Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan)
Overview
An official history in thirty scrolls (plus a lost scroll of genealogies) completed in 720 by Prince Toneri and others. It runs from the age of the gods to Empress Jito. Written in classical Chinese as a chronicle, it records events by year, month and day. In the scrolls on the age of the gods, the main text is followed by variant traditions introduced with "One writing says…", a distinctive feature. It is the first of the Six National Histories and became the model for later official histories.
Background
After the defeat at the Paekch'on River in 663, Wa, wary of Tang China and Silla, hurried to build a state under written law and began to use the name "Nihon" (Japan) and the title "tenno" (emperor). Having an official history, as China did, was part of a state's standing, and the Shoki was also meant to show the country's past to East Asia. Some passages borrow wording from Chinese histories, and some quote records from Paekche. In the Nara and Heian periods it was lectured on again and again at court.
Highlights
- The Isshi IncidentIn 645 Soga no Iruka is cut down at the Asuka Itabuki Palace. The scene is written down to the trembling hands and pouring sweat of the man reading the memorial: a tension you would never expect from an official history.Read “Asuka Itabuki Palace” →
- After the Paekch'on RiverAfter the defeat, the Mizuki dike is built before Dazaifu, mountain forts are set up in many places, and the capital moves to Omi. You can see an ancient state facing a threat from abroad.Read “Dazaifu and the Mizuki Dike” →
- The Jinshin WarFrom Prince Oama's withdrawal to Yoshino and his rising, to his seizing the Fuwa road and his victory over the Omi court. The climax of the Shoki, telling why Emperor Tenmu's rule was legitimate.Read “Fuwa Barrier” →
- Read it alongside the KojikiEven for the same myths and events, the telling and the handling of variant traditions differ. Read side by side, the different characters of the two books become clear.