Nihongi part 1

Book I
Of old, Heaven and
Earth were not yet
separated, and the In
and Yo not yet divided.
They formed a chaotic
mass like an egg which
was of obscurely
defined limits and
contained germs.
The purer and clearer
part was thinly drawn
out, and formed
Heaven, while the
heavier and grosser
element settled down
and became Earth.
The finer element easily
became a united body,
but the consolidation of
the heavy and gross
element was
accomplished with
difficulty.
Heaven was therefore
formed first, and Earth
was established
subsequently.
Thereafter divine beings
were produced between
them.
Hence it is said that
when the world began
to be created, the soil
of which lands were
composed floated about
in a manner which
might be compared to
the floating of a fish
sporting on the surface
of the water.
At this time a certain
thing was produced
between Heaven and
Earth. It was in form
like a reed-shoot. Now
this became
transformed into a God,
and was called Kuni-
toko-tachi no Mikoto.
Next there was Kuni no
sa-tsuchi no Mikoto,
and next Toyo-kumu-nu
no Mikoto, in all three
deities
These were pure males
spontaneously
developed by the
operation of the
principle of Heaven.
In one writing it is said:
'"When Heaven and
Earth began, a thing
existed in the midst of
the Void. Its shape may
not be described. Within
it a deity was
spontaneously
produced, whose name
was Kuni-toko-tachi no
Mikoto, also called
Kuni-soko-tachi no
Mikoto. Next there was
Kuni no sa-tsuchi no
Mikoto, also called Kuni
no sa-tachi no Mikoto.
Next there was Toyo-
kuni-nushi no Mikoto,
also called Toyo-kumu-
nu no Mikoto, Toyo-ka-
fushi-no no Mikoto, Uki-
fu-no-toyo-kahi no
Mikoto, Toyo-kuni-no no
Mikoto, Toyo-kuhi-no no
Mikoto, Ha-ko-kuni-no
no Mikoto, or Mi-no no
Mikoto."
In one writing it is said:
"Of old, when the land
was Young and the
earth young, it floated
about, as it were
floating oil. At this time
a thing was produced
within the land, in
shape like a reed-shoot
when it sprouts forth.
From this there was a
deity developed, whose
name was Umashi-ashi-
kabi-hiko-ji no Mikoto.
Next there was Kuni no
toko-tachi no Mikoto,
and next Kuni no sa-
tsuchi no Mikoto."
In one writing it is said:
" When Heaven and
Earth were in a state of
chaos, there was first of
all a deity, whose name
was Umashi-ashi-kabi-
hiko-ji no Mikoto. Next
there was Kuni-soko-
tachi no Mikoto."
In one writing it is said:
"When Heaven and
Earth began, there were
deities produced
together, whose names
were, first, Kuni-no-
toko-tachi no Mikoto,
and next Kuni no
satsuchi no Mikoto." It
is further stated: "The
names of the gods
which were produced in
the Plain of High
Heaven were Ama no
mi-naka-nushi no
Mikoto, next Taka-mi-
musubi no Mikoto, next
Kami-mi-musubi no
Mikoto."
In one writing it is said:
"Before Heaven and
Earth were produced,
there was something
which might be
compared to a cloud
floating over the sea. It
had no place of
attachment for its root.
In the midst of this a
thing was generated
which resembled a
reed-shoot when it is
first produced in the
mud. This became
straightway
transformed into human
shape and was called
Kuni no toko-tachi no
Mikoto."
[In this fashion the
"Nihongi " rambles on,
telling much the same
legends as the "Kojiki",
until it comes to the
days of the immediate
ancestors of Jimmu
Tenno. There were then
two brothers,
grandchildren of the
goddess Ama-terasu.]
The elder brother Ho-
no-susori no Mikoto had
by nature a sea-gift; the
younger brother Hiko-
ho-ho-demi no Mikoto
had by nature a
mountain-gift. In the
beginning the two
brothers, the elder and
the younger, conversed
together, saying: " Let
us for a trial exchange
gifts." They eventually
exchanged them, but
neither of them gained
aught by doing so. The
elder brother repented
his bargain, and
returned to the younger
brother his bow and
arrows, asking for his
fish-hook to be given
back to him. But the
younger brother had
already lost the elder
brother's fish-book, and
there was no means of
finding it. He
accordingly made
another new hook
which he offered to his
elder brother. But his
elder brother refused to
accept it, and
demanded the old hook.
The younger brother,
grieved at this,
forthwith took his cross-
sword and forged from
it new fish-hooks, which
he heaped up in a
winnowing tray, and
offered to his brother.
But his elder brother
was wroth, and said:
"These are not my old
fish-hook: though they
are many, I will not take
them." And be
continued repeatedly to
demand it vehemently.
Therefore Hiko-hoho-
demi no Mikoto's grief
was exceeding1y
profound, and be went
and made moan by the
shore of the sea. There
he met Shiho-tsutsu no
Oji. The old man
inquired of him saying -
"Why dost thou grieve
here?" He answered
and told him the matter
from first to last. The
old man said: "Grieve no
more. I will arrange this
matter for thee." So he
made a basket without
interstices, and placing
in it Hoho-demi no
Mikoto, sank it in the
sea. Forthwith he found
himself at a pleasant
strand, where he
abandoned the basket,
and proceeding on his
way, suddenly arrived at
the palace of the Sea-
god. This palace was
provided with
battlements and
turrets, and had stately
towers. Before the gate
there was a well, and
over the well there
grew a many branched
cassia-tree, with wide-
spreading boughs and
leaves. Now Hiko-hoho-
demi no Mikoto went up
to the foot of this tree
and loitered about.
