Read, reflect, pray

Nihon Shoki: story reader

Myths and early royal accounts. Main narratives and variant accounts are kept distinct rather than merged into a single story.

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.

All 17 stories currently published in our Japanese reader have English versions.

1. Heaven and earth divide; the kami appearA main narrative beginning with Kuninotokotachi, and a heavenly variant.
2. From drops on a spear to the islandsIzanagi and Izanami give birth to the land.
3. How the sun and moon were bornSun and moon born to two parents, and a mirror-based variant.
4. Kukurihime at the boundary of YomiKukurihime’s name preserved in a brief passage.
5. Purification in water and the birth of kamiSumiyoshi’s deities, the sea deities, and sun, moon, and Susanoo.
6. Ukemochi and the separation of sun and moonA variant account of the origin of food.
7. An oath with sword and jewelsMunakata’s three goddesses and five male deities.
8. Kami gather before the rock cavePrayers welcoming light, in two tellings.
9. The eight-headed serpent and the sword in its tailSusanoo, Kushinadahime, and a story of Izumo.
10. Isotakeru and the green mountainsTwo variant accounts of spreading tree seeds.
11. Two kami shape the land: the way to MiwaŌnamuchi, Sukunabikona, and the saki-mitama and kushi-mitama.
12. Futsunushi and Takemikazuchi receive the landGoverning the visible world and governing sacred affairs.
13. The heavenly descent and the welcoming kamiTraditions of Takamimusubi, Amaterasu, and Saruta.
14. The life of blossom and the life of rockKonohanasakuyahime and Iwanagahime.
15. The lost fishhook and the sea palaceSea fortune, mountain fortune, and Toyotamabime’s form.
16. Kumano’s sword, Yatagarasu and the golden kiteDivine assistance in Jinmu’s journey.
17. Yamatohime beside the Isuzu RiverA journey seeking a place to worship Amaterasu.

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