The Nihon Shoki (日本書紀), or "The Chronicles of Japan," is the second oldest book of classical Japanese history. It was completed in 720 CE, just eight years after the Kojiki, and is considered the first of the "Six National Histories" of Japan.
Key Aspects of the Nihon Shoki
Compilation: Compiled by a committee of court scholars under the editorial supervision of Prince Toneri and with the assistance of Ō no Yasumaro, the same compiler of the Kojiki.
Content: The text spans 30 volumes and covers events from the age of the gods through the reign of Empress Jitō (697 CE). It presents a more detailed, chronological, and structured historical narrative compared to the Kojiki. It includes myths and legends but also incorporates records from China and Korea, providing a broader historical context. The later chapters, from around the 5th century onward, are considered more historically accurate.
Language and Style: Unlike the Kojiki, which uses a mix of Chinese characters and phonetic Japanese, the Nihon Shoki was written entirely in classical Chinese. This formal style reflects its purpose as an official historical document intended for a wider audience, including foreign envoys, to showcase Japan's history and legitimacy on the world stage.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Legitimacy: Similar to the Kojiki, its primary purpose was to legitimize the imperial line by tracing its ancestry back to the gods.
Official History: The Nihon Shoki was treated as an official and authoritative historical document. Lectures on the text were a regular part of court life during the Heian period.
A "Historical" Record: While it contains mythological elements, it is often viewed as a more "historical" document than the Kojiki because it presents a linear, chronological narrative and cites sources. It records diplomatic relations with other countries and the introduction of Buddhism, providing invaluable insights into ancient Japan's foreign policy and cultural development.
The Six National Histories (六国史, Rikkokushi) is a collective term for the six official, authoritative history books of Japan, commissioned and compiled by the imperial court from the 8th to the 10th centuries. Written in classical Chinese, they chronicle the history of Japan from its mythological origins to the year 887 CE.
The six texts are:
Nihon Shoki (日本書紀, Chronicles of Japan, 720 CE): The first and most important of the six. It covers the history from the mythical "Age of the Gods" up to the reign of Empress Jitō (697 CE). It is known for its chronological and structured style, often incorporating accounts from Chinese and Korean sources.
Shoku Nihongi (続日本紀, Chronicles of Japan, Continued, 797 CE): This history covers the period from 697 CE to 791 CE, documenting the reigns of six emperors and empresses. It is a vital source for understanding the Nara period, including the establishment of the capital at Heijō-kyō.
Nihon Kōki (日本後紀, Later Chronicles of Japan, 840 CE): This text covers the years from 792 CE to 833 CE, detailing the early Heian period. It is known for its detailed accounts of court events and the lives of emperors and officials.
Shoku Nihon Kōki (続日本後紀, Later Chronicles of Japan, Continued, 869 CE): This history covers a shorter period from 833 CE to 850 CE. It is noted for its focus on the lives and political events during the reign of Emperor Ninmyō.
Nihon Montoku Tennō Jitsuroku (日本文徳天皇実録, Veritable Records of Emperor Montoku of Japan, 879 CE): A record of the reign of Emperor Montoku, covering the years 850 CE to 858 CE. It provides a detailed account of a single emperor's rule.
Nihon Sandai Jitsuroku (日本三代実録, Veritable Records of Three Generations, 901 CE): The final text, which covers the reigns of three emperors from 858 CE to 887 CE. It marks the end of the official history compilation tradition for several centuries.