Japan's Oldest History Book: "Kojiki". What is it about? When was it created?

"Kojiki" is the oldest surviving history book in Japan. It records the founding of the nation and the history of the emperors, making it a crucial resource for understanding Japanese history. In this article, a writer who is an active high school teacher and teaches "Kojiki" to students will explain its content in a way that's easy to understand, in several parts.

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The Reason for the Creation of "Kojiki" and Its Characteristics

When was "Kojiki", The Oldest History Book, Created?

"Kojiki" is the oldest surviving history book in Japan. It was created upon the order of Emperor Tenmu, the 40th emperor, who wanted to preserve for future generations the true history of Japan’s origins, the emperors, and the myths passed down through the regions. The book was completed in 712.

The stories deemed accurate by the imperial family were memorized by Hieda no Are, who was famous for being able to "recite at first glance and remember after hearing once." These stories were then transcribed by O no Yasumaro, and this process led to the completion of "Kojiki."

The Main Theme of Kojiki: A Record of the Gods

"Kojiki" is divided into three volumes: the upper, middle, and lower.

The upper volume focuses on stories about the gods. It begins with the birth of the gods and the creation of heaven and earth, presenting the tales of numerous deities in a narrative format. The middle volume shifts to the transition from gods to humans, describing how the gods, who originally had eternal life, lost their immortality, and how their descendants, the emperors, came to rule the land. The lower volume details the genealogy of emperors, concluding with the 33rd Emperor, Empress Suiko. In "Kojiki," the chaotic and formless world transforms as gods are born, and a nation is built. While many gods play vital roles in the story, the ultimate narrative centers on the descendants of the sun goddess Amaterasu taking control of the land. These descendants eventually become the emperors who rule Japan to this day.

The upper volume is the most widely known section of "Kojiki," featuring numerous myths about the gods. Although much of it is fictional, as myths often are, it also incorporates regional legends passed down through generations and elements that are believed to be based on historical facts.

For instance, in 1984, 358 bronze swords were unearthed in Izumo, Shimane Prefecture, a discovery that garnered significant attention due to its unprecedented scale. In "Kojiki," there is a story about the god Susanoo slaying the monster Yamata no Orochi in Izumo and finding a sword, the Kusanagi Sword, in the monster’s tail. By linking this myth to the actual discovery of the bronze swords, scholars speculate that Izumo may have been a center of Bronze Age culture and home to a powerful ancient government. These connections between mythological tales and historical findings highlight the enduring appeal of "Kojiki."

The Vision of Emperor Tenmu in Creating Kojiki

Emperor Tenmu, who ordered the creation of "Kojiki," aimed to establish a strong, centralized nation. His political vision extended beyond uniting the country to strengthening Japan's diplomatic presence in East Asia. During his reign, Japan, previously referred to as "倭 (Wa)" by neighboring countries, began to identify itself as "Nihon," meaning "the sacred land where the sun rises."

Additionally, the title for the nation's ruler shifted from "Okimi" (Great King) to "Tennō" (Emperor) during this period. Emperor Tenmu worked to build a centralized state governed by the emperor, presenting "Japan" as a unified and powerful nation. One of the essential projects to realize his vision was the creation of "Kojiki." The work embodies Emperor Tenmu's desire to unify Japan and convey this message for generations to come.

Why Kojiki is Gaining Attention Today

Onsentsu Onsen Iwami Kagura (C) Shimane Prefecture

The year 2012 marked the 1,300th anniversary of Kojiki's creation, a significant milestone. Many events were held in regions connected to Kojiki, sparking a Kojiki boom. This led to the gods of Kojiki becoming popular themes in anime, dramas, and games.

As globalization advances, Japan's engagement with the international community has also grown. Amid this, more Japanese people are rediscovering the charm of traditional Japanese culture. Kojiki, which preserves ancient Japanese mythology, offers insights into what our ancestors thought and how they lived, making it a topic of renewed interest.

Despite the passage of centuries, Kojiki continues to provide us with valuable lessons, offering hints on personal growth and addressing social issues in modern times. Its myths explore universal themes such as family, love, justice, and sincerity, presenting spiritual values that resonate with questions of "how one should live."

In recent years, as more international visitors come to Japan, shrine visits have become a popular aspect of Japanese tourism. But what exactly is a shrine? Why are they important to Japanese people? Understanding Kojiki can deepen our knowledge of these questions and the cultural significance of shrines.

In this article series, drawing from my experience teaching social studies in high school, I will introduce the main deities of Kojiki and their stories. Even among Japanese people, many have only heard fragments of Kojiki's tales and may not have read it in its entirety. Through these articles, I hope to share the captivating stories of Japan's gods and the messages, perspectives, and ideas embedded within them. I hope you enjoy this journey into the world of Kojiki at your leisure.

The Deities and World of Kojiki: An Introduction to the Basics

Before delving into the tales of Kojiki, let’s first explore some basic knowledge that will make the stories easier to understand.

1. Kojiki Features Numerous Gods

Japan is a polytheistic nation, as reflected in the phrase "Yaoyorozu no Kami," which means "eight million gods." This belief holds that divinity resides in everything around us. Notably, gods in Japan are counted using the term "hashira" (pillar). Pillars are believed to serve as pathways for gods to descend, as they extend vertically from the ground toward the heavens.