After some time a
beautiful woman
appeared, and, pushing
open the door, came
forth. She at length
took a jewel-vessel and
approached. She was
about to draw water,
when, raising her eyes,
she saw him, and was
alarmed. Returning
within, she spoke to her
father and mother,
saying: "There is a rare
stranger at the foot of
the tree before the
gate." The god of the
Sea thereupon prepared
an eightfold cushion and
led him in. When they
bad taken their seats,
he inquired of him the
object of his coming.
Then Hiko-hoho-demi no
Mikoto explained to
him, in reply, all the
circumstances. The Sea-
god accordingly
assembled the fishes,
both great and small,
and required of them an
answer. They all said:
"We know not. Only the
Red-woman has had a
sore mouth for some
time past and has not
come." She was
therefore peremptorily
summoned to appear
and on her mouth being
examined the lost hook
was actually found.
After this, Hiko-hoho-
demi no Mikoto took to
wife the Seagod's
daughter, Toyo-tama-
hime, and dwelt in the
sea-palace. For three
years he enjoyed peace
and pleasure, but still
had a longing for his
own country, and
therefore sighed deeply
from time to time.
Toyo-tama-hime heard
this and told her father,
saying: "The Heavenly
Grandchild often sighs
as if in grief. It may be
that it is the sorrow of
long in, for his
country."The god of the
Sea thereupon drew to
him Hiko-hoho-demi no
Mikoto, and addressing
him in an easy, familiar
way, said: " If the
Heavenly Grandchild
desires to return to his
country I will send him
back." So he gave him
the fish-hook which he
had found, and in doing
so instructed him,
saying: "When thou
givest this fish-hook to
thy elder brother,
before giving it to him
call to it secretly, and
say, 'A poor hook.'" He
further presented to
him the jewel of the
flowing tide and the
jewel of the ebbing tide,
and instructed him,
saying: "If thou dost dip
the tide-flowing jewel,
the tide will suddenly
flow, and therewithal
thou shalt drown thine
elder brother. But in
case thy elder brother
should repent and beg
forgiveness, if, on the
contrary, thou dip the
tide-ebbing jewel, the
tide will spontaneously
ebb, and therewithal
thou shalt save him. If
thou harass him in this
way, thy elder brother
will of his own accord
render submission.
When the Heavenly
Grandchild was about to
set out on his return
journey, Toyo-tama-
hime addressed him,
saying: "Thy
handmaiden is already
pregnant, and the time
of her delivery is not far
off. On a day when the
winds and waves are
raging, I will surely
come forth to the sea-
shore, and I pray thee
that thou wilt make for
me a parturition-house,
and await me there."
When Hiko-hoho-demi
no Mikoto returned to
his palace, he complied
implicitly with the
instructions of the Sea-
god, and the elder
brother, Ho-no-susori no
Mikoto, finding himself
in the utmost straits, of
his own accord
admitted his offense,
and said:
"Henceforward I will be
thy subject to perform
mimic dances for thee. I
beseech thee mercifully
to spare my life."
Thereupon he at length
yielded his petition, and
spared him. This Ho-no-
susori no Mikoto was
the first ancestor of the
Kimi of Wobashi in Ata.
After this Toyo-tama-
hime fulfilled her
promise, and, bringing
with her her younger
sister, Tama-yori-hime,
bravely confronted the
winds and waves, and
came to the sea-shore.
When the time of her
delivery was at hand,
she besought Hiko-
hoho-demi no Mikoto,
saying: "When thy
handmaiden is in
travail, I pray thee do
not look upon her."
However, the Heavenly
Grandchild could not
restrain himself, but
went secretly and
peeped in. Now Toyo-
tama-hime was just in
childbirth, and had
changed into a dragon.
She was greatly
ashamed, and said: "
Hadst thou not
disgraced me, I would
have made the sea and
land communicate with
each other, and forever
prevented them from
being sundered. But
now that thou hast
disgraced me,
wherewithal shall
friendly feelings be knit
together?" So she
wrapped the infant
inrushes, and
abandoned it on the
sea-shore. Then she
barred the sea-path,
and passed away.
Accordingly the child
was called Hiko-nagisa-
take-u-gaya-fuki-ahezu
no Mikoto.
Another account says
that when the child was
born, the Heavenly
Grandchild approached
and made inquiry,
saying: "By what name
ought the child to be
called?" She answered
and said: " Let him be
called Hiko-nagisa-take-
u-gayafuki-ahezu no
Mikoto." Having said so,
she took her departure
straight across the sea.
Then Hiko-hoho-demi no
Mikoto made a song,
saying:
Whatever befalls me,
Ne'er shall I forget my
love
With whom I slept
In the islands of wild-
ducks --
The birds of the offing."
