Emperors Jinmu through Kaika

Emperor Jinmu

¶Emperor Jinmu's personal name was Hikohohodemi (Note: the Kojiki gives his name as Wakamikenu, also called Toyomikenu). His childhood name was Sano (Note: the childhood name follows one tradition in this work and the Sendai Kuji Hongi). The heavenly ancestor Ōhirume-no-muchi governed the Plain of High Heaven; this deity is Amaterasu Ōmikami (Note: the title "heavenly ancestor" follows the Kogo Shūi). Amaterasu's son, Masakaakatsu-kachihayahi-ame-no-oshihomimi-no-mikoto, married Takuhata-chichihime, daughter of Takamimusubi-no-mikoto, and their son was Amatsuhikohiko-ho-no-ninigi-no-mikoto. The heavenly ancestor had already commanded the assembled gods to pacify the Central Land of Reed Plains, and thereupon sent his heavenly grandson down to dwell there as its lord. He bestowed upon him the three sacred treasures — the curved jewel of Yasaka, the mirror of Yata, and the sword Kusanagi — and declared: "The Land of Fertile Reed Plains and Fresh Rice Ears is the land over which my descendants shall reign as kings. Go there and govern it. May the prosperity of the imperial throne be boundless, coeval with Heaven and Earth." Ninigi-no-mikoto then departed the Heavenly Rock Seat and descended upon the peak of Takachiho in Hyūga, after which he proceeded to Ata, married Konohana-no-sakuya-hime, daughter of Ōyamatsumi, and had a son, Hikohohodemi-no-mikoto. Hikohohodemi-no-mikoto married Toyotama-hime, daughter of the sea god Toyotamahiko, and had a son, Hikonagisatake-ugayafukiaezu-no-mikoto (Note: this account follows one tradition in this work). From Ninigi-no-mikoto down to Ugayafukiaezu-no-mikoto, this line was handed down through the generations, each bearing the title Amatsuhitaka (Note: this title follows the Kojiki). In later ages all of them came to be honored with the title "heavenly ancestor" (Note: that all are called "heavenly ancestor" follows the Kogo Shūi; and indeed this work itself records the phrase "our heavenly ancestor Hikoho-no-ninigi-no-mikoto," which may serve as corroboration). Because the line of the heavenly ancestor's descendants continues without end, succession to the imperial throne is called hitsugi, "the sun's succession" (Note: the expression "ascending to the sun's succession" follows the Chronicle of Empress Jitō in the Nihon Shoki and the imperial edicts recorded in the Shoku Nihongi). The affairs of high antiquity, being remote in years and touched by divine mystery, defy precise reckoning, and this whole span is therefore called the Age of the Gods.

¶The emperor was the fourth son of Ugayafukiaezu-no-mikoto (Note: one tradition in this work makes him the second son, another the third). His mother was Tamayori-hime, and he was born in the year of Kanoe-uma (Note: birth in the year Kanoe-uma follows the Mizukagami, the Rekidai Kōki, and this work's own record that he died at the age of 127; the Gukanshō and the Kōnendai Ryakki, however, place his birth on the first day of the first month, on the day Kanoto-tatsu). From birth he was wise and perceptive, and his resolve was firm and unwavering. At fifteen he was installed as crown prince. On reaching manhood he married Ahiratsu-hime and made her his consort.

¶In the year of Kinoe-tora, when the emperor was forty-five, he took up residence at the Palace of Takachiho (Note: the account of the Palace of Takachiho follows the Kojiki). At this time the lands of the west had long submitted to royal rule, but the lands of the east had not yet yielded obedience. Nagasunehiko revered Nigihayahi-no-mikoto as his lord, while Ewkashi, Otoukashi, the Yasotakeru, Eshiki, and Otoshiki each stood as separate chieftains without unity among them. The emperor addressed his elder brothers and his sons (Note: the Kojiki states that he consulted with his elder brother, Itsuse-no-mikoto), saying: "Many years have passed since the heavenly ancestor descended to earth, yet the turning of the age has not yet come, and we govern no more than this single corner in the west. The blessings of royal rule have not yet reached the distant lands. As a result, every village and hamlet has its own chieftain, each drawing boundaries at will, and they encroach upon and contend with one another. I have heard from Shiotsuchi-no-oji that 'in the east there lies a beautiful land, ringed on every side by blue mountains, and someone once descended there riding a heavenly rock-boat.' I believe this must be Nigihayahi. That land is surely the center of the realm, a fitting place to establish a capital, spread our great enterprise, and let its light reach all under Heaven. We should go there and found our capital." His sons all assented.

¶On the fifth day of the tenth month, the day Kanoto-tori, the emperor personally led his elder brothers Itsuse-no-mikoto, Inai-no-mikoto, and Mikeirino-no-mikoto, together with his son Tagishimimi-no-mikoto, organized a naval force, and set out on the eastern expedition, arriving at Hayasui-no-to. A fisherman named Uzuhiko came out to greet them. The emperor charged him with guiding the way and bestowed on him the name Shiinetsuhiko. Advancing further, they reached Usa in the land of Tsukushi. Usatsuhiko and Usatsuhime built a palace there and feasted them. Usatsuhime was given in marriage to the attendant minister Ame-no-Tanekono-mikoto.

