |
20th day. The Imperial chariot’ returned to the Palace.
Wherever it had reached, the officials and people of the district
were assembled, and care was taken to reward their diligence
and to have musical performances.
30th day. Byan Imperial decree, the commuted taxes and
1 Viz. Ihino, Take and Watarahi, where there were shrines.
2 The Empress may or may not have travelled in a chariot. This phrase
is simply put respectfully for the Imperial cortége, or the Empress.
Jiro. 407
forced labour for this year were remitted to those houses from
which horsemen had been provided for the Empress’s service
in the provinces of Afumi, Mino, Wohari, Mikaha, and Tétédmi,
to the baggage-coolies and to the labourers employed in con-
structing temporary Palaces in every province. An Imperial
decree was also made that three sheaves of rice for each man,
‘and two for each woman, should be given to all poor and
distressed common people in the Empire.
Summer, 4th month, 2nd day. The posthumous rank of
Jiki-dai-ni was bestowed on Tomokuni, Ohotomo no Sukune,
and a contribution made towards his funeral expenses.
5th day. With the exception of common people of the
four Home provinces,’ the men who had acted as baggage-
coolies were exempted from commuted taxes and forced labour
for the year.
19th day. Messengers were sent to pray to the Great
Abstinence Deity of Hirose and to the Wind-gods of Tatsuta.
21st day. Mattocks from the Naniha Treasury were given
to all persons of official rank, from Princes of the Blood down
to the rank of Tsui-kwo-shi. These gifts varied in each case.
25th day. By an Imperial edict all prisoners and persons
under-sentence of lighter banishment were pardoned and
discharged.
5th month, 6th day. Three brothers, named Kahasemaro,
etc., fishermen of Agoshi, inhabitants of the district of Muro
XX 26:
in the province of Kii, who had supplied the Empress’s table |
during her stay in the temporary Palace of Ago, were granted
exemption for ten years from commuted taxes and_ forced
labour, and from miscellaneous corvées. Further, eight boat-
men had their commuted taxes and forced labour remitted for
the year.
7th day. The Governor of the province of Sagami presented
a pair of fledgling red crows, saying that they had been caught
in the district of Miura. .
12th day. The Empress visited the Palace of Yoshino.
16th day. The Imperial chariot returned to the Palace.
17th day. Daibu were sent as messengers to the celebrated
1 Yamato, Yamashiro, Kahachi, and Settsu. Idzumi was at this time
reckoned as a part of Kahachi.
408 NIHONGI.
mountains, and to the hills and rivers, to pray to them for
rain.
20th day. Chitoko, Fumi no Imiki, was granted the post-
_ humous rank of Jiki-dai-ichi, and a contribution made towards
the expenses of his funeral.
23rd day. Prince Naniha, of J6-kwo- shi rank, and others
were sent to perform a service for the tranquillity of the site
of the Palace of Fujihara.
26th day. Envoys were sent to make offerings to the Great
Gods of the following four places, viz.: Ise, Yamato, Sumi-
yoshi, and Kii, and to announce to them the erection of the
new Palace.
Intercalary 5th month, 3rd day. Great floods. Com:
missioners were sent to visit the districts and provinces, one
after another, making loans to those who, having met with
disaster, were unable to support themselves, and allowing
them to fish and cut wood in the hills and forests, the ponds
and marshes.
An Imperial order was given that the Kin-kwo-miod Sutra
_ should be expounded in the capital and in the four Home
"provinces.
XXX 27%e
4th day. The Buddhist priest Kwan-sei was given a
present of fifteen hiki of coarse silk, thirty bundles of floss silk,
and fifty tan of cloth, and he was commended for having made
white lead.'
13th day. The Great Gods of 32 addressed the Empress,
saying :—‘‘ Let the commuted taxes and forced labour for
the province of Ise be remitted for this year. That being so,
the thirty-five kin of red silk yarn forwarded by the two
districts of the Gods should be reduced in value from next
yeak.:
15th day. An Imperial order was given to Prince Kahachi,
Viceroy of Tsukushi, and the rest, saying :—‘‘ Let priests be
sent to Ohosumi and Ata to propagate the Buddhist religion.”
He was further made to send up to the capital the image of
Amida, made by the Great Thang Chief Envoy Kuo Wu-
! Used as a cosmetic.
2 The highly respectful character #$ is used for the address of the Gods
to the Empress. The interlinear Kana puts the respectful term tamaye in
the mouths of the Gods. The districts referred to are Take and Watarahi.
Jiro. } 409
ts‘ung, for the Emperor who lived in the Palace of Ohotsu
in Afumi.
6th month, gth day. The senior officials of the districts
and provinces were commanded each to pray to the celebrated
mountains, and to the hills and rivers for rain.
11th day. Daibu were sent as Envoys to the four Home
provinces to pray’ for rain.
21st day. Official rank was granted to eight labourers, and
they were commended for their diligence and absence of
remissness in the construction of the Ohouchi Misasagi.
30th day. The Empress inspected the site of the Fujihara
Palace.
Autumn, 7th month, 2nd day. A general amnesty was
granted throughout the Empire. But this pardon did not
apply to those guilty of the ten* crimes, nor to thieves and
robbers.
Shikofuchi, Fuse no Ason, Governor of the province of
Sagami, and others, with the Vice-Governor of the district of
Miura, and Kusu, Kashima no Omi, who had caught the red
crows, had rank and presents bestowed on them. Moreover -
the commuted taxes and forced labour were remitted to the
district of Miura for three years.
7th day. A banquet was given to the Ministers.
gth day. The Empress visited the Palace of Yoshino.
11th day. Envoys were sent to pray to Hirose and Tatsuta.
28th day. The Imperial car returned to the Palace.
On this night Mars and Jupiter approached and receded
from one another four times in the room of one pace,
alternately shining and disappearing.
8th month, 3rd day. Criminals were pardoned.
17th day. The Empress visited the country-house of the
Imperial Princess Asuka, and on the same day returned to the
Palace.
gth month, gth day. Daibu were despatched to the four
Home provinces, to attend to the distribution of rice-lands.
1 Of Temmu Tenno.
* Rebellion, conspiracy against the sovereign’s person, treason, parricide,
inhumanity (including murder and mutilation for nefarious purposes),
sacrilege, unfilial conduct, discord, insubordination, and incest: Mayers,
Ps 350.
NEN Zoe
XNN_ 29.
A.D 693.
410 NIHONGI.
14th day. The Department of the Shinto religion laid
before the Empress four volumes of sacred treasures,’ nine
keys, and one wooden stamp.
21st day. The Governor of the province of Ise presented
two auspicious stalks of rice.
The Governor of the province of Echizen presented a white
moth.
26th day. An Imperial decree was made, saying :—
‘‘ Whereas a white moth has been caught on the shore at
Uragami in the district of Tsunuga, the fief of the God of
Kebi is increased by twenty houses, making a total, with
those already attached to his shrine, of
Winter, roth month, r1th day. Mikata, Yamada no Fubito,
was granted the rank of Mu-kwo-shi. He had formerly gone
to study in Silla as a priest.
12th day. The Empress went to the Palace of Yoshino.
1gth day. The Imperial car returned to the Palace.
11th month, 8th day. Silla sent Pak Ok-ték, and Kim
Sim-sal, of Keupson rank, etc., as tribute-bearers. Presents
were made of various values to Oyu, Okinaga no Mabito, of Jiki-
kw6-shi rank, and to Tsura, Kahachi no Imiki, of Mu-dai-ni
rank, etc., whom it was proposed to send as Envoys to Silla.
11th day. Pak Ok-tdk, of Silla, was entertained, and received
* presents in the official building of Naniha.
12th month, 14th day. Hsii Shou-yen and Sa Hung-k‘o,
Professors of (Chinese) pronunciation, received grants of
rice-land, four cho being given to each.
24th day. Daibu were sent to deliver the tribute from Silla to
the five shrines of Ise, Sumiyoshi, Kii, Yamato, and Unatari.’
7th year, Spring, ist month, 2nd day. The rank of Jo-kwo-
ichi was bestowed on the Imperial Prince Takechi, and that of
Jo-kwo- ni on the Imperial Princes Naga and Yuge.
