Emperor Monmu

Emperor Monmu

¶Emperor Monmu's childhood name was Karu (Note: the childhood name follows the Ōji Edawakareki, as cited in the Shaku Nihongi. The character "ka" was originally written with a different character, "a," but the Gukanshō, the Ichidai Yōki, the Kōdaiki, the Rekidai Kōki, and the Kōin Shōunroku all give his personal name as "Karu," written with the character for "light." The Man'yōshū likewise writes him as Prince Karu. The readings "Karu" and "Karu" correspond to one another, and the characters for "a" and "ka" resemble each other in form, which is probably the source of the error; this has now been corrected). He was a grandson of Emperor Tenmu and the son of Prince Kusakabe, who received the posthumous title Emperor Okamiya. His mother was Empress Genmei, and he was born in the eleventh year of Emperor Tenmu's reign (Note: his birth year follows such works as the Kaifūsō and the Mizukagami, together with the record that he died at the age of twenty-five).

¶By nature the emperor was tolerant and rich in compassion, and never let anger show in his countenance. He was broadly versed in the classics and the histories, and was especially accomplished in archery.

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

¶In the first year, the year Hinoto-tori, in autumn, on the first day of the eighth month, the day Kinoe-ne, the emperor received the abdicated throne and ascended it at the Fujiwara Palace (Note: the account of the Fujiwara Palace follows the Gukanshō and the Jinnō Shōtōki). He was fifteen years of age at the time (Note: his age follows the Mizukagami, the Ichidai Yōki, the Gukanshō, and the Kōdaiki). The Minister of the Right, Tajihi-no-Shima, remained in office as before (Note: this follows the Kugyō Bunin). On the seventeenth day, the day Kanoe-tatsu, an edict remitted this year's rice-field tax and miscellaneous labor dues, and half the corvée tax, and gave generous care to the aged. Gifts were bestowed, each according to rank, on the princes and the hundred officials. The provinces were ordered to hold the hōjō rite — the releasing of captured living creatures — every year. On the twentieth day, the day Mizunoto-hitsuji, Fujiwara-no-Miyako-no-Iratsume was made a consort, bunin, and Ki-no-Kamado-no-Iratsume and Ishikawa-no-Toji-no-Iratsume were made consorts of the lower rank, hin (Note: the original text calls them consorts of the higher rank, hi, but this has now been corrected; the details are given in the Biographies of Empresses and Consorts). On the twenty-ninth day, the day Mizunoe-tatsu, stipend households, jikifu, were bestowed, each according to standing, on the members of the imperial clan and on those of the fifth rank and above. On the third day of the ninth month, the day Hinoe-saru, auspicious ears of rice ripened in the capital, and Ōmi presented a white soft-shelled turtle and Tanba a white deer. In winter, on the nineteenth day of the tenth month, the day Mizunoe-uma, the Emishi of Mutsu presented local products as tribute. On the twenty-eighth day, the day Kanoto-u, Silla sent tribute. On the eighteenth day of the twelfth month, the day Kanoe-tatsu, gifts were bestowed, each according to rank, on the Emishi of Echigo known as the Kanzoku. In the intercalary month, on the seventh day, the day Tsuchinoto-i, famine struck Harima, Bizen, Bitchū, Suō, Awaji, Awa, Sanuki, and Iyo, and relief was given. On the twenty-eighth day, the day Kanoe-saru, it was forbidden to travel about in the first month paying New Year's calls; offenders were to be punished according to the regulations of the Kiyomihara court, that is, the reign of Emperor Tenmu, save that calls paid to one's grandfather, elder brother, or clan head, ujinokami, were alone permitted.

¶In the second year, the year Tsuchinoe-inu, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Mizunoe-inu, the emperor received the New Year's felicitations at the Daigokuden, the Hall of State; the hundred officials and the Silla tribute envoys made their obeisance. On the seventeenth day, the day Tsuchinoe-tora, Silla's tribute goods were offered at the various shrines. On the nineteenth day, the day Kanoe-tatsu, Silla's tribute goods were presented at the Ōuchi mausoleum, the tomb of Emperor Tenmu. On the fifth day of the second month, the day Hinoe-saru, the imperial carriage made a progress to Uchi District. On the twelfth day, the day Mizunoto-u, stipends were bestowed, each according to rank, on the officials of the lowest substantive grade and above, and on the senior members, chōjō, of the skilled artisans, saigi. On the fifteenth day, the day Hinoe-uma, stipends were bestowed, each according to rank, on the military officials. On the fifth day of the third month, the day Kinoto-ushi, Inaba presented copper ore. On the tenth day, the day Kanoe-uma, an edict commanded: "The provincial governors are, in selecting district officials, to show no favoritism toward personal connections. District officials are, while in office, to observe the law without transgressing it." On the twenty-first day, the day Kanoto-mi, it was forbidden for large parties to hold mounted archery on the day of the Kamo Festival.

¶In summer, on the thirteenth day of the fourth month, the day Mizunoe-tora, Mukōni Fumi-no-Hakase and Osakabe-no-Maki were sent to the southern islands to search out lands there, and were issued weapons for the purpose. On the twenty-ninth day, the day Tsuchinoe-uma, horses were offered to the god of Mount Mikumari in Yoshino in prayer for rain. On the first day of the fifth month, the day Kanoe-saru, offerings, heihaku, were made at the various shrines in prayer for rain. On the fifth day, the day Kinoe-ne, rain was prayed for at the famed mountains and rivers of the home provinces. On the sixteenth day, the day Kinoto-i, envoys were sent to the provinces to inspect the rice fields. On the twenty-fifth day, the day Kinoe-saru, an imperial command was sent to the Dazai of Tsukushi: "Repair the three fortresses of Ōno, Kii, and Kukuchi." On the fourteenth day of the sixth month, the day Mizunoe-tora, the Kanzoku of Echigo presented local products. On the twenty-eighth day, the day Hinoe-tatsu, horses were offered to the various shrines in prayer for rain.

¶In autumn, on the first day of the seventh month, the day Tsuchinoto-hitsuji, there was a solar eclipse. On the seventh day, the day Kinoto-ushi, a law of flogging, chikei, was established for the first time, to govern public and private slaves, and gambling and dissolute pastimes were forbidden. On the seventeenth day, the day Kinoto-i, Shimotsuke and Bizen presented red crows, and Iyo presented a white pheasant (Note: the character in the original text is difficult to make out, but context suggests it should be read as "white pheasant"). On the twentieth day of the eighth month, the day Hinoto-hitsuji, the fortress of Takayasu was repaired. On the twenty-sixth day, the day Tsuchinoto-ushi (Note: this appears to be an error in the original text), the ceremonial protocols of the court were established. On the seventh day of the ninth month, the day Kinoe-ne, there was a great storm in Shimōsa. On the tenth day, the day Hinoto-u, Princess Taki was sent to serve at the Ise saigū, the Shrine Priestess's residence. On the twenty-fifth day, the day Mizunoe-uma, Suō presented copper ore.

¶In winter, on the twenty-third day of the tenth month, the day Tsuchinoto-tori, the Emishi of Mutsu presented local products. On the first day of the eleventh month, the day Hinoto-mi, there was a solar eclipse. On the fifth day, the day Kanoto-tori, Ise presented a white pheasant. On the seventh day, the day Mizunoto-i, envoys were sent to the provinces to hold the great purification, ōharae. On the twenty-third day, the day Tsuchinoto-u, the Daijōsai, the Great Thanksgiving Rite, was performed. On the fifth day of the twelfth month, the day Kanoto-u, Tsushima was ordered to smelt gold ore. On the twenty-first day, the day Hinoto-hitsuji, Echigo was ordered to repair the stockade of Iwafune. On the twenty-ninth day, the day Kinoto-u, the Take Grand Shrine was moved to Watarai District. In this year, epidemic disease spread in Ōmi, Kii, and Echigo, and medicine was provided.

¶In the third year, the year Tsuchinoto-i, in spring, on the twenty-sixth day of the first month, the day Mizunoe-uma, a woman of the capital gave birth to four children at once; coarse silk, silk floss, cloth, rice, and a wet nurse were bestowed on her. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Mizunoto-hitsuji, the emperor made a progress to the Naniwa Palace. On the twenty-second day of the second month, the day Hinoto-hitsuji, the imperial carriage returned to the palace. On the twenty-third day, the day Tsuchinoe-saru, an edict remitted this year's tribute labor for the cavalrymen who had attended the progress. On the ninth day of the third month, the day Kinoe-ne, Nishigori District in Kawachi presented a white dove. An edict commanded: "This year's tax and labor dues of that district are remitted. Those who have produced an auspicious omen are to have their taxes and labor dues remitted for three years. Offenses of penal servitude and below within the home provinces are pardoned." On the twenty-seventh day, the day Mizunoe-uma, inspectors, junsatsushi, were sent out to the home provinces to investigate wrongdoing.

¶In summer, on the twenty-fifth day of the fourth month, the day Tsuchinoto-tori, rank was bestowed on the Emishi of Echigo. On the twenty-fourth day of the fifth month, the day Hinoto-ushi, En-no-Ozunu was banished to Izu Island. On the fifteenth day of the sixth month, the day Tsuchinoe-inu, three hundred stipend households were granted to Yamadadera, for a term of thirty years. In this month the emperor made a progress to Daianji and gathered five hundred monks for a great feast of offering (Note: the account from "In this month" onward follows the Daianji Engi. According to that engi, the emperor had vowed to have a sixteen-foot image of the Buddha made, and, having received an oracle in a dream telling him to hang a great mirror before the Buddha, summoned monks and held the feast of offering; the engi does not record the year and month, but the Mizukagami places the event in the sixth month of this year, and that account is followed here).

¶In autumn, on the nineteenth day of the seventh month, the day Kanoto-hitsuji, people of Tane, Yaku, Amami, and Tokan came to court in the train of the court's envoys and presented local products as tribute; communication with the island of Tokan began at this time. Rank was conferred, and gifts were bestowed, each according to standing. On the twenty-first day, the day Mizunoto-tori, Prince Yuge, of Jōkōni rank, died. On the eighth day of the eighth month, the day Tsuchinoto-ushi, the tribute from the southern islands was offered at the Ise Grand Shrine and at the various shrines. On the eleventh day, the day Mizunoe-tatsu, gifts were bestowed, each according to rank, on the hundred officials. On the twenty-first day, the day Mizunoe-tora, Iyo presented a white swallow. On the fifteenth day of the ninth month, the day Hinoe-tora, the fortress of Takayasu was repaired once more. On the twentieth day, the day Kanoto-hitsuji, an edict ordered those of Shōdaini rank and below, down to those without rank, to equip themselves with bows and arrows, armor, halberds, and war-horses, and a further edict ordered that these be stockpiled in the home provinces as well.

¶In winter, on the thirteenth day of the tenth month, the day Kinoe-uma, a general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm on the occasion of the construction of the two mausolea of Ochi and Yamashina, save that the Ten Evils and the two offenses of robbery and theft were excluded from it. On the twentieth day, the day Kanoto-ushi, Jōkōshi Inui-no-Ōkimi and Jikidaiichi Taima-no-Kunimi, among others, were sent to Ochi, and Jōkōshi Ōishi-no-Ōkimi and Jikidaini Awata-no-Mahito, among others, were sent to Yamashina, to oversee the repair of the mausolea. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Tsuchinoe-saru, inspectors were sent to the provinces. On the first day of the eleventh month, the day Kanoto-i, there was a solar eclipse. On the fourth day, the day Kinoe-tora, Fumi-no-Hakase and Osakabe-no-Maki returned from the southern islands. On the fourth day of the twelfth month, the day Kinoe-saru, the Dazai of Tsukushi was ordered to repair the two fortresses of Mino and Inatsumi. On the twentieth day, the day Kanoe-ne, a Bureau of Coinage, jusenshi, was established for the first time (Note: according to the Nihongi, Ōyake-no-Maro, Utena-no-Yashima, and Kibumi-no-Motozane were made the Bureau of Coinage in the third month of the eighth year of Empress Jitō's reign; it is not clear what grounds there are here for saying it was "established for the first time").

¶In the fourth year, the year Kanoe-ne, in spring, on the nineteenth day of the second month, the day Tsuchinoto-i, Echigo and Sado were ordered to repair the stockade of Iwafune. On the twenty-second day, the day Mizunoe-tora, inspectors were sent to the Tōzan region. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Hinoto-hitsuji, a further edict ordered the princes, the ministers, and the home provinces to equip themselves with weapons. On the fifteenth day of the third month, the day Kinoe-ne, an edict ordered the princes and ministers to read and study the articles of the Code, and also to select the articles of the Penal Code. On the seventeenth day, the day Hinoe-tora, pasture lands were established in the provinces.