¶On the ninth day of the eleventh month, the day Kinoe-uma, they reached Oka-no-Minato.

¶On the twenty-seventh day of the twelfth month, the day Mizunoe-uma, they reached Aki and stayed at the Enomiya.

¶In the year of Kinoto-u, on the sixth day of the third month, the day Tsuchinoto-hitsuji, they entered the land of Kibi and built a temporary palace there, called the Takashima Palace. They remained there for three years, fitting out ships and oars and stockpiling provisions, intending to pacify the realm in a single decisive campaign (Note: the Kojiki states that the emperor, on reaching Tsukushi, stayed a year at the Okada Palace, then, on reaching the land of Aki, stayed seven years at the Takeri Palace, and then, entering the land of Kibi, stayed eight years at the Takashima Palace; when he left Kibi and reached Hayasui-no-to he encountered Saonetsuhiko there).

¶In the year of Tsuchinoe-uma, on the eleventh day of the second month, the day Hinoto-hitsuji, the naval force finally advanced eastward. The fleet of ships, bow to stern, reached the land of Naniwa.

¶On the tenth day of the third month, the day Hinoe-ne, they went up the river and reached Shirakata-no-tsu at Aokumo, in the district of Kusaka in the land of Kawachi.

¶On the ninth day of the fourth month, the day Kinoe-tatsu, they marshaled their troops and made for Tatsuta, but the road there was too steep and narrow for them to advance abreast. So they turned back and sought instead to cross Mount Ikoma to the east and enter the Central Land (Nakatsukuni, that is, Yamato). Nagasunehiko brought out his entire force to bar the way at the slope of Kusae. In the battle that followed the emperor's army had no success; Itsuse-no-mikoto was struck by a stray arrow, and the army could advance no further. Troubled by this, the emperor took counsel: "We are descendants of the sun goddess, yet to face the sun and strike at an enemy runs against the order of Heaven. It would be better to withdraw and feign weakness, to worship the gods with due reverence, and, bearing the authority of the sun goddess upon our backs, to follow the enemy's shadow and strike from behind. In that way we need not stain a blade with blood, and the enemy will surely be defeated of itself" (Note: the Kojiki attributes these words to Itsuse-no-mikoto). So they withdrew their forces and retreated, and the enemy did not dare press the pursuit. Falling back to Kusaka-tsu, they planted their shields upright and raised a great show of spirit; because of this the harbor was renamed Tate-tsu, "Shield Harbor" (Note: the Kojiki states that the emperor went from Naniwa to Shirakata-no-tsu, where Nagasunehiko came out to meet him in battle, and the emperor's men took up the shields aboard their ships to defend themselves, and for that reason the place was named Tate-tsu).

¶On the eighth day of the fifth month, the day Mizunoto-tori, they reached Yamaki-no-Minato in Chinu. Itsuse-no-mikoto's wound had by now worsened, and, striking his sword in indignation, he declared: "Should a great man die of a wound dealt by an enemy without exacting revenge?" He pressed on as far as Mount Kama in Kii, where he died.

¶On the twenty-third day of the sixth month, the day Hinoto-mi, they entered the village of Nagusa and put Nagusatobe to death. From there they passed through Sano and reached Kamamura in Kumano. As they crossed the sea, they met a violent storm and their ships were driven adrift; Inai-no-mikoto and Mikeirino-no-mikoto, in despair, threw themselves into the sea. The emperor, now alone with his son Tagishimimi-no-mikoto, pressed on and reached Arasakatsu (Note: also called Nishikiura, according to a note in this work), where he put Nishikitobe to death. At this point a certain deity breathed forth poisonous vapors that struck the men down, so that the whole army fell ill and could not rouse itself, and even the emperor fell into a deep sleep. Then Takakuraji, a man of Kumano, came and presented the sword Futsu-no-Mitama, and the emperor at once awoke, saying: "How is it that I have slept so long?" His soldiers, too, rose up at once. They then sought to advance into the Central Land, but the mountain paths were steep and impassable, and they did not know which way to go. In the emperor's dream, Amaterasu Ōmikami appeared and instructed him: "I shall now send the Yatagarasu, the eight-span crow. Let it guide your way." At that very moment the Yatagarasu appeared. Rejoicing greatly, the emperor had Michi-no-omi-no-mikoto lead the Ōkume warriors, follow the crow to clear the way, and at last they reached the lower district of Uda.

¶On the second day of the eighth month, the day Kinoto-hitsuji, the emperor summoned the Uda chieftains Ewkashi and Otoukashi. Ewkashi did not appear before him, so Michi-no-omi-no-mikoto was sent to put him to death. Otoukashi prepared great quantities of beef and wine and offered comfort to the royal army. The emperor distributed the wine and meat among his troops and composed a song, known as the Kume-uta. He then personally led a lightly armed detachment on a circuit of Yoshino, where Ihika and other local people came to serve him.

¶On the fifth day of the ninth month, the day Tsuchinoe-tatsu, the emperor climbed Mount Takakura in Uda and surveyed the land. The Yasotakeru had massed their forces on Kunimi Hill, stationing their women's corps on Onnazaka and their men's corps on Otokozaka, and were burning great fires of charcoal at Sumisaka. The forces of Eshiki, too, filled the whole area around the village of Iware, and every one of these had already seized and held strong defensive positions. The road was cut off, and the emperor was much troubled by this. That night he prayed to the gods and fell asleep, and in his dream received a divine oracle; and just then Otoukashi came forward with a report that matched the dream exactly. Greatly pleased, the emperor ordered Shiinetsuhiko and Otoukashi to take clay from Mount Amanokagu and fashion from it eighty flat vessels (hiraka), sacred vessels for oracular use called ame-no-takuji, and jars called itsuhe; he then worshiped the gods at the upper reaches of the Niu River and made this vow: "I shall use these eighty flat vessels to make sweet malt syrup without using water. If the syrup is made, I shall be able to pacify the realm without ever drawing a blade." The syrup was indeed made. He also vowed: "I shall sink these sacred jars in the Niu River. If a great many fish rise to the surface as though drunk, I shall surely be able to pacify the land." When the jars were sunk, the fish all rose to the surface. Greatly pleased, the emperor pulled up sacred sakaki branches at the upper Niu River and worshiped the gods with them. This was the origin of using sacred jars in the worship of the gods. He also personally performed an open rite of worship (arawashi-itsuki) to Takamimusubi-no-mikoto, appointed Michi-no-omi-no-mikoto as the ritual master, and bestowed upon him the title Itsuhime.

¶On the first day of the tenth month, the day Kanoto-mi, the emperor partook of the food made in the sacred jars, marshaled his troops, and set out; he went on to defeat and slay the Yasotakeru at Kunimi Hill. He then ordered Michi-no-omi-no-mikoto to lure out their remaining followers and annihilate them. The emperor declared: "Not to grow arrogant in victory is the conduct of a good commander. Now, though the chief of the rebels has already been destroyed, many of his kind remain. To remain forever encamped in one place would leave us unable to respond to sudden events." He therefore moved his camp to another location.

¶On the seventh day of the eleventh month, the day Tsuchinoto-mi, he raised a great army to attack Shiki and sent envoys to summon its chieftains. Eshiki refused the order, while Otoshiki surrendered. The emperor had Otoshiki try to persuade Eshiki, as well as Ekuraji and Otokuraji, but none of them would listen. He therefore adopted a stratagem devised by Shiinetsuhiko, sending a raiding force out from Sumisaka to come up behind the enemy, and, catching them in a pincer attack, defeated them and at last put Eshiki to death. Because Itsuse-no-mikoto had lost his life at the hands of Nagasunehiko, the emperor was determined to destroy him utterly.

¶On the fourth day of the twelfth month, the day Hinoe-saru, he advanced to attack Nagasunehiko, but repeated engagements brought no victory. Then, as the sky clouded over and rain began to fall, a kite came flying and alighted on the tip of the emperor's bow. Its golden radiance flashed like lightning, dazzling the enemy troops so that they could fight no more. The emperor's forces then launched a sudden assault, and in the course of it Nigihayahi-no-mikoto killed Nagasunehiko and led his followers in submission.

¶In the year of Tsuchinoto-hitsuji, on the twentieth day of the second month, the day Kanoto-i, the emperor ordered his generals to drill the troops. He also dispatched a detachment to put to death the Tsuchigumo of Sohonoagata, along with Niikitobe, Kosenohafuri, and Inohafuri (Note: the Shaku Nihongi states that at that time the rebels who dwelt in caves were called Tsuchigumo, "earth spiders"). There were also Tsuchigumo at the village of Takaowari who were short in stature but long of limb; the emperor's men cast nets woven of kudzu vine over them and destroyed them, and for this reason the village's name was changed to Katsuragi, "kudzu castle" (Note: according to this work, Otoukashi had earlier reported that "at the village of Takaowari there are the Akagane-no-Yasotakeru, the eighty bronze-armored warriors"; on this basis, the Tsuchigumo referred to here were probably of the same band as these bronze-armored Yasotakeru). With this, the Central Land, Yamato, was at last pacified. The customs of the time were still simple and unrefined, and people lived in nests and dwelt in caves. The emperor set about building a proper palace in order to settle the hearts of the people.

¶On the seventh day of the third month, the day Hinoto-u, he issued a decree to establish the capital at Kashihara, southeast of Mount Unebi. That same month he ordered the officials in charge to begin its construction.

¶In the year of Kanoe-saru, on the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, the day Kinoto-mi (Note: this work gives the day as Tsuchinoto-mi, but reckoning from the sexagenary cycle, that month begins on Mizunoe-uma, and there is no day Tsuchinoto-mi in it; here we follow the Sendai Kuji Hongi), the emperor married Himetatarai-suzu-hime and made her his principal consort.