On this day an Imperial edict was issued directing that the
common people of the Empire should wear yellow clothing
and that slaves should wear black.
7th day. An entertainment was given to the Ministers and
Daibu.
1 Probably lists of the contents of the treasuries of the Shinto temples.
* Shukai.”
2 In Yamato. The God worshipped was Taka-mi-dama no Mikoto.
Jiro. AI
13th day. Presents were given to all persons of official
rank in the capital and in the Home provinces of the age of
eighty years and upwards. Each person received one wadded
sleeping garment, two hiki of coarse silk, two bundles of floss
silk, and four tan of cloth.
15th day. The posthumous rank of Shd-kwo-san was—
granted to Syén-kwang, Prince of Pékché, and a contribution
made towards his funeral expenses.
16th day. Presents of cloth of various values were made to
the men and women of the capital of the age of eighty or
upwards, and to poor and distressed persons.
A priest of Funase named Ho-kyo was given three chi of :
rice-land.
On this day, men of Aya gave a performance of Arare-
bashiri.'
2nd month, 3rd day. Silla sent Kim Kang-nam, of Sason
rank, and Kim Yang-won, of Han-na-ma rank, to announce
the mourning for the King.’
roth day. Prince Kinunuhi and his colleagues, the Com-
missioners for the construction of the capital, were ordered to
bury the bodies which had been dug up.
30th day. Thirty-seven castaways from Silla, named Mucha,
Monyé, etc., were handed over to Ok-ték and his party.
3rd month, 1st day. There was an eclipse of the sun.
5th day. A sustenance-fief of thirty houses was granted to
Kudara, Kami no Sukuri, Doctor of the University, of Gon-
kwo-ni rank, for the promotion of Chinese learning.
6th day. The Empress visited the Palace of Yoshino.
11th day. The rank of Jiki-dai-ni, and a contribution for
funeral expenses, were granted to Ohoshima, Fujihara no Ason.
13th day. The Empress arrived from the Palace of Yoshino.
16th day. Presents of coarse silk, floss silk, and cloth of
various values were given to Oyu, Okinaga no Mabito, of Jiki-
kwo-shi rank, and Kogimi, Ohotomo no Sukune, of Gon-dai-ni
rank, whom it was proposed to send as Envoys to Silla, and
also to the student priests Bentsii and Shinyei.
1 A song with dance. At the end of each stanza were repeated the words
Man-nen arare, i.e. “ May you live for 10,000 years.’ It is also called
Man-zai-raku. ;
? King Sin-mun.
ROO 22:
412 NIHONGI.
Moreover, a present was made for the funeral expenses of
the King of Silla.
17th day. An Imperial decree was issued directing that the
cultivation throughout the Empire of such vegetable pro-
ductions as the mulberry tree, hemp, pears, chestnuts, and
greens,' should be encouraged, as auxiliaries to the five grains.
Summer, 4th month, 17th day. Daibu were sent as Envoys
to visit the shrines and to pray for rain. Moreover, Envoys
were sent to pray to the Great Abstinence Deity of Hirose, and
to the Wind-gods of Tatsuta.
22nd day. Ohotomo no Wobito, Vice-President of the
Inner Treasury, was by an Imperial decree convicted of dis-
honest practices, reduced two grades in rank, and dismissed
from the office he then held. Two clerks named Oisome no
Ohoku and Uno no Ohotomo were also convicted of dishonest
practices, reduced one grade in rank, and dismissed from the
office which they then held. An auditor. named Kose no
Muraharu, who, although he derived no personal advantage
from it, was privy to the theft, and allowed it to be committed,
was therefore reduced in rank by two grades and dismissed ~
from his office. Oisome no Ohoku, however, was pardoned,
on account of his zealous services during the campaign of the
year Midzunoye Saru. But the proceeds of the dishonest
practices were confiscated according to law.
5th month, rst day. The Empress visited the Palace of
Yoshino. .
th day. The Empress arrived from the Palace of Yoshino.
15th day. A public (Buddhist) great-congregation was held
within the inner precinct. |
6th month, 1st day. By an Imperial order the Koryé priest
Pok-ka was restored to the laity.
4th day. The rank of Jiki-kwo-shi was bestowed on Fitome,
Hikeda no Ason, Karita, Mori no Kimi, Maro, Kose no Ason,
Omi-maro, Fujihara no Ason, Tayasu, Kose, no Ason, Ike-
mori, Tajihi no Mabito, and Maro, Ki no Ason, in all seven
persons.
Autumn, 7th month, 7th day. The Empress visited the
Palace ot Yoshino.
1 Giles has Brassica rapa or rape-turnip. The interlinear Kana has
awona, which I have followed.
Jiro. 413
12th day. Envoys were sent to pray to the Great Abstinence
Deity of Hirose and to the Wind-gods of Tatsuta.
14th day. Daibu were sent as Envoys to visit the various
shrines and pray for rain.
16th day. Daibu were sent as Envoys to visit the various
shrines and pray for rain. On this day the Empress arrived
from Yoshino.
8th month, ist day. The Empress went to the site of the
Palace of Fujihara.
17th day. The Empress visited the Palace of Yoshino.
21st day. The Imperial car returned to the Palace.
gth month, 1st day. There was an eclipse of the sun.
5th day. The Empress went to the Peak of Tamu no Mine.
6th day. The Imperial car returned to the Palace.
roth day. On behalf of the Kiyomibara' Emperor a public
great-congregation was held within the inner precincts. All
prisoners were released.
16th day. The posthumous rank of Jiki-kwo-san was
granted to Konoma, Kaya no Imiki, and a contribution made
for his funeral expenses. In this way his services in the
campaign of the year Midzunoye Saru were rewarded.
Winter, roth month, 2nd day. It was decreed that from
this year onwards there should be inspections of the arms kept
in store by all, beginning with the Princes of the Blood down
to persons of initial rank. Those of JO cap-rank down to Jiki
cap-rank were each to have one suit of armour, one sword, one
bow, one set of arrows, one elbow- pad,’ and one saddle-horse.
Those of Gon cap-rank to Shin or initial cap-rank were each
to have one sword, one bow, one set of arrows, and one elbow-
pad. Such were to be their provision.
23rd day. The Jin-no* Sutra was begun to be expounded
in the hundred provinces. This came to a close after four
days.
11th month, 5th day. The Empress went to the Palace of
Yoshino.
7th day. Presents were given to the Prince and Prime
Minister, etc., of Tamna, of various values.
roth day. The Imperial car returned to the Palace.
1 Temmu Tenno. 2 See Vol. I., note to p. 34.
3 Benevolent king.
XOX 7 33.
A.D. 6094.
414 NIHONGI.
14th day. The Priests Hod-yen, Zen-d, and Shin-gi were
sent to the district of Yasu in the province of Afumi, to try
the spring of cordial ' waters.
23rd day. The rank of Jiki-dai-shi was bestowed on Sukuna-
maro, Hikeda no Ason, of Jiki-kwo-shi rank, and he was
granted a sustenance-fief of fifty houses.
12th month, 21st day. Professors of the art of’ war were
sent to give instruction and training in the various provinces.
8th year, rst month, 2nd day. The rank of Sho-kwo-shi was
granted to Miaruji, Fuse no Ason, of Jiki-dai-ichi rank, and to
Miyuki, Ohotomo no Sukune, with an increase of 200 houses
to the fiefs of each, amounting with those held by them pre-
viously to five hundred houses. They were also constituted
the senior members of their Houses.
7th day. An entertainment was given to the Ministers.
15th day. The Empress received presents of firewood.
16th day. An entertainment was given to the public func-
tionaries.
17th day. The men of Aya gave a performance of Arare-
bashiri.
Those of the fifth rank and upwards had archery.
18th day. Those of the sixth rank and downwards had
archery. After four days it came to an end.
19th day. The men of Thang gave a performance of Arare-
bashiri.
21st day. The Empress visited the Palace of Fujihara, and
returned to the Palace on the same day.