After this, when Tovo-
tama-hime heard what
a fine boy her child was,
her heart was greatly
moved with affection'
and she wished to come
back and bring him up
herself. But she could
not rightly do so, and
therefore she sent her
younger sister Tama-
yori-hime to nurture
him. Now when
Toyotama-hime sent
Tama-yori-hime, she
offered (to Hoho-demi
no Mikoto) the
following verse in
answer:
Some may boast
Of the splendor
Of red jewels,
But those worn by my
lord --
It is they which are
admirable."
These two stanzas, one
sent, and one in reply,
are what are termed
age-uta.
Another account says
that when the Sea-god
gave the fishhook to
Hiko-hoho-demi no
Mikoto, he instructed
him, saying: " When thy
elder brother's fish-
hook is returned to him,
let the Heavenly
Grandchild say: 'Let it
be to all thy
descendants, of
whatever degree of
relationship, a poor
hook, a paltry poor
hook.' When thou hast
thus spoken, spit thrice,
and give it to him.
Moreover, when thy
elder brother goes to
sea a-fishing, let the
Heavenly Grandchild
stand on the seashore
and do that which raises
the wind. Now that
which raises the wind is
whistling. If thou doest
so, I will forthwith stir
up the wind of the
offing and the wind of
the shore, and will
overwhelm and vex him
with the scurrying
waves." Ho no ori no
Mikoto returned, and
obeyed implicitly the
instructions of the god.
When a day came on
which the elder brother
went a-fishing, the
younger brother stood
on the shore of the sea,
and whistled. Then
there arose a sudden
tempest, and the elder
brother was forthwith
overwhelmed and
harassed. Seeing no
means of saving his life,
lie besought his younger
brother from afar,
saying: " Thou hast
dwelt long in the ocean-
plain, and must possess
some excellent art. I
pray thee teach it to
me. If thou save my life,
my descendants of all
degrees of relationship
shall not leave the
neighborhood of thy
precinct, but shall act
as thy mime-vassals."
Thereupon the younger
brother left off
whistling, and the wind
again returned to rest.
So the elder brother
recognized the younger
brother's power, and
freely admitted his
fault. But the younger
brother was wroth, and
-would hold no converse
with him. Hereupon the
elder brother, with
nothing but his
waistcloth on, and
smearing the palms of
his bands and his face
with red earth, said to
his younger brother: "
Thus do I defile my
body, and make my self
thy mime forever." So
kicking up his feet, he
danced along and
practiced the manner of
his drowning struggles.
First of all, when the
tide reached his feet, he
did the foot divination ;
when it reached his
knees, he raised up his
feet; when it reached
his thighs, he ran round
in a circle; when it
reached his loins, he
rubbed his loins; when it
reached his sides, he
placed his hands upon
his breast; when it
reached his neck, be
threw up his hands,
waving his palms. From
that time until now, this
custom has never
ceased.
Now, when the child
Hiko-nagisa-take-u-
gaya-fuki-abezu no
Mikoto grew up, he
took his aunt Tama-
yori-hime as his consort,
and had by her in all
four male children. Long
after, .Hiko-nagisa-
take-u-gaya-fuki-ahezu
no Mikoto died, in the
palace of the western
country, and was buried
in the Misasagi on the
top of Mount Ahira in
Hiuga.
BOOK III
THE EMPEROR KAMI-
YAMATO IHARE-BIKO
The Emperor Kami
Yamato Ihare-biko's
personal name was
Hiko-hoho-demi. [This is
the legendary
conquerer known to
later ages as Jimmu
Tenno.] He was the
fourth child of Hiko-
nagisa-take-u-gaya-
fuki-ahezu no Mikoto.
His mother's name was
Tama-yori-hime,
daughter of the Sea-
god. From his birth, this
Emperor was of clear
intelligence and
resolute will. At the age
of fifteen he was made
heir to the throne.
When be grew up, he
married Ahira-tsu-hime,
of the district of Ata in
the province of Hiuga,
and made her his
consort. By her he had
Tagishi-mimi no Mikoto
and Kisu-mimi no
Mikoto.
When he reached the
age of forty-five, he
addressed his elder
brothers and his
children, saying: "Of old,
our Heavenly deities
Taka-mi-musubi no
Mikoto, and Oho-hiru-
me no Mikoto, pointing
to this land of fair rice-
ears of the fertile reed-
plain, gave it to our
Heavenly ancestor,
Hiko-ho no ninigi no
Mikoto. Thereupon
Hiko-ho no ninigi no
Mikoto, throwing open
the barrier of Heaven
and clearing a cloud-
path, urged on his
superhuman course
until he came to rest. At
this time the world was
given over to
widespread desolation.
It was an age of
darkness and disorder.
In this gloom, therefore,
be fostered justice, arid
so governed this
western border. Our
Imperial ancestors and
Imperial parent, like
gods, like sages,
accumulated happiness
and amassed glory.
Many years elapsed.
From the date when our
Heavenly ancestor
descended until now it
is over 1,792,470
years .But the remote
regions do not yet enjoy
the blessings of Imperial
rule. Every town has
always been allowed to
have its lord, and every
village its chief, who,
each one for himself,
makes division of
territory and practises
mutual aggression and
conflict.