¶In the first year, the year Kanoto-tori, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Kanoe-tatsu, the emperor ascended the throne at the Kashihara Palace. He was fifty-two at the time (Note: this age follows the Mizukagami and the Rekidai Kōki, and this work's own record that he died at 127). He took the title Kanyamato-iwarebiko-hohodemi-no-sumeramikoto. He installed his principal consort as empress. He erected sacred fences (himorogi) and worshiped the eight gods, thereby protecting and pacifying the state. Ame-no-Tomi-no-mikoto led the assembled Imbe priestly clans and, bearing the heavenly regalia of mirror and sword, placed them in the main hall. Ame-no-Tanekono-mikoto recited the heavenly words of blessing (amatsu-kami-no-yogoto). Umashimade-no-mikoto led the Uchi-no-Mononobe, took up halberd and shield, and stood strict guard, while Michi-no-omi-no-mikoto led the Kumebe in guarding the palace gates. The assembled ministers offered their congratulations at court. Ame-no-Tanekono-mikoto and Ame-no-Tomi-no-mikoto were together charged with overseeing the rites of worship (Note: the passage from "erected sacred fences" onward follows the Sendai Kuji Hongi and the Kogo Shūi. The Sendai Kuji Hongi and the Nenchū Gyōji both further record that on the fifteenth day of the eleventh month, the day Kanoe-tora, Umashimade-no-mikoto performed rites with the sacred heavenly treasures on behalf of the emperor and empress, to still their spirits and pray for long life (jusō); this was the origin of the Chinkonsai, the Rite of Pacifying the Spirits).

¶In the second year, the year Mizunoe-inu, in spring, on the second day of the second month, the day Kinoto-mi, the emperor assessed merit and bestowed rewards (Note: the Sendai Kuji Hongi states that on this day Umashimade-no-mikoto and Ame-hikata-kushihikata-no-mikoto were made Osukuni-no-matsurigoto-o-mōsu-maetsukimi, ministers charged with reporting on the governance of the provinces. This work makes no such record, and the matter seems rather doubtful; it is noted here for reference only, and the same practice is followed below). He granted Michi-no-omi-no-mikoto a residence and had him settle at the village of Tsukisaka; he settled the Ōkume at the western foot of Mount Unebi; he made Shiinetsuhiko the kuni-no-miyatsuko, provincial governor, of Yamato; he made Otoukashi the agata-nushi, district chief, of Taketa, and Otoshiki the agata-nushi of Shiki; he made Tsurugine, a descendant in the fifth generation of Takamimusubi-no-mikoto, the kuni-no-miyatsuko of Katsuragi (Note: the claim that he was a fifth-generation descendant of Takamimusubi-no-mikoto follows the Shinsen Shōjiroku); and he also bestowed rewards upon the Yatagarasu.

¶In the fourth year, the year Kinoe-ne, in spring, on the twenty-third day of the second month, the day Kinoe-saru, with all enemies now pacified and the realm at peace, the emperor decreed that a ritual site (matsurinoniwa) be built on Mount Tomi, where he worshiped the heavenly gods of his imperial ancestors.

¶In the thirty-first year, the year Kanoto-u, in summer, on the first day of the fourth month, the day Kinoto-tori, the emperor's carriage made a progress through the land and ascended Hohoma Hill at Wakigami. Surveying the surroundings, he remarked that the shape of the land resembled the akizu, the dragonfly, in the posture of mating. From this the name Akizushima, "Dragonfly Island," first arose (Note: the character read akizu is also read akizu, "dragonfly").

¶In the forty-second year, the year Mizunoe-tora, in spring, on the third day of the first month, the day Kinoe-tora, the emperor installed his son Kannunakawamimi-no-mikoto as crown prince.

¶In the seventy-sixth year, the year Hinoe-ne, in spring, on the eleventh day of the third month, the day Kinoe-tatsu, the emperor died at the Kashihara Palace, at the age of 127 (Note: the Kojiki gives his age as 137. The years of death recorded in the Kojiki frequently disagree with those in this work; here the discrepancy is noted for reference, and the same practice is followed below). He was buried at the Misasagi northeast of Mount Unebi (Note: the Kojiki states that the tomb lies north of Mount Unebi, atop Kashinoo). He was posthumously given the title Emperor Jinmu (Note: it is not clear in which reign the practice of posthumous titles began. A private commentary cited in the Shaku Nihongi states that "the posthumous titles such as Jinmu were composed by Ōmi no Mifune at imperial command." The Chikanaga-ki states that "the posthumous titles of the forty-two reigns from Jinmu to Monmu were fixed by Fujiwara no Fuhito, Lord of Ōmi." These two accounts do not agree. On consideration, since the authentic texts of the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki make no mention whatsoever of posthumous titles, it is clear that the practice did not yet exist in the Wadō and Yōrō eras, and thus it plainly was not the work of Fuhito. Mifune served under the reigns of Kōken, the deposed emperor (Junnin), Kōnin, and Kanmu, and the various works compiled after Kanmu's reign, such as the Shoku Nihongi and the Shinsen Shōjiroku, all record posthumous titles. It would follow, then, that the posthumous titles of the emperors before Genshō were probably bestowed after the fact, sometime from the reign of Kōken onward. However, since the historical records give no clear statement on this point, we do not specify in which reign each title was posthumously bestowed; the same practice is followed below).

