# Jimmu

> legendary first emperor of Japan

**Wikidata**: [Q200188](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q200188)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emperor_Jimmu)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jimmu

## Summary
JimmU is the legendary first emperor of Japan, traditionally credited as the founder of the Japanese imperial line. He is a central figure in Japanese mythology, associated with the foundation of Japan and the establishment of imperial rule.

## Biography
- Born: 711 BCE, Japan
- Nationality: Japanese
- Education: Not applicable (mythological/historical context)
- Known for: Founding the Imperial House of Japan through the Jimmu's Eastern Expedition
- Employer(s): Imperial House of Japan
- Field(s): Mythology, Monarchy, Founding Legend

## Contributions
Jimmu is credited with leading the legendary Jimmu's Eastern Expedition, a mythical campaign that established imperial rule in Japan. His story forms the basis of the Japanese imperial lineage and is foundational to the cultural and historical identity of Japan.

## FAQs
**Who was Jimmu?**  
Jimmu was the legendary first emperor of Japan and the mythical founder of the Imperial House of Japan. He is traditionally regarded as the first ruler to unite the country under a single imperial line.

**What is Jimmu's Eastern Expedition?**  
Jimmu's Eastern Expedition is a foundational myth in Japanese history, describing the journey and conquests of Jimmu as he moved eastward to establish imperial rule over Japan.

**When was Jimmu born?**  
According to traditional accounts, Jimmu was born in 711 BCE. This date is part of Japan's mytho-historical chronology and is not historically verified.

**What is Jimmu's significance in Japanese history?**  
Jimmu is significant as the legendary progenitor of the Japanese imperial family, with his reign traditionally dated to 660 BCE. His story is intertwined with the foundation of Japan itself.

**Is Jimmu a real historical figure?**  
Jimmu is a mythological figure whose existence is not historically verified. He is part of Japan's foundational legends and is symbolically important to the continuity of the imperial line.

## Why They Matter
Jimmu's mythological role as the first emperor of Japan has had a profound impact on Japanese cultural and political identity. His legendary status has been used to legitimize imperial authority and unify the nation under a shared origin story. The narrative of Jimmu's reign is foundational to understanding Japan's imperial tradition and its historical self-conception.

## Notable For
- Founding the Imperial House of Japan
- Leading the Jimmu's Eastern Expedition
- Being the first in the traditional line of Japanese emperors
- Symbolizing the divine origins of the Japanese state
- Inspiring national mythology and imperial continuity

## Body

### Founding Figure
Jimmu is recognized as the legendary first emperor of Japan, traditionally credited with founding the imperial line. His reign is mythologically dated to 660 BCE, a date that has been historically significant in the formation of Japanese national identity. The story of his rise to power is told through the Jimmu's Eastern Expedition, a foundational myth that describes his journey from the region of Kyushu to the Yamato region, where he established his rule.

### Mythological Origins
Jimmu's birth is traditionally placed in 711 BCE. He is associated with several names and titles, including Kamuyamato Iwarehiko no Mikoto, Wakamikenu no Mikoto, and Hikohohodemi. These names reflect his divine and heroic status within Japanese mythology. His narrative is part of the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, Japan's oldest historical chronicles, which blend myth and history to present a unified origin story for the nation.

### Jimmu's Eastern Expedition
The Jimmu's Eastern Expedition is the central myth associated with his rise to power. This legendary campaign describes his journey from Kyushu to the Yamato region, where he defeated local chieftains and established imperial rule. The expedition is symbolic of the unification of Japan under a single ruler and is foundational to the imperial narrative. It is also associated with the asteroid 10727 Akitsushima, named in honor of this myth.

### Cultural and Historical Legacy
Jimmu's legacy is deeply embedded in Japanese culture and history. He is not only a mythological figure but also a symbol of the continuity and divine origin of the Japanese imperial family. His story has been used to legitimize imperial authority and to promote a sense of national unity. The Imperial House of Japan, of which he is the progenitor, is one of the world's oldest continuous hereditary monarchies.

### Modern Recognition
In modern times, Jimmu's story continues to be referenced in Japanese national discourse. The date of his traditional accession, February 11th, is celebrated as National Foundation Day in Japan. This holiday, along with the broader imperial narrative, underscores the enduring influence of Jimmu's mythological role in shaping Japanese identity. His legacy is also preserved in various cultural forms, including literature, art, and public commemorations.

### Symbolic Importance
Jimmu's symbolic importance extends beyond mythology into the realm of national identity. His story is used to reinforce the idea of Japan as a nation with a divine and unbroken imperial lineage. This narrative has been influential in both historical and modern contexts, shaping the way Japan views itself and its origins. The continuity of the imperial line, traced back to Jimmu, remains a key element of Japanese cultural heritage.

## References

1. Nihon Shoki
2. Kojiki
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. Japan Search
6. German National Library
7. Library of Congress
8. National Diet Library
9. Soga Monogatari
10. Honchō Kōin Shōunroku
11. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
12. National Library of Israel
13. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana