Read, reflect, pray
Kojiki: People and a kami who came across the sea
Kojiki · Story 19 of 22
海を越えて来た人々と神
Stories in skills, books, and jewels.
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
The Emperor Ōjin section brings together traditions concerning people arriving by sea, horses, mirrors, books, smithing, weaving, and sake brewing. It also records their connections to later clans.
In another story, the Silla prince Amenohiboko obtains a red jewel. It becomes a woman and his wife, but, insulted by her husband, she crosses the sea to Naniwa. The text identifies her as Akaruhime of Himekoso Shrine.
Amenohiboko follows but cannot enter Naniwa and remains in Tajima. Eight treasures he brought—jewels, scarves, mirrors, and more—are called the eight great deities of Izushi. Here treasures, as well as figures, receive divine names.
Reading note
Arrival traditions are sources for considering migration and cultural reception. Their dates and genealogies are not all established as contemporary historical facts.
Connected figures
Names and relationships in a chronicle may differ from later traditions. Each figure’s introduction identifies its sources.
Sources and edition (2)
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.