Nihon Shoki

Nihon Shoki (日本書紀), also known as The Chronicles of Japan, is the second oldest book of classical Japanese history. It is more elaborate and detailed than the Kojiki, the oldest, and has proven to be an important tool for historians and archaeologists as it includes the most complete extant historical record of ancient Japan. The Nihon Shoki was finished in 720 under the editorial supervision of Prince Toneri and with the assistance of Ō no Yasumaro dedicated to Empress Genshō.

Overview[edit | edit source]

The Nihon Shoki is one of the Rikkokushi (Six National Histories), a series of six national histories written in the 8th and 9th centuries. The book is also part of the Tennōki, which are historical records related to the reigns of emperors. The Nihon Shoki focuses on the merits of the virtuous rulers as well as the errors of the bad rulers. It also emphasizes the importance of maintaining the divine descent of the imperial line from Amaterasu (the Sun Goddess), which was necessary to ensure Japan's survival.

Content[edit | edit source]

The Nihon Shoki begins with the Japanese creation myth, explaining the origin of the world and the first seven generations of divine beings. Following the mythological stories, the book transitions into accounts of real events. These include the ascension of the first human emperor, Emperor Jimmu, and his conquest of Japan, and accounts of the 15th Emperor, Emperor Ōjin, who was equated with the future Buddha, Hachiman. The Nihon Shoki records events up to 697 AD, with the death of the Empress Jitō.

Style and Influence[edit | edit source]

Unlike the Kojiki, the Nihon Shoki was written in Classical Chinese, the language of the Yamato court, and incorporates Chinese influences and accounts. As such, it provides a valuable source for researchers to study the influence of Chinese culture in early Japanese civilization.

The Nihon Shoki, along with the Kojiki, has had a profound influence on the development of Japanese literature and historiography, and continues to be read and referenced for its comprehensive coverage of early Japanese history.