Nihon Shoki, history and mythology of Japan uncovered

The Nihon Shoki, also known as Nihongi, is an ancient book that narrates the history and mythology of Japan. It was completed in 720 and its pages contain accounts of Japanese gods, genealogies of emperors and historical facts. Although it has been the subject of criticism and controversy, the Nihon Shoki is fundamental to understanding ancient Japanese tradition and culture. Its influence on mythology and its connection to the Kojiki book are prominent themes.
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History and legacy of Nihon Shoki

The Nihon Shoki, also known as Nihongi, is a historical book of great importance in Japan. In this section, we will explore the origins of Japanese history in Nihon Shoki, the influence of myths in this book, and the historical and cultural context surrounding it.

Origins of Japanese history in Nihon Shoki

Nihon Shoki narrates the history of ancient Japan, from the time of the gods to the reign of Empress Jitō in 697. It is considered the second oldest book on the history of Japan and seeks to preserve the country’s indigenous tradition. Unlike the Kojiki, it is written in classical Chinese, but includes facts from Japanese mythology and the ‘age of the kamis’.

Influence of myths in Nihon Shoki

Although myths are not considered history, they are important in mythology. In the case of Nihon Shoki, the official myths are less interesting than those of Kojiki. However, the stories of the Japanese gods are present in this book and contribute to an understanding of the worldview and beliefs of the time.

Historical and cultural context of Nihon Shoki

The Nihon Shoki consists of 30 volumes and 1 genealogy. The compilers of this book, including Prince Toneri, Ki no Kiyohito and Ō no Yasumaro, seek to justify the divine lineage of Japanese emperors and their character as rulers by connecting the emperor’s genealogy with the gods Amaterasu and Takamimusuhi.

• Nihon Shoki shows influence from the Chinese chronological style, reflecting the cultural connection between Japan and China in that period.
• This book is vital to understanding ancient Japanese culture and tradition.
• The Nihon Shoki has been the subject of criticism and controversy, especially regarding the veracity of the mythological accounts and the existence of certain emperors mentioned in the text.

Nihon Shoki Content and Themes

Nihon Shoki covers various themes that offer an in-depth look at the history and mythology of Japan. Below, we will explore the main aspects of its content.

Tales of the Japanese Gods

Nihon Shoki is rich in stories that narrate the lives and actions of Japanese gods. These stories transport us to a mythical past, featuring deities such as Amaterasu, the sun goddess, and Susano-o, the storm god. Through these stories, the origin of creation is traced and the links between the gods and humankind are explored.

Emperors in Nihon Shoki

The Nihon Shoki delves into the genealogy and reigns of Japanese emperors from ancient times. These accounts detail the lives and achievements of the leaders, as well as their connection to the gods. The book seeks to establish the divine lineage of the emperors, presenting them as legitimate rulers and justifying their authority. Although some accounts may exaggerate both the virtues and shortcomings of the emperors, these passages provide valuable insights into the structure of government and political relations in Japan’s past.

Who wrote the Nihon Shoki?

The “Nihon Shoki” was compiled and completed by Prince Toneri and the nobleman Hieda no Are in 720 AD during the Nara era in Japan. Prince Toneri was a member of the imperial family, and Hieda no Are was a courtier and scholar. Both worked on the compilation of this historical text, which is presented as an official chronicle of the history of Japan from its mythical origins to the era of Empress Suiko.

It is important to note that, as with many ancient historical works, the authorship of “Nihon Shoki” can be attributed to the person who compiled it, but the work may have involved several collaborators and sources. In this case, Prince Toneri and Hieda no Are were the key figures in its creation.

Relationship to the Kojiki book and other historical sources

The Nihon Shoki has a close relationship with another important book of Japanese history and mythology, the Kojiki. Both works share stories and sources, although their approaches and emphases may differ. The Nihon Shoki, unlike the Kojiki, is written in classical Chinese and incorporates elements of the Chinese chronological style. This reflects the influence of Chinese culture in Japan during that historical period. In addition to its relationship to the Kojiki, the Nihon Shoki also uses other historical and mythological sources to construct a coherent narrative of Japanese history.

Doubts about the existence of early emperors

One of the main criticisms of this book centers on the existence of the first emperors mentioned in the Nihon Shoki. Some historians raise doubts about the authenticity of these accounts, suggesting that the eight generations from the second to the ninth could be inventions of the compilers. This controversy has led to intense debate in the scholarly community, although, interestingly, the articles from 673 onward are not questioned by current historians, adding to the mystery of early Japanese history.

Current Perspectives on Nihon Shoki

Despite criticism and controversy, the Nihon Shoki remains a valuable text for understanding ancient Japanese history and mythology. Today’s historians recognize its importance as an official history book of Japan, and although some accounts may contain exaggerations or fabrications, the rest of the content is considered to be true. The current perspective is based on a critical and contextualized analysis of the work, recognizing both its influence on indigenous tradition and its connection to the Kojiki and other historical sources.

Okay, having a book written in Japanese and not knowing Japanese may seem crazy. But that’s because you haven’t gotten your hands on Mitsusada Inoue’s hardcover edition yet.