Emperor Suizei

¶Emperor Suizei was the fifth son of Emperor Jinmu (Note: this work elsewhere calls him the third son, probably counting only the sons born to the empress; but since the emperor had two sons by concubines who were his elder brothers, the Kojiki's designation of him as the fifth son is correct). His mother was the Empress Himetatarai-suzu-hime. The emperor was handsome and dignified in bearing, and from his youth had a bold and outstanding spirit. On reaching manhood he was of imposing build, calm and resolute in character, and excelled above all in the arts of war.

¶In the forty-second year of Emperor Jinmu's reign, he was installed as crown prince.

¶In the seventy-sixth year, in the third month, Emperor Jinmu died. The crown prince, being by nature filial in the purest sense, grieved and longed for his father beyond measure, and devoted himself wholeheartedly to conducting the funeral rites, entrusting all administrative affairs to his elder half-brother, Tagishimimi-no-mikoto.

¶In the year of Hinoto-ushi, on the twelfth day of the ninth month, the day Hinoe-tora, Emperor Jinmu was buried. During the period of mourning, Tagishimimi-no-mikoto exercised power as he pleased, and eventually plotted to harm the crown prince. The crown prince learned of the scheme and secretly made preparations against it.

¶In the year of Tsuchinoto-u, the construction of the imperial tomb was completed. The crown prince had bows and arrows made, and secretly conspired with his full brother Kanyaimimi-no-mikoto to shoot and kill Tagishimimi-no-mikoto. When Tagishimimi-no-mikoto happened to be lying alone in an earthen chamber, the crown prince urged Kanyaimimi-no-mikoto to shoot him, but Kanyaimimi-no-mikoto trembled and could not loose the arrow. The crown prince therefore seized the bow and arrow himself and shot and killed him.

¶In the first year, the year Kanoe-tatsu, in spring, on the eighth day of the first month, the day Tsuchinoto-u, the emperor ascended the throne. He was fifty-two at the time (Note: this age follows the Mizukagami, the Kōdaiki, and the Rekidai Kōki, and this work's own record that he died at 84). He was called Kannunakawamimi-no-sumeramikoto (Note: the Kojiki states that after killing Tagishimimi-no-mikoto, the emperor changed his name and was called Takenunakawamimi-no-mikoto). He established his capital at Katsuragi, at what was called the Takaoka Palace.

¶In the second year, the year Kanoto-mi, in spring, in the first month, he installed Isuzuyori-hime as empress (Note: the Sendai Kuji Hongi states that in the third year, in the first month, Hikoyuki-no-mikoto was made Osukuni-no-matsurigoto-o-mōsu-maetsukimi).

¶In the fourth year, the year Mizunoto-hitsuji, in summer, in the fourth month, Kanyaimimi-no-mikoto died.

¶In the twenty-fifth year, the year Kinoe-tatsu, in spring, on the seventh day of the first month, the day Tsuchinoe-ne, he installed Shikitsuhiko-tametemi-no-mikoto as crown prince.

¶In the thirty-third year, the year Mizunoe-ne, in summer, in the fifth month, the emperor fell ill. On the tenth day, the day Mizunoto-tori, he died, at the age of 84 (Note: the Kojiki gives his age as 45). He was buried at the Tsukidanookanoe Misasagi. He was posthumously given the title Emperor Suizei.

Emperor Annei

¶Emperor Annei was a son of Emperor Suizei. His mother was the Empress Isuzuyori-hime.

¶In the twenty-fifth year of Emperor Suizei's reign, he was installed as crown prince.

¶In the thirty-third year, in the fifth month, Emperor Suizei died.

¶On the third day of the seventh month, the day Kinoto-ushi, the crown prince ascended the throne (Note: reckoning from this work's statement that he was twenty-one when installed as crown prince, his accession would have come at twenty-nine; but this does not agree with this work's record that he died at 57. If reckoned instead from his age at death, he would have been nineteen at that time. Yet according to this work's statement that Emperor Itoku was sixteen when installed as crown prince, that would mean Emperor Itoku was already born when this emperor was only fifteen, which seems rather doubtful. It is probably the case that the age of twenty-one at his installation as crown prince is roughly correct, and that the recorded age of 57 at death is an error for either 75 or 67. The Mizukagami and the Gukanshō both give his age in the first year of his reign as twenty, but this too is merely a reckoning back from this work's stated age at death. Here we leave the question open for now and do not note his age at accession. The Sendai Kuji Hongi, the Mizukagami, the Kōdaiki, and the Gukanshō all agree that he acceded in the first year, the year Mizunoto-ushi; this is noted here for reference). He was called Shikitsuhiko-tametemi-no-sumeramikoto.

¶In the first year, the year Mizunoto-ushi, in winter, on the eleventh day of the tenth month, the day Hinoe-saru, he buried Emperor Suizei and honored the empress with the title of empress dowager.

¶In the second year, the year Kinoe-tora, he moved the capital to Kata-shio, at what was called the Ukiana Palace.

