Emperor Shōmu

Emperor Shōmu

¶Emperor Shōmu's personal name is not recorded (Note: the Gukanshō states that the emperor's personal name is unknown. The Kōin Shōunroku gives it as Obito. No other work offers any corroborating evidence, and this is accordingly not adopted here). He was the son of Emperor Monmu. His mother was a consort, bunin, of the Fujiwara clan.

¶He was born in the first year of Taihō.

¶In the sixth month of the seventh year of Wadō, in the reign of Empress Genmei, he was installed as crown prince and underwent the ceremony of coming of age. Empress Genmei had intended to abdicate the throne to him, but since he was still young, she yielded the throne instead to Empress Genshō.

¶In the eighth year of Yōrō, on the fourth day of the second month, the day Kinoe-uma, the crown prince received the abdicated throne and ascended it at the Daigokuden, the Hall of State. He was thirty-one years of age at the time (Note: his age follows this work's own statement that he died at the age of fifty-six, together with the Ichidai Yōki and the Rekidai Kōki; the Gukanshō gives twenty-five, but this is mistaken). Empress Genshō issued an edict: "In recognition of the auspicious tortoise that has been obtained, the eighth year of Yōrō is changed to the first year of Jinki, and a general amnesty is proclaimed throughout the realm." The stipend households of Ihon Prince Toneri were increased by five hundred, and he remained Director of the Great Council of State as before. Nihon Prince Niitabe was raised to Ihon. The Minister of the Right, Prince Nagaya, was made Minister of the Left.

¶In the first year, the year Kinoe-ne, in spring, on the first day of the third month, the day Kanoe-saru, the emperor made a progress to Yoshino Palace. On the fifth day, the day Kinoe-ne, he returned to the palace. On the twenty-second day, the day Kanoto-mi, honor was paid to the consort of the Fujiwara clan, and she was given the title of Kōtaibunin, Grand Consort Dowager. On the twenty-fifth day, the day Kinoe-saru, Mutsu reported that the Emishi of the Kaidō, the coastal road, had risen in rebellion and killed the Senior Secretary, daijō, Saeki-no-Koyamaro. In summer, on the first day of the fourth month, the day Kanoe-tora, the provinces of the seven circuits were ordered to manufacture weapons, tents, and cooking pots. On the third day, the day Mizunoe-tatsu, in recognition of Saeki-no-Koyamaro's death in battle, Junior Fifth Rank Lower was posthumously conferred on him, and funeral gifts, fu, were bestowed. On the seventh day, the day Hinoe-saru, the Minister of Civil Affairs, Fujiwara-no-Umakai, was made general-in-chief bearing the imperial credentials, and the Senior Assistant Minister of the Imperial Household, Takahashi-no-Yasumaro, his deputy general, to subdue the Emishi. On the fourteenth day, the day Kinoto-u, thirty thousand soldiers from the nine provinces of Bandō were ordered to train in mounted archery and to drill in battle formation. Silk, coarse silk, silk floss, and cloth were transported to the garrison post in Mutsu. On the eighteenth day, the day Hinoto-hitsuji, the moon encroached upon Mars. On the twenty-fourth day of the fifth month, the day Mizunoe-uma, Junior Fifth Rank Upper Ono-no-Ushikai was made General for the Pacification of the Barbarians, and sent to pacify the Emishi of Dewa. In autumn, on the first day of the seventh month, the day Tsuchinoe-uma, there was a solar eclipse. On the day Hinoto-hitsuji (Note: reckoning the sexagenary cycle now, this month contains no day Hinoto-hitsuji; Hinoto-hitsuji corresponds to the twenty-first day of the eighth month, so the entry for the month in this work is probably deficient here), Junior Fifth Rank Upper Haji-no-Toyomaro was made chief envoy to Silla. In winter, on the fifth day of the tenth month, the day Kanoto-u, the emperor made a progress to Kii. On the seventh day, the day Mizunoto-mi, he arrived at the temporary palace of Tamagaki-no-Waga. On the eighth day, the day Kinoe-uma, he arrived at the temporary palace of Tamatsushima. On the twelfth day, the day Tsuchinoe-inu, a detached palace was built east of the hill. On the sixteenth day, the day Mizunoe-tora, an edict commanded: "Let Wakanohama be renamed Akanoura, and let guard-households, shuko, be assigned there. Let the god of Tamatsushima be worshipped each spring and autumn." On the twenty-first day, the day Hinoto-hitsuji, he returned to the temporary palace of Tokoroshi in Izumi. On the twenty-third day, the day Tsuchinoto-tori, the imperial carriage returned to the palace. On the eighth day of the eleventh month, the day Kinoe-ne, the Council of State submitted this memorial: "In high antiquity, when custom was simple and unadorned, people dwelt in caves in winter and in nests in summer; the sages of later ages replaced this with the dwelling-hall. They further established capital cities as the residences of sovereigns, and as places where the myriad states might pay court. Without splendor and magnificence, how could virtue be made manifest? Plank-roofed houses and thatched huts are a survival from middle antiquity: they are troublesome to build and quick to fall into disrepair, and needlessly consume the people's wealth. We ask that the proper offices be instructed to have those of the fifth rank and above, and such commoners as have the means to build, roof their dwellings with tile and plaster them in red and white." This was granted. On the twenty-third day, the day Tsuchinoto-u, the Daijōsai, the Great Thanksgiving Rite, was performed. On the last day of the month, the day Kinoto-tori, the envoy-general bearing imperial credentials for the subjugation of the barbarians, Fujiwara-no-Umakai, and the General for the Pacification of the Barbarians, Ono-no-Ushikai, together with their parties, returned to the capital.

¶In the second year, the year Kinoto-ushi, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Hinoe-tatsu, Yamashiro and Bizen presented white swallows. On the twenty-fourth day, the day Tsuchinoto-u, a comet appeared in Kagai, a constellation. In the intercalary month, on the third day, the day Tsuchinoe-ne, the moon encroached upon Saturn (Note: this work places this entry after that for the day Mizunoe-tora, but the order has now been corrected by reckoning from the sexagenary cycle). On the seventeenth day, the day Mizunoe-tora, six hundred monks were assembled in the palace to read the Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra, the Daihannyakyō, to exorcise the portent in the heavens. On the twenty-second day, the day Hinoto-hitsuji, an edict conferred merit rank on the General for the Subjugation of the Barbarians, Fujiwara-no-Umakai, and one thousand six hundred and ninety-six others, each according to standing. In the third month, the emperor made a progress to the Mikanohara detached palace (Note: the entries from the third month onward follow the Man'yōshū). In summer, on the twenty-second day of the fifth month, the day Kinoe-tatsu, Haji-no-Toyomaro returned from Silla. In this month, he made a progress to the Yoshino detached palace (Note: the entries from this month onward follow the Man'yōshū). On the twenty-second day of the sixth month, the day Mizunoto-tori, Venus was visible in daylight. In autumn, on the seventeenth day of the seventh month, the day Tsuchinoe-inu, an edict was issued to the provinces of the seven circuits: "To avert calamity and pray for blessing, one must without fail rely on the protection of the gods and the Buddha. In revering the gods and honoring the Buddha, purity comes first. Yet We have heard that the shrines of the gods of Heaven and earth in many provinces are filled with filth and foul odor, and that livestock are even left to roam freely within them. The rites due to the gods cannot be allowed to remain so. The chiefs of the provincial governors are themselves to bear offerings, heihaku, and reverently carry out the cleaning of the shrines, making this a constant duty throughout the year. The several temples, too, are to be diligently cleaned, and the monks and nuns made to read the Konkōmyōkyō sutra, or else the Saishōōkyō sutra, that the peace of the state may be prayed for." On the twenty-second day of the ninth month, the day Mizunoe-tora, an edict was issued: "We have heard that the sage kings of antiquity ruled over the realm, nurturing the ten thousand things in accordance with the ordinance of Heaven, and accomplishing their work in harmony with the turning of the four seasons. When yin and yang are in accord, wind and rain come at their proper time, calamity is averted, and auspicious omens arrive; thus the ten thousand things flourish abundantly, and a reign is praised as foremost among ages of great peace. We, of scant virtue, have succeeded to this great imperial task, and have gone in fear and trembling, cautious as though standing at the edge of peril even at evening. We have feared that even a single thing might fail to find its proper place, and have constantly wished for the peace and ease of the people's lives. Yet, whether because Our teaching and governance are not made plain, or because Our sincerity does not reach Heaven, Heaven has shown strange portents, and the earth has repeatedly trembled. Looking up, We consider that the reproach carried by these calamities falls deeply upon Ourself alone. Of old, King Gaozong of Yin cultivated virtue and thereby dispelled the ominous portent of a crowing pheasant; Duke Jing of Song practiced benevolence and thereby stilled the strange movement of Mars. Looking back to the examples of former ages, how could We forget to feel awe and reverence? Let the proper office be commanded to grant the tonsure to three thousand people, that they may renounce the world and enter religion. Let the temples of the Left and Right Capitals, and of Great Yamato, read through the sutras for seven days. We hope, through this store of merit, that calamity and portent may be averted." In winter, on the tenth day of the tenth month, the day Kanoe-saru, the emperor made a progress to the Naniwa Palace. On the last day of the month, the day Tsuchinoto-u, Venus and Jupiter were visible in daylight. On the tenth day of the eleventh month, the day Tsuchinoto-ushi, it was the winter solstice. The emperor received the felicitations at the Daianden, and held a banquet with the princes and the civil and military hundred officials. On the first day of the twelfth month, the day Kanoe-inu, there was a solar eclipse. On the twenty-first day, the day Kanoe-uma, an edict was issued: "The dead cannot be brought back to life, and those who have suffered punishment cannot be restored to their former state. This is what precedent holds dear, and how could there fail to be a system for exercising caution in punishment? As for prisoners now held in the capital and in the provinces of the realm, let the death penalty be reduced to exile, exile reduced to penal servitude, and let penal servitude and lesser offenses all be handled according to the recommendation of the Ministry of Justice, the Gyōbu."