¶In summer, on the thirteenth day of the fifth month, the day Kanoto-tori, Jikikōshi Saeki-no-Maro was made chief envoy to Silla, and Gondaishi Sami-no-Kasamaro his deputy. On the third day of the sixth month, the day Kanoe-tatsu, an edict ordered the Governor-General of Tsukushi, the chief of the Dazaifu, to punish the men of Satsuma and Kimotsuki who had plundered Osakabe-no-Maki and his party. On the seventeenth day, the day Kinoe-uma, an edict ordered Jōdaisan Prince Osakabe and Jikidaiichi Fujiwara-no-Fuhito, among others, to resume the selection of the Code and the Penal Code.

¶In autumn, on the third day of the eighth month, the day Tsuchinoe-saru, the imperial mausoleum on Mount Kagu at Unebi, and the trees of the Yoshino Palace, withered for no apparent reason. On the tenth day, the day Kinoto-u, Nagato presented a white tortoise. On the twenty-second day, the day Hinoto-u, a general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm, save that thieves guilty of the Ten Evils were excluded from it; gifts were bestowed on the aged. On the recommendation of the inspectors, the good governance of several provincial governors was commended, and Abe-no-Miushi, Ōtomo-no-Miyuki, Fune-no-Hatakatsu, and Nuribe-no-Michimaro, among others, had their rank advanced and were granted stipend households, each according to standing. On the twenty-sixth day, the day Kanoto-hitsuji, the Minister of the Right, Tajihi-no-Shima, became Minister of the Left (Note: the account from "On the twenty-sixth day" onward follows the Kugyō Bunin. The original text already calls him "Minister of the Left" as early as the first month of this year; this may perhaps be a case of the later title having been written back into the earlier entry).

¶In winter, on the eighth day of the tenth month, the day Mizunoe-ne, a Bureau for the Making of Robes and Caps, seiikanshi, was established for the first time, and coarse silk, silk floss, and cloth were bestowed on the monks and nuns of the home provinces who were ninety years of age or older. On the nineteenth day, the day Mizunoto-i, Saeki-no-Maro and his party returned from Silla and presented peacocks and other rare goods. On the twenty-sixth day, the day Kanoe-uma, envoys were sent to have ships built in Suō. On the twenty-first day of the eleventh month, the day Kinoto-hitsuji, envoys were sent to arrest brigands throughout the realm. On the twenty-eighth day, the day Mizunoe-tora, a woman of Great Yamato gave birth to three children at once; coarse silk, silk floss, cloth, rice, and a wet nurse were bestowed on her. In the twelfth month, epidemic disease spread in Great Yamato, and medicine was provided.

¶In the first year of Taihō, the year Kanoto-ushi, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Kinoto-i, the emperor received the New Year's felicitations at the Daigokuden. The ceremonial guard and escort were drawn up in strict order, and envoys from foreign lands took their places among the assembly; the splendor of court ceremony and regalia was complete for the first time on this occasion (Note: the New Year's felicitations are explained in the entry for the second year of Taika in the Annals of Emperor Kōtoku. Since the ceremony was brought to completion in this year, it is not described again hereafter). On the fourth day, the day Tsuchinoe-tora, auspicious omens were reported at the Daianden, following the form of the kōsaku, the monthly report of the new moon. On the eighteenth day, the day Mizunoe-tatsu, the Major Counselor, Ōtomo-no-Miyuki, having died, the Great Archery rite, taisha, of the New Year was cancelled. On the twenty-third day, the day Hinoto-tori, the Minister of Popular Affairs, Awata-no-Mahito, was made envoy plenipotentiary to Tang, kentō shissetsushi; the Major Controller of the Left, Takahashi-no-Kasama, was made chief envoy, and the Captain of the Right Military Guards, Sakaibe-no-Ōkida, his deputy.

¶On the fourth day of the second month, the day Hinoto-hitsuji, an Office for the Receipt of Goods, gemotsushiki, was established for the first time. On the fourteenth day, the day Hinoto-mi, the sekiten, the rite honoring Confucius, was held for the first time. On the sixteenth day, the day Tsuchinoto-hitsuji, Princess Izumi was sent to serve at the Ise saigū. On the twentieth day, the day Mizunoto-i, the emperor made a progress to the Yoshino detached palace. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Kanoe-uma, he returned to the palace.

¶On the fifteenth day of the third month, the day Tsuchinoe-ne, Tsuidaishi Ōshiama-no-Arakama was sent to Mutsu to smelt gold. On the twenty-first day, the day Kinoe-uma, Tsushima presented gold as tribute. The era name was established and changed to Taihō, and for the first time official titles and rank designations were revised in accordance with the new Code. The practice of bestowing a cap on conferring rank was abolished, and replaced with a written letter of appointment, iki. The system of colors for official robes was established. The office of Middle Counselor was abolished, and the Major Counselor, Abe-no-Miushi, was made Minister of the Right. The various princes and ministers each had their rank advanced. On the twenty-sixth day, the day Tsuchinoto-i, there was an earthquake in Tanba lasting three days.

¶In summer, on the first day of the fourth month, the day Kinoe-tatsu, there was a solar eclipse. On the seventh day, the day Kanoe-inu, an edict ordered the Major Controller of the Right, Shimotsukeno-no-Komaro, among others, to lecture for the first time on the new Code; the princes and the hundred officials were made to study it. On the fifteenth day, the day Tsuchinoe-uma, offerings, heihaku, were presented at the various shrines, and rain was prayed for at the famed mountains and rivers. The office of denryō, overseer of rice fields, was abolished, and its duties entrusted to the inspection tours of the provincial governors.

¶On the fifth day of the fifth month, the day Hinoto-ushi, the emperor watched a horse race, sōme (Note: according to the Nihongi, a banquet for the Boys' Festival first appears in the fourth year of Emperor Tenji's reign. This work records "watching a horse race" in this year, and from the Annals of Emperor Shōmu onward frequently records "watching mounted hunting" or "watching mounted archery." The custom of mounted archery probably began at this time, and so is not recorded again hereafter). On the twenty-seventh day, the day Tsuchinoto-i, the rank designations of Gon'i and below were changed for the first time.

¶In the sixth month, on the first day, the day Mizunoe-tora, Michi-no-Obitona was ordered to lecture on the Sōniryō, the Regulations for Monks and Nuns, at Daianji. On the second day, the day Mizunoto-u, ninety Uchitoneri, Palace Attendants, were appointed for the first time. On the eighth day, the day Tsuchinoto-tori, an edict commanded: "All manner of public business is henceforth to follow the new Code in every particular. Provincial governors and district officials, in storing the great tax grain, are without fail to follow what the law prescribes; should there be any negligence or shortfall, punishment is to be meted out according to the circumstances." On this day, envoys were sent to proclaim this throughout the seven circuits, and the new design of official seals was also distributed. On the sixteenth day, the day Hinoto-mi, the imperial clan and attendant ministers were invited to a banquet at the Western Pavilion. On the twenty-fifth day, the day Hinoe-tora, rain was prayed for in the four home provinces, and this year's tribute, mitsugi, was remitted there. On the twenty-ninth day, the day Kanoe-uma, the Retired Empress — the former Empress Jitō — made a progress to the Yoshino detached palace.

¶In autumn, on the tenth day of the seventh month, the day Kanoto-mi, she returned to the palace. On the twenty-first day, the day Mizunoe-tatsu, an edict decreed: "Stipend households are to be bestowed on the princes and those below them, each according to office and rank." The meritorious officers of the Jinshin disturbance were also assessed and granted rank, and stipend households were bestowed, each according to standing. On this day the Minister of the Left, Tajihi-no-Shima, died.

¶On the third day of the eighth month, the day Mizunoto-u, the Code and Penal Code were completed, and gifts were bestowed, each according to standing, on Jōhon Prince Osakabe, Shōsanmi Fujiwara-no-Fuhito, and those below them. On the eighth day, the day Tsuchinoe-saru, Doctors of Law, myōbō hakase, were sent to the six circuits of Tōkai, Tōzan, Nankai, Hokuriku, San'in, and San'yō to lecture on the new Code. On the ninth day, the day Tsuchinoto-tori, a system of stipends, rokurin, was established for members of the imperial clan who had reached the proper age, whether or not they held office. On the fourteenth day, the day Kinoe-tora, Harima, Awaji, and Kii reported: "A great storm has caused the sea to flood, and the rice fields have been damaged." Envoys were sent to make a circuit and give relief, and temporary palaces and the imperial boats were built in Kawachi, Settsu, and Kii. On the twentieth day, the day Kanoto-tori, Mikawa, Tōtōmi, Sagami, Ōmi, Shinano, Echizen, Sado, Tajima, Hōki, Izumo, Bizen, Aki, Suō, Nagato, Kii, Sanuki, and Iyo suffered damage from locusts, and a great storm destroyed houses and damaged the rice crop. On the twenty-sixth day, the day Hinoe-tora, the fortress of Takayasu was abolished, and the provinces were ordered to increase the number of guards and assign them to the Gate Guards.

¶In the ninth month, on the ninth day, the day Tsuchinoe-tora, envoys were sent to the provinces to give relief to the common people. On the eighteenth day, the day Hinoto-i, the emperor made a progress to Kii.

¶In winter, on the eighth day of the tenth month, the day Hinoto-hitsuji, he at last reached the hot springs of Muro. On the ninth day, the day Tsuchinoe-saru, the attendant officials and the provincial governors and district officials were advanced in rank and given clothing and bedding; the aged were given rice; this year's tax and tribute were remitted, and that district was granted a special pardon. On the nineteenth day, the day Tsuchinoe-uma, the imperial carriage returned to the palace (Note: the Man'yōshū states that the Retired Empress made a progress to Kii in the tenth month. According to this work, it was the emperor who made a progress to Kii in the ninth month and who returned to the palace at this time; there is no passage recording a progress by the Retired Empress. It seems likely that the two characters for "Retired" were mistakenly added, and so this is not adopted here). On the twentieth day, the day Tsuchinoto-hitsuji, this year's tribute and corvée tax for the cavalrymen who had attended the progress, and the rice-field tax for the porters, tanpu, were remitted.

¶On the fourth day of the eleventh month, the day Mizunoe-saru, a general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm. On the eighth day, the day Hinoe-ne, an Office for the Manufacture of Great Offerings, zōdaiheishi, was appointed for the first time. On the ninth day, the day Hinoto-ushi, the Board of Censors, danjōdai, was ordered to make a circuit of inspection in the home provinces.

¶On the tenth day of the twelfth month, the day Tsuchinoe-saru, a prescribed form of pouch, tai, was bestowed on the princes and the ministers.

¶In the second year of Taihō, the year Mizunoe-tora, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Tsuchinoto-mi, the emperor received the New Year's felicitations at the Daigokuden. The princes and those of Major Counselor rank and above wore ceremonial court dress, reifuku, for the first time; the lesser princes and the ministers below them wore ordinary court dress. On the fifteenth day, the day Mizunoto-hitsuji, the assembled ministers were invited to a banquet at the Western Chamber, where music was performed and gifts were bestowed.

¶On the first day of the second month, the day Tsuchinoe-inu, the new Penal Code was promulgated throughout the realm for the first time. On the twenty-second day, the day Tsuchinoto-hitsuji, Kai presented five hundred catalpa bows, which were allotted to the Dazaifu.

¶On the eighth day of the third month, the day Kinoto-i, a system of weights and measures was promulgated throughout the realm for the first time. On the twelfth day, the day Tsuchinoto-u, a great purification, ōharae, was held at the Daianden to still disturbances; the emperor observed ritual abstinence in the main hall of the new palace, and offerings, heihaku, were distributed to the shrines of the realm. On the seventeenth day, the day Kinoe-saru, Great Yamato was ordered to repair the Futatsuki detached palace, and the four districts of Etchū were separated and placed under Echigo. On the twenty-third day, the day Kanoe-tora, seven hundred and sixteen people of Taki District in Mino were moved to Gamō District in Ōmi. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Kinoe-uma, Shinano presented one thousand and twenty catalpa bows, which were allotted to the Dazaifu.

¶In summer, on the third day of the fourth month, the day Kanoe-ne, mounted archery on the day of the Kamo Festival was once again forbidden, save that this prohibition did not apply to the people of the home province, Yamashiro. On the eighth day, the day Kinoto-mi, Hida presented a sacred horse. A general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm. Provincial officials of the rank of sakan and above had their rank advanced and were given gifts. The common people were granted remission of taxes and labor dues for three years. Gifts were bestowed on the princes and those below them who held rank within the home provinces. This year's rice-field tax throughout the provinces was remitted, and the corvée tax reduced by half. On the tenth day, the day Hinoto-hitsuji, Hata-no-Hironiwa presented a kōgōju lance-shaft, eight fathoms long; an envoy was sent to Ise to offer it at the Grand Shrine. On the thirteenth day, the day Kanoe-inu, an edict fixed the clan names of the kuni-no-miyatsuko, provincial chieftains, throughout the provinces. On the fifteenth day, the day Mizunoe-ne, the seven provinces of Tsukushi and Echigo were ordered to present uneme, ladies-in-waiting, and hyōe, palace guards, as tribute, save that Mutsu was not required to do so.

¶On the twenty-first day of the fifth month, the day Hinoto-i, an edict had Junior Third Rank Ōtomo-no-Yasumaro, Senior Fourth Rank Lower Awata-no-Mahito, Junior Fourth Rank Upper Takamuku-no-Maro, and Junior Fourth Rank Lower Shimotsukeno-no-Komaro and Ono-no-Kenu take part in deliberations on court government. On the sixth day of the sixth month, the day Mizunoe-tora, the common people of the two districts of Yoshino and Uchi in Great Yamato were granted remission of taxes and labor dues. On the last day of the month, the day Kinoto-ushi, the envoy to Tang, Awata-no-Mahito, who together with his party had earlier been held at Tsukushi by wind and waves, finally set sail on this day.

¶In autumn, on the fourth day of the seventh month, the day Tsuchinoto-mi, an edict forbade the princes from entering the palace gates on horseback. On the tenth day, the day Kinoto-i, an edict had the civil and military officials, within the capital and without, study the new Code. A man of Ōno District in Mino presented a horse with eight hooves, and was given a thousand bundles of rice. On the eleventh day, the day Hinoe-ne, the emperor made a progress to the Yoshino detached palace. On the last day of the month, the day Kinoto-hitsuji, the Penal Code was lectured on for the first time, and on this day a pardon was granted throughout the realm.

¶On the first day of the eighth month, the day Hinoe-saru, the Hayato of Satsuma and Tane rose in rebellion; troops were sent out to subdue them, and household registers were thereupon drawn up and officials installed there. On the fifth day, the day Kanoe-ne, there was a great storm in Suruga and Shimōsa. On the eighth day, the tomb of Yamatotakeru-no-Mikoto trembled, and envoys were sent to perform rites there.

¶In the ninth month, on the first day, the day Kinoto-ushi, there was a solar eclipse. On the fourteenth day, the day Tsuchinoe-tora, military honors were bestowed, each according to standing, on the officers and men who had subdued the Hayato of Satsuma. On the nineteenth day, the day Mizunoto-hitsuji, envoys were sent to Iga, Ise, Mino, Owari, and Mikawa to build temporary palaces. On the twenty-third day, the day Hinoto-i, a general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm.

¶In winter, on the third day of the tenth month, the day Hinoto-tori, offerings, heihaku, were presented at the nine shrines within the jurisdiction of the Dazaifu, in thanks for the pacification of the Hayato. The provincial governors of the Land of Hayahito, that is, Satsuma, petitioned to be allowed to build stockades at strategic points and station troops there, and this was granted (Note: a note in the original text states, "Shōkō is the present-day province of Satsuma"). On the tenth day, the day Kinoe-tatsu, the Retired Empress made a progress to Mikawa, and this year's rice-field tax throughout the provinces was remitted (Note: the text above, in the fourth month, likewise states "this year's rice-field tax throughout the provinces is remitted"; the same wording is used here as well. It is likely that the earlier remission applied to the provinces near Hida, while this later remission applied to the provinces through which the imperial carriage passed). On the eleventh day, the day Kinoto-mi, Ōmi presented auspicious ears of rice, which, though growing on separate stalks, bore identical ears. On the fourteenth day, the day Tsuchinoe-saru, the Code and Penal Code were promulgated throughout the realm. On the twenty-first day, the day Kinoto-u, an edict commanded: "Any household that, from the great-grandfather down to the great-great-grandson, has through successive generations shown filial piety and obedience, is to have its taxes and labor dues entirely remitted; a banner is to be raised at the gate of such a household in token of honor, and it is to be called a House of Righteousness, gika."

¶In the eleventh month, on the twenty-fifth day, the day Tsuchinoe-ne, the Retired Empress returned from Mikawa; the provincial governors, district officials, and common people of the provinces she had passed through were granted rank and gifts, and the tribute of the cavalrymen who had attended her was remitted.

¶In the twelfth month, on the second day, the day Kinoe-uma, an edict commanded: "The ninth day of the ninth month and the third day of the twelfth month are the death anniversaries of the former sovereign; the several offices are to suspend their business on those days." On the sixth day, the day Tsuchinoe-inu, a star was seen in daylight. On the tenth day, the day Mizunoe-tora, the Kiso mountain road in Mino was opened for the first time. On the thirteenth day, the day Kinoto-mi, the Retired Empress fell ill; a general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm, and a hundred monks were ordained; the Konkōmyōkyō sutra was expounded in the four home provinces. On the twenty-second day, the day Kinoe-tora, the Retired Empress — Empress Jitō — died. On the twenty-fifth day, the day Hinoto-mi, a religious feast was held at the four great temples. On the twenty-ninth day, the day Kanoto-tori, her body was laid in temporary enshrinement, mogari, in the Western Hall.

¶In this year, there was damage from locusts in Inaba, Hōki, and Oki. Epidemic disease spread in Echigo and Kōzuke, and medicine was provided. Famine struck Suruga, Izu, Shimōsa, Bitchū, and Awa, and envoys were sent to give relief.

¶In the third year, the year Mizunoto-u, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Mizunoto-i, the New Year's felicitations were cancelled. The princes, ministers, and hundred officials paid homage at the mourning hall, mogari-no-miya, of the late empress, taikō tennō — Empress Jitō, before the bestowal of her posthumous name. On the second day, the day Kinoe-ne, Junior Sixth Rank Lower Fujiwara-no-Fusasaki was sent to the Tōkai region, Junior Sixth Rank Upper Tajihi-no-Miyakemaro to the Tōzan region, Junior Seventh Rank Upper Takamuku-no-Ōtari to the Hokuriku region, Junior Seventh Rank Lower Hata-no-Yori to the San'in region, Senior Eighth Rank Upper Hozumi-no-Oyu to the San'yō region, Junior Seventh Rank Upper Ono-no-Umakai to the Nankai region, and Senior Seventh Rank Upper Ōtomo-no-Ōnuta to the Saikai region, to make a circuit of inspection into the conduct of administration and to hear complaints of wrongful conviction. On the fifth day, the day Hinoto-u, a religious feast was held for the late empress at the four temples of Daianji, Yakushiji, Gangōji, and Gufukuji. On the ninth day, the day Kanoto-hitsuji, envoys from Silla arrived to offer condolences on the death of their king. On the twentieth day, the day Mizunoe-uma, Sanbon Prince Osakabe was made Director of the Great Council of State, chidaijōkanji.

¶On the third day of the second month, the day Kinoto-hitsuji (Note: this appears to be an error in the original text, and has now been corrected by calculation from the surrounding sexagenary dates), an edict rewarded those who had contributed to the selection of the Code and Penal Code; fields and stipend households were bestowed, each according to standing, on Shimotsukeno-no-Komaro, Iki-no-Hakatoko, and others. On the eleventh day, the day Mizunoto-u, a religious feast was held for the late empress at the four great temples and at thirty-three others, including Shitennōji and Yamadadera.

¶On the tenth day of the third month, the day Kanoto-hitsuji, an edict had the Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra, the Daihannyakyō, read at the four great temples, and a hundred monks were ordained.

¶In summer, on the second day of the fourth month, the day Mizunoto-mi, a religious feast was held for the late empress in the Western Hall. In the intercalary month, on the first day, the day Kanoto-tori, a general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm. The Minister of the Right, Abe-no-Miushi, died.

¶In autumn, on the fifth day of the seventh month, the day Kinoe-uma, baleful portents had repeatedly appeared and the grain harvest had been poor; an edict accordingly commanded: "The tribute tax of the home provinces and of the provinces under the jurisdiction of the Dazaifu is reduced by half, and the corvée tax throughout the realm is remitted." A further edict commanded: "Those of the fifth rank and above are to recommend men of worth, ability, and rectitude." On the thirteenth day, the day Mizunoe-tora, the Konkōmyōkyō sutra was read at the four great temples. On the seventeenth day, the day Hinoe-uma, a mountain in Ōmi caught fire; envoys were sent to pray for rain at the famed mountains and rivers.

¶On the twenty-second day of the ninth month, the day Kanoe-inu, Junior Fifth Rank Lower Hata-no-Hirotari was made chief envoy to Silla.

¶In winter, on the sixteenth day of the eleventh month, the day Mizunoto-u, the Council of State handed down a ruling: "Among the provincial district officials reported on by the inspectors, those of meritorious record are to be recommended by the Ministry of Civil Affairs in accordance with the Code, and those found at fault are to be sentenced by the Ministry of Justice in accordance with the Penal Code."

¶On the twenty-sixth day of the twelfth month, the day Mizunoe-uma, Empress Jitō was buried.

¶In this year, epidemic disease spread in Sagami, Kōzuke, and Shinano, and medicine was provided (Note: the Ichidai Yōki and the Teiō Hennenki state that the eastern and western markets were established for the first time in this year, but it is not clear on what this is based).

¶In the first year of Keiun, the year Kinoe-tatsu, in spring, on the seventh day of the first month, the day Mizunoto-mi, the Major Counselor, Isonokami-no-Maro, was made Minister of the Right. On the twenty-fifth day, the day Kanoto-i, the rite of kifuku — prostrating oneself on one's knees — performed by the hundred officials was abolished for the first time.

¶On the first day of the second month, the day Hinoe-tatsu, there was a solar eclipse.

¶In summer, on the ninth day of the fourth month, the day Kinoe-ne, seals were cast for the provinces. On the fifteenth day, the day Kanoe-uma, one thousand four hundred bows presented by Shinano were allotted to the Dazaifu.

¶On the tenth day of the fifth month, the day Kinoe-uma, Bizen presented a sacred horse. An auspicious cloud, keiun, appeared above the western tower. An edict proclaimed a general amnesty throughout the realm and changed the era name (Note: the Mizukagami states, "On the fifth day of the fifth month, an auspicious cloud appeared above the western tower of the Daigokuden." The Ichidai Yōki states, "The cloud appeared on the fifth day, and the era name was changed on the tenth"). Relief was given to the aged and the sick, and the great tax grain owed from before the year Mizunoe-tora, as well as this year's tribute from the district that had presented the sacred horse, were remitted. Stipends were bestowed, each according to standing, on the princes, the lesser princes, the hundred officials, and those of shibu rank and above.

¶On the third day of the sixth month, the day Hinoto-mi, an edict ordered the provincial militia to be divided into ten groups and drilled in the military arts in rotation. On the eleventh day, the day Kinoto-ushi, a woman of Kawachi gave birth to three children at once, and was given coarse silk, silk floss, and cloth. On the fifteenth day, the day Tsuchinoto-mi, Awa presented a tree whose branches had grown joined together. On the twenty-second day, the day Hinoe-ne, offerings, heihaku, were presented at the various shrines in prayer for rain.

¶In autumn, on the first day of the seventh month, the day Kinoe-saru, Awata-no-Mahito and his party returned from Tang. On the third day, the day Hinoe-inu, the Office of the Left Capital presented a white swallow, and Shimōsa a white bird. On the ninth day, the day Mizunoe-tatsu, envoys were sent to pray for rain at the various shrines. On the nineteenth day, the day Mizunoe-tora, an edict gave relief to those of the capital who were eighty years of age or older. On the twenty-first day, the day Kinoe-tatsu, offerings, heihaku, were presented at the Sumiyoshi shrine.

¶On the third day of the eighth month, the day Hinoe-tatsu, Hata-no-Hirotari returned from Silla. On the twenty-eighth day, the day Kanoto-mi, there was a great storm in Suō, and the crops were damaged.

¶In winter, on the fifth day of the tenth month, the day Hinoto-mi, an edict remitted this year's rice-field tax and labor service on account of the poor harvest brought by drought and flood. On the ninth day, the day Kanoto-tori, Senior Sixth Rank Upper Hata-no-Fumimichi was made chief envoy to Silla.

¶In the eleventh month, on the eighth day, the day Kanoe-tora, envoys were sent to Ise to offer heihaku, a phoenix mirror, and brocade of the kashi pattern at the Grand Shrine. On the eleventh day, the day Mizunoto-mi, a religious feast was held at the several temples for Empress Jitō (Note: in the original text the entry for the day Kanoe-tora is placed after that for the day Mizunoto-mi, but it has now been rearranged in proper sexagenary order). On the twentieth day, the day Mizunoe-tora, the site of the Fujiwara Palace was fixed for the first time. Cloth was bestowed, each according to standing, on the one thousand five hundred and five households whose homes were taken into the palace grounds (Note: both the Kōdai Ryakki and the Kōnendai Ryakki state that the capital was moved in the second year of Taihō. Another account holds that the Heijō Palace was first built in the ninth year of Keiun and that the capital was moved there in the third month of the third year. According to this work, however, it is recorded only that the site of the Fujiwara Palace was fixed for the first time in this year, and nothing is said of a move of the capital. It was Empress Genmei who moved the capital to Heijō in the third year of Wadō, so these two other accounts are mistaken).

¶In the twelfth month, on the tenth day, the day Kanoto-tori, offerings, heihaku, were presented at the various shrines. On the twentieth day, the day Kanoto-hitsuji, the Dazaifu reported that a great storm had damaged the crops.

¶In this year, epidemic disease spread in Iga, Izu, and Shinano, and medicine was provided in each. Famine struck Musashi and Sanuki. The young rice shoots were damaged in Bitchū, Bingo, Aki, and Awa; relief was given in each case. There was damage from locusts in Ise and Iga.

¶In the second year, the year Kinoto-mi, in spring, on the fifteenth day of the first month, the day Hinoe-saru, the civil and military officials were invited to a banquet in the Audience Hall.

¶On the fourth day of the third month, the day Mizunoto-hitsuji, the emperor made a progress to the Kurahashi detached palace.

¶In summer, on the third day of the fourth month, the day Mizunoe-ne, an edict declared: "We, though of scant virtue, stand above the lords of the realm. Unable to move High Heaven through virtue or to extend compassion to the ten thousand people, We have brought disorder to the courses of yin and yang, so that flood and drought come at the wrong season, the grain harvest is poor, and many among the people wear the look of hunger. Every time We reflect on this, Our heart is pained. Let the Konkōmyōkyō sutra be read at the five great temples, that the people's suffering may be relieved. This year's interest on the kozei, the loans of tax grain, is not to be collected throughout the realm, and the corvée tax is likewise to be reduced by half." On the fifth day, the day Kinoe-tora, envoys were sent to make a circuit of inspection through the provinces of the realm. On the seventeenth day, the day Hinoe-tora, an edict reduced the authorized number of Major Counselors to two, and newly established three Middle Counselors.

¶On the eighth day of the fifth month, the day Hinoe-inu, the Director of the Great Council of State, Prince Osakabe, died. On the twenty-fifth day, the day Mizunoto-u, Hata-no-Fumimichi returned from Silla.

¶On the twenty-seventh day of the sixth month, the day Kinoto-i, offerings, heihaku, were presented at the various shrines in prayer for rain. On the twenty-eighth day, the day Hinoe-ne, the Council of State submitted a memorial: "Of late the drought has continued, and the fields lie parched and scorched. We have long performed rites to pray for rain, but have not yet been favored with its blessing. We ask leave to have monks of pure conduct in the home provinces pray for rain, and to close the markets and seal the southern gate." This was granted.

¶In autumn, on the twenty-ninth day of the seventh month, the day Hinoe-uma, there was a great storm in Great Yamato.

¶On the eleventh day of the eighth month, the day Tsuchinoe-uma, an edict declared: "The courses of yin and yang have lost their proper measure, and the burning heat and drought have continued for more than ten days. The common people are starved and famished, and some have fallen into the net of crime. Let a general amnesty be proclaimed throughout the realm, that We may make a new beginning together with the people. Offenses of the death penalty and below, whatever their gravity, are entirely pardoned. The aged, the sick, widows, and those living alone who cannot support themselves are to be given relief according to their need, save that this pardon does not extend to the Eight Villainies, hachigyaku, the grave offenses not forgiven even under an ordinary amnesty. The tribute tax of the provinces is remitted by half."

¶On the fifth day of the ninth month, the day Mizunoe-uma, Nihon Prince Hozumi was made Director of the Great Council of State. On the twenty-sixth day, the day Mizunoto-u, Echizen presented a red crow. The provincial governor, and the district official of the district that had produced the omen, each had their rank advanced one grade; the common people were granted remission of taxes and labor dues for one year, and the man who had found the omen was granted Junior Eighth Rank Lower, together with coarse silk, silk floss, cloth, and hoes, each according to standing.

¶In winter, on the twenty-sixth day of the tenth month, the day Mizunoe-saru, envoys were sent to the five regions of Tōkai, Tōzan, Hokuriku, San'in, and Nankai to give relief to the aged, the sick, widows, and those living alone, and this year's tribute was remitted by half. On the last day of the month, the day Hinoe-ne, Silla presented tribute.

¶On the fourth day of the eleventh month, the day Kanoe-tatsu, an edict commanded: "Stipend households are to be added, each according to standing, for the princes and the several ministers. The stipend households of the fifth rank are abolished, and replaced with rank stipends, iroku."

¶On the nineteenth day of the twelfth month, the day Kinoto-ushi, the regulations governing the women of the realm were established once more: except for the shrine attendants, kanbe, the shrine priestesses, the palace women, and the aged women were all to wear their hair bound up, keihatsu.

¶In this year, famine and epidemic disease struck twenty provinces of the realm, and medicine and relief were provided.

¶In the third year, the year Hinoe-uma, in spring, on the seventeenth day of the first month, the day Mizunoe-tatsu, the rules for stipends at the Great Archery rite were established.

¶In the intercalary first month, on the fifth day, the day Kanoe-inu, epidemic disease spread through the home provinces and through Kii, Inaba, Mikawa, and Suruga, and medicine was provided; on this day, brigands were sought out and arrested. On the thirteenth day, the day Tsuchinoe-uma, Silla's tribute was offered at the Ise Shrine and at the shrines of the seven circuits. On the twentieth day, the day Kinoto-ushi, because disease had spread throughout the realm, prayers were offered to the gods of Heaven and earth.

¶On the sixteenth day of the second month, the day Kanoe-tora, famine struck Kawachi, Settsu, Izumo, Aki, Kii, Sanuki, and Iyo, and relief was given. An edict fixed the stipend households of the assembled ministers, and a code of seven articles was promulgated. On the twenty-third day, the day Hinoto-tori, the emperor made a progress to Uchino. On the twenty-sixth day, the day Kanoe-ne, brigands were sought out and arrested in the home provinces.

¶On the thirteenth day of the third month, the day Hinoe-tatsu, a woman of the Right Capital gave birth to three children at once; clothing, food, and a wet nurse were bestowed on her. On the fourteenth day, the day Hinoto-mi, an edict declared: "Ceremony, rei, is the constant principle of Heaven and earth, and the mold that shapes human relations. Morality, benevolence, and righteousness are spread abroad through ceremony, and instruction and the correction of custom are accomplished only with its aid. Of late the bearing and conduct of the several offices have in large part run counter to propriety; moreover, there is no distinction kept between men and women, and no restraint is shown at gatherings. We have further heard that there is much foulness of odor within and without the capital. This is entirely because the offices charged with oversight have neglected their inspection. Henceforth officials and guards are to be sent out from the two ministries and the five guard headquarters to enforce strict order, and offenders are to be dealt with according to the circumstances; where punishment is difficult to determine, the circumstances are to be recorded and reported." A further edict declared: "Those who serve the court in cap and office receive stipends in place of the produce of the fields, and those who hold a salaried post ought not to stand in the way of the cultivation of farmland; this is why Shōkō rested beneath the sweet pear tree, and why Kōgi himself uprooted the mallow growing in his own garden. Of late the princes and the assembled ministers have in large part monopolized the mountains and marshes, vying with one another in their greed; some, when woodcutters come to gather brushwood, at once seize their tools from them. Moreover, though the land granted to them amounts in fact to no more than an acre or two, they use this as a pretext to seize land unjustly, fixing boundaries at will across peaks and valleys. Such conduct is henceforth never again to be permitted."

