Read, reflect, pray
Kojiki: The beginning of heaven and earth
Kojiki · Story 1 of 22
天地の始まり
Before the land had taken shape.
English translation of this site’s published story summary and reading notes. This is a selected reading guide, not a complete translation of the ancient chronicle.
Story summary
At the beginning of heaven and earth, Amenominakanushi, Takamimusubi, and Kamimusubi appear in Takamagahara. While the land still drifts like floating fat or a jellyfish, Umashiashikabihikoji appears through something growing like a reed shoot, followed by Amenotokotachi. These five are called the Kotoamatsukami, the distinct heavenly deities; each is described as a solitary deity who conceals their presence.
Next appear Kuninotokotachi and Toyokumono, followed by five pairs of deities, from Uhijini and Suhijini through Izanagi and Izanami. Counting each of the first two solitary deities as one generation, and each pair as one generation, gives the seven divine generations.
Some deities in this opening receive only brief records of their names. Not all are given appearances or individual actions. The emergence of the deities and the beginning of the world are narrated together.
Reading note
There are five Kotoamatsukami and twelve deities in the seven divine generations. ‘Seven generations’ does not mean ‘seven deities.’
Compare with the Nihon Shoki
Connected figures
Names and relationships in a chronicle may differ from later traditions. Each figure’s introduction identifies its sources.
Sources and edition (3)
English explanations on this page were prepared by Inori no Mori from the cited text and its Japanese explanations. They are not an official translation or a prescribed liturgy.