¶In the third year, the year Hinoe-tora, in spring, on the second day of the first month, the day Kanoto-mi, the Capital Office, Kyōshiki, presented a white rat, and Great Yamato presented a white tortoise. In summer, on the fifth day of the sixth month, the day Kanoto-i, Silla sent an envoy to present tribute, mitsugi. On the fourteenth day, the day Kanoe-saru, an edict was issued: "Among the common people there are some who suffer from a lingering illness that does not heal though years pass, and others who are afflicted with grave disease and suffer day and night. We, who stand as father and mother to the people, how could We fail to pity them? Let medicine be provided to the capital and home provinces, and grain bestowed according to the gravity of each illness, that relief may be given. Let the proper offices take this to heart, and strive to fulfill Our wish." On the fifteenth day, the day Kanoto-tori, the Retired Empress — the former Empress Genshō — fell ill, and the hōjō rite, the releasing of captured living creatures, was ordered throughout the realm. On the twenty-first day, the day Hinoto-u, thirty monks and nuns were granted the tonsure on behalf of the Retired Empress. In autumn, on the eighteenth day of the seventh month, the day Mizunoto-mi, on account of the Retired Empress's illness, an edict proclaimed a general amnesty throughout the realm, and medicine was given to those stricken with epidemic disease. On the nineteenth day, the day Kinoe-uma, twenty-two monks and nuns were granted the tonsure. On the twentieth day, the day Kinoto-hitsuji, envoys were sent to present offerings, heihaku, at the shrines of Iwanari, Katsuragi, Sumiyoshi, Kamo, and others. On the eighth day of the eighth month, the day Mizunoto-ushi (Note: this work gives this as the day Kanoe-tora, but reckoning now from the sexagenary cycle, this month begins with the day Hinoe-uma, and there is no day Kanoe-tora within it; this has been corrected according to the Nihongi Ryaku), Buddhist images were made and sutras copied, and a religious feast was held at Yakushiji to pray for the recovery of the Retired Empress from her illness. On the twelfth day of the ninth month, the day Hinoto-i, the emperor came to the court and issued an edict: "This autumn has brought a great harvest, and the people's livelihood has grown abundant. We wish to share this joy together with the realm. This year's rice-field tax is remitted." On the fifteenth day, the day Kanoe-tora, a jewel formed of its own accord within the palace. Men of letters, both at court and in private life, were made to present poems and rhapsodies. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Mizunoe-tora, one hundred and twelve men of letters were given coarse silk, silk floss, and cloth, each according to standing. In winter, on the seventh day of the tenth month, the day Kanoto-i, the emperor made a progress to Inamino in Harima. On the tenth day, the day Kinoe-tora, he arrived at the temporary palace of Oumi in Inamino (Note: this work gives the seventh day as the day Kanoto-tori, and lacks the entry for the day Kinoe-tora; this has now been corrected and supplied according to the Nihongi Ryaku. A poem by Kasa-no-Kanamura in the Man'yōshū states that the progress to Inamino took place on the fifteenth day of the ninth month, but both the month and the day given there are mistaken). On the nineteenth day, the day Kanoto-i, he returned by way of the Naniwa Palace. On the last day of the month, the day Mizunoto-tori, the imperial carriage returned from Naniwa. On the twelfth day of the twelfth month, the day Kinoto-u, Venus encroached upon Saturn. In this year, Owari suffered famine, and Tōtōmi suffered flood damage. Grain was lent out over three years to give relief.

¶In the fourth year, the year Hinoto-u, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Kinoe-inu, the New Year's felicitations were cancelled on account of rain. On the third day, the day Hinoe-ne, the emperor received the New Year's felicitations at the Daigokuden. The Office of the Left Capital presented a white sparrow, and Kawachi presented auspicious ears of rice, kaka. On the ninth day, the day Mizunoe-uma, a banquet was held with those of the fifth rank and above in the Southern Garden, and silk was bestowed, each according to standing. On the twenty-second day, the day Kinoto-hitsuji, the moon encroached upon the great star of the Heart constellation, Shinshuku. On the thirteenth day of the second month, the day Hinoe-tatsu, there was thunder, rain, and a great wind (Note: according to the Man'yōshū, in the first month of this year, on a day when the princes and ministers went out to enjoy themselves at Kasugano, thunder sounded, and no one was left on guard duty in the palace; the emperor is said to have rebuked them by edict and confined the Bureau of the Sword-Bearing Guard, the Jutōryō, to quarters. This work records no thunder in the first month, but the matter is added here for reference). On the eighteenth day, the day Kanoto-tori, nine hundred monks and nuns were assembled at the Chūgū, the Middle Palace, to read the Diamond Sutra, the Kongō Hannyakyō, to exorcise calamity and portent. On the twenty-first day, the day Kinoe-ne, the emperor came forth to the Uchi-no-Anden, the Inner Hall, and summoning the civil and military hundred officials, issued an edict: "Of late, ill omens have appeared one after another, and calamity and portent have not ceased. We have heard it said that when the governance of the time does not accord with right principle, and the hearts of the people harbor grief and resentment, Heaven and earth proclaim their reproach, and the spirits and gods manifest portents. Is this because Our virtue is not made plain, and there is negligence and deficiency in governance? Or is it because the officials among the hundred officials are not diligent in their public duties? We dwell within the ninefold palace walls and cannot know every matter in detail. Let the chiefs of the several offices be commanded to make careful selection among those of clerk rank, sakan, and above, and to report by name, each in turn, those who are reputed to serve their public duties with utmost devotion and integrity, and those who harbor deceit in their hearts and fail to fulfill their charge. Let the good be considered and advanced, and the wicked be demoted or dismissed according to the true circumstances. Let there be no concealment, and let this accord with Our wish." On this day, envoys were sent to the seven circuits to make a circuit of inspection into the achievements of the provincial governors. On the twenty-third day, the day Hinoe-tora, an edict was issued: "Now is the season of spring plowing, and the people have gone out to the fields. Beneficial rain has fallen in good measure, and the spring work of agriculture has already begun. We wish, in hope that the nine tasks of husbandry may flourish and the five grains ripen abundantly, to extend Our favor to the people in accordance with this auspicious season. Salt and grain should be bestowed, household by household, on all from those of the sixth rank in the capital down to the commoners." On the third day of the third month, the day Kinoto-i, the chiefs of the several offices recorded in detail the diligence or idleness, and the good or ill conduct, of their officials, and submitted their reports. On the thirteenth day, the day Kinoto-tori, the emperor came forth to the main hall, and by edict bestowed gifts on the officials who had proved equal to their duties. Those of superior standing were given coarse silk; those of middling standing received no bestowal; and those of inferior standing were demoted or dismissed. On the twenty-second day, the day Kinoe-uma, the emperor came forth to the Southern Garden and gave an imperial command to the men of the guard headquarters, that they were to keep watch at the palace gates day and night, and were never to leave their posts without cause. Cloth was accordingly bestowed on the physicians and the guardsmen, eji, of the five guard headquarters and the Bureau of the Sword-Bearing Guard, each according to standing. On the twenty-fifth day, the day Hinoto-tori, Mars entered the western gatehouse of the Tōsei constellation. In summer, on the first day of the fifth month, the day Mizunoe-saru, there was a solar eclipse. On the fourth day, the day Kinoto-i, the emperor made a progress to the Mikanohara detached palace. On the sixth day, the day Hinoto-ushi, he returned to the palace. On the twentieth day, the day Kanoto-u, a whirlwind broke the trees of the Southern Garden, and the broken tree was transformed into a pheasant. In autumn, on the third day of the ninth month, the day Mizunoe-saru, Princess Inoue was sent to serve at the Daijingū, the Ise Grand Shrine. In the intercalary month, on the twenty-ninth day, the day Hinoto-u, an imperial prince was born. In winter, on the fifth day of the tenth month, the day Mizunoto-tori, on account of the prince's birth, an amnesty was granted throughout the realm, and gifts were bestowed on the hundred officials. On the second day of the eleventh month, the day Tsuchinoto-i, the Council of State and the eight ministries each submitted memorials congratulating the birth of the prince, and presented toys and ornaments as well. On this day, a banquet was bestowed on the civil and military hundred officials. An edict was issued: "By the help of the gods of Heaven and earth, and receiving the sacred virtue of the ancestral shrines, We have long preserved the sacred regalia, and a new prince has now been born to Us. He should be installed as crown prince; let this be proclaimed to the hundred officials, that all may know of it." On the eighth day, the day Kinoto-mi, people of the southern islands came to court. On the twentieth day of the twelfth month, the day Hinoto-i, the circuit inspectors of the seven circuits reported back. The provincial governors were demoted or advanced according to the true circumstances, each case decided individually. In this year, a great storm in Awa damaged the crops, and a landslide in Kazusa killed people. Relief was given in each case.

