Kojiki

Ono-Yasumaro

Shinpukuji-bon Kojiki (真福寺本古事記)

Kojiki kan-ei-ban

Kojiki den

Motoori Norinaga self portrait

Origin of the Cave Door Dance (Amaterasu) by Shunsai Toshimasa 1889

Kojiki (古事記), also known as the "Records of Ancient Matters," is the oldest extant chronicle in Japan. It was composed in the early 8th century (711-712) at the request of Empress Genmei. The Kojiki is a collection of myths, legends, songs, genealogies, oral traditions, and semi-historical accounts concerning the origin of the Japanese archipelago, the kami, and the early Yamato rulers.

Composition and Structure[edit | edit source]

The Kojiki is divided into three volumes:

The first volume, the Kamitsumaki (上巻), deals with the creation of the world and the birth of the gods.
The second volume, the Nakatsumaki (中巻), covers the divine age and the early history of Japan, including the reigns of the first emperors.
The third volume, the Shimotsumaki (下巻), continues the historical narrative up to the reign of Emperor Ōjin.

The text was compiled by Ō no Yasumaro, who transcribed and edited the oral traditions recited by Hieda no Are.

Content[edit | edit source]

The Kojiki begins with the creation myth, describing the formation of heaven and earth and the birth of the primordial deities Izanagi and Izanami. It recounts their role in creating the Japanese islands and various deities, including the sun goddess Amaterasu, the moon god Tsukuyomi, and the storm god Susanoo.

The narrative continues with the descent of Ninigi-no-Mikoto, Amaterasu's grandson, to earth, which establishes the divine lineage of the Japanese emperors. The Kojiki also includes the exploits of legendary figures such as Yamato Takeru and the early emperors, blending myth and history.

Significance[edit | edit source]

The Kojiki is a crucial text for understanding Shinto, the indigenous religion of Japan, as it provides a foundation for many Shinto beliefs and rituals. It also offers valuable insights into the early history and culture of Japan, serving as a primary source for historians and scholars.