In ancient times, gods were thought to dwell in natural objects, particularly large trees, which were revered as sacred. Even today, trees like the Jōmon Sugi in Yakushima, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the camphor trees within Meiji Shrine are regarded as sacred and serve as objects of prayer. In traditional Japanese architecture, the most important pillar at the center of a house is called the "daikokubashira." This demonstrates the deep connection between wood, pillars, and the divine in Japan.

Interestingly, in the anime "Demon Slayer," the strongest swordsmen of the Demon Slayer Corps are referred to as "hashira" (pillars). This term may stem from their godlike physical and mental abilities, as well as their refined techniques.

2. Japanese Gods Are Full of Humanity

One of the most distinctive features of Japanese gods is their deep humanity. They are not perfect beings from the start but possess flaws and shortcomings. Each god has a unique personality, overflowing with human emotions such as joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness. The stories depict their gradual growth as they sometimes make mistakes, cry during encounters and farewells, act out of jealousy, or even throw tantrums when they cannot contain their emotions.

However, when viewing Kojiki as a whole, there is a sense of acceptance and forgiveness. Past mistakes are embraced with a calm, forgiving attitude, creating a laid-back atmosphere throughout the text. The Japanese phrase "mizu ni nagasu" (literally "let it flow with the water") captures this sentiment, implying a willingness to let go of past grievances and restore harmony. This enduring cultural trait may have its roots in Kojiki.

3. The Supreme God Is Female: The Sun Goddess Amaterasu

Kojiki features a total of 308 gods, with the sun goddess Amaterasu reigning as the supreme deity.

Amaterasu, a female deity, was born from the purification ritual (misogi) performed by Izanagi. Her overwhelming presence dominates the Kojiki narrative. In ancient Japan, women were revered for their ability to bring forth life through childbirth, and this sacred aspect of womanhood is reflected in many clay figurines (dogū) from the Jōmon period, which were often shaped like women.

During the agricultural era of ancient Japan, women played vital roles in rituals to pray for bountiful harvests, as they symbolized life itself. Furthermore, the Chinese historical texts describe Himiko, a queen who ruled over the Yamatai Kingdom during the Yayoi period (4th century BCE to 3rd century CE). Women were believed to possess special abilities and often wielded political power through divination and rituals.

Even today, women maintain a spiritual role in Japan. For instance, shrine maidens (miko), who serve as intermediaries between the divine and human worlds, are almost exclusively female. Women, therefore, continue to hold a significant place in the connection between the realm of gods and humanity.

4. The Three Realms Depicted in Kojiki

Kojiki introduces three major realms:

Takamagahara (The Plain of High Heaven): The heavenly realm where the gods reside.
Ashihara no Nakatsukuni (The Central Land of Reed Plains): The earthly realm where humans live.
Yomi no Kuni (The Land of the Dead): The realm where the deceased dwell.

The gods residing in Takamagahara are called "Amatsukami" (Heavenly Gods), while those in Ashihara no Nakatsukuni are referred to as "Kunitsukami" (Earthly Gods). In Kojiki’s narrative, the Kunitsukami establish their dominion over Ashihara no Nakatsukuni, particularly in the Izumo region. However, the story later shifts as the Amatsukami, led by emissaries of Amaterasu, descend to Earth and take control in a process known as "Kuniyuzuri" (transfer of the land).

This narrative is often interpreted as a metaphor for Japan's central government uniting the entire nation under the emperor, who is considered a descendant of Amaterasu, while the regional powers are depicted as the Kunitsukami.

5.The Concept and Rules of Yomi no Kuni

In Kojiki, it is established that gods who die must journey to Yomi no Kuni, the land of the dead.

Yomi no Kuni is connected to Ashihara no Nakatsukuni via Yomotsu Hirasaka, a slope whose entrance is sealed by a massive rock. This slope still exists today in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture.

In ancient Japan, mountains were often used as places to lay the dead, leading to the association of mountains with spirits and the afterlife. Consequently, Yomi no Kuni was perceived as a higher-altitude realm compared to the living world. From Ashihara no Nakatsukuni, one ascends the slope to reach Yomi no Kuni, but the entrance is blocked by a large rock to prevent easy passage between the two realms. This imagery enriches the reading experience of Kojiki.

In Japanese, the word "蘇る (yomigaeru)" (to be revived) literally means "to return from Yomi no Kuni." In Kojiki, gods who die go to Yomi no Kuni but, with the help of other deities possessing extraordinary powers, some manage to return to life. These tales emphasize growth through the repeated trials of life and death, a recurring message in Kojiki.

Let's Read Kojiki, Japan’s Oldest Historical Text!

In this article, we explored the background of Kojiki, Japan's oldest historical text, and discussed the reasons behind its recent popularity. We also introduced some foundational knowledge to help readers appreciate Kojiki more thoroughly.

In the next installment, we’ll delve into the myths themselves, showcasing the colorful personalities of the gods. Stay tuned and enjoy the fascinating tales of Kojiki.