23rd day. The ranks of Mu-kwo-shi, etc., were conferred on
seven men of Great Thang and two Sushen (Manchus).
24th day. The Empress visited the Palace of Yoshino.
3rd month, 1st day. There was an eclipse of the sun.
2nd day. Maro, Ohoyake no Ason, of Jiki-kwo-shi rank,
Yashima, Utena no Imiki, of Gon-dai-ni rank, and Honjitsu,
Kibumi no Muraji, were appointed Governors of the mint for
(copper ?) cash.?
1 The interlinear Kana has ko-zake, a kind of sweet liquor made from
rice. A natural spring is meant, perhaps with some medicinal qualities.
* See below, XXX 34.
* The appointment of two mint officials with a nearly similar title is
recorded in the “ Shoku Nihongi” under the year 708, 2nd month. It is
—
Jiro. 415
11th day. An Imperial edict was issued, as follows :—‘ In
all cases where persons of no official rank are appointed as
District Governors, the chief officials shall receive the rank of
Shin-kwo-ni, and the assistants that of Shin-dai-san.”
there stated that these officials were then appointed for the first time. The
so-called first discovery of copper in Japan in this year relates only to a find of
native copper in the province.of Musashi. This was the occasion of the
name Wado (workable copper, not mere ore) being given to the year-period
which began with 708.
The “‘ Nihonshi ” contains a notice under the year 698 of copper being pre-
sented by the province of Inaba. This is the first historical notice of the
production of copper in Japan. It is probable, however, that copper was
worked long before this time in a country which is so rich in ores of this
metal. The gold-copper images of Buddha referred to in Suiko Tennd’s
reign, p. 133, Vol. II. A.D. 605, may have been made of Japanese copper,
though there is no direct evidence to this effect, and from the frequent
mention of copper and other metals among the “tribute” articles brought
from Corea, it is evident that imported copper was well known. The Sun-
goddess Myth (Vol. I. p. 47) speaks of copper, and there is frequent mention
of mirrors and bells which were made chiefly of copper.
I think it is not too much to say that there is no positive evidence what-
ever in the “ Kojiki” or “ Nihongi” of the use of bronze in ancient Japan.
The Japanese word for bronze, viz. karakane or metal of Kara, indicates that
the Japanese first became acquainted with this metal as an importation
from Corea. This word does not occur in the “ Nihongi,” but the term
copper may have sometimes included the mixed metal. Besides, the more
ancient specimens of bronze found in Japan do not contain lead, which is
a characteristic constituent of the karakane introduced from China in later
times, so that the absence of this term from the “ Nihongi ” is not conclusive.
It is, nevertheless, curious, when we remember the frequency with which
bronze is referred to in Homer, that no specific mention of this metal is to
be found in the ancient Japanese records.
The evidence of the use of bronze in Japan, however, is not confined
to literature. Mr. W. Gow!and has examined a number of bronze swords and
other objects dug up chiefly in Kiushiu under circumstances which point to
a great antiquity, and he informs me that an actual mould in which they
were cast has been discovered in Chikuzen. No iron objects of equal age
have been found. Those who are interested in this subject would do well
to consult Mr. Gowland’s “ Art of Casting Bronze in Japan,” contributed to
the “ Journal of the Society of Arts” in May, 1895. ;
The case for a bronze age in Japan presented by him isa strong one, but
how far the existence of the objects which he describes can be explained by
the frequent commercial relations of Japan with the continent is a question
on which I shall offer no opinion.
See also Anderson’s “ Glyptic Art” in Introduction to Murray’s “ Hand-
book,” 2nd ed. p. [10g]. et seqq.
416 NIHONGI.
16th day. The Empress made an edict, as follows :—“ In
the seventh year of our reign, the year Midzunoto Mi of the
Cycle, a spring of cordial waters bubbled up at Mount Tsuga-
yama in the district of Yasu in the province of Afumi. Persons
afflicted with all manner of diseases went to stay at the Temple
of Yasudera, and great numbers were healed. Therefore four
cho of rice-land and sixty tan of cloth are granted to it, and the
district of Yasu is exempted for this year from commuted taxes
and forced labour, and from miscellaneous corvées. The local
authorities, from the chief down to the clerks, are advanced
one grade in rank. To those who first made proof of the
spring of cordial waters, viz. Kadono no Hatsuki and the
daughter of Kudara no Tsurara, these are given two hiki of
coarse silk each, ten tan of cloth, and ten mattocks.”’
22nd day. Offerings were presented at the various shrines.
23rd day. Presents of coarse silks and cloth, varying in
value in the case of each, were made to the officials of the
Department of the Shinto religion from the chief down to the
Hafuri, in all 164 persons.
Summer, 4th month, 5th day. The posthumous rank of
Jo-dai-shi was conferred on Prince Kahachi, Viceroy of
Tsukushi, and a contribution made towards his funeral
expenses.
7th day. The Empress went to the Palace of Yoshino.
13th day. Envoys were sent to pray to the Great Abstinence
‘Deity of Hirose and to the Wind-gods of Tatsuta.
14th day. The Empress arrived back from the Palace of
Yoshino.
17th day. A contribution was sent towards the funeral
expenses of the Doctor of Law* Do-yen.
5th month, 6th day. The Ministers and Daibu were enter-
tained within the inner precincts (of the Palace).
11th day. One hundred copies of the Kin-kw6-myo Sutra
were sent and deposited in the various provinces, to be read
without faik when the moon of the first month was in her first
quarter. The fees (to the priests) were to be defrayed from
the public revenues ’* of the province.
6th month, 8th day. A white copper-pheasant was presented
1 Risshi, a rank in the Buddhist priesthood.
2 There is no question of money here, everything was in kind.
JiTOo. | 417
by the district of Sarara in the province of Kahachi. The
Governor and Vice-Governor of the district of Sarara received
each a grade of rank and presents, and the rank of Shin-kwo-ni
was granted to Karakuni, Osakabe no Miyakko, who had caught
it. He also received presents.
Autumn, 7th month, 4th day. Inspectors’ were sent to the
provinces.
15th day. Envoys were sent to pray to the Great Absti-
nence Deity of Hirose and to the Wind-gods of Tatsuta.
8th month, 17th day. One hundred and four priests were made
to enter religion for the sake of the Imperial Princess Asuka.
gth month, rst day. There was an eclipse of the sun.
4th day. The Empress proceeded to the Palace of Yoshino.
22nd day. Prince Mino, of J6-kwo-shi rank, was appointed
Viceroy of Tsukushi.
Winter, roth month, 2oth day. The rank of Shin-dai-shi
was bestowed on a man of the district of Araki, in the province
of Hida, named Otokunibe no Otohi, who had caught a white
bat. He also received a present of four hiki of coarse silk, four
bundles of floss silk, and ten tan of cloth, and his house was
exempted from all forced labour whatever during his life.
11th month, 26th day. There was an amnesty for criminals,
from those guilty of capital crimes downwards.
12th month, 6th day. The Empress removed her residence
to the Palace of Fujihara.
gth day. The public functionaries paid their respects at
Court.
10th day. Presents of various values were made to all from
the Princes of the Blood down to the Governors of districts,
consisting of coarse silk, floss silk, and cloth.
12th day. A banquet was given to the Ministers and
Daibu.
gth year, Spring, 1st month, 5th day. The rank of Jé-kwo-
ni was conferred on the toneri of Imperial Princes.
7th day. An entertainment was given to the Ministers and
Daibu within the inner precinct (of the Palace).
15th day. Firewood was presented to the Empress.
16th day. An entertainment was given to the public
functionaries.
1 Jun-satsu-shi.
VOL. Il.
A.D. 695.
Oe a BU
418 NIHONGI.
17th day. There was archery lasting for four days.
Intercalary 2nd month, 8th day. The Empress went to the
Palace of Yoshino. |
15th day. The Imperial car returned to the Palace.
3rd month, 2nd day. Silla sent Prince Kim Nyang-nim, the
Po-nyéng' Pak Kang-kuk, of Sal-son® rank, and Kim Chyu-
han and Kim Chhyung-syén, of Han-na-ma rank, to present a
memorial regarding the government of their country, to offer
tribute and to bring presents.