¶In the fifth year, the year Tsuchinoe-tatsu, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Tsuchinoe-inu, the New Year's felicitations were cancelled on account of rain. On the third day, the day Kanoe-ne, the emperor received the New Year's felicitations at the Daigokuden. On the seventeenth day, the day Kinoe-tora, the King of Balhae, Dae Muye, sent an envoy to present local products, and relations with Balhae, Bokkai, began for the first time. On the sixteenth day of the second month, the day Mizunoe-uma, Junior Sixth Rank Lower Hikita-no-Mushimaro was made envoy to escort the Balhae guests home. In summer, on the first day of the fourth month, the day Hinoto-u, there was a solar eclipse. On the twenty-fifth day, the day Kanoto-u, an imperial command was given: "We have heard that whenever a man skilled in mounted archery, in sumo, or of great physical strength is found among the retainers of the district officials of the provinces, he is at once handed over to the households of princes, ministers, and high officials. When We ordered a search to be made, no one could be found fit to be presented. Henceforth this is not to be done. Should any violate this, they are to be punished severely. The provinces and districts are to make their selection and investigation beforehand, so that when the imperial command arrives, the man may be presented at once." (Note: the Kuji Kongen states that provincial sumo wrestlers were first summoned in the third year of Jinki, but this is probably an error for the fifth year.) On the sixteenth day of the fifth month, the day Kanoto-i, more than seven hundred households in the Left and Right Capitals were damaged by flood, and cloth, grain, and salt were bestowed. On the twentieth day, the day Kinoto-u, Venus was visible in daylight. In autumn, on the first day of the eighth month, the day Kinoe-ne (Note: this work gives this as the day Kinoe-uma, and lacks the character for "first day of the month"; but on consideration, this month begins with the day Kinoe-ne, and contains no day Kinoe-uma, so this has now been corrected by reckoning from the surrounding sexagenary dates), an edict forbade the keeping of hawks throughout the realm. The Bureau of Skilled Artisans, the Takumiryō, and the Central Guards, the Chūefu, were established for the first time. On the fourth day, the day Hinoto-u, Venus passed across the heavens (Note: this work places this entry after that for the day Hinoe-inu, but the order has now been corrected by reckoning from the sexagenary cycle). On the twenty-first day, the day Kinoe-saru, on account of the crown prince's illness, Buddhist images were made and sutras copied, and a general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm. On the twenty-third day, the day Hinoe-inu, envoys were sent to present offerings, heihaku, at the imperial mausolea. On the thirteenth day of the ninth month, the day Hinoe-uma, the crown prince died. On the last day of the month, the day Mizunoe-inu, a shooting star fell within the palace. In winter, in the eleventh month, on the day Mizunoto-mi, there was thunder. On the thirteenth day, the day Kinoto-mi, it was the winter solstice. The emperor came forth to the Southern Garden, held a banquet with those of the fifth rank and above, and bestowed coarse silk, each according to standing. On the twenty-eighth day of the twelfth month, the day Tsuchinoto-ushi, sixty-four cases, chitsu, of the Konkōmyōkyō sutra were distributed to the provinces, to be read through province by province, that the peace of the state might be prayed for. In this year, the examination for advanced scholars, shinshi, was held for the first time (Note: this entry follows the Nenjū Gyōji. On consideration, this work contains no record of such an examination being held; it states only, under the third day of the third month, that the emperor went out to the edge of a pond, held a banquet with those of the fifth rank and above, and summoned men of letters to compose poems on the winding stream. The statement in the Nenjū Gyōji is probably based on this single passage, but the particulars remain unclear).

¶In the first year of Tenpyō, the year Tsuchinoto-mi, in spring, on the sixteenth day of the first month, the day Hinoto-hitsuji, an imperial command was given: "The first month of spring is a time when the ten thousand things are at peace and rejoice. Let the price of wine and food be given to the officials of the capital and home provinces and those below them, and let a day of feasting, ho, be permitted throughout." On the twenty-first day, the day Mizunoe-ne, an edict ordered that envoys be sent to console those of the fifth rank and above who, on account of their advanced age, were unable to attend the New Year's felicitations, and to bestow gifts on them. On the twelfth day of the second month, the day Mizunoto-tori, the Minister of the Left, Prince Nagaya, was ordered to take his own life. On the twenty-first day, the day Mizunoe-uma, a special pardon was granted to those in the Left and Right Capitals who had been implicated in the affair of Prince Nagaya, remitting offenses of the death penalty, taiheki, and below. In summer, on the third day of the fourth month, the day Mizunoto-i, an imperial command was given: "Among the civil and military hundred officials and the common people of the realm, those who study heterodox learning, practice sorcery, or perform cursing and malediction to the harm of the people shall have their ringleaders sentenced to beheading and their accomplices to exile. Should there be any who hide away in mountains and forests, falsely preach the Buddhist law, seal talismans and charms, compound medicines into poison, and by every manner of means perform strange and suspicious acts in violation of the imperial prohibition, they shall be sentenced to the same penalty." On the first day of the sixth month, the day Kanoe-saru, the Ninnōkyō, the Sutra of the Benevolent Kings, was lectured on at the Chōdō, the Courtiers' Hall, and throughout the home provinces and the seven circuits (Note: the Kuji Kongen states that the Seasonal Palace Sutra Readings, Ki-no-Mi-Dokyō, were first held on the eighth day of the fourth month of this year, but this work contains no such record; this claim properly belongs under the first year of Wadō in the Annals of Empress Genmei). On the twentieth day, the day Tsuchinoto-u, the Offices of the Left and Right Capitals presented a tortoise. On its shell were markings reading: "The Heavenly Sovereign, noble and at peace, shall know a hundred years." On the twenty-first day, the day Kanoe-tatsu, the Hayato of Satsuma presented tribute, chō. On the twenty-sixth day, the day Kinoto-tori, Mars entered the Taibi constellation. In autumn, on the twentieth day of the seventh month, the day Tsuchinoto-tori, the Hayato of Ōsumi presented tribute. On the twenty-fourth day, the day Mizunoto-ushi, the moon entered the Tōsei constellation. On the fifth day of the eighth month, the day Mizunoto-i, an edict proclaimed: "In recognition of the auspicious tortoise obtained, the era name is changed to Tenpyō (Note: the Kugyō Bunin gives this as Tenpyō-Seireki). Let a general amnesty be proclaimed throughout the realm, and this year's rice-field tax of the Left and Right Capitals be remitted. Kamo-no-Komushi, who obtained the auspicious omen, is to be granted rank and gifts. The Tang priest Dōei, who instructed Komushi and had him present the omen, is to be granted the equivalent of Junior Fifth Rank Lower, together with a crimson kesa robe and other gifts." On the tenth day, the day Tsuchinoe-tatsu, the consort Fujiwara-no-Kōmyōshi was made empress. In winter, on the first day of the tenth month, the day Tsuchinoe-uma, there was a solar eclipse. On the seventh day of the eleventh month, the day Mizunoto-mi, an Office for the Allotment of Rice Fields, handenshi, was established in the capital and home provinces.

¶In the second year, the year Kanoe-uma, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Hinoe-inu, the New Year's felicitations were cancelled on account of rain. On the second day, the day Hinoto-i, the emperor received the New Year's felicitations at the Daigokuden. On the sixteenth day of the third month, the day Kanoe-ne, Mars was visible in daylight. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Kanoto-i, the Council of State submitted this memorial: "The students of the university, though years have already passed, remain shallow in the mastery of their studies, and it is difficult for them to attain broad learning. This is truly because their households are impoverished and cannot provide the needed funds, so that even those with a love of learning cannot carry it through. We ask that five to ten students of natural intelligence, outstanding talent, and accomplishment in letters be selected, to devote themselves wholly to study under careful guidance, and that clothing for summer and winter, together with food, be provided for them. Furthermore, the arts of yin-yang divination and medicine, and the distribution of the calendar of the seven luminaries, shichiyō, are ways essential to the state, and must not be allowed to lapse. Yet the several doctors are already advanced in years, and We fear that their learning will die out unless instruction is continued. We ask that Yoshida-no-Yoroshi and Ōtsu-no-Obito be ordered to teach their respective disciples and pass on their learning, and that these disciples be given clothing and food on the same footing as university students. Moreover, the customs of the various foreign lands differ from our own, and without interpreters it is difficult to communicate with them. We ask that Awata-no-Umakai and Harima-no-Otoyasu be ordered to teach their respective disciples the Chinese language." All of this was granted. In summer, on the sixteenth day of the fourth month, the day Kanoe-uma, an edict commanded that the clothing of the women of the realm be changed, and a new style adopted. On the seventeenth day, the day Kanoto-hitsuji, the Office of the Empress's Household, the Kōgōgūshiki, and the Dispensary, the Seyakuin, were established for the first time. On the twenty-seventh day of the sixth month, the day Kanoe-tatsu, on account of drought, the wet and dry fields of the four home provinces were inspected. The offices of the Department of Shrines, the Jingikan, were damaged by fire. On the twenty-ninth day, the day Mizunoe-uma, lightning struck the buildings of the Jingikan and caused a fire. In the intercalary month, on the seventeenth day, the day Kanoe-ne, Prince Niitabe was sent to lead the Jingikan in divining the meaning of the thunder and lightning. Envoys were sent to present offerings, heihaku, at the shrines of the home provinces and the seven circuits. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Kanoe-inu, an imperial command was given: "Of late, signs of drought have somewhat appeared, and it is feared that the year's grain may be harmed. Let envoys be sent to the four home provinces to investigate the people's livelihood." In autumn, on the seventh day of the eighth month, the day Tsuchinoto-ushi, Venus entered the Taibi constellation. On the last day of the month, the day Kanoto-i, Hikita-no-Mushimaro returned from Balhae. On the first day of the ninth month, the day Mizunoe-ne, there was a solar eclipse. On the second day, the day Mizunoto-ushi, the emperor came forth to the Chūgū, and Hikita-no-Mushimaro and his party presented the local products of Balhae. On the twenty-fifth day, the day Hinoe-ne, envoys were sent to the six mausolea to present the local products of Balhae. On the twenty-eighth day, the day Tsuchinoto-u, the frontier guards, sakimori, of the provinces were suspended. On the twenty-ninth day, the day Kanoe-tatsu, an edict was issued: "In the capital and in the provinces there are many thieves and brigands, who assault and plunder private houses, or seize seagoing vessels; nothing does greater harm to the common people than this. Let the proper offices be commanded to capture them without fail. Moreover, among the people of Aki and Suō there are those who recklessly preach of fortune and misfortune, gather great numbers of followers, worship at strange shrines dedicated to the spirits of the dead, and perform rites of supplication. In the hill country to the left of the capital, too, there are those who gather followers, leading the people astray with strange doctrines, their numbers sometimes reaching as many as ten thousand, and never fewer than several thousand. This is a grave violation of the laws of the state, and the harm it does is especially great. Such things are never to be permitted hereafter. Moreover, the building of enclosures to trap birds and beasts was forbidden by the former reign, and the arbitrary deployment of soldiers and horses is not permitted at present. Yet it is said that in the provinces enclosures are built and troops deployed to kill boar and deer; this not only harms living creatures, but is truly a violation of the law. Let this be proclaimed to all the circuits, and let it be strictly prohibited in every case." In winter, on the last day of the tenth month, the day Kanoe-inu, envoys were sent to distribute the local products of Balhae to the renowned shrines of the provinces. On the seventh day of the eleventh month, the day Hinoto-mi, there was thunder, rain, and a great wind.