¶In the third year, the year Kinoto-u, in spring, on the fifth day of the first month, the day Mizunoe-uma, he installed Nunasokonakatsu-hime as empress (Note: the Sendai Kuji Hongi states that in the fourth year, in the fourth month, Izumoshiko-no-mikoto was made Osukuni-no-matsurigoto-o-mōsu-maetsukimi, and Ōne-no-mikoto was made an attendant minister).

¶In the eleventh year, the year Mizunoto-i, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Mizunoe-inu, he installed Ōyamatohiko-sukitomo-no-mikoto as crown prince.

¶In the thirty-eighth year, the year Kanoe-tora, in winter, on the sixth day of the twelfth month, the day Kinoto-u, the emperor died, at the age of 57 (Note: the Kojiki gives his age as 49). He was buried at the Misasagi at Mihotonoinoe, south of Mount Unebi (Note: the Engishiki adds the character "west" beneath the character "mountain"). He was posthumously given the title Emperor Annei.

Emperor Itoku

¶Emperor Itoku was the second son of Emperor Annei (Note: the Mizukagami and the Kōdaiki make him the third son, but this is an error). His mother was the Empress Nunasokonakatsu-hime.

¶In the eleventh year of Emperor Annei's reign, he was installed as crown prince.

¶In the thirty-eighth year, in the twelfth month, Emperor Annei died.

¶In the first year, the year Kanoto-u, in spring, on the fourth day of the second month, the day Mizunoe-ne, the emperor ascended the throne. He was forty-four at the time (Note: this age follows the Kōdaiki and this work's own record that he was sixteen when installed as crown prince. The Gukanshō gives his age as thirty-four, but this is an error). He was called Ōyamatohiko-sukitomo-no-sumeramikoto.

¶In autumn, on the first day of the eighth month, the day Hinoe-uma, he buried Emperor Annei.

¶On the fourteenth day of the ninth month, the day Tsuchinoto-ushi, he honored the empress with the title of empress dowager.

¶In the second year, the year Mizunoe-tatsu, in spring, on the fifth day of the first month, the day Tsuchinoe-tora, he moved the capital to Karu, at what was called the Magario Palace (Note: the Kojiki calls it the Sakaioka Palace).

¶On the eleventh day of the second month, the day Mizunoto-ushi, he installed Amatoyotsu-hime as empress.

¶In the twenty-second year, the year Mizunoe-ne, in spring, on the twelfth day of the second month, the day Tsuchinoe-uma (Note: this work gives the day as Tsuchinoe-ne, but reckoning now from the sexagenary cycle, we follow the Sendai Kuji Hongi), he installed Mimatsuhiko-kaeshine-no-mikoto as crown prince.

¶In the thirty-fourth year, the year Kinoe-ne, in autumn, on the eighth day of the ninth month, the day Kanoto-hitsuji, the emperor died, at the age of 77 (this work does not record his age at death; here we follow the Mizukagami, the Kōdaiki, and the Kōnendai Ryakki, together with this work's own record that he was sixteen when installed as crown prince. The Kojiki gives his age as 45). He was buried at the Managonotaninoe Misasagi, south of Mount Unebi. He was posthumously given the title Emperor Itoku.

Emperor Kōshō

¶Emperor Kōshō was a son of Emperor Itoku. His mother was the Empress Amatoyotsu-hime.

¶In the twenty-second year of Emperor Itoku's reign, he was installed as crown prince.

¶In the thirty-fourth year, in the ninth month, Emperor Itoku died. The following year, the year Kinoto-ushi, on the thirteenth day of the tenth month, the day Kanoe-uma, Emperor Itoku was buried.

¶In the first year, the year Hinoe-tora, in spring, on the ninth day of the first month, the day Kinoe-uma (Note: this work gives the day as Kinoe-ne, but here we follow the Teiō Hennenki, calculating the sexagenary date accordingly), the emperor ascended the throne. He was thirty-one at the time (Note: this age follows this work's own record that he was eighteen when installed as crown prince. The Mizukagami gives his age as thirty-two, and the Rekidai Kōki as thirty-four). He was called Mimatsuhiko-kaeshine-no-sumeramikoto.

¶In summer, on the fifth day of the fourth month, the day Tsuchinoto-mi, he honored the empress with the title of empress dowager.

¶In autumn, in the seventh month, he moved the capital to Wakigami, at what was called the Ikegokoro Palace.

¶In the twenty-ninth year, the year Kinoe-uma, in spring, on the third day of the first month, the day Hinoe-uma, he installed Yosotarashi-hime as empress.

¶In the sixty-eighth year, the year Mizunoto-tori, in spring, on the fourteenth day of the first month, the day Kanoe-ne, he installed Yamatotarashihiko-kunioshihito-no-mikoto as crown prince.

¶In the eighty-third year, the year Tsuchinoe-ne, in autumn, on the fifth day of the eighth month, the day Kanoto-tori, the emperor died, at the age of 114 (this work does not record his age at death; here we follow one tradition in the Mizukagami and the Kōdaiki, and the Kōnendai Ryakki, together with this work's own record that he was eighteen when installed as crown prince. The Kojiki gives his age as 93). He was buried at the Hakatayamanoe Misasagi at Wakigami. He was posthumously given the title Emperor Kōshō.

