Japan’s “Kojiki” and “Nihon Shoki” are two of the most important historical texts in the country’s cultural and national formation. Both texts serve as foundational documents that helped shape the national identity of Japan, providing not only an understanding of its mythological and divine origins but also a framework for the nation’s cultural, political, and social values. These ancient texts have played a pivotal role in Japan’s development, influencing everything from its religious practices to its imperial system.
The Origins and Content of “Kojiki” and “Nihon Shoki”
The “Kojiki” (712 CE), meaning “Record of Ancient Matters,” is the oldest surviving text in Japan. It was compiled by the court scholar Ō no Yasumaro, commissioned by Emperor Tenmu. The text blends myth, legend, history, and genealogy, recounting the creation of Japan and the imperial family’s divine ancestry. Its narrative begins with the formation of the world, the gods, and the establishment of Japan by the deity Izanagi and his partner Izanami, who gave birth to the islands of Japan and various other gods.
The “Nihon Shoki” (720 CE), or “Chronicles of Japan,” was compiled slightly later by a group of court scholars under the imperial patronage of Emperor Shōmu. It is a more detailed and systematic account of Japan’s history, beginning from the creation of the world through to the 8th century, offering a historical framework that includes the reigns of emperors, the role of deities, and the interactions with neighboring countries, especially China and Korea. While the “Kojiki” emphasizes mythology and divine creation, the “Nihon Shoki” offers a more structured historical narrative with references to Chinese historical writing traditions.
Formation of National Identity through Mythology and Divine Ancestry
At the heart of both texts is the establishment of the divine origins of the Japanese imperial family. According to the “Kojiki” and “Nihon Shoki,” the Japanese imperial family descends from the sun goddess Amaterasu, who is the central deity in Japan’s Shinto belief system. The mythology presented in these texts not only ties the imperial family to the divine realm but also suggests a sacred responsibility for the rulers to maintain harmony between heaven, earth, and humanity.
By connecting the imperial family to Amaterasu and the other deities of Shinto, these texts provided a sense of divine legitimacy to the emperor’s rule. This was crucial for shaping the national identity, as the emperor became a symbol of the nation itself—both a political figure and a religious figurehead. The belief in the emperor’s divinity and his connection to the gods helped solidify the idea of Japan as a sacred land with a divine purpose, which became central to the country’s national consciousness.
In this way, both the “Kojiki” and the “Nihon Shoki” linked the concept of Japan’s national identity to its divine heritage, embedding the idea of a unified, sacred nation under the emperor’s rule. This foundation helped Japan develop a distinct identity, separate from other Asian nations, with its unique mythology and imperial structure.
The Influence of the “Kojiki” and “Nihon Shoki” on the Shaping of Japan’s Political System
Beyond mythology, the “Kojiki” and “Nihon Shoki” also played an important role in shaping Japan’s political and social systems. The texts provided the earliest accounts of Japan’s rulers and their genealogies, which were crucial for establishing the imperial succession and legitimizing the authority of successive emperors.
In particular, the “Nihon Shoki” outlined the historical progression of Japan’s rulers and established a model of governance rooted in divine right and hereditary succession. This helped solidify the centralized structure of Japan’s political system, with the emperor at the apex of society and the ultimate source of political and spiritual authority.
Moreover, these texts became key in the development of the imperial court’s bureaucratic system. The “Nihon Shoki” in particular helped codify the relationship between the emperor, the nobility, and the state apparatus. By framing the imperial family’s role as divinely sanctioned, both texts contributed to the idea that the emperor was not just a political ruler but also the protector of Japan’s sacred traditions and spiritual well-being.
This centralization of authority around the emperor created a model that would persist throughout Japan’s history, including during the feudal era and the Meiji Restoration, when Japan modernized and reasserted the emperor’s role as the symbol of national unity.
The Texts and Japan’s Cultural Identity
The cultural identity of Japan was also deeply influenced by the “Kojiki” and “Nihon Shoki,” which provided the foundational narratives for Shintoism. The Shinto religion, which had already existed in various forms prior to the compilation of these texts, was solidified and given a more structured form through the stories and rituals described in the “Kojiki” and “Nihon Shoki.”
Shintoism, centered around the worship of kami (spirits or gods) and the reverence for nature, was framed as the indigenous belief system of Japan. Both texts presented the creation of the islands of Japan as a divine act and depicted the natural world as imbued with sacredness. This reinforced the concept of Japan as a sacred land, where the emperor’s divine ancestry and Shinto practices were vital to maintaining national unity and prosperity.
Additionally, the “Kojiki” and “Nihon Shoki” became central in shaping Japanese arts, literature, and rituals. The stories, symbols, and themes found within these texts permeated Japanese culture, influencing everything from religious practices to literature, theater, and visual arts. The texts provided the earliest written records of Japanese myths, which were adapted and incorporated into cultural expressions for centuries.
The “Kojiki” and “Nihon Shoki” not only shaped Japan’s religious landscape but also contributed to the development of a collective national consciousness based on shared mythological and historical narratives. The belief in a divine origin for Japan and its imperial family became intertwined with a national pride that would influence Japan’s actions on the world stage, especially in the pre-modern and modern eras.
The Legacy of the “Kojiki” and “Nihon Shoki” in Modern Japan
Even in modern times, the influence of the “Kojiki” and “Nihon Shoki” remains profound. The texts have been continually referenced and revered, particularly during times of national crisis or transformation. During the Meiji Restoration, for example, the revival of the emperor as a central symbol of national unity drew heavily on the divine ancestry established in the “Kojiki” and “Nihon Shoki.”
In the 20th century, especially during World War II, the idea of the emperor’s divine status and the connection between the imperial family and Japan’s sacred history played a key role in mobilizing the population for the war effort. Though Japan’s defeat in 1945 led to the abdication of the emperor’s divine status, the texts continued to hold cultural significance, and their legacy remains part of Japan’s national consciousness.
Today, the “Kojiki” and “Nihon Shoki” are still studied and celebrated as important cultural artifacts that define Japan’s identity. They remain central to discussions of Japan’s history, religion, and the enduring role of the emperor in Japanese society. These texts continue to shape how the Japanese perceive their past, their national unity, and their relationship to the divine.
Conclusion
The “Kojiki” and “Nihon Shoki” were not just historical records but essential documents that helped shape the national identity of Japan. By linking the imperial family to divine origins, establishing the emperor as a sacred ruler, and framing Japan as a land imbued with divine significance, these texts provided a framework for both the political and cultural identity of the nation. Even today, their influence can still be seen in the way Japan understands its past, its cultural heritage, and its place in the world.