¶In the third year, the year Kanoto-hitsuji, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Kanoe-inu, Mimasaka presented a tree whose branches had grown joined together. On the twenty-sixth day, the day Kinoto-i, on the recommendation of the Jingikan, it was made permanent law that the courtyard fire, niwabi, and the sacred hearth, mikamado, be worshipped in each of the four seasons. On the first day of the second month, the day Kanoe-tatsu, there was a solar eclipse. On the seventh day of the third month, the day Kinoto-u, Suwa province was abolished and merged into Shinano province. In summer, in the sixth month, in Ate District in Kii, the sea water turned the color of blood. In autumn, on the fifth day of the eighth month, the day Kanoto-mi, an imperial command was given: "Let those of senior clerk rank and above in the several offices each recommend a man of their acquaintance fit to be entrusted with office." On the seventh day, the day Kanoto-hitsuji, three hundred and ninety-six officials of clerk rank and above came to the court and submitted memorials, each naming in detail the man he recommended. On the eleventh day, the day Hinoto-i, in accordance with the recommendations of the several offices, an edict singled out six men, including the Acting Minister of Civil Affairs, Fujiwara-no-Umakai, and the Minister of Popular Affairs, Tajihi-no-Agatamori, to be raised to Councillor, sangi. On the twenty-fifth day, an edict was issued: "Among the gifts of Heaven and earth, a bountiful year is the most auspicious of all. This year has brought an abundant harvest, and We take great joy in it. We wish to share this happy occasion together with the realm. Half of this year's rice-field tax of the capital and home provinces is remitted. As for the tax of such provinces as Awaji, Awa, Sanuki, and Oki, and all arrears unpaid since before the first year of Tenpyō, these are remitted in full." In winter, on the day Kanoe-inu of the tenth month, it was the winter solstice (Note: reckoning now by the calendar, the fifteenth day, the day Kanoe-saru, was the winter solstice, five days after the day Kanoe-inu. "Inu" is probably an error for "Saru," but since it cannot easily be corrected with confidence, this work's own reading is retained for now). The emperor came forth to the Southern Garden. A banquet was held with those of the fifth rank and above, and coin was bestowed, each according to standing. On the twenty-second day, the day Hinoto-u, a Chief Superintendent of the Home Provinces, Kinai Sōkan, and Pacification Commissioners for the circuits, chinbushi, were established for the first time: Ihon Prince Niitabe was made Chief Superintendent, Junior Third Rank Fujiwara-no-Umakai his deputy, Junior Third Rank Tajihi-no-Agatamori Pacification Commissioner of San'yōdō, Junior Third Rank Fujiwara-no-Maro Pacification Commissioner of San'indō, and Senior Fourth Rank Lower Ōtomo-no-Michitari Pacification Commissioner of Nankaidō. On the second day of the twelfth month, the day Hinoe-ne, Kai presented a sacred horse. On the twenty-first day, the day Kinoto-hitsuji, an edict was issued: "We have reigned over the four seas, and have nurtured and cared for the myriad people. We forget to eat until the sun has sunk low, and by night cannot find peace of heart upon the pillow. We have now received a memorial from the Minister of Civil Administration, Prince Kadobe, and others, stating: 'The sacred horse presented by Kai province is black of body, with a mane and tail. On reverent examination of the Fuzuizu, the Chart of Auspicious Tokens, it is written that a sacred horse is the spirit of a river. The Enshinkei states that when virtue reaches to the mountains and mausolea, a sacred horse appears. This truly accords with a great and auspicious omen.' This is a gift bestowed by the ancestral shrines, and granted by the gods of soil and grain. How, in Our want of virtue, could We alone receive it? To rejoice together with the realm is the very principle that befits the constant canon. Let a general amnesty be proclaimed throughout the realm, and let gifts be given to filial sons, obedient grandchildren, the aged, and widowers, widows, and the solitary who cannot support themselves. Let the man who found the horse have his rank advanced, and let this year's labor-tax, yō, of Kai province, and the labor-tax and tribute, yōchō, of the district that furnished the horse, be remitted."

¶In the fourth year, the year Mizunoe-saru, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Kinoto-mi, the emperor for the first time wore the ceremonial crown and robes, benpuku, to receive the New Year's felicitations. The Office of the Left Capital presented a white sparrow. On the twentieth day, the day Kinoe-ne, Junior Fifth Rank Lower Tsunu-no-Ienushi was made envoy to Silla. On the first day of the second month, the day Kinoe-inu, there was a solar eclipse. In summer, on the nineteenth day of the fifth month, the day Kanoe-saru, Silla sent an envoy to pay tribute. On the twenty-third day, the day Kinoe-ne, envoys were sent to the five home provinces to pray for rain. In autumn, on the fifth day of the seventh month, the day Hinoe-uma, the two capitals, the four home provinces, and the two superintendencies were ordered to pray for rain by Buddhist rites. On account of the drought, an edict proclaimed clemency throughout the realm, and envoys in the capital and the provinces presented offerings, heihaku, to the gods of Heaven and earth and at the renowned mountains and great rivers. Wrongful convictions were carefully reviewed, exposed bones and corpses were covered and buried, wine was forbidden and the slaughter of animals halted, and gifts were given to the aged and to widowers, widows, and the solitary who could not support themselves. On the fifteenth day, the day Hinoe-tatsu, there was an earthquake. On the fourth day of the eighth month, the day Kinoe-inu, there was a great storm. On the eleventh day, the day Kanoto-mi, Tsunu-no-Ienushi returned from Silla. On the seventeenth day, the day Hinoto-i, Junior Fourth Rank Upper Tajihi-no-Hironari was made chief envoy to Tang, and Junior Fifth Rank Lower Nakatomi-no-Nashiro his deputy; Senior Third Rank Fujiwara-no-Fusasaki was made Commissioner of Military Affairs, setsudoshi, for the two circuits of Tōkaidō and Tōzandō, Junior Third Rank Tajihi-no-Agatamori Commissioner for San'indō, and Fujiwara-no-Umakai Commissioner for Saikaidō. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Hinoto-tori, a great storm destroyed private houses and the halls and pagodas of Buddhist temples. On the first day of the ninth month, the day Kanoto-ushi, gifts of relief were given to the common people of the Izumi superintendency. In winter, on the third day of the tenth month, the day Mizunoto-tori, an Office for the Construction of Guest Lodges, Zōkyakkanshi, was established for the first time. On the twenty-seventh day of the eleventh month, the day Hinoe-tora, it was the winter solstice. The emperor came forth to the Southern Garden, held a banquet with the assembled ministers, and bestowed coarse silk on the princes and those below them, and silk floss on the aged. Offenses of penal servitude and below in the capital, home provinces, and the two superintendencies were specially pardoned. On the seventeenth day of the twelfth month, the day Hinoe-inu, the lower pond of Sayama in Kawachi was excavated. On the twenty-second day, the day Kanoto-u, there was an earthquake. In this year, drought caused a poor harvest of grain.

¶In the fifth year, the year Mizunoto-tori, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Kanoe-ne, Echizen presented a white swan. On the seventh day, the day Hinoe-uma, there was thunder and wind. On the ninth day, the day Tsuchinoe-saru, Mars entered the Kenen constellation. In the intercalary third month, on the second day, the day Tsuchinoto-mi, on account of the poor harvest of the five grains caused by last year's drought, an imperial command ordered the Izumi superintendency, Kii, Awaji, Awa, and other provinces to lend out this year's great tax grain, taizei, to the people. On the twenty-first day, the day Tsuchinoe-ne, two hundred and thirteen impoverished princes were summoned before the hall, each given rice and salt, and an edict rebuked their idleness and urged them to apply themselves to their livelihood. This spring, relief was given for famine in Great Yamato, Kawachi, Tōtōmi, Awaji, and Sanuki. In summer, on the twenty-sixth day of the fifth month, the day Kanoto-u, on account of the empress's illness, an imperial command proclaimed a general amnesty throughout the realm. On the ninth day of the sixth month, the day Kinoe-tatsu, Venus entered the Tōsei constellation. In autumn, on the first day of the seventh month, the day Kinoto-ushi, there was a solar eclipse. On the sixth day, the day Kanoe-uma, the Bureau of Palace Provisions, Daizen, was ordered to prepare offerings for the Urabon festival for the first time, and this was retained as a permanent observance (Note: on consideration of the Nihongi, it is recorded that the Urabon assembly was held at Asukadera in the seventh month of the third year of Empress Saimei's reign, but no further instance appears thereafter. The Kuji Kongen and the Ranshōshō take this year as its true beginning, and this is followed here). On the seventeenth day of the eighth month, the day Kanoto-i, the emperor came to the court and for the first time heard the ordinary business of government in person. On the twenty-third day of the ninth month, the day Hinoto-i, a woman of Tōtōmi gave birth to three sons at once, and was given grain and a wet nurse. In this year, the Left and Right Capitals and the provinces were struck by famine and epidemic disease, and relief and loans of grain were given.