11th day. The Empress went to the Palace of Yoshino.
14th day. The Empress arrived from Yoshino.
22nd day. Hakase, Fumi no Imiki, of Mu-kwo-ni rank,
Shimo-osa* no Morota, of Shin-kwoé-san rank, and others
were sent to Tane‘ to obtain the barbarians’ dwelling-place.
Summer, 4th month, gth day. Envoys were sent to pray to
the Great Abstinence Deity of Hirose and to the Wind-gods
of Tatsuta. .
17th day. The posthumous rank of Jiki-kwo-san was con-
ferred on Yemishi, Kamo no Ason, and a contribution made
towards his funeral expenses. [His original rank was Gon-
dai-ichi.| The posthumous rank of Jiki-dai-shi was conferred
on Akamaro, Fumi no Imiki, and a contribution made towards
his funeral expenses. [His original rank was Dai-san-chiu. |
sth month, 13th day. An entertainment was given to the
Hayato of Oho-sumi.
2ist day. The Empress witnessed wrestling by the Hayato
at West * Tsuki no moto.
6th month, 3rd day. Daibu were sent as Envoys to visit the
shrines of the capital and the four Home provinces and pray
for rain.
16th day. Honorary gifts of various values were made to
all high officials who were eighty years of age or more, or who
were affected by chronic disease.
1 Apparently the name of an office. 2 The proper word is Chap-son.
8 Shimo-osa means junior interpreter. There was a family of this name,
but it is not quite clear that the name and function did not go together in
this case.
4 Viz. Tanegashima, an island off the south coast of Satsuma.
5 Referring to its position West of the Temple of Asuka. Tsuki is the
name of a tree, the Planera.
5 ca
sana eEn
JIT. 419
18th day. The Empress went to the Palace of Yoshino.
26th day. The Empress arrived from Yoshino.
Autumn, 7th month, 23rd day. Envoys were sent to pray
to the Great Abstinence Deity of Hirose and to the Wind-gods
of Tatsuta.
26th day. Presents were made of various values to the
Envoys whom it was proposed to send to Silla, viz. Kenu,
Wono no Ason, of Jiki-kwo-shi rank, Hakatoko, Yuki no
Muraji, of Mu-dai-ni rank, and others.
8th month, 24th day. The Empress went to the Palace of
Yoshino.
30th day. The Empress arrived from Yoshino.
gth month, 4th day. The prisons were visited, and those
persons were released who were suffering sentences of minor
banishment or imprisonment.
6th day. Kenu, Wono no Ason, and his colleagues started
for Silla.
roth month, 11th day. The Empress went to Yonahari in
Uda.
12th day. The Empress arrived from Yonahari.
rath month, 5th day. The Empress went to the Palace of
Yoshino.
13th day. The Empress arrived from Yoshino.
Prince Hatsuse was granted the (posthumous) rank of Jo-
dai-shi, and a contribution made for his funeral expenses.
roth year, Spring, Ist month, 7th day. The Ministers and ooE 696.
‘ 5 . 38.
Daibu were entertained.
11th day. The rank of Jiki-dai-shi was conferred on Nam-
chy6n, Prince of Pékché.
15th day. Firewood was presented to the Empress.
16th day. An entertainment was given to the Ministers and
public functionaries.
18th day. The Ministers and public functionaries had
archery at the South Gate.
2nd month, 3rd day. The Empress went to the Palace of
Yoshino.
13th day. The Empress arrived from Yoshino.
3rd month, 3rd day. The Empress went to the Palace of
Futa-tsuki.
t2th day. Presents were given of coats and trousers of
Si ae
420 NIHONGI.
brocade, of dark red and deep purple coarse silks, of axes, etc.,
to Inari and Mushi, Yemishi of Watarijima of Koshi, and to
‘Shirasu and Yesd, men of Sushen.
Summer, 4th month, roth day. Envoys were sent to pray
to the Great Abstinence Deity of Hirose and to the Wind-gods
of Tatsuta.
27th day. The rank of Tsui-dai-ni was conferred on Mono-
nobe no Kusuri, of the district of Kazehaya in the province of
Iyo, and to Mibu no Moroshi, of the district of _Kahashi in the
province of Higo. Moreover, each of them received presents
of 4 hiki of coarse silk, 10 bundles of raw silk, 20 tan of cloth,
_ 20 mattocks, 1000 sheaves of rice, and 4 cho of rice-land.
They were excused from the commuted taxes and forced
labour due from their houses. This was by way of consolation
for. their long sufferings in the Thang country.’
28th day. The Empress went to the Palace of Yoshino.
5th month, 2nd day. By Imperial command the title of
Imiki was conferred? on Tsunade, Hada no Miyakko, of Dai-
kin-jo rank.
4th day. The Empress arrived from Yoshino.
8th day. The rank of Jiki-kwé-shi was conferred on Oho-
sumi, Wohari no Sukune, and he was also given forty cho of
rice-land.
13th day. The posthumous rank of Jiki-kwo-shi was granted
to Momoye, Oho-koma no Muraji, and a contribution given
towards his funeral expenses.
6th month, 18th day. The Empress went to the Palace of
Yoshino.
26th day. The Empress arrived from Yoshino.
Autumn, 7th month, 1st day. There was an eclipse of the sun.
2nd day. Criminals were pardoned.
8th day. Envoys were sent to pray to the Great Abstinence
Deity of Hirose and to the Wind-gods of Tatsuta.
- roth day. His Highness the after * Imperial Prince died.
1 They were taken prisoners in the campaign undertaken for the support
of Pékché. See above, XXVII. 7.
_ ® This was a posthumous honour.
8 The “Shikai” thinks that we should read Prince Imperial here.
Prince Takechi is meant, who stood second in the line of succession.
Hence the epithet “after.”
Jiro. 421
8th month, 25th day. The rank of Jiki-kwd-ichi was con-
ferred on Homuchi, Oho no Omi, and presents given him as a
reward for his services from the beginning, and for his strict
guardianship of the barrier.’
gth month, 15th day. The posthumous rank of Jiki-dai-ichi
was conferred on Those, Waka-zakurabe no Ason, and a contri-
bution made towards his funeral expenses, in honour of his
services from the beginning.
Winter, roth month, 17th day. The Udaijin, Tajihi no
Mabito, was granted (permission ® to use) a carriage and a staft,
and so in this way sympathy was shown on his retirement from
office.
22nd day. One hundred and twenty retainers were
granted to the Udaijin, Tajihi no Mabito, of Sho-kwo-san
rank; eighty each to the Dainagon, Miaruji, Abe no Ason,
and Miyuki, Ohotomo no Sukune, both of Sho-kwo-shi rank,
and fifty each to Maro, Iso no Kami no Ason, of Jiki-
_ kwo-ichi rank, and Fubito, Fujihara no Ason, of Jiki-kwo-ni
rank.
11th month, roth day. Thirty houses were granted as a
sustenance-fief to Bendo, a priest of the Great Temple of the
Great Palace.
12th month, rst day. An Imperial order was given that the
Kin-kwo-my6 Sutra should be expounded, and that every year
on the last day of the twelfth month ten persons of a pure life
should be made to enter religion.
11th year, Spring, ist month, 7th day. An entertainment
was given to the Ministers and Daibu. |
11th day. Presents of rice in ear of various values were
given to all widowers, widows, orphans, and childless persons,
to those suffering from grave disease, and to those who from
poverty were unable to support themselves, throughout the
Empire. |
16th day. An entertainment was given to the Ministers and
public functionaries.
2nd month, 28th day. Kunimi, Tahema no Mabito, of
Jiki-kw6-ichi rank, was appointed Grand Tutor of the Heir
| He was warden of the Suzuka barrier, on the road to Fuha, during the
civil war.
2 On account of his age.
A.De 697.
422 NIHONGI.
Apparent,' Atomi, Michi no Mabito, of Jiki-kwo-san rank, was
appointed Director of the Spring Palace,” and Ahamochi, Kose
no Ason, of Jiki-dai-shi rank, Assistant Director.
