Read, reflect, pray
Kojiki: The transfer of the land
Kojiki · Story 10 of 22
国譲り
Envoys arrive, and the deities respond.
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
Amaterasu and Takamimusubi appoint the Central Land of Reed Plains as their child’s realm and send envoys. Amenohohi fails to report back; Amewakahiko also remains below, married to Shitateruhime. His arrow, shot at a pheasant sent to question him, reaches heaven; thrown back, it kills him.
The next envoys, Takemikazuchi and Amenotorifune, ask Ōkuninushi’s intention on an Izumo shore. His son Kotoshironushi advises yielding the land. Another son, Takeminakata, challenges the envoy’s strength but loses, flees to Suwa, and promises submission.
Following his sons’ words, Ōkuninushi agrees to yield, requesting a splendid dwelling. The text describes the palace and hospitality, concluding the sequence when Takemikazuchi returns to heaven and reports.
Reading note
In the Kojiki, Takemikazuchi’s companion envoy is Amenotorifune. Traditions in which he travels with Futsunushi are treated as narratives based on another source.
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.