¶In the sixth year, the year Kinoe-inu, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Mizunoto-i, Tajima, Aki, and Nagato presented trees whose branches had grown joined together. On the seventeenth day, the day Tsuchinoto-u, the Major Counselor, Fujiwara-no-Muchimaro, was made Minister of the Right. On the first day of the second month, the day Mizunoto-mi, the emperor came forth to the Suzaku Gate to view the utagaki, the singing-and-dancing gathering, and allowed the men and women of the capital to watch freely; stipends were bestowed on the men and women who had taken part in it, each according to standing. On the tenth day of the third month, the day Kanoto-hitsuji, the emperor made a progress to the Naniwa Palace. On the seventeenth day, the day Tsuchinoe-tora, he arrived at the temporary palace of Takaharai. On the nineteenth day, the day Kanoe-tatsu, the imperial carriage returned to the palace. In summer, on the seventh day of the fourth month, the day Tsuchinoe-inu, there was a great earthquake. Mountains collapsed and rivers were dammed, and many of the people were crushed to death. On the twelfth day, the day Mizunoto-u, envoys were sent to the home provinces and the seven circuits to inspect damage to the shrines. On the seventeenth day, the day Tsuchinoe-saru, an edict was issued: "The earthquake is no ordinary matter, and We fear that it may have disturbed and shifted the imperial mausolea. Let the princes and the Mahito be sent out, each leading one of the Haji Sukune, to inspect the eight mausolea and the tombs of meritorious princes." A further edict declared: "This calamity of earthquake is probably connected with the conduct of government. Let every bureau strive diligently to fulfill its duties. Should there be no improvement or effort hereafter, demotion or dismissal will without fail be imposed according to the circumstances." On the twenty-first day, the day Mizunoe-ne, envoys were sent to the capital and home provinces to inquire into the people's hardships. In autumn, on the seventh day of the seventh month, the day Hinoe-tora, the emperor watched a bout of sumo wrestling. That evening, he came forth to the Southern Garden. Men of letters were made to compose poems on the Tanabata festival, and gifts were bestowed, each according to standing (Note: the Tanabata banquet appears here for the first time. This is the same occasion as the Kikkōden, the Festival for Skill at Crafts, of later ages, and so it is not recorded again hereafter. The Kuji Kongen states that the Kikkōden was first observed in the seventh year of Tenpyō-Shōhō, but since this work contains no such record, this claim is not adopted). On the twelfth day, the day Kanoto-i, an edict was issued: "We have nurtured and cared for the myriad people for some years now, yet the teaching and transformation of custom has still not spread abroad, and the prisons are not yet empty. It is for this that We forget sleep through the night, in grief and toil. Of late, strange portents have repeatedly appeared in the heavens, and the earth has often trembled. This is truly because Our teaching and guidance have not been made plain, so that the people have fallen into crime in great numbers; the fault lies with Us alone, and is no concern of the myriad people. We should bear in mind a spirit of generous pardon, that all may attain to long life, and should permit them to wash away their faults and stains and make themselves new. A general amnesty may be proclaimed throughout the realm." On the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, the day Mizunoe-uma, there was a great earthquake. In winter, on the fourth day of the tenth month, the day Kanoto-u, the death penalty in the capital was specially pardoned. On the first day of the twelfth month, the day Tsuchinoe-ne, there was a solar eclipse.

¶In the seventh year, the year Kinoto-i, in spring, on the seventeenth day of the second month, the day Mizunoto-u, Silla sent an envoy to come to court. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Mizunoto-ushi, the Middle Counselor, Tajihi-no-Agatamori, was sent to receive the Silla envoy. Because Silla had changed its national name without authorization, the envoy was rebuked and sent away. On the tenth day of the third month, the day Hinoe-tora, the chief envoy to Tang, Tajihi-no-Hironari, returned from Tang. In summer, on the fourth day of the fifth month, the day Tsuchinoto-hitsuji, many stars fell in confusion, their courses appearing out of the ordinary. On the twentieth day, the day Kinoto-i, fixed quotas were established for officials of rank without office, gesan'i, and for those of merit rank, in the home provinces and the seven circuits, differing province by province. On the twenty-third day, the day Tsuchinoe-tora, an imperial command was given: "We, of scant virtue, preside over the myriad people, yet have always been unversed in the essentials of government, and have not yet attained to peaceful rule. Of late calamity and portent have arisen one after another, and ill omens appear in succession. We go in fear and trembling, for the fault is Ours. Punishment should be relaxed, the destitute pitied, and generous relief given. A general amnesty may be proclaimed throughout the realm." On the twenty-fourth day, the day Tsuchinoto-u, the Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra was read through in the palace and at the four temples of Daianji, Yakushiji, Gangōji, and Kōfukuji, to dispel calamity and pray for the peace of the state. On the fifth day of the sixth month, the day Tsuchinoto-ushi, the ordinance for the consolidation of temples was abolished. In autumn, on the twenty-sixth day of the seventh month, the day Tsuchinoto-u, the Hayato of Ōsumi and Satsuma paid tribute at court. On the second day of the eighth month, the day Kinoto-tori, Venus and Mercury encroached upon one another. On the twelfth day, the day Kinoto-hitsuji, since there had been many deaths from epidemic disease at the Dazaifu, an imperial command ordered offerings, heihaku, to be presented to the gods of Heaven and earth within its jurisdiction, and the Diamond Sutra to be read at the great temple of the Dazaifu and at the other temples. Envoys were also sent to give relief and medicine to the people stricken with the disease, and the provinces as far as Nagato were ordered to perform rites of exorcism, jōsai. On the twenty-third day, the day Hinoe-uma, the Dazaifu reported: "Within our jurisdiction the pox of epidemic disease is spreading widely among the provinces. We ask that this year's tribute, kōchō, be suspended." This was granted. On the last day of the ninth month, the day Mizunoe-uma, Ihon Prince Niitabe died. In winter, on the fourteenth day of the eleventh month, the day Kinoto-ushi, the Director of the Great Council of State, Ihon Prince Toneri, died. In the intercalary month, on the first day, the day Mizunoe-uma, there was a solar eclipse. On the seventeenth day, the day Tsuchinoe-inu, since calamity and portent had repeatedly appeared and epidemic disease had not ceased, an edict proclaimed a general amnesty throughout the realm. On the nineteenth day, the day Kanoe-ne, the Bureau of Coinage, Jusenshi, was reestablished. On the twenty-first day, the day Mizunoe-tora, the emperor came to the court and gave an imperial command to the provincial representatives, chōshūshi: "We selected you to serve as provincial governors, yet only one or two among you honor the articles of the law. Some seek renown through empty show; others turn their backs on the public good to pursue private gain. Because of this, the provinces are exhausted and the common people impoverished. Henceforth those who diligently uphold the law shall be rewarded, and those who are negligent and without substance shall be demoted or dismissed. Know this meaning well, and each of you strive accordingly." In this year, the grain harvest was poor, and from summer into winter the realm suffered from the pox, endōsō, and many died young.

¶In the eighth year, the year Hinoe-ne, in spring, on the twenty-eighth day of the second month, the day Tsuchinoe-tora, Junior Fifth Rank Lower Abe-no-Tsugumaro was made chief envoy to Silla. On the first day of the third month, the day Kanoto-mi, the emperor made a progress to the Mikanohara detached palace. On the fifth day, the day Kinoto-tori, he returned to the palace. In summer, on the first day of the fifth month, the day Kanoe-tatsu, there was a solar eclipse. On the twenty-seventh day of the sixth month, the day Kinoto-i, he made a progress to the Yoshino detached palace. In autumn, on the thirteenth day of the seventh month, the day Kanoe-tora, he returned to the palace. On the fourteenth day, the day Kanoto-u, on account of the Retired Empress's illness, an edict commanded: "Let a hundred men be granted the tonsure. Let ceremonial circumambulation, gyōdō, be performed for seven days at the four great temples of the capital. Let medicine and provisions be given to the common people and the monks and nuns of the realm who are ill, and grain to the aged. Let relief be given to widowers, widows, and the solitary." In this month, the deputy envoy to Tang, Nakatomi-no-Nashiro, returned from Tang. In winter, on the twenty-second day of the tenth month, the day Tsuchinoe-tatsu, an edict was issued: "We have heard that of late the provinces under the jurisdiction of the Dazaifu have had a considerable burden of public business and no small amount of labor service. Added to this, the pox of last winter has left men and women exhausted, and agriculture has fallen into neglect, so that the five grains have not ripened abundantly. This year's rice-field tax is remitted." On the twenty-seventh day, the day Mizunoto-tori, Venus entered the moon. On the nineteenth day of the tenth month, the day Kinoe-uma, since the autumn harvest had failed to ripen, an edict remitted the rice-field tax of the capital, home provinces, and the two superintendencies.