3rd month, 8th day. A public great-congregation was held
at the Eastern Palace.*
Summer, 4th month, 4th day. Ranks, from that of Jé to
that of Jiki, were conferred on the selected persons (for office),
discrimination being made in the case of each.
7th day. The Empress went to the Palace of Yoshino.
14th day. Envoys were sent to pray to Hirose and Tatsuta.
On this day the Empress arrived from Yoshino.
5th month, 8th day. Daibu were sent as Envoys to the
various shrines to pray for rain.
6th month, 2nd day. Criminals were pardoned.
6th day. An Imperial order was made that Sutras should
be read in the temples of the Home provinces.
15th day. Persons of the fifth and lower ranks were sent to
cleanse out the temples of the capital.
tgth day. Offerings were distributed to the Gods of Heaven
and Earth.’
26th day. The Ministers and public functionaries began to
make votive images of Buddha for the sake of the Empress’s
illness.
28th day. Daibu were sent as Envoys to visit the various
shrines and pray for rain.
Autumn, 7th month, 7th day. At midnight, one hundred
and nine habitual’ thieves were pardoned, and four pieces of
cloth given to each. But those from the outer provinces received
twenty sheaves of rice each.
12th day. Envoys were sent to pray to Hirose and Tatsuta.
29th day. The Ministers and public functionaries prepared
1 The recognition in this capacity of Prince Aru, grandson of Temmu
Tenno and son of the Prince Imperial Kusakabe, afterwards Mommu Tenné,
on the sixteenth day ofthis month, is Feconded by other authors, but is some-
how omitted in the “ Nihongi.”
_? The Heir-Apparent’s Palace.
3 The Heir-Apparent’s Palace. 4 Shinto.
® There is probably something wrong with the text here. The “ Shukai”
offers an emendation which would mean “ thieves who habitually wore the
cangue.’J
eo
— —
Jiro. 423
a festival for the installation ' of Buddhist images in the Temple
of Yakushiji. .
8th month, rst day. The Empress,’ having decided on this XXX 41.
measure in the forbidden precinct, abdicated the Imperial
Dignity in favour of the Prince Imperial.
1 Lit. opening the eyes.
2 She died five years later. Her body was cremated, the first instance of
the application of this Indian practice to a Japanese sovereign.
THE END.
Oe a2
ERRATA ET ADDENDA.
VOL, J.
Page 2, line 3. For ‘drawn out’ read ‘ diffused,’
”
4. The character !{ is sometimes transliterated no and sometimes
nu—a confusion common with the Japanese themselves.
5, 1.15. For ‘it had’ read ‘which has.’
6, note 2. For Oho-to nochi Florenz plausibly suggests Oho-tono-ji,
i.e. ‘the elder of the august palace.’
note 3. Omotaru. Better ‘ face-perfect.’
note 3. Florenz suggests with great probability that awo is here
only an interjection like aya.
last line of notes. For ‘ Jirja’ read ‘Jinja.’
8, line 14 from bottom. For ‘ place’ better ‘ female.’
9,1. 11. For ‘game’ read ‘ gane.’
1o, note. For ‘ first jewel’ read ‘lucky jewel.’
14, 1.14. For ‘ Chi-iwo-aki’ read ‘ Chi-i-ho-aki,’
near bottom. For ‘has a place,’ etc., read ‘is completely formed
and has a place called.’
15, near bottom. Read ‘To think of the words of the woman having
been spoken first !’
18, near bottom of text. For ‘ladder’ read ‘ pillar.’
23, 1. 15, 18. For ‘suchi’ read ‘ dzuchi.’
l.29. Omit ‘no Kami’ after ‘ Kura 0 Kami?’
note 4. Read ‘in error for yase, having many reaches.’
24,1.7. For ‘ Izanami’ read ‘ Izanagi,’
26, 1. 3 from bottom. For ‘I will wash’ read ‘ So he washed,’
27,1.14. For ‘Soko’ read ‘ Uha.’
31, note 7. Na is here probably for no, the genitive particle.
40, line 5 from bottom. For ‘when the seed,’ etc., read ‘in spring
sowed seed over again, and broke down,’ etc.
42, add to note 2 :—‘ Here and at p. 186 the Eternal Land is probably
the continent of Asia. The cock is called Kuda-kake in the “ Ise-
Monogatari” (Mabuchi’s Edition II. 44), where Mabuchi explains
Kuda as put for Kudara, the name of a Corean kingdom,’
47, 1.24. For ‘drew herself up,’ etc., read ‘felt ill all over.’
near bottom, add note :—‘ This is the literal translation, but, as we
learn from the “ Shiki,” the ‘‘ combs ” here mentioned were really
ErrATA ET ADDENDA.
Sakaki branches stuck in the ground with tree-fibre hung from
them as offerings.’
Page 48, 1. 12, 13. For ‘he’ read ‘were.’ _
49, 1. 12. For ‘ Ono-kori-dome’ read ‘ Ishi-kori-dome.’
51, 1.16 and 21. Transpose ‘ right’ and ‘left’ in these lines.
55,1. 10, 14. For ‘ Mitsu’ read ‘ Mi.’
1. 13. After ‘yashima’ add ‘de,’ and at the end of note 5 the
word ‘ hand.’
56, 1. 20. : For ‘ Ina’ read ‘ Ma.’
57, 1. 18 et seqq. For ‘Iso’ read ‘I.’
60, 1. 4. Read ‘can we say,’ etc.
64, 1. 8. For ‘hoho ninigi’ read ‘ho no ninigi.’
66, 1. 16. ‘The sparrows,’ etc., should not be indented.
675): 64 Omit,‘ parents,’
l.9. Better ‘abhor mistaking.’
69, note 5. Mars and Jupiter are also mentioned.
71,1.4. Read ‘Oho-yama tsu mi no Kami.’
note 4. After ‘muro’ insert ‘except in composition.’
72, add to note :—‘ Blackmore, in “ Lorna Doone,” mentions a practice
in the West of England “ of keeping all rooms underground. We
say that thus we keep them warmer, both for cattle and men in
the time of winter, and cooler in the summer time.”’
74, 1.22. Read ‘ the coffined corpse.’
81, 1. 13. For ‘loyal behaviour’ read ‘ extreme loyalty.’
1. 6 from bottom. Before ‘Ma-hitotsu’ insert ‘Ame no,’
83, 1. 11. After ‘attendance’ add ‘in the hall.’
85,1. 10. Read ‘ Now I suspect that it is not my child.’
89, 1. 23. Read ‘Chichi hime no Mikoto, daughter of Honohata hime,
daughter of,’ etc.
1. 6 from bottom. Add ‘Ama no’ before ‘ Kaguyama.’
last line but one et seqq. For ‘she’ read ‘he.’
gi, l. 19. Read ‘Tama-yori hime no Mikoto, child of Yorodzu hata
hime, child of Taka mimusubi no Mikoto.’
1]. 24. Read ‘ Kachi-haya-bi.’
1. 26. Add ‘ Hono’ before ‘ Ninigi,’
93,1. 1. Before ‘ Hoho-demi’ add ‘ Hiko,’
95, 1. 4 from bottom. After ‘acquired’ insert ‘a sea-gift while the
younger brother Hiko-hoho-demi no Mikoto had acquired.’
96, margin. - For ‘ 32’ read ‘ 37.’
1. 3. Omit ‘ Cassia.’
97, 1.7. Filth of earth, The human body is meant. A Buddhist
idea.
100, note. There are earlier mentions of the Hayato, but their institu-
tion as an Imperial guard probably belongs to the latter end of
the seventh century. There’are numerous indications that this
legend is of recent date.
KO3s 13.56,, » Fora’ read Tow
a
ERRATA ET ADDENDA. 427
Page 104, 1.18. For ‘bathing women’ read ‘ warm-drink-women,’ and for
‘washerwoman’ read ‘ bathing-woman.’
106, 1. 8. After ‘dais’ add ‘ and invited him to come in.’
107, 1. 3. For ‘teach it to me’ read ‘save me therewith.’
tog. After the Chinese characters insert ‘or Tenno.’