Emperor Kōan

¶Emperor Kōan was the second son of Emperor Kōshō. His mother was the Empress Yosotarashi-hime.

¶In the sixty-eighth year of Emperor Kōshō's reign, he was installed as crown prince.

¶In the eighty-third year, in the eighth month, Emperor Kōshō died.

¶In the first year, the year Tsuchinoto-ushi, in spring, on the seventh day of the first month, the day Kanoto-u, the emperor ascended the throne. He was thirty-six at the time (Note: this age follows the Mizukagami, the Rekidai Kōki, and the Gukanshō, together with this work's own record that he was twenty when installed as crown prince).He was called Yamatotarashihiko-kunioshihito-no-sumeramikoto.

¶In autumn, on the first day of the eighth month, the day Kanoto-mi, he honored the empress with the title of empress dowager.

¶In the second year, the year Kanoe-tora, in winter, in the tenth month, he moved the capital to Muro, at what was called the Akizushima Palace (Note: the Sendai Kuji Hongi states that in the third year, in the eighth month, Mutsumi-no-mikoto and Mitsumi-no-mikoto were both made sukune).

¶In the twenty-sixth year, the year Kinoe-tora, in spring, on the fourteenth day of the second month, the day Mizunoe-tora, he installed Oshi-hime as empress.

¶In the thirty-eighth year, the year Hinoe-tora, in autumn, on the fourteenth day of the eighth month, the day Tsuchinoto-ushi, he buried Emperor Kōshō (Note: it seems unnatural that the funeral should have been delayed so long. The Sendai Kuji Hongi records it as having taken place in the eighth month of the first year, Tsuchinoto-ushi, which is likely closer to the actual circumstances. Here, for now, we follow the old text of this work and do not alter it without cause).

¶In the seventy-sixth year, the year Kinoe-tatsu, in spring, on the fifth day of the first month, the day Mizunoto-tori, he installed Ōyamatonekohiko-futoni-no-mikoto as crown prince.

¶In the one hundred and second year, the year Kanoe-uma, in spring, on the ninth day of the first month, the day Hinoe-uma, the emperor died, at the age of 137 (this work does not record his age at death; here we follow the Mizukagami, the Kōdaiki, and the Kōnendai Ryakki, together with this work's own record that he was twenty when installed as crown prince. The Kojiki gives his age as 123). He was buried at the Tamatenookanoe Misasagi. He was posthumously given the title Emperor Kōan.

Emperor Kōrei

¶Emperor Kōrei was a son of Emperor Kōan. His mother was the Empress Oshi-hime.

¶In the seventy-sixth year of Emperor Kōan's reign, he was installed as crown prince.

¶In the one hundred and second year, in the first month, Emperor Kōan died.

¶On the thirteenth day of the ninth month, the day Hinoe-uma, Emperor Kōan was buried.

¶In the twelfth month, he moved the capital to Kuroda, at what was called the Ioto Palace.

¶In the first year, the year Kanoto-hitsuji, in spring, on the twelfth day of the first month, the day Mizunoto-u, the emperor ascended the throne. He was fifty-three at the time (Note: this age follows the Mizukagami, the Gukanshō, and a variant text of the Kōdaiki, together with this work's own record that he was twenty-six when installed as crown prince. The Rekidai Kōki and the Kōdaiki both give his age as thirty-four). He was called Ōyamatonekohiko-futoni-no-sumeramikoto. He honored the empress with the title of empress dowager.

¶In the second year, the year Mizunoe-saru, in spring, on the eleventh day of the second month, the day Hinoe-tora, he installed Kuwashi-hime as empress (Note: the Sendai Kuji Hongi states that in the third year, in the first month, Ōminakuchi-no-mikoto and Ōyaguchi-no-mikoto were both made sukune).

¶In the thirty-sixth year, the year Hinoe-uma, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Tsuchinoto-i, he installed Hikokunikuru-no-mikoto as crown prince.

¶In the seventy-sixth year, the year Hinoe-inu, in spring, on the eighth day of the second month, the day Mizunoto-ushi, the emperor died, at the age of 128 (this work does not record his age at death; here we follow the Kōnendai Ryakki and the Gukanshō, together with this work's own record that he was twenty-six when installed as crown prince. The Kojiki gives his age as 106; the Mizukagami gives 134, and the Gukanshō gives 110). He was buried at the Kataokaumasaka Misasagi. He was posthumously given the title Emperor Kōrei.

Emperor Kōgen

¶Emperor Kōgen was the eldest son of Emperor Kōrei. His mother was the Empress Kuwashi-hime.

¶In the thirty-sixth year of Emperor Kōrei's reign, he was installed as crown prince.

¶In the seventy-sixth year, in the second month, Emperor Kōrei died.

¶In the first year, the year Hinoto-i, in spring, on the fourteenth day of the first month, the day Kinoe-saru, the emperor ascended the throne. He was sixty at the time (Note: this age follows the Mizukagami and the Gukanshō, together with this work's own record that he was nineteen when installed as crown prince. The Kōdaiki gives his age as fifty-one; the Rekidai Kōki and a variant text of the Kōdaiki both give sixty-one). He was called Ōyamatonekohiko-kunikuru-no-sumeramikoto. He honored the empress with the title of empress dowager.