"Now I have heard from
the Ancient of the Sea,
that in the East there is
a fair land encircled on
all sides by blue
mountains. -Moreover,
there is there one who
flew down riding in a
Heavenly Rock-boat. I
think that this land will
undoubtedly be suitable
for the extension of the
Heavenly task,' so that
its ,Iorv should fill the
universe. It is,
doubtless, the center of
the world." The person
who flew down was, I
believe, Nigi-haya-hi.
Why should we not
proceed thither, and
make it the capital?"
All the Imperial Princess
answered, and said: "
The truth of this is
manifest. This thought
is constant1y present to
our minds also. Let us
go thither quickly." This
was the year Kinoye
Tora (51st) of the Great
Year. (667 B.C.)
In that year, in winter,
on the Kanoto Tori day
(the 5th) of the 10th
month, the new moon of
which was on the day
Hinoto Mi, the Emperor
in person led the
Imperial Princes and a
naval force on an
expedition against the
East. When be arrived
at the Haya-suhi gate,
there was there a
fisherman who came
riding in a boat. The
Emperor summoned
him, and then inquired
of him, saying: "Who art
thou?" He answered
and said: "Thy servant is
a Country-god, and his
name is Utsu-hiko. I
angle for fish in the
bays of ocean. Hearing
that the son of the
Heavenly deity was
coming, therefore I
forthwith came to
receive him." Again he
inquired of him, saying:
"Canst thou act as my
guide?" He answered
and said: "I will do so."
The Emperor ordered
the end of a pole of
shihi wood to be given
to the fisher, and
caused him to be taken
and pulled into the
Imperial vessel, of which
be was made pilot. A
name was specially
granted him, and he
was called Shibi-ne-tsu-
hiko." He was the first
ancestor of the Yamato
no Atahe.
Proceeding on their
voyage, they arrived at
Usa in the land of
Tsukushi. At this time
there appeared the
ancestors of the Kuni-
tsu-ko of Usa, named
Usa-tsu-hiko and
Usatsu-hime. They built
a palace raised on one
pillar on the banks of
the River Usa, and
offered them a banquet.
Then, by Imperial
command, Usa-tsu-hime
was given in marriage
to the Emperor's
attendant minister Ama
no tane no Mikoto. Now
Ama no tane no Mikoto
was the remote
ancestor of the
Nakatomi Uji.
11th month, 9th day.
The Emperor arrived at
the harbor of Oka in the
land of Tsukushi.
12th month, 27th day.
He arrived at the
province of A-ki, where
he dwelt in the Palace
of Ye.
(666 B.C.) The year
Kinoto U, Spring, 3rd
month, 6th day. Going
onward, he entered the
land of Kibi, and built a
temporary palace, in
which he dwelt. It was
called the Palace of
Takasbima. Three years
passed, during which
time be set in order the
helms of his ships, and
prepared a store of
provisions. It was his
desire by a single effort
to subdue the Empire.
(663 B.C.) The year
Tsuchinoye Muma,
Spring, 2nd month, 11th
day. The Imperial forces
at length proceeded
eastward, the prow of
one ship touching the
stern of another. Just
when they reached
Cape Naniha they
encountered a current
of great swiftness.
Whereupon that place
was called Nami-haya
(wave-swift) or Nami-
hana (wave-flower). It is
now called Naniha
which is a corruption of
this.
3rd mouth, 10th day.
Proceeding upward
against the stream,
they went straight on,
and arrived at the port
of Awokumo no Shira-
date, in the township of
Kusaka, in the province
of Kafuebi.
Summer, 4th month, 9th
day. The Imperial forces
in martial array
marched on to Tatsuta.
The road was narrow
and precipitous, and the
men were unable to
march abreast, so they
returned and again
endeavored to go
eastward, crossing over
Mount Ikoma. In this
way they entered the
inner country.
Now when Naga-sune-
hiko heard this, be said:
"The object of the
children of the Heavenly
deity in coming hither is
assuredly to rob me of
my country." so be
straightway levied all
the forces under his
dominion, and
intercepted them at the
Hill of Kusaka. A battle
was engaged, and Itsuse
no Mikoto was hit by a
random arrow on the
elbow. The Imperial
forces were unable to
advance against the
enemy. The Emperor
was vexed, and revolved
in his inmost heart a
divine plan, saying: "I
am the descendant of
the Sun-goddess, and if I
proceed against the Sun
to attack the enemy, I
shall act contrary to the
way of Heaven. Better
to retreat and make a
show of weakness. Then
sacrificing to the gods
of Heaven and Earth,
and bringing on our
backs the might of the
Sun-goddess, let us
follow her rays and
trample them down. If
we do so, the enemy
will assuredly be routed
of themselves, and we
shall not stain our
swords with blood."
They all said: "It is
good." Thereupon he
gave orders to the
army, saying: "Wait a
while, and advance no
further." So he
withdrew his forces, and
the enemy also did not
dare to attack him. He
then retired to the port
of Kusaka, where he set
up shields, and made a
warlike show. Therefore
the name of this port
was changed to Tatetsu
which is now corrupted
into Tadetsu.
Before this, at the
battle of Kusaka, there
was a man who hid in a
great tree, and by so
doing escaped danger.
So pointing to this tree,
he said. "I am grateful
to it, as to my mother."
Therefore the people of
the day called that
place Omo no ki no
Mura .
5th month, 8th day. The
army arrived at the port
of Yamaki in Chinu (also
called Port Yama no wi).
Now Itsuse no Mikoto's
arrow wound was
extremely painful. He
grasped his sword, and
striking a martial
attitude, said "How
exasperating it is that a
man should die of a
wound received at the
hands of slaves, and
should not revenge it!"
The people of that day
therefore called the
place Wo no minato.
Proceeding onward,
they reached Mount
Kama in the land of Kii,
where Itsuse no Mikoto
died in the army, and
was therefore buried at
Mount Kama.
6th month, 23rd day.
The army arrived at the
village of Nagusa,
where they put to death
the Tohe of Nagusa.
Finally they crossed the
moor of Sano, and
arrived at the village of
kami in Kuniano. Here
be embarked in the
rock-boat of Heaven,
and leading his army,
proceeded onward by
slow degrees. In the
midst of the sea, they
suddenly met with a
violent wind, and the
Imperial vessel was
tossed about. Then Ina-
ihi no Mikoto exclaimed
and said: "Alas! my
ancestors were
Heavenly deities, and
my mother was a
goddess of the Sea. Why
do they harass me by
land, and why,
moreover, do they
harass me by sea."
When he had said this,
he drew his sword and
plunged into the sea,
where he became
changed into the god
Sabi-mochi
Mike Irino no Mikoto,
also indignant at this,
said: "My mother and
my aunt are both Sea-
goddesses: why do they
raise great billows to
overwhelm us? "So
treading upon the
waves, he went to the
Eternal Land. The
Emperor was now alone
with the Imperial Prince
Tagishi-mimi no Mikoto.
Leading his army
forward, he arrived at
Port Arazaka in Kumano
(also called Nishiki Bay),
where he put to death
the Tobe of Nishiki. At
this time the gods
belched up a poisonous
vapor, from which every
one suffered. For this
reason the Imperial
army was again unable
to exert itself. Then
there was there a man
by name Kuniano no
Takakuraji, who
unexpectedly had a
dream, in which Ama-
terasu no Ohokami
spoke to Take-mika-
tsuchi no Kami, saying:
"I still hear a sound of
disturbance from the
Central Land of Reed-
Plains. Do thou again go
and chastise it." Take-
mika-tsuchi no Kami
answered and said:
"Even if I go not, I can
send down my sword,
with which I subdued
the land, upon which
the country will of its
own accord become
peaceful." To this Ama-
terasu no Kami
assented. Thereupon
Take-mik-a-tsuchi no
Kami addressed
Takakuraji, saying: "My
sword, which is called
Futsu no Mitama, I will
now place in thy
storehouse. Do thou
take it and present it to
the Heavenly
Grandchild." Takakuraji
said "Yes," and
thereupon awoke. The
next morning, as
instructed in his dream,
be opened the
storehouse, and on
looking in, there was
indeed there a sword
which had fallen down
(from Heaven), and was
standing upside down
on the plank floor of the
storehouse. So he took
it and offered it to the
Emperor. At this time
the Emperor happened
to be asleep. He awoke
suddenly, and said: "
What a long time I have
slept! " On inquiry he
found that the troops
who had been affected
by the poison had all
recovered their senses
and were afoot. The
Emperor then
endeavored to advance
into the interior, but
among, the mountains it
was so precipitous that
there was no road by
which they could travel,
and they wandered
about not knowing
whither to direct their
march. Then Amaterasu
no Obo-kami instructed
the Emperor in a dream
of the night, saying: "I
will now send thee the
Yata-garasu," make it
thy guide through the
land." Then there did
indeed appear the Yata-
garasu flying down from
the Void. The Emperor
said: " The coming of
this crow is in due
accordance with my
auspicious dream. How
grand! How splendid!
My Imperial ancestor,
Ama-terasu no Oho-
kami, desires therewith
to assist me in creating
the hereditary
institution.'
At this time Hi no Omi
no Mikoto, ancestor of
the Ohotomo House,
taking with him Oho-
kume as commander of
the main body, guided
by the direction taken
by the crow, looked up
to it and followed after,
until at length they
arrived at the district of
Lower Uda. Therefore
they named the place
which they reached the
village of Ukechi in Uda.
At this time, by an
Imperial order, he
commended Hi no Omi
no Mikoto, saying: "
Thou art faithful and
brave, and art,
moreover, a successful
guide. Therefore will I
give thee a new name,
and will call thee Michi
no Omi."
Autumn, 8th month, 2nd
day. The Emperor sent
to summon Ukeshi the
Elder and Ukeshi the
Younger. These
twowere chiefs of the
district of Uda. Now
Ukesbi the Elder did not
come. But Ukeshi the
Younger came, and
making obeisance at
the gate of the camp,
declared as follows: "
Thy servant's elder
brother, Ukeshi the
Elder, shows signs of
resistance. Hearing that
the descendant of
Heaven was about to
arrive, he forthwith
raised an army with
which to make an
attack. But having seen
from afar the might of
the Imperial army, be
was afraid, and did not
dare to oppose it.
Therefore be has
secretly placed his
troops in ambush, and
has built for the
occasion a new palace,
in the ball of which he
has prepared engines. It
is his intention to invite
the Emperor to a
banquet there, and then
to do him a mischief.
I pray that his treachery
be noted, and that good
care be taken to make
preparation against it."
The Emperor
straightway sent Michi
no Omi no Mikoto to
observe the signs of his
opposition. Michi no
Omi no Mikoto clearly
ascertained his hostile
intentions, and being
greatly enraged,
shouted at him in a
blustering manner:
"Wretch! thou shalt
thyself dwell in the
house which thou hast
made." So grasping his
sword, and drawing his
bow, he urged him and
drove him within it.
Ukeshi the Elder being
guilty before Heaven,
and the matter not
admitting of excuse, of
his own accord trod
upon the engine and
was crushed to death.
His body was then
brought out and
decapitated, and the
blood which flowed
from it reached above
the ankle. Therefore
that place was called
Uda no Chi-hara. After
this Ukeshi the Younger
prepared a great feast
of beef and sake with
which he entertained
the Imperial army. The
Emperor distributed this
flesh and sake to the
common soldiers, upon
which they sang the
following verses:
In the high castle/tree
of Uda tree
I set a snare for
woodcock,
And waited,
But no woodcock came
to it;
A valiant whale came to
it.
This is called a Kume
song. At the present
time, when the
Department of Music
performs this song,
there is still the
measurement of great
and small by the hand,
as well as a distinction
of coarse and fine in the
notes of the voice. This
is by a rule banded
down from antiquity.
After this the Emperor
wished to inspect the
land of Yoshino, so
taking personal
command of the light
troops, he made a
progress round by way
of Ukechi mura in Uda.
When he came to
Yoshino, there was a
man who came out of a
well. He shone, and had
a tail. The Emperor
inquired of him, saying:
"What man art thou?"
He answered and said:
Thy servant is a local
deity, and his name is
Wi-hi-kari." He it is who
was the first ancestor of
the Yoshino no Obito.
Proceeding a little
farther, there was
another man with a tail,
who burst open a rock
and came forth from it.
The Emperor inquired of
him, saying: "What man
art thou?" He answered
and said: "Thy servant is
the child of Iha-oshi-
wake." It is he who was
the first ancestor of the
Kuzu of Yoshino.
Then skirting the river,
he proceeded
westward, when there
appeared another man,
who had made a fish-
trap and was catching
fish. On the Emperor
making inquiry of him,
he answered and said: "
Thy servant is the son of
Nihemotsu." He it is
who was the first
ancestor of the U-kahi
of Ata.
9th month, 5th day. The
Emperor ascended to
the peak of Mount
Takakura in Uda,
whence be had a
prospect over all the
land. On. Kuni-mi" Hill
there were descried
eighty bandits.
Moreover, at the
acclivity of Me-zaka
there was posted an
army of women, and at
the acclivity of Wo-zaka
" there was stationed a
force of men. At the
acclivity of Sumizaka
was placed burning
charcoal. This was the
origin of the names Me-
zaka, Wo-zaka, and
Sumi-zaka.
Again there was the
army of Ye-shiki, which
covered all the village
of Ihare. All the places
occupied by the enemy
were strong positions,
and therefore the roads
were cut off and
obstructed, so that
there was no room for
passage. The Emperor,
indignant at this, made
prayer on that night in
person, and then fell
asleep. The Heavenly
deity appeared to him
in a dream, and
instructed him, saying:
"Take earth from within
the shrine of the
Heavenly Mount Kagu,
and of it make eighty
Heavenly platters. Also
make sacred jars" and
therewith sacrifice to
the gods of Heaven and
Earth. Moreover,
pronounce a solemn
imprecation. If thou
doest so, the enemy will
render submission of
their own accord." The
Emperor received with
reverence the
directions given in his
dream, and proceeded
to carry them into
execution.
Now Ukeshi the
Younger again
addressed the Emperor,
saying: "There are in
the province of Yamato,
in the village of Shiki,
eighty Shiki bandits.
Moreover, in the village
of Takawoliari (some
say Katsuraki) there are
eighty Akagane bandits.
All these tribes intend
to give battle to the
Emperor, and thy
servant is anxious in his
own mind on his
account. It were now
good to take clay from
the Heavenly fount
Kagu, and therewith to
make Heavenly platters
with which to sacrifice
to the gods of the
Heavenly shrines and of
the Earthly shrines. If
after doing so, thou
dost attack the enemy,
they may be easily
driven off." The
Emperor, who had
already taken the words
of his dream for a good
omen, When he now
heard the words of
Ukeshi the Younger was
Still more pleased in his
heart. He caused Shihi-
netsu-hiko to put on
ragged garments and a
grass hat, and to
disguise himself as an
old man. He also caused
Ukeshi the Younger to
cover himself with a
winnowing tray, so as to
assume the appearance
of an old woman, and
then addressed them
saying-: "Do ye two
proceed to the
Heavenly Mount Kagu,
and secretly take earth
from its summit. Having
done so, return hither.
By means of you I shall
then divine whether my
undertaking will be
successful or not. Do
your utmost and be
watchful."
Now the enemy's army
filled the road, and
made all passage
impossible. Then Shihi-
netsu-hiko prayed, and
said: " If it will be
possible for our Emperor
to conquer this land, let
the road by which we
must travel become
open. But if not, let the
brigands surely oppose
our passage." Having
thus spoken they set
forth, and went straight
onward. Now the hostile
band, seeing the two
men, laughed loudly,
and said: " What an
uncouth old man and
old woman! " So with
one accord they left the
road, and allowed the
two men to pass and
proceed to the
mountain, where they
took the clay and
returned with it.
Hereupon the Emperor
was greatly pleased,
and with this clay he
made eighty platters,
eighty Heavenly small
jars and sacred jars,
with which he went up
to the upper waters of
the River Nifu and
sacrificed to the gods of
Heaven and Earth.
Immediately, on the
Asahara plain by the
river of Uda, it became
as it were like foam on
the water, the result of
the curse cleaving to
them.
Moreover, the Emperor
went on to utter a vow,
saying: " I will now
make aMe n the eighty
platters without using
water. If the ame is
formed, then shall I
assuredly without effort
and without recourse to
the might of arms
reduce the Empire to
peace." So he made
ame, which forthwith
became formed of itself.
Again he made a vow,
saving: " I will now take
the sacred jars and sink
thern in the River Nifu.
If the fishes, whether
great or small, become
every one drunken and
are carried down the
stream, like as it were
to floating maki leaves,
then shall I assuredly
succeed in establishing
this land. But if this be
not so, there will never
be any result."
Thereupon he sank the
jars in the river with
their mouths downward.
After a while the fish all
came to the surface,
gaping and gasping as
they floated down the
stream. Then Shihi-
netsu-hiko, seeing this,
represented it to the
Emperor, who was
greatly rejoiced, and
plucking up a five-
hundred-branched
masakaki tree of the
upper waters of the
River Nifu, be did
worship therewith to all
the gods. It was with
this that the custom
began of setting sacred
jars.
At this time he
commanded Michi no
Omi no Mikoto, saying:
"We are now in person"
about to celebrate a
public festival to Taka-
mi-musubi no Mikoto,
and I appoint thee Ruler
of the festival, and
grant thee the title of
Idzu-hime. The earthen
jars which are set up
shall be called the
Idzube, or sacred jars,
the fire shall be called
Idzu no Kagu-tsuchi, or
sacred-fire-elder, the
water shall be called
Idzu no Midzuha no me,
or sacred-water-female,
the food shall be called
Idzu-Uka no me, or
sacred-food-female, the
firewood shall be called
Idzu no Yama-tsuchi, or
sacred-mountain-elder,
and the grass shall be
called Idzu no No-tsuchi,
or sacred-moor-elder."
Winter, 10th month, 1st
day. The Emperor tasted
the food of the Idzube,
and arraying his troops
set forth upon his
march. He first of all
attacked the eighty
bandits at Mount
Kunimi, routed and slew
them. It was in this
campaign that the
Emperor, fully resolved
on victory, made these
verses, saying:
Like the Shitadami
Which creep around
The great rock
Of the Sea of Ise
Where blows the divine
wind --
Like the Shitadami,
My boys! my boys!
We will creep around,
And smite them utterly,
And smite them
utterly."
In this poem, by the
great rock is intended
the Hill of Kunimi.
After this the band
which remained was
still numerous, and their
disposition could not be
fathomed. So the
Emperor privately
commanded Michi no
Omi no Mikoto, saying:
"Do thou take with thee
the Oho-kume, and
make a great muro at
the village of Osaka.
Prepare a copious
banquet, invite the
enemy to it, and then
capture them." Michi no
Omi no Mikoto
thereupon, in obedience
to the Emperor's secret
behest, dug a muro at
Osaka, and having
selected his bravest
soldiers, stayed therein
mingled with the
enemy. He secretly
arranged with them,
saying: " When they
have got tipsy with
sake, I will strike up a
song. Do you, when you
hear the sound of my
song, all at the same
time- stab the enemy."
Having made this
arrangement they took
their seats, and the
drinking-bout
proceeded. The enemy,
unaware that there was
any plot, abandoned
themselves to their
feelings, and promptly
became intoxicated.
Then Michi no Omi no
Mikoto struck up the
following song:
At Osaka
In the great muro-
house,
Though men in plenty
Enter and stay,
We the glorious
Sons of warriors,
Wielding our mallet-
heads,
Wielding our stone-
mallets,
Will smite them
utterly."
Now when our troops
beard this song, they all
drew at the same time
their mallet-beaded
swords, and
simultaneously slew the
enemy, so that there
were no eaters left. The
Imperial army were
greatly delighted; they
looked up to Heaven
and laughed. Therefore
he made a song, saying:
Though folk say
That one Yemishi
Is a match for one
hundred men
They do not so much as
resist."
The practise, according
to which at the present
time the Kume sing this
and then laugh loud,
had this origin.
Again he sang, saying:
Ho now is the time;
Ho! now is the time;
Ha! Ha! Psha!
Even now
My boys!
Even now
My boys!"
All these songs were
sung in accordance with
the secret behest of the
Emperor. He had not
presumed to compose
them of his own motion.