110, |. 12. For ‘pointing to’ read ‘including all.’
add to note :—‘ The legend related at p. 128 is an additional indica-
tion of an earlier settlement of Yamato by emigrants from the
West. The “ Kiujiki” states that Nigi-hayahi descended from
Heaven in Kahachi, and subsequently removed to Yamato.’
111, line 2 from bottom. Read ‘and causing him to take it, pulled
him,’ etc.
1. 21. Read ‘ships and oars’ instead of ‘ helms of his ships.’
1.6. For‘ Kafuchi’ here and elsewhere read ‘ Kahachi.’
113, l. 11. After ‘Ikoma’ read ‘and in this way to enter,’ etc.
115,1. 7. For ‘chastise’ read ‘reduce.’
1.8. For ‘I can’ read ‘and,’ and omit ‘upon which’ in next line.
1. 8 from bottom. Read ‘the Emperor’s army.’
1. 4 from bottom. For ‘wandered about’ read ‘were stayed and
knew not whither,’ etc.
116, 1.9. After ‘body’ insert ‘ opened out a way across the mountains
and.’
1208 ].2.0 Ror “they dead “he?
last line. No ko, ‘the child of,’ should be taken as part of the
name, viz. Iha-oshi wake no ko. Similarly Nihe-motsu no ko a
few lines further down.
119, 1.12. By ‘force of men,’ ‘army of women,’ is probably intended
only virile or strong troops and effeminate or weak troops.
120, 1.18. After grass add ‘rain coat and.’
1.24. Read ‘whether or not I shall be successful in founding the
Empire.’ :
121, 1. 19. Read after ‘river’ ‘Their mouths turned downward and
after,’ etc.
122. Inthe poetry repeat the line ‘Like the Shitadami’ after ‘my
boys.’
123. In the poetry add after ‘ stay ’—
‘Though men in plenty
Coming enter and stay.’
1. 13. Read ‘I will stand up and sing.’
The same correction in |. 16.
124. Transpose the two poems on this page.
1. 2 from bottom. Read ‘ten and more.’
125, 1.20. Add ‘thus’ before ‘ cried.’
126, 1.15. Better ‘were not without weariness ’—
After first line of poetry insert the line, ‘ With shields in a row.’
127. Transpose the poems.
428 ERRATA ET ADDENDA.
Page 129, 1.4. For ‘Tada’ read ‘ Hata.’ af
1.5. The Japanese have indifferently hafuri or hofuri. Hafuri is
the proper spelling, hofuri being meant to represent the contracted
form hori.
» 130,1.9. After ‘ Katsuraki’ read ‘ Now the ancient name of the land of
Ihare was Kataru or Katatachi.’
» 131,note 6. For ‘evergreen’ read ‘ deciduous.’
» 133,16. Better read ‘to use allusive verses and topsy-turvy words
SO as,’ etc.
» 134,1.6. For ‘ Katsurano’ read ‘ Kadono.’
» 138, 1.2. Omit ‘ Hohodemi.’
1. 3. Add ‘hime ’ after ‘ Isuzu.’
], 10. For ‘Kama’ read ‘ Kami.’
» 142,1.9. Before ‘ daughter’ insert ‘ Howi-hime.’
» 148, 1.6. After ‘Emperor’s’ insert ‘ younger.’
l. 10. After ‘Awotama’ insert ‘ Kake.’
l. 11. After ‘yasu’ add ‘ hiko.’
1. 6 from bottom. ‘Ancestor of the Hodzumi no Omi’ should come
in at the end of the sentence.
» 50,1. 8. For ‘of wide culture’ read ‘ broad-minded,’
1. 5 from bottom. Read ‘ daughter of the Tohe of Araka (or Ara-
kaha) in the land of Ki?’
1. 4from bottom. Add after ‘had’ ‘ Toyo-ki-iri-hiko.’ Omit period
after ‘ Oho-ama.’
» 152,1.6 from bottom. Read ‘Is not this non-acceptance cruel ?’
» 153, 1. 4 from bottom. Add after ‘Shiko-wo’ ‘the ancestor of the
Mononobe no Muraji.’
» 161,1.2. Read ‘ Families were well supplied.’
» 164, note 2. Read ‘in Japanese Keirin.’
» 168. Read ‘ Judging from the implements which this ox is carrying,
he is surely intended to be killed and eaten.’
+». a72,k 2. For ‘slay? tread “attack?
» 178,1.9. After ‘land’ read ‘and that I should personally conduct the
government of the great earth. The covenant was already ~
completed. But although,’ etc.
1,22. For ‘ Kuka’ read ‘ Fukayu.”
» 181, last two lines. Read ‘If I am to be united to this beautiful person
I shall surely see a happy omen on the way.’,
182, last line. Read ‘Then he said to the courtiers.’
» 183,1.5. After ‘Tohe’ insert ‘of Yamashiro.’
» 189, last line. For ‘goro’ read ‘ gokoro.’
» I91,1.1and 2. For ‘goro’ read ‘ gokoro.’
193, 1. 4. For ‘hard’ read ‘ sakaki.’
5 194,/1. 21. Omit ‘muro
» 195,1.6 from bottom. For ‘It will be,’ etc., read ‘ Their spear points
are not to be matched,’ and omit ‘ For.’
if! EOC AST. “or ORI Pea Es
ERRATA ET ADDENDA. 429
Page 197,1. 18. For ‘to’ read ‘through.’
”
1.9 from bottom. For ‘ people’ read ‘ their tribe.’
206, 1. 8 from bottom. Add note, ‘i.e. a Deity incarnate in human
form.’
208, 1. 8. For ‘Mount Ohoyama’ read ‘the great mountains.’
209, 1.17. Read ‘ But he got up with difficulty and returned,’ etc.
221, 1. 5 from bottom. ‘Dazzling to the eyes’ is better construed with
‘gold and silver,’ etc.
224,1.5 and 1o. Read ‘ Tarashi-nakatsu hiko.’
225, 1.1. Woyamada.
226, 1.19. For ‘ powerful frame’ read ‘stubborn nature.’
].24. For ‘returned’ read ‘ removed.’
228, 1. 22. For ‘take possession of’ read ‘seek.’
237, 1.7. For ‘So ona later day,’ etc., read ‘Again they said “ Bring
a lute and give it to the Empress.” ’
note 7. Mikokoro is a makura-kotoba of Hirota.
1. 8. Read ‘ What ill-sounding things the woman says !’
239, 1. 3. For ‘ Katsurano’ read ‘ Kadono.’
l. 14-17. Read—
‘ Noble with nobles,
Cousin with cousins.’
240, 1.19. For ‘ Midzunoto,’ etc., read ‘ Kanoto Mi’ (18th).
242, 1.3. For ‘Emperor’ read ‘ Grand Empress.’
246, 1.8. Read ‘In the course of the seventh month of, etc.
248, 1.5. After ‘tribute’ add ‘which they made the tribute of their
own country.’
1.6. After ‘Silla’ add ‘ mean articles.’
250, 1. 12 from bottom. For ‘ Corea’ read ‘ Pékché.’
251, 1.16. Read ‘It is so distant that it cannot be reached in seven
days’ journey.’
254, 1. 13. Read‘This agreed with the elbow-pad worn by the
Empress as a manly accoutrement.’
255, 1. 1.. For ‘ Tsutsuhi’ read ‘ Kebi.’
1. 15.. For ‘younger’ read ‘elder.’
]. 11 from bottom. For ‘ Prince’ read ‘ Princess.’
1. 7 from bottom. For ‘ Mago’ read ‘ Ito’
257, l. 7. For ‘Kadzu’ read ‘Kadono. Chiba, ‘thousand leaves,’
is a makura-kotoba of Kadono, Kado (or Kadzura) meaning a
creeper.
1. 5, and in p. 258. After ‘ Umashi’ add ‘ uchi.’
259, 1.1. After ‘ Tsurugi’ add ‘ Karu.’
l. 19. For ‘the upper’ read ‘a.’
260, 1. 5 of poetry. ‘River fork’ is perhaps better ‘ Kahamata,’ the
name of a river. .
264, 1. 10 from bottom. For ‘kebi’ better read ‘momi.’
