# Nihon Shoki

> 8th century book of classical Japanese history

**Wikidata**: [Q813935](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q813935)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nihon_Shoki)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/nihon-shoki

## Summary
The *Nihon Shoki* (also called *Nihongi* or *Yamatobumi*) is an 8th-century historical text that is one of Japan's oldest official chronicles, compiled in 720 CE. It is a foundational work of Japanese historiography, detailing the mythological origins and early history of Japan, and is part of the *Rikkokushi* series and the *Kiki* pair alongside the *Kojiki*. It blends religious, mythological, and historical accounts, serving as both a literary and religious text.

## Key Facts
- **Inception**: 720 CE.  
- **Aliases**: *Nihongi*, *Yamatobumi*, *Japanese Chronicles*.  
- **Classifications**: Literary work, religious text, official history, East Asian chronological history.  
- **Part of**: *Rikkokushi* (six historical books) and *Kiki* (paired with *Kojiki*).  
- **Origin**: Japan, specifically the Nara period.  
- **Structure**: Events arranged in strict chronological order.  
- **Related Entities**: Kojiki, Rikkokushi, 5082 Nihonsyoki (asteroid named after the text).  
- **Cultural Significance**: One of Japan's earliest written records, influencing later historiography and Shinto traditions.  

## FAQs
**Q: When was the *Nihon Shoki* compiled?**  
A: It was completed in 720 CE during the Nara period, under the editorial supervision of Ō no Yasumaro and others.  

**Q: How does the *Nihon Shoki* differ from the *Kojiki*?**  
A: While both are part of the *Kiki*, the *Nihon Shoki* emphasizes chronological order and incorporates Chinese literary styles, whereas the *Kojiki* focuses on mythological narratives in a more archaic Japanese idiom.  

**Q: Is the *Nihon Shoki* a religious text?**  
A: Yes, it contains Shinto creation myths and divine lineage claims for the Japanese imperial family, blending religious and historical narratives.  

**Q: What is the connection between *Nihon Shoki* and the asteroid 5082 Nihonsyoki?**  
A: The asteroid is named in honor of the text, reflecting its enduring cultural and historical significance.  

## Why It Matters
The *Nihon Shoki* is pivotal for understanding early Japanese history, politics, and religion. It established a model for official historiography in East Asia, emphasizing chronology over thematic organization. Its accounts of imperial lineage and divine mandate legitimized the ruling dynasty, shaping Japan's national identity. As one of the oldest surviving Japanese prose works, it also influenced literary traditions and remains a critical primary source for scholars studying ancient Japan and its cultural exchange with China and Korea.

## Notable For
- Oldest officially commissioned Japanese historical text.  
- First major work to systematize Japanese chronology using Chinese models.  
- Provides detailed accounts of early Japanese emperors and their reigns.  
- Basis for the *Rikkokushi* series, which defined Japan's historical record-keeping.  
- Namesake of the asteroid 5082 Nihonsyoki.  

## Body

### Overview
The *Nihon Shoki* is a comprehensive chronicle of Japan from its mythological beginnings to the reign of Empress Jitō (d. 697 CE). Compiled in 720 CE by court scholars such as Ō no Yasumaro, it reflects the Nara period's intellectual engagement with Chinese historiography while preserving indigenous traditions.

### Historical Context
- **Commissioned Work**: Part of the *Rikkokushi* series, initiated by Emperor Tenji (r. 661–672 CE) to legitimize imperial rule.  
- **Cultural Synthesis**: Blends Japanese mythology with Chinese literary conventions, illustrating the era's Sinicization.  
- **Religious and Political Role**: Reinforced the emperor's divine authority through genealogies tracing descent from the sun goddess Amaterasu.  

### Content and Structure
- **Chronological Framework**: Organized by imperial reigns and dated events, unlike the *Kojiki*'s thematic focus.  
- **Mythological Accounts**: Includes stories of deities (kami) and the legendary Emperor Jimmu's conquest of Japan.  
- **Historical Records**: Documents wars, diplomatic missions to China, and domestic policies, offering insights into early Japanese society.  

### Related Works
- ***Kiki* Pair**: Complements the *Kojiki* (712 CE), which prioritizes oral traditions and poetic language.  
- ***Rikkokushi* Series**: Succeeded by five other chronicles, concluding with the *Nihon Sandai Jitsuroku* (901 CE).  
- **Asteroid Legacy**: The minor planet 5082 Nihonsyoki honors the text's historical importance.  

### Legacy and Influence
- **Scholarly Impact**: Critical for reconstructing ancient Japanese history, despite debates over its mythological versus factual content.  
- **Literary Model**: Influenced later Japanese and East Asian historiography, particularly in chronicle-style writing.  
- **Cultural Symbol**: Remains a touchstone for Shinto practices and imperial ceremonies, underscoring its enduring relevance.  

### Cultural Impact
The *Nihon Shoki* has shaped Japan's self-perception as a divine nation, with its narratives echoed in modern nationalism. Its dual role as a religious and historical text underscores the interplay of faith and politics in premodern Japan, making it indispensable for understanding East Asian cultural and intellectual history.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013