¶In the ninth year, the year Hinoto-ushi, in spring, on the twenty-second day of the first month, the day Hinoe-saru, an edict sent the envoy-general bearing imperial credentials, Fujiwara-no-Maro, and his deputy, Saeki-no-Toyohito, to Mutsu, to open Ogachi village and build a road connecting it to the stockade of Dewa. On the fifteenth day of the second month, the day Tsuchinoto-hitsuji, the envoy to Silla returned and reported: "Silla has abandoned its customary courtesy and would not receive our mission." The assembled ministers were accordingly summoned to give their views. On the third day of the third month, the day Hinoto-ushi, an edict commanded that three Buddhist images be made and a complete copy of the Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra be made in every province. In summer, on the first day of the fourth month, the day Kinoto-mi, envoys were sent to present offerings, heihaku, at the Ise Grand Shrine, at the Ōmiwa Shrine, at the two shrines of Sumiyoshi and Hachiman in Tsukushi, and at Kashii Shrine, to report the discourteous conduct of Silla. On the nineteenth day, the day Mizunoto-i, since the pox was spreading among the provinces under the jurisdiction of the Dazaifu and many of the common people had died, an edict commanded: "Let offerings be presented at the shrines within its jurisdiction, relief given to the poor, and medicine provided." On the first day of the fifth month, the day Kinoe-inu, there was a solar eclipse. Six hundred monks were summoned to the palace to read the Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra. On the nineteenth day, the day Mizunoe-tatsu, an edict was issued: "Since the fourth month, drought and epidemic disease have struck together, and the seedlings in the fields have withered. We have prayed at the mountains and rivers, and have made offerings in worship to the gods, yet have not yet obtained their favor. We, of scant virtue, have truly brought on this calamity. We wish to spread generous and benevolent government, and relieve the people's suffering. Let the provinces and districts be commanded to review carefully any case of wrongful conviction, to cover and bury exposed bones and corpses, to forbid wine and halt the slaughter of animals, and to give relief to the aged and to those gravely and chronically ill. Gifts are to be bestowed broadly on all civil and military officials holding office and above. A general amnesty is proclaimed throughout the realm." On the first day of the sixth month, the day Kinoe-tatsu, the court assembly was cancelled because the hundred officials had fallen ill with epidemic disease. In autumn, on the twenty-third day of the seventh month, the day Kinoto-hitsuji, on account of the illness of the Minister of the Right, Fujiwara-no-Muchimaro, a general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm. On the twenty-fifth day, the day Hinoto-tori, Muchimaro was made Minister of the Left. On this same day, he died. On the second day of the eighth month, the day Mizunoto-u, the monks and nuns of the realm were ordered to read the Saishōōkyō sutra every month, and the taking of life was forbidden on the fast days, saijitsu. On the thirteenth day, the day Kinoe-tora, an edict was issued: "Since spring, baleful vapors have arisen with great violence. Among high and low alike, at court and in the country, those who have died are truly numerous. This is truly because Our lack of virtue has invited this calamity and misfortune. We look up to Heaven in shame and dread, and dare not rest at ease. The common people should be favored, and their livelihood made secure. This year's tax and tribute throughout the realm, and all arrears owed both publicly and privately, are remitted. Among the gods of Heaven and earth of the provinces, those shrines that have shown power to raise the wind and bring rain, yet have not yet received offerings, heihaku, are all to be added to the list that receives them." On the fifteenth day, the day Hinoe-tatsu, seven hundred monks were summoned to the palace to read through the Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra and the Saishōōkyō sutra, to pray for the peace of the state. On the twenty-eighth day of the ninth month, the day Tsuchinoto-i, Junior Third Rank Prince Suzuka was made Director of the Great Council of State, and silk floss and salt were bestowed on two thousand three hundred and seventy-six monks of the capital, home provinces, and the two superintendencies, each according to standing. This autumn, Great Yamato, Iga, Suruga, Izu, Wakasa, and Nagato were struck by famine and epidemic disease, and relief was given. In winter, on the second day of the tenth month, the day Mizunoe-tora, the collection of labor-service money, yōsen, in the Left and Right Capitals was suspended. On the seventh day, the day Hinoto-hitsuji, those holding rank beyond the fixed quota, gakugaisan'i, were exempted from paying continuation-of-service money, zokurōsen. On the nineteenth day, the day Tsuchinoto-hitsuji, there was an earthquake. On the twenty-sixth day, the day Hinoe-tora, the Konkōmyōkyō and the Saishōōkyō sutras were lectured on at the Daigokuden. On the third day of the eleventh month, the day Mizunoto-tori, envoys were sent throughout the realm to repair and rebuild the shrines. On the twenty-second day, the day Mizunoe-tatsu, a banquet was held with the assembled ministers at the Chūgū, and gifts were bestowed, each according to standing. On the twenty-seventh day of the twelfth month, the day Hinoe-tora, Great Yamato province was renamed Ōyamato, written with different characters. In this year, from spring into autumn, the pox broke out on a great scale. It began in Tsukushi and in the end spread throughout the entire realm, and great numbers of people died.

¶In the tenth year, the year Tsuchinoe-tora, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Kanoe-uma, Shinano presented a sacred horse. On the thirteenth day, the day Mizunoe-uma, Princess Abe was installed as crown princess, and a general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm. The Major Counselor, Tachibana-no-Moroe, was made Minister of the Right. On the seventeenth day, the day Hinoe-inu, the emperor made a progress to Matsubayashi, held a banquet with the civil and military hundred officials, and bestowed stipends, each according to standing. In this month, the Dazaifu reported that an envoy from Silla had arrived. On the twenty-eighth day of the third month, the day Hinoe-saru, a thousand stipend households were granted to Yamashinadera, two hundred to Ikarugadera, and a hundred to Suminoin. In summer, on the seventeenth day of the fourth month, the day Kinoto-u, an edict ordered the Saishōōkyō sutra to be read through for three days in the home provinces and the seven circuits, to pray for the flourishing and peace of the state. On the third day of the fifth month, the day Kanoe-uma, the provincial militia, kondei, were suspended. On the twenty-fourth day, the day Kanoto-u, the Minister of the Right, Tachibana-no-Moroe, and the Director of the Jingikan, Nakatomi-no-Nashiro, were sent to Ise to present sacred treasures at the Grand Shrine. On the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month, the day Kanoto-tori, envoys were sent to the Dazaifu to release the Silla envoy and send him home. In autumn, on the seventh day of the seventh month, the day Mizunoto-tori, the emperor came forth to the Ministry of the Treasury, Ōkurashō, to watch sumo wrestling. He also came forth to the Nishi-no-Ike Palace, had men of letters compose poems, and bestowed gifts, each according to standing. On the twenty-sixth day of the eighth month, the day Kanoto-u, the provinces of the realm were ordered to present maps of their provinces and districts. On the first day of the ninth month, the day Hinoe-saru, there was a solar eclipse. On the sixth day, the day Kanoto-ushi, there was an earthquake. In winter, on the third day of the tenth month, the day Hinoto-u, this year's rice-field tax of the capital, home provinces, and the two superintendencies was remitted. On the twenty-fifth day, the day Tsuchinoto-ushi, circuit inspectors were sent to the seven circuits to investigate the achievements of government and the customs of the people.

¶In the eleventh year, the year Tsuchinoto-u, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Kinoe-uma, Izumo presented a red crow, and Etchū presented a white swan. On the twenty-sixth day of the second month, the day Tsuchinoe-ne, on account of the empress's illness, a general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm, pardoning entirely even those offenses not forgiven under an ordinary amnesty, jōsha. On the second day of the third month, the day Kinoe-uma, the emperor made a progress to the Mikanohara detached palace. On the fifth day, the day Hinoto-tori, he returned to the palace. On the twenty-first day, the day Mizunoto-ushi, since the island of Tsushima had presented a sacred horse, an edict ordered relief to be given to filial sons and obedient grandchildren, to the aged, and to widowers, widows, and the solitary who could not support themselves. On the twenty-third day, the day Kinoto-u, the emperor accompanied the Retired Empress on a progress to the Mikanohara detached palace. On the twenty-sixth day, the day Tsuchinoe-uma, they returned to the palace. In summer, on the twenty-third day of the fifth month, the day Kinoe-tora, an edict was issued: "The district officials of the provinces are needlessly numerous, and their appointment brings no benefit; the harm they do the common people through encroachment and greed is truly severe. Let the former quota be reduced, and the number fixed anew." On the last day of the month, the day Kanoto-tori, an edict commanded: "This year's interest on the official loan rice, shōzei, lent out through the suiko system in the provinces, is remitted." In autumn, on the fourteenth day of the seventh month, the day Kinoe-tatsu, an edict commanded: "Let the temples of the realm read through the Gokoku Jōjukukyō sutra, and perform the rite of repentance, keka, for seven days and seven nights, praying that wind and rain be in harmony and the year's grain ripen." On the first day of the ninth month, the day Kanoe-tora, there was a solar eclipse. In winter, on the tenth day of the twelfth month, the day Tsuchinoe-tatsu, Balhae sent an envoy to present local products.