265, note. For ps read Zs.
ERRATA ET ADDENDA.
Page 266. Poetry. Dr. Florenz interprets the last three lines as follows—
‘Yield to one side ;
(In order that) I may see
My departing spouse of Kibi.’
267. For ‘Ahiru’ read ‘ Kamo.’
271, 1.12. For ‘Oho-kuma’ read ‘ Oho-sumi.’
276. For ‘sent it’ read ‘ went.’
277, 1.6. For ‘my abdication’ read ‘his self-abnegation.
note. Read ‘ Chihaya-bito.’
278, 1. 8 from bottom. Read ‘But for the three years that We have
now reigned over the people,’ etc.
279, 1. 3. Read ‘no robes of state or shoes were made for him except
when worn out.’
1.5. Read after ‘broths’ ‘were not renewed except when they
became sour or putrid.’
284. Poetry. For first two lines read—
‘ By the rule established
For nobles.’
293, 1. 5 from bottom. For ‘Empress’ read ‘Emperor.’
294, 1. 21. For ‘Taka-ama’ better ‘Taka-kahi’ (falcon-feed).
298, 1.6. For ‘melts’ read ‘is distributed.’
304, 1.4. For ‘Furu no’ read ‘ Furu in.’
305, 1. 4. Before ‘ Hayato’ insert ‘ an attendant.’
322, note 1. ‘Na-nori-ahi’ should be ‘na-nori-so,’ ‘ tell it not.’
323, 1.6. Read ‘ But the sea was deep and they,’ etc.
326, 1. 3 from bottom. For ‘made them go back’ read ‘returned.
329, 1. 3 from bottom. Read ‘one whit disagreeable.’
335. Poetry. For ‘nine-fold’ read ‘seven-fold.’
336, 1. 4 from bottom. Omit ‘a place belonging to.’
note 3. Add ‘ Fukuro probably means mother here.’
338, 1. 4. Before ‘woman’ insert ‘man and.’
Last line but one, read ‘ they were’ for ‘she was.’
340, last line. Read ‘ The only persons whom he favoured.’
341, 1. 7. After Princess add ‘and has made her pregnant.’
342, 1.12. After.‘ flying’ add ‘and bit the Emperotr’s elbow.’
349, 1.17. For ‘get instructions’ read ‘ proceed by way of.’
351, note 2. For ‘Bekkako’ read ‘ Kokkeko’ or ‘ Kakero.’
359, 1. 26. For ‘Autumn’ read ‘ Winter.’
362, 1.15. Read ‘ How nearly I had destroyed the man !?
366, 1.14. For ‘beside himself with shame’ read ‘for shame at his
unsuccess.’
1. 7 from bottom. For ‘who’ read ‘and.’
369, note 2. Better to take smoke and fire as signs of plenty, which
extend for 10,000 ri.
370, 1. 5. Read “How should not we, with our whole hearts, address
them decrees of cordial warning?’
BY
ERRATA ET ADDENDA. 431
Page 370, 1. 20. Read ‘many years have now passed, and it (my death)
”
”
”
Page 13.
19, note 5. For ‘Eungchén’ read ‘ Ungchon,’
20, 1. 5. For ‘ Eunchol’ read ‘ Eunsol.’
127, note 5. Omit ‘In modern times,’ etc.
148. Add to note 2 :—‘ The authenticity of the “ Kiujiki”’ was never
”
”
”
”
cannot be called premature.’
l. 5 from bottom. Read ‘ should gain his purpose of whine? etc.
371, 1. 3, 4. Read ‘ The serfs of the Ohomuraji are wide-spread,’ etc.
1. 14. Read ‘ Your serfs are very numerous.’
1,16. Read ‘Is it not better to keep safe our persons and avoid
risk rather than by such an announcement to bring on ourselves
ruin ??
386,1. 10. After Dignity read ‘to the great delight of the functionaries
who were in attendance.’
390, 1. 11 from bottom. Read ‘ There are no words without response :
no virtuous action without requital.’
1. 8 from bottom. For ‘feasts’ read ‘has obtained.’
399, 1. 3. Read ‘ Oho-iratsume.
400, note 3. For ‘ 13’ read ‘
VOL. E.
Omit note I.
disputed until the time of Motoori and Hirata. The former
(“ Kojikiden ” i. 20) condemns it as aforgery. Hesays, however,
that it is not a mere invention, but compiled from the “ Kojiki” and
“ Nihongi.” Ifany one doubts this let him, MotoGri says, read the
“ Age of the Gods,” comparing the accounts given in the three
works. He will find in the * Kiujiki” an incongruous mixture of
style, and also that the same event has been narrated in two
different forms. The difference in the Chinese characters used for
writing the same proper names is especially conspicuous. Some-
times the “ Kogojiui” has been resorted to, and such passages
are easily distinguished as they are copied word for word. There
are, however, passages not to be found elsewhere, probably taken
from some old work, and the MSS. are useful for correcting the
text of the “ Nihongi.” To.these observations of Motoéri it
may be added that the “ Kiujiki” contains an account of the
death of Shétoku Daishi, its supposed author, which must have
been added a long time after (probably from the “ Nihongi”), as
it has the expression “the men of that day.” We should also
remember the positive statement of the “ Nihongi” (p. 193) that
the greater part of the “ Kiujiki” was destroyed by fire in
A.D. 645.
Notwithstanding all this, I incline to the opinion that the
“ Kiujiki,” with the exception of the final passage which relates
the death of Shdtoku Daishi, is authentic, Motoéri hardly
ERRATA ET ADDENDA.
does justice to the amount of original matter in the mythological
chapters, and the similarities between it and the “ Kojiki” and
“ Nihongi” may be accounted for by supposing that all three
drew their materials from a common stock, viz. the recitals of the
“ Kataribe” and the written documents compiled from them. It
is quite true that the “ Kiujiki” gives in many Cases two versions
of the same legend, but the clumsiness with which they have
been dovetailed together is rather a proof that the writer could
not have had the more consistent narrative of the “ Nihongi”
before him. This part ought to be translated. It contains
material which is necessary for a complete study of Shintoism.
From Jimmu Tenn6é on the question assumes a different aspect.
Here either the author of the “ Nihongi” has incorporated the
whole ‘* Kiujiki,” or the author of the “ Kiujiki” has made a
selection from the “ Nihongi.” So far as the former goes it is
identical word for word with the latter. From the circumstance
that the additional matter contained in the “ Nihongi” is very
largely of a romantic or poetical nature, it seems more probable
that the “ Kiujiki” is the original work. Its general style is
eminently consistent with the statement (“ Nihongi,” vol. ii.
p. 122) that the reputed author was a thorough proficient in
both Chinese and Buddhist learning.
Without a more exhaustive examination it is impossible to say
more, but there is, I feel sure, sufficient internal evidence avail-
able to solve the question with certainty. It would afford an
interesting subject of critical inquiry to some of our younger
students,’
Page 352, 1.9. For ‘11th’ read ‘ 1oth.’
I]. 12, Omit ‘you who accepted our rule and also to,’ and add at
end of sentence ‘of your emigration hither.’
For most of the above corrections I am indebted to the kindness ot
Dr. Florenz, Professor of Philology in the Imperial University of Tokio.
IN DEX:
-ABSTINENCE (religious), I. 41, 42, 82,
152, 316, 325, 3475 II. 1o1, 387.
_ Abstinence Palace, I. 176, 225; II. 322,
326, 338.
Acupuncture, IT. 190.
Adoption, II. 2.
Adultery, II. 221.
Adzuma, I. 81, 207.
Adzuma Koto, I. 225.
Agata-nushi, I. 134.
Age of the Gods. Books I. and II.
Agura, II. 103.
Ahaji (island, birth of), I. 13.
Ahimbe, IT. 335.
Aino or Ainu. See Yemishi.
Aji-suki-taka-hiko-ne, I. 67, 75.
Akakagachi, I. 77.
Akitsushima, I. 13, 134, 343; II. 12, 66.
Aloes wood, II. 123.
Altar, I. 353.
Ama or Ame, heaven, Zassz772.
Ama no hihoko, I. 169, 185, 186.
Ama no Nunahara oki no Mabito, II.
301.
Ama no mi-naka-nushi, I. 5.
Ama terasu no Ohokami.
goddess.
Ama tsu mara. See Smith-god.
Ambassadors (should be of good family),
pGa7.0%
Ame (malt extract), I. 121.
Ame-kuni-oshi-harani-hiro-niha, II. 5, 36.
Ame mikoto hirakasu wake, II. 275.
Ame no oshi-ho-mimi no Mikoto, 1. 83.
Ame no Uzume. See Uzume.
Ame-toyo-takara ikashihi tarashi hime, I.
171, 248.
Ame-waka-hiko, I. 65.
Ame-yorodzu toyohi, II. 195. \
Amnesty, II. 322, and frequently after this.
Anaho, I. 328.
Anahobe (Prince), II. 107, 112.
Anato, I. 167.
Ancestor-worship, I. 27 ; II. 351.
Ango. See Retreat.
Ankan Tenné, II. 12, 26.
Anko Tenné, I. 328, 332.
Annei Tenno, I. 141, 142.
VOL, II.
See Sun-
Anthropomorphism, I, 41.
Arakahi, II. 2, 8, 15, etc.
Arare-bashiri, II. 411, 414.
Arashito or Arasateung, I. 166; IL. 18,
TO, 923;
Archery, I. 282, 336, 377°; II. 226, 393,
CLC.
Arima (Prince), II. 251.
Arinari (river), I, 231.
Arrow. See Nari-kabura, Bow, Archery.
Artizans (from Corea), I. 349, 396, etc.
Ashihara, I. 40.
Ashinadzuchi, I. 52, 56.
Aso (Mount), I. 198.
Aso or Ason (title), I. 236, 239; II. 365,
etc.
Astronomy, II. 76, 126, 301, 326. See
also Comet, Eclipse, Occultation, Mars,
Pleiades.
Ass, II. 252.
Atahe or Atahi (title), I. 36.
Ataka-ashi tsu hime, I. 88.
Aya, I. 265, 270, 336, 350, 363; II. 118,
190, 192, etc.
Augury. See Divination.
Jordoy de gion uss VUE, atin Yee 7 eyo),
BALDNESS as an incapacity for service of
gods, I. 152.
Banishment, II. 333, 339.
Banzai or Bansai, I. 389; II. 175, 411.
Baptismal flag, II. 149.
Be, I. 43, 47, 104, 139, 175, 280, 397;
314, 322, 340, 350, 359, 365, 375; Il.
4, 27, 31, 95, 125, 129, 224. See also
Nashiro.
Beacons, II. 13.
Bear (polar), II. 257, 263, 371.
Bed of absent person, Superstition regard-
ing, I. 325.
Bees, II. 184.
Bellows, I. 47. i
Bells, I, 286, 294, 301, 329, 348, 387;
II. 86, 105, 167, 201, 206, 211, 227,
302, 335-
Bhéchadjya Radja. See Yakushi.
Bidatsu (or Bindatsu) Tenno, II. go-105.
Bosatsu (or Bodhisattwa), II. 111, 175.
cab
Bow and arrows, I, 34, 37, 139, 247, etc.
Box for petitions, II. 211.
Bramblings (bird), II. 339, 349.
Branding of criminals, etc., I. 305, 307,
359-
Bronze, II. 415.
Buddhism, I. 219; II. 59, 65, 66, 68, 72,
78, 90, 96, 101, and frequently during
the remainder of Vol. II. See also
Hoshi, Image, Kesa, Nuns, Shamon,
Sutra, Sddzu, Kwannon, Temples, Re-
treat.
Buffalo, II. 297.
Butsudan, II. 369.
CALENDAR, Introduction xvii. ; II. 68, 72,
126, 400.
Camel, II. 124, 146, 252. 24%
Cap- rank, WE 2272255) .237), 228708870.
See also Rank.
Cash, II. 34, 414.
Castles, building of, II. 283, e¢ segg., 286.
Cattle-breeding, II. 32.
Caterpillar, worship of, II. 188, e¢ segg.
Celestial dog, II. 167.
Censorate, II. 294.
Ceremonies, court, II. 227, 357, 398, etc.
Chair, II. 102.
Chaos, I. 1.
Charts, Ty 94,4 11. $2, 379:
Incantation, Mantras.
Chésyang, I. 243.
Chhimnyu (King), I. 253.
Chi or chichi, I. 4, 264.
Chisis i 1a2t
Childbirth, superstitions connected with,
I. 85, 98, 103, 104.
China, relations with, Introduction xi. ; II.
138. See Thang, Wu, Tsin, Han.
Chinese civilization, spread of, II. 133.
Chinese customs, I. 311.
Chinese learning, first introduction of, I.
262.
Chiuai Tenn6, I. 217-223.
Ché (land measure), II. 208.
Chopstick, I. 159.
Choshushi, II. 213, 225.
Chronology, Introduction xvi.; I. 111, 132,
TALS 3, 1OSs17 75-4205, 247.0250, 202,
293, 300, 307, 330, 332, 346, 366; II.
25, 37- See also Calendar, Nengo.
Circumambulation, II. 259.
Clapping hands by way of respect, II. 395.
Clay figures at tombs, I. 181, 357.
Clay-workers, I. 180, 3 56. See also
Hashi.
Clepsydra, II. 265, 296.
Cloth, I. 44; II. 180, 208.
Cloud: chariot, II. 275.
Cock wile sul eqs:
Cock-fighting, I. 348.
Coin, I. 391 ; II. 304.
Currency.
See also
See also Copper,
INDEx.
Combs, superstitions regarding, I. 24, 25,
47, 48, 52, 96, 98 ; II. 425.
Comets, II. 166, 167, 169, 333, 353) 364,
367.
Compass (mariner’s), II. 258, 285.
Concubines (Imperial), I. 311, etc.
Confiscation, I. 293 ; II. 83.
Confucius, II. 129.
Consecration (of Buddhist images), II. 297,
423.
Conundrums, II. 374, 375.
Copper, I. 20, 47, 120, 220, 221, 328,
350, 3553 II. 65, 86, 133, 360, 387, 415.
Corea, Introduction xi. See Han, Imna,
Kara, Koryé, Pékché, Silla.
Corean deities worshipped in Japan, I. 11,”
169, 225, 378.
Corean names, Introduction xxii.; I. 244.
Cormorant-tishing, I. 119, 126, 341.
Cosmogony, I. 2, e¢ seggq.
Costume, II. 18, 304, 307, 3075 410.
Court, II. 138.
Cremation, 1423;
Crow, three-legged. See Yatagarasu.
Currency, I. 89, 391; II. 34, 222, 360,
372, 414.
Gurses, al 24055337, 403;:. Lh. oo2s
Cycle, Chinese, I. 111.
DarBu, I. 175; II. 98.
Daijin, I. 334; II. 196.
Daijinno, II. 114.
Daijoye, I. 86.
Daikoku, I. 55, 63.
Dainagon, II. 347.
Dai Nippon, II. 279.
Dajodaijin, II. 294.
Dakiu, II. 185.
Dancing (religious), I. 44, 79; (other), 318,
381, 382, etc.
Dazaifu, II. 139.
Debts discharged, II. 378, 385.
Deer, cry of, I. 289.
Deer, dream of, I. 290.
Deification of Emperors, II. 226, 227.
See also Incarnation.
Departments of State, IT. 232.
Distribution of lands to peasants. See
Kobunden.
Divination, [5-835 167) 121, 152,, 153,
176, 177, 178, 189, 195, 227, 228, 229,
. 237, 281, 290, 307, 324, 355; Il. 509,
68, 72, 95, 102,.257,. 306. See also
Omens.
Divorce, I. 25, 30.
Dog-keepers, II. 32.
Dog stories, II. 116, 117.
Dragon, II. 240, 248.
Dragon-fly, I. 134, 342.
Dragon-king, I. 61, 95.
Dreams, I. 115, 152, 155, 161, 165, 290;
ie 36:
Dwarf-god. See Sukuna-bikona.
Dwarfs, II. 296.