Kojiki and Nihon Shoki
Kojiki and Nihon Shoki are compilations of Japanese narrative history and myths, which were compiled during the Nara era.
Kojiki (The Record of Ancient Matters) is said to be the oldest existing historical document in Japan. Its origins are traced back to the year 684 (Tenmu era) when Emperor Tenmu ordered Hieda no Are to memorize Teiki (the records of the Emperor’s family tree) and Kyuji (an ancient Japanese historical text). Ohno Yasumaro recorded recitations and edited the Kojiki, which was then submitted to Empress Genmei in the year 712 (Wado era).
The Kojiki consists of a preface and three parts: Kamitsumaki (The First Volume), Nakatsumaki (The Middle Volume), and Shimotsumaki (The Last Volume). It began at the ‘Creation of the Heavens and Earth’ and continued through to Emperor Suiko (the 33rd Emperor). The Kidentai (biographical historiography) and Hennentai (chronological order) editing styles were used, along with the Wabuntai Japanese style of sentence structure, which was based on the Kanbun Chinese writing system.
Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan) is a history book that was submitted to Empress Gensho in 720 (Yoro era). It consists of 30 volumes and a volume of genealogy. Nihon Shoki was written using the Hennentai writing system, which was based on Kanbun (which used to be East Asia's common language). The book began with the ‘Creation of the Heavens and Earth’ and ended with the 41st Emperor (Empress Jito). During the tenth year of the Tenmu era, Emperor Tenmu ordered Kawashima no Miko and six other imperial family members, Nakatomi no Ohshima and six other government officials to edit the book. This process took 40 years and was finally completed by Prince Toneri and other government officials.
Although both documents begin with the ‘Creation of the Heavens and Earth’, and overlap to an extent following this, they both represent the history of Japan. The Kojiki refers to the private history of the imperial family, while Nihon Shoki was considered to be the official history of Japan. Both texts are known as Kiki (Japanese mythology). They were valuable documents used for the transmission of Japanese mythology and history and were written to give foreign readers, especially Chinese, an understanding of Japan’s history.
Related People, Things and Events
Books
Kojiki
Nihon Shoki
Related Works
Videos
Past Exhibitions
| Title | shusai | Place | open | close |
|---|---|---|---|---|
External Links
古事記と六国史(日本書紀など)についての解説を掲載。