¶In the twelfth year, the year Kanoe-tatsu, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Tsuchinoe-ne, Hida presented a white fox and a white pheasant. On the thirteenth day, the day Kanoe-ne, Outer Junior Fifth Rank Lower Ōtomo-no-Inukai was made chief envoy to Balhae. On the seventh day of the second month, the day Kinoe-ne, the emperor made a progress to the Naniwa Palace. On the nineteenth day, the day Hinoe-ne, the imperial carriage returned to the palace. On the fifteenth day of the third month, the day Kanoto-ushi, Outer Junior Fifth Rank Lower Ki-no-Hitsuto was made chief envoy to Silla. In summer, on the tenth day of the fifth month, the day Kinoto-hitsuji, the imperial carriage made a progress to the villa of the Minister of the Right, Tachibana-no-Moroe, at Sagaraka. On the twelfth day, the day Hinoto-tori, he returned to the palace. On the fifteenth day of the sixth month, the day Kanoe-uma, an imperial command was given: "We reign over the eight wildernesses, hakkō, and rule over the myriad people everywhere. We are as cautious as one treading on thin ice, or driving with rotten reins, and Our thought of nurturing and caring for the people runs deep. In seeking for their clothing We forget to eat and sleep, and have taken to heart the suffering of the people as though they themselves had fallen into a ditch. We constantly consider how to answer the will of Heaven. If the people obtain peace and quiet enjoyment, and rightly conform to the bright mandate, the state will bring forth the flourishing of peace and tranquility. We wish to spread broad and generous benevolence, so that even those charged with crime may preserve their lives and complete their natural span, and to extend great and far-reaching favor, so that even the destitute may escape cold and poverty and find peace. Let a general amnesty be proclaimed throughout the realm, and let Hozumi-no-Oyu, Tajihi-no-Oyahito, and others who were sentenced to exile be permitted to return to the capital." On the nineteenth day, the day Kinoe-inu, ten copies of the Lotus Sutra were made to be copied in every province of the realm, and seven-storied pagodas ordered built. In autumn, on the twentieth day of the eighth month, the day Kinoe-inu, the Izumi superintendency was abolished and merged into Kawachi province. On the third day of the ninth month, the day Hinoto-i, the Junior Assistant Governor-General of the Dazaifu, Fujiwara-no-Hirotsugu, rose in rebellion. Junior Fourth Rank Upper Ōno-no-Azumabito was made general-in-chief, and Junior Fifth Rank Upper Ki-no-Iimaro his deputy general, and sent to subdue him. On the tenth day, the day Kinoto-hitsuji, the Minister of Civil Administration, Prince Mihara, was sent to Ise to present offerings, heihaku, at the Grand Shrine. On the fifteenth day, the day Tsuchinoto-i, an imperial command was given to the home provinces and the seven circuits: "Of late a lawless minister has arisen in Tsukushi, and We have ordered the army to subdue him. We wish, relying on sacred protection, to set the common people at peace. Let an image of Kannon be made in every province, and the Kannon Sutra be copied." In winter, on the fifth day of the tenth month, the day Tsuchinoe-uma, Ōtomo-no-Inukai returned from Balhae. On the ninth day, the day Mizunoe-inu, an edict ordered Ōno-no-Azumabito to pray to the god Hachiman for the pacification of the rebels. On the fifteenth day, the day Tsuchinoe-tatsu, Ki-no-Hitsuto returned from Silla. On the twenty-ninth day, the day Mizunoe-uma, the emperor made a progress to Ise. On the second day of the eleventh month, the day Kinoto-tori, he arrived at the Sekinomiya in Ise, and stayed there for ten days. On the third day, the day Hinoe-inu, the Minor Counselor, Prince Ōi, was sent to present offerings, heihaku, at the Grand Shrine. On the fourth day, the day Hinoto-i, he hunted at Wajino. On the fifth day, the day Tsuchinoe-ne, Fujiwara-no-Hirotsugu was put to death. On the twelfth day, the day Kinoto-hitsuji, the imperial carriage set out from Sekinomiya. On the fourteenth day, the day Hinoto-tori, he went on and arrived at the temporary palace of Akasaka in Suzuka District. On the twenty-sixth day, the day Tsuchinoto-tori, he arrived at Taki District in Mino. On the second day of the twelfth month, the day Kinoe-tora, he made a progress to Miyakoji and to the spring of Hikitsune. On the fourth day, the day Hinoe-tatsu, the imperial carriage made a circuit, viewing the fortresses of the provinces. On the sixth day, the day Tsuchinoe-uma, he arrived at the temporary palace of Yokokawa in Sakata District in Ōmi. Intending to move the capital, he ordered the Minister of the Right, Tachibana-no-Moroe, to survey and prepare Kuni village in Sagaraka District in Yamashiro. On the thirteenth day, the day Kinoto-ushi, he made a progress to Shiga-no-Yamadera and worshipped the Buddha. On the fourteenth day, the day Hinoe-tora, the imperial carriage arrived at the temporary palace of Tamai in Sagaraka District. On the fifteenth day, the day Hinoto-u, he made a progress to the Kuni Palace, and the construction of a new capital there began for the first time. The Retired Empress and the empress followed and arrived there as well.

¶In the thirteenth year, the year Kanoto-mi, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Mizunoto-hitsuji, the emperor for the first time received the New Year's felicitations at the Kuni Palace. The palace walls were not yet built, and curtains, ichō, were hung in their place. On the eleventh day, the day Mizunoto-mi, envoys were sent to present offerings, heihaku, at the Grand Shrine and at the shrines of the seven circuits, to announce the move of the capital to the new city. On the twenty-second day, the day Kinoe-tatsu, punishment was meted out to the partisans of Fujiwara-no-Hirotsugu, each according to the gravity of his offense. On the seventh day of the second month, the day Tsuchinoe-uma, an edict was issued: "Horses and oxen labor in place of men, and thereby sustain the people. For this reason a clear system has long existed forbidding their slaughter. Yet We now hear that there are still those among the common people who slaughter them. Should any offend against this, without regard to rank-based commutation, in, or ransom, zoku, let a hundred strokes of the rod be given first, and the offense then charged. We have also heard that provincial governors and district officials, without public occasion, gather men to hold hunts, hindering the people's livelihood and causing considerable harm. Henceforth this is to be strictly forbidden. Should there be further violation, severe punishment will without fail be imposed." On the first day of the third month, the day Mizunoe-uma, there was a solar eclipse. On the twentieth day, the day Kanoto-ushi, the Settsu Office reported: "Of late more than a hundred storks have gathered at the palace, coming each day at the hour of the Dragon and not departing until the hour of the Sheep." Envoys were accordingly sent to perform rites of placation, chinsha. On the twenty-fourth day, the day Kinoto-mi, an edict commanded that in every province of the realm a temple for the Konkōmyō and Four Heavenly Kings for the Protection of the State, and a temple for the Lotus Sutra and the Dissolution of Sin, be established. In the intercalary month, on the twenty-fourth day, the day Kinoe-inu, a sacred brocade crown and Buddhist sutras, among other things, were presented at the Hachiman Shrine, in recompense for prayers long offered there. In summer, on the sixth day of the fifth month, the day Kinoto-u, the emperor made a progress to Kanan and watched a hunt. In autumn, on the tenth day of the seventh month, the day Tsuchinoe-uma, the Retired Empress moved to the new palace, and the emperor went to Kawakami to receive her. On the thirteenth day, the day Kanoto-tori, a banquet was held with the assembled ministers at the new palace, and women's music and Koma music, the music of Koguryŏ, were performed. Stipends were bestowed on those of the fifth rank and above, each according to standing. On the twenty-eighth day of the eighth month, the day Hinoe-uma, the two markets of Heijō were moved to the Kuni capital. On the fourth day of the ninth month, the day Kanoto-i, on account of the move of the capital, the tribute and tax of the common people of the Left and Right Capitals, and the rice-field tax of the four home provinces, were remitted. On the eighth day, the day Kinoto-u, an imperial command declared: "A general amnesty is proclaimed throughout the realm, and this year's tribute is remitted for the districts of Ōyamato, Iga, Ise, Mino, Ōmi, Yamashiro, and the other provinces that attended on the temporary palaces along the progress." On the twelfth day, the day Tsuchinoto-hitsuji, the Director of Carpentry, Prince Chinu, and the Minister of Popular Affairs, Fujiwara-no-Nakamaro, were sent to distribute house plots to the common people of the capital. The road west of Mount Kaseyama was made the boundary, with the Left Capital to its east and the Right Capital to its west. On the last day of the month, the day Hinoto-ushi, the emperor made a progress to Uji and Yamashina. In winter, on the second day of the tenth month, the day Tsuchinoto-u, he returned to the palace. On the sixteenth day, the day Mizunoto-mi, the river bridge east of Mount Kaseyama was completed. On the twenty-first day of the eleventh month, the day Tsuchinoe-tatsu, an imperial command ordered the new capital to be named the Great Palace of Ōyamato-Kuni. On the tenth day of the twelfth month, the day Hinoe-inu, Awa was merged into Kazusa, and Noto into Etchū. In this year, Sado suffered damage to its crops from long rains, and its rice-field tax and labor-tax and tribute were remitted.

¶In the fourteenth year, the year Mizunoe-uma, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Hinoto-hitsuji, since the Daigokuden was not yet built, a temporary pavilion, azumayaden, was constructed, and the New Year's felicitations were received there. On the fifth day, the day Kanoto-i, the Dazaifu was abolished, and its official goods entrusted to the governor of Chikuzen. On the twenty-third day, the day Tsuchinoto-mi, Mutsu reported that red snow had fallen. On the third day of the second month, the day Tsuchinoe-tora, the Dazaifu reported that an envoy from Silla had come to court (Note: the text above has already stated that the Dazaifu was abolished, yet "the Dazaifu" is spoken of here; this probably refers to the governor of Chikuzen handling its business in its place. For now, this work's own original wording is retained). On the fifth day, the day Kanoe-tatsu, since the palace halls were not yet built, the Major Controller of the Right, Ki-no-Iimaro, was sent to the Dazai to entertain the Silla envoy and send him home. On the twenty-fourth day of the third month, the day Tsuchinoto-mi, there was an earthquake. In summer, on the third day of the fifth month, the day Hinoe-uma, envoys were sent to the home provinces to inspect the livelihood of the common people who had suffered flood damage. On the tenth day, the day Mizunoto-ushi, the Ochi mausoleum collapsed. On the thirteenth day, the day Hinoe-tatsu, the Director of the Great Council of State, Prince Suzuka, and others were sent to have it repaired. On the seventeenth day, the day Kanoe-saru, envoys were sent to present offerings at the mausoleum. On the night of the fifth day of the sixth month, the day Tsuchinoe-tora, cooked rice fell like rain over the capital. In autumn, on the first day of the seventh month, the day Mizunoto-u, there was a solar eclipse. On the second day of the eighth month, the day Kinoe-inu, the provincial governors of the capital, home provinces, and seven circuits were ordered to record and report the names of filial sons, obedient grandchildren, righteous husbands, chaste wives, and those diligent in farming, rikiden. On the eleventh day, the day Mizunoto-hitsuji, an imperial command ordered the Minister of Palace Construction, Prince Chinu, and others, to build a detached palace at Shigaraki in Ōmi. On the twelfth day, the day Kinoe-saru, the emperor made a progress to Iwara Palace. On the thirteenth day, the day Kinoto-tori, a great bridge was built southwest of the Kuni palace walls. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Tsuchinoto-i, he made a progress to the Shigaraki Palace. On the first day of the ninth month, the day Mizunoe-tora, he made a progress to Sasu-no-Matsubara. On the fourth day, the day Kinoto-mi, the imperial carriage returned to the Kuni Palace. On the twelfth day, the day Kanoto-ushi, there was a great storm. On the seventeenth day, the day Tsuchinoe-uma, circuit inspectors were sent to the seven circuits. In winter, on the seventeenth day of the tenth month, the day Tsuchinoe-ne, Senior Fourth Rank Upper Prince Shioyaki was exiled to Mishima in Izu (Note: this work gives his rank here as Junior Fourth Rank Lower, but on examining this work, it has already recorded him as Senior Fourth Rank Upper at an earlier point; this has accordingly been corrected). On the fifth day of the eleventh month, the day Hinoe-uma, this year's rice-field tax of the Left and Right Capitals and the home provinces was remitted. On the eleventh day, the day Mizunoe-ne, Ōsumi reported that a sound like a drum had been heard in the sky, and that the earth had shaken violently. On the twenty-fifth day, the day Hinoe-tora, envoys were sent to investigate this. On the sixteenth day of the twelfth month, the day Hinoto-i, there was an earthquake. On the last day of the month, the day Kanoe-ne, the emperor made a progress to the Shigaraki Palace. In this year, the Councillor, Fujiwara-no-Toyonari, was made concurrently General of the Central Guards, Chūe-no-Daishō (Note: according to the entry for the eleventh month of the first year of Tenpyō-Jingo in this work, as well as the Kugyō Bunin and the Rekidai Kōki, this event is in each case placed in the first month of the twelfth year; for now, this work's own placement is followed here. On consideration, this work states that a single General of the Central Guards was first established in the fifth year of Jinki, but does not record who held that post. According to the Man'yōshū and the Kugyō Bunin, Fujiwara-no-Fusasaki had earlier held the post of General of the Central Guards, but since the year and month are not clear, this is not recorded here; for fuller detail, see his biography).