¶In summer, on the last day of the fourth month, the day Mizunoe-tora, there was famine and epidemic disease in Kawachi, Izumo, Bizen, Aki, Awaji, Sanuki, and Iyo, and envoys were sent to give relief. On the fifteenth day of the fifth month, the day Hinoto-mi, Kawachi presented a white dove; the one who presented it was given coarse silk, thread, hoes, and three hundred bundles of regular tax rice.

¶On the first day of the sixth month, the day Mizunoto-tori, there was a solar eclipse. On the fourth day, the day Hinoe-ne, rain was prayed for at the famed mountains and rivers of the home provinces.

¶In autumn, on the twenty-fourth day of the seventh month, the day Kinoto-ushi, mountains in Tanba and Tajima caught fire; envoys were sent to offer heihaku to the gods of Heaven and earth to still the fires. Mount Samine in Great Yamato also caught fire. On the twenty-eighth day, the day Tsuchinoto-mi, Suō presented a white deer. Famine struck the six circuits of Tōkai, Tōzan, Hokuriku, San'in, San'yō, and Nankai, and envoys were sent to give relief. The Dazaifu reported: "In the nine provinces and three islands, the drought has continued and a great storm has uprooted trees and damaged the crops." Envoys were sent to make a circuit of inspection, and the tribute labor of those most severely affected was remitted.

¶On the third day of the eighth month, the day Kinoe-inu, Echizen reported that a mountain had caught fire; envoys were sent to offer heihaku to the gods within its jurisdiction to still it. On the twenty-first day, the day Mizunoe-tatsu, Junior Fifth Rank Lower Mino-no-Kiyomaro was made chief envoy to Silla. On the twenty-ninth day, the day Kanoe-ne, Sanbon Princess Tagata was sent to serve at the Grand Shrine.

¶On the fifteenth day of the ninth month, the day Hinoe-tatsu, envoys were sent to the seven circuits, and a law of rice-field taxation was established for the first time. On the twenty-fifth day, the day Hinoe-tora, the emperor made a progress to Naniwa.

¶In winter, on the twelfth day of the tenth month, the day Mizunoe-uma, he returned to the palace. The kuni-no-miyatsuko of Settsu and Yamashiro each had their rank advanced one grade. On the fifteenth day, the day Kinoto-tori, the corvée tax, tribute, and rice-field tax of the provincial cavalrymen who had attended the progress were remitted.

¶On the first day of the twelfth month, the day Kanoto-hitsuji, there was a solar eclipse. On the ninth day, the day Tsuchinoto-u, an edict had the people of the realm remove their leg-wrappings, habaki, and wear white trousers.

¶In this year, disease spread through the provinces, and many of the common people died. Clay oxen, dogyū, were made for the first time, and the great exorcism rite, taina, was performed.

¶In the fourth year, the year Hinoto-hitsuji, in spring, on the sixth day of the second month, the day Kinoto-i (Note: the original text gives this as the first month, but reckoning now from the day Kinoe-ne, the first day of the first month was the day Kanoe-ne, and there is no day Kinoto-i, Tsuchinoe-ne, or Kinoe-uma within it. The first day of the second month was the day Kanoe-uma, and reckoning from that, all the sexagenary dates agree; this has accordingly been corrected), epidemic disease had spread through the provinces, and envoys were sent to perform the great purification, ōharae. On the nineteenth day, the day Tsuchinoe-ne, an edict had the assembled ministers deliberate on moving the capital. On the twenty-fifth day, the day Kinoe-uma, the emperor came forth to the Daigokuden and, by edict, bestowed rank on the seisennin, those who had passed the selection process.

¶In summer, on the thirteenth day of the fourth month, the day Kanoe-tatsu, since this was the anniversary of the death of Hinamishi-no-Miko-no-Mikoto, that is, Prince Kusakabe, a national day of mourning, kokki, was established for the first time. On the fifteenth day, the day Mizunoe-uma, an edict increased the stipend households of the Major Counselor, Fujiwara-no-Fuhito, and likewise increased, each according to standing, the stipend households of the princes of the fourth rank and above, and of the princesses, the lesser princes, the consorts of hin rank, and the ladies of the court, myōbu. On the twenty-ninth day, the day Hinoe-saru, there was famine and epidemic disease throughout the realm; relief was given. Offerings, heihaku, were presented at the various shrines, and sutras were read at the Buddhist temples of the home provinces and the other provinces.

¶On the sixteenth day of the fifth month, the day Mizunoto-ushi, a woman of Mino gave birth to three children at once; grain and a wet nurse were bestowed on her. On the twenty-first day, the day Tsuchinoe-uma, long rains in the home provinces had damaged the young rice shoots; envoys were sent to give relief by way of loans. On the twenty-eighth day, the day Kinoto-ushi, Mino-no-Kiyomaro returned from Silla.

¶On the first day of the sixth month, the day Hinoto-u, there was a solar eclipse. On the fifteenth day, the day Kanoto-mi, the emperor died, at the age of twenty-five (Note: his age follows the Kaifūsō, the Mizukagami, the Ichidai Yōki, the Jinnō Shōtōki, and the Gukanshō). In his final testament he decreed: "Let the rites of mourning be observed for three days, and mourning dress be worn for one month." He was given the posthumous name Yamatonekoame-no-Manune-Toyo-Ōji-no-Sumeramikoto (Note: the element "Ame-no-Manune" follows the surrounding text of this work; the Rekidai Kōki and the Ichidai Yōki instead give Amatarashine-Ōji-no-Sumeramikoto). He was cremated at Asuka-no-oka, and interred at the Hinokuma-no-Ako-no-Yama mausoleum (Note: the Engishiki gives this as the Hinokuma-no-Ako-no-Okanoue mausoleum). He was later given the posthumous title Emperor Monmu.