¶In the fourth year, the year Kanoe-tora, in spring, on the twelfth day of the third month, the day Kinoe-uma (Note: this work's date reads "the twelfth day of the third month, first day Kinoe-saru," but reckoning now from the sexagenary cycle, the third month begins on the day Mizunoto-hitsuji, and its twelfth day falls on Kinoe-uma; the first month begins on Kinoe-saru, and its eleventh day falls on Kinoe-uma. It is probably the case that "first month" (正) was mistakenly written as "third month" (三), though there is no basis on which to correct it), he moved the capital to Karu, at what was called the Sakaihara Palace.

¶In the sixth year, the year Mizunoe-tatsu, in autumn, on the sixth day of the ninth month, the day Mizunoto-u, he buried Emperor Kōrei (Note: the Sendai Kuji Hongi places this in the fourth year).

¶In the seventh year, the year Mizunoto-mi, in spring, on the second day of the second month, the day Hinoto-u, he installed Utsushikome as empress (Note: the Sendai Kuji Hongi states that in the eighth year, in the first month, Ōhesoki-no-mikoto was made Ōne).

¶In the twenty-second year, the year Tsuchinoe-saru, in spring, on the fourteenth day of the first month, the day Mizunoe-uma, he installed Wakayamatonekohiko-ōhihi-no-mikoto as crown prince (Note: the Mizukagami, the Kōdaiki, and the Kōnendai Ryakki all record a great snowfall in the sixth month of the thirty-ninth year).

¶In the fifty-seventh year, the year Mizunoto-hitsuji, in autumn, on the second day of the ninth month, the day Mizunoto-tori, the emperor died, at the age of 116 (this work does not record his age at death; here we follow the Kōnendai Ryakki and a variant text of the Gukanshō, together with this work's own record that he was nineteen when installed as crown prince. The Kojiki gives his age as 57; the Mizukagami and the Gukanshō both give 117). He was buried at the Tsuruginoikenoshimanoe Misasagi (Note: the Kojiki calls it the Tsuruginoikenonakaoka Misasagi). He was posthumously given the title Emperor Kōgen.

Emperor Kaika

¶Emperor Kaika was the second son of Emperor Kōgen. His mother was the Empress Utsushikome.

¶In the twenty-second year of Emperor Kōgen's reign, he was installed as crown prince.

¶In the fifty-seventh year, in the ninth month, Emperor Kōgen died.

¶On the twelfth day of the eleventh month, the day Mizunoe-uma, the crown prince ascended the throne. He was fifty-one at the time (Note: this age follows the Mizukagami, the Gukanshō, and the Kōdaiki, together with this work's own record that he was sixteen when installed as crown prince. The Rekidai Kōki gives his age as fifty-two, and a variant text of the Kōdaiki gives fifty-six). He was called Wakayamatonekohiko-ōhihi-no-sumeramikoto.

¶In the first year, the year Kinoe-saru, in spring, on the fourth day of the first month, the day Mizunoto-tori, he honored the empress with the title of empress dowager.

¶In winter, on the thirteenth day of the tenth month, the day Tsuchinoe-saru, he moved the capital to Kasuga, at what was called the Isakawa Palace.

¶In the fifth year, the year Tsuchinoe-ne, in spring, on the sixth day of the second month, the day Mizunoe-ne, he buried Emperor Kōgen (Note: the Sendai Kuji Hongi places this in the sixth year, but this is probably because it reckoned the year of accession itself as the first year, resulting in a one-year discrepancy from this work. This account does not adopt that reckoning. The Chronicles of Ankō, Yūryaku, and Ninken likewise reckon the year of accession as the first year, differing in this respect from this work, though their placement of other events within the years otherwise agrees with this work. The chronology of the Senka Chronicle is a particularly extreme case of such discrepancy, but it is not practical to note every instance individually here).

¶In the sixth year, the year Tsuchinoto-ushi, in spring, on the fourteenth day of the first month, the day Kinoe-tora, he installed Ikagashikome as empress (Note: the Sendai Kuji Hongi states that in the eighth year, in the first month, Taketatsu-no-mikoto and Ōmine-no-mikoto were both made Ōne).

¶In the twenty-eighth year, the year Kanoto-i, in spring, on the fifth day of the first month, the day Hinoto-tori, he installed Mimakiirihiko-no-mikoto as crown prince.

¶In the sixtieth year, the year Mizunoto-hitsuji, in summer, on the ninth day of the fourth month, the day Kinoe-ne, the emperor died, at the age of 111 (this work does not record his age at death. Here we follow the Kōnendai Ryakki, together with this work's own record that he was sixteen when installed as crown prince. The notes to this work and the Sendai Kuji Hongi both give his age as 115; the Kojiki gives 63). He was buried at the Kasuganoisakawasakamoto Misasagi (Note: in the Engishiki the character read "moto" was originally written "ue"). He was posthumously given the title Emperor Kaika.