¶In the fifteenth year, the year Mizunoto-hitsuji, in spring, on the second day of the first month, the day Mizunoe-tora, the imperial carriage returned from Shigaraki. On the third day, the day Mizunoto-u, the emperor received the New Year's felicitations at the Daigokuden. On the twelfth day, the day Mizunoe-ne, he came forth to the tower of Iwara Palace and entertained the hundred officials and those holding rank. On the thirteenth day, the day Mizunoto-ushi, monks were assembled at Konkōmyōji to read the Konkōmyōkyō and Saishōōkyō sutras. On the fourteenth day, the day Kinoe-tora, the Dazaifu presented the harakanouo fish for the first time (Note: the entries from the fourteenth day onward follow the Kuji Kongen and the Nenjū Gyōji, which in turn cite the Kansō Jirui and the Chikugo-no-kuni Fudoki. The Kuji Kongen states that in the reign of Emperor Keikō, a man of Uto District in Tsukushi caught such a fish and presented it to the emperor, and that from this occasion onward the harakanouo fish came to be presented in the first month for the first time; in later ages, the presentation of this fish as an offering at the New Year's banquet became an established custom). On the eleventh day of the second month, the day Kanoto-mi, Sado was merged into Echigo. On the twenty-fifth day, the day Kinoto-hitsuji, the moon eclipsed Mars. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Hinoto-tori, the moon eclipsed Venus. In summer, on the third day of the fourth month, the day Mizunoe-saru, the emperor made a progress to Shigaraki. On the sixteenth day, the day Kinoto-tori, he returned to the palace. In this month, an envoy from Silla arrived in Chikuzen, but was rebuked for his discourtesy and sent away. On the third day of the fifth month, the day Kanoto-ushi, no rain had fallen since the third month, and the drought continued into this month. Offerings, heihaku, were presented at the shrines within the palace, and rain was prayed for. On the fifth day, the day Mizunoto-u, the Minister of the Right, Tachibana-no-Moroe, was made Minister of the Left. On the twenty-eighth day, the day Hinoe-tora, Bizen reported that fifty-two great fish had washed ashore in the sea off Oku District, and that their cries resembled the belling of a deer. On the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month, the day Kanoto-u, from the hour of the Cock to the hour of the Dog the Uji River ran dry, and travelers hitched up the hems of their robes and crossed it on foot. In autumn, on the first day of the seventh month, the day Tsuchinoe-inu, there was a solar eclipse. On the fifth day, the day Mizunoe-tora, Izumo reported: "In the two districts of Tatenui and Izumo there was a great thunderstorm, and a landslide destroyed dwellings and buried the fields." On the day Kanoe-tora, there was an earthquake (Note: on consideration, this month contains no day beginning with Kanoe; this is probably an error for Kinoe-tora, which corresponds to the seventeenth day). On the twenty-sixth day, the day Mizunoto-i, the emperor made a progress to the Shigaraki Palace. In this month, there was a great storm in Kazusa. On the first day of the eighth month, the day Hinoto-u, he made a progress to the Kamo River, and renamed it the Miyagawa. In winter, on the sixteenth day of the tenth month, the day Kanoto-mi, an edict was issued ordering the construction of a great gilt-bronze image of Rushana Buddha. On the second day of the eleventh month, the day Hinoto-tori, the imperial carriage returned to the Kuni Palace. On the twenty-sixth day of the twelfth month, the day Kanoto-u, the Chinzeifu, the Garrison Headquarters of the Western Defense in Tsukushi, was established for the first time. Junior Fourth Rank Lower Ishikawa-no-Kami was made its general, and Outer Junior Fifth Rank Lower Ōtomo-no-Momoyo his deputy general. Before this, the Daigokuden of Heijō had been dismantled and moved to the Kuni Palace, but it took four years to complete, at enormous expense. By this time, the construction of the Shigaraki Palace had begun as well, and work on the Kuni Palace was halted.

¶In the sixteenth year, the year Kinoe-saru, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Hinoe-saru, the New Year's felicitations were cancelled. In the intercalary month, on the first day, the day Kinoto-ushi, an edict commanded: "Summon the hundred officials to the Chōdō, and have them debate which of the two capitals, Kuni or Naniwa, is the more convenient." On the fourth day, the day Tsuchinoe-tatsu, Junior Third Rank Kose-no-Natemaro and others were sent to the markets to gather the opinions of the people. On the tenth day, the day Kinoto-i, the emperor made a progress to the Naniwa Palace. On the thirteenth day, the day Hinoto-ushi, Prince Asaka died. On the tenth day of the second month, the day Kinoe-tatsu, he made a progress to the Izumi Palace. On the thirteenth day, the day Hinoto-hitsuji, the imperial carriage returned to the Naniwa Palace. On the twenty-first day, the day Kinoto-u, permission was granted to any of the common people of the Kuni capital who wished to move to Naniwa. On the twenty-second day, the day Hinoe-tatsu, he made a progress to Azumi Inlet. On the twenty-fourth day, the day Tsuchinoe-uma, he made a progress to the Shigaraki Palace. On the twenty-sixth day, the day Kanoe-saru, an imperial command fixed the Naniwa Palace as the capital. On the fourteenth day of the third month, the day Hinoto-ushi, two hundred monks were summoned to read through the Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra at the Shigaraki Palace. On the fifteenth day, the day Tsuchinoe-tora, three hundred monks were summoned to read the Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra at the Naniwa Palace. In summer, on the thirteenth day of the fourth month, the day Hinoe-uma, the mountain northwest of the Shigaraki Palace caught fire, and several thousand men and women from below the walls extinguished it. Cloth was accordingly bestowed on each of them, one bolt apiece. On the twenty-first day, the day Kinoe-tora, the two offices of the Bureau of Arms Manufacture and the Bureau of Smithing were abolished. In the fifth month, in Higo, there was thunder, rain, and an earthquake; mountains collapsed and water overflowed, and many people were crushed or drowned. Relief was given to them. On the twenty-first day of the sixth month, the day Mizunoe-ne, there was heavy rain and flooding. In autumn, on the second day of the seventh month, the day Mizunoto-i, the Retired Empress made a progress to the Chinu detached palace. On the seventh day, the day Tsuchinoe-tatsu, the Retired Empress made a progress to the Niki River. On the eighth day, the day Tsuchinoto-mi, the imperial carriage returned to the Naniwa Palace. On the fifteenth day of the ninth month, the day Kinoe-inu, circuit inspectors were sent to the home provinces and the seven circuits. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Hinoe-inu, thirty-two articles were distributed to the circuit inspectors, and an imperial command further declared: "Of late We have heard that the officials among the provincial governors and district officials do not uphold the laws, and seek profit for themselves at will. The public households grow more exhausted year by year, while the houses of those who covet private gain flourish day by day. How can those who serve as Our hands and feet be allowed to remain so? Henceforth, in accordance with the articles distributed, a report is without fail to be made upon the completion of each four-year review, shikō. The men concerned are at once to be demoted or advanced according to their good or ill conduct. In this way the clear and the muddy waters, keii, will at last be made to flow apart, and the worthy and the foolish each find their proper place. Should any of the circuit inspectors harbor a flattering or crooked heart, and err in judging promotion or demotion, let them be clearly admonished and instructed according to the law. Those who, without partiality or faction, correct the customs of the people with a pure and upright spirit, are to be singled out from the ordinary order of rank and appointed to offices of distinction. Let this be made known to the proper offices, that Our intent may be understood." In winter, on the eleventh day of the tenth month, the day Kanoe-ne, the Retired Empress made a progress to the detached palaces of Chinu and Takaharai. On the thirteenth day, the day Mizunoe-tora, the Retired Empress returned to the