Then the Emperor said:
"It is the part of a good
general when victorious
to avoid arrogance. The
chief brigands have now
been destroyed, but
there are ten bands of
villains of a similar
stamp, who are
disputatious. Their
disposition can not be
ascertained. Why should
we remain for a long
time in one place? By so
doing we could not have
control over
emergencies." So he
removed his camp to
another place.
11th month, 7th day.
The Imperial army
proceeded in great
force to attack the Hiko
of Shiki. First of all the
Emperor sent a
messenger to summon
Shiki the Elder, but he
refused to obey. Again
the Yata-garasu was
sent to bring him. When
the crow reached his
camp it cried to him,
saying: "The child of the
Heavenly deity sends for
thee. Haste! haste!"
Shiki the Elder was
enraged at this, and
said: "Just when I heard
that the conquering
deity of Heaven was
coming and was
indignant at this, why
shouldst thou, a bird of
the crow tribe, utter
such an abominable
cry?" So be drew his
bow and aimed at it.
The crow forthwith fled
away, and next
proceeded to the house
of Shiki the Younger,
where it cried, saving: "
The child of the
Heavenly deity
summons thee. Haste!
haste! " Then Shiki the
Younger was afraid,
and, changing
countenance, said: " Thy
servant, hearing of the
approach of the
conquering deity of
Heaven, is full of dread
morning and evening.
Well hast thou cried to
me, O crow." He
straightway made eight
leaf-platters, on which
he disposed food, and
entertained the crow.
Accordingly, in
obedience to the crow
he proceeded to the
Emperor and informed
him, saying: " My elder
brother, Shiki the Elder,
hearing of the approach
of the child of the
Heavenly deity,
forthwith assembled
eighty bandits and
provided arms, with
which he is about to do
battle with thee. It will
be well to take
measures against him
without delay." The
Emperor accordingly
assembled his generals
and inquired of them,
saying: " It appears that
Shiki the Elder has now
rebellious intentions. I
summoned him, but
again he will not come.
What is to be done?"
The generals said: "Shiki
the Elder is a crafty
knave. It will be well,
first of all, to send Shiki
the Younger to make
matters clear to him,
and at the same time to
make explanations to
Kuraji the Elder and
Kuraji the Younger. If
after that they still
refuse submission, it will
not be too late to take
warlike measures
against them." Shiki the
Younger was
accordingly sent to
explain to them their
interests. But Shiki the
Elder and the others
adhered to their foolish
design, and would not
consent to submit. Then
Shihi-netsu-hiko advised
is follows: " Let us first
send out our feebler
troops by the Osaka
road. When the enemy
sees them he will
assuredly proceed
thither with all his best
troops. We should then
straightway urge
forward our robust
troops, and make
straight For Sumi-zaka.
Then with the water of
the River Uda we should
sprinkle the burning
charcoal, and suddenly
take them unawares,
when they can not fail
to be routed." The
Emperor approved this
plan, and sent out the
feebler troops toward
the enemy, who,
thinking, that a
powerful force was
approaching, awaited
them with all their
power. Now up to this
time, whenever the
Imperial army attacked,
they invariably
caetured, and when
they fought they were
invariably victorious, so
that the fighting men
were all wearied out.
Therefore the Emperor,
to comfort the hearts of
his leaders and men,
struck off this verse:
As we fight,
Going forth and
watching
From between the trees
Of Mount Inasa,
We are famished.
Ye keepers of
cormorants
(Birds of the island),
Come now to our aid."
In the end he crossed
Sumi-zaka with the
stronger troops, and,
going round by the rear,
attacked them from
two sides and put them
to the rout, killing their
chieftains Shiki the
Elder and the others.
12th month, 4th day.
The Imperial army at
length attacked Naga-
sune-hiko and fought
with him repeatedly,
but was unable to gain
the victory. Then
suddenly the sky
became overcast, and
hail fell. There
appeared a wondrous
kite of a golden color,
which came flying and
perched on the end of
the Emperor's bow. The
luster of this kite was of
dazzling brightness, so
that its appearance was
like that of lightning. In
consequence of this all
Naga-sune-hiko's
soldiers were dazzled
and bewildered so that
they could not fight
stoutly.
Nagasune was the
original name of the
village, whence it
became the name of a
man. But in
consequence of the
lmperial army obtaining
the favorable omen of
the kite, the men of
that time called it Tobi
no mura. It is now called
Tomi, which is a
corruption of this.
Ever since Itsuse no
Mikoto was hit by an
arrow at the battle of
Kusaka and died, the
Emperor bore this in
mind, and constantly
cherished resentment
for it. On this campaign
it was his desire to, put
all to death, and
therefore he composed
these verses,
saying:"My mouth
tingles
With the ginger planted
At the bottom of the
hedge
By the glorious Sons of
warriors--
can not forget it;Let us
smite them
utterly."Again he sang,
saying:In the millet-field
Is one stem of odorous
garlic
The glorious
Sons of warriors
Binding its stem
And binding its shoots
Will smite it
utterly."Then again
letting loose his army,
he suddenly attacked
him. In general, all
these songs composed
by the Emperor are
termed kume uta, in
allusion to the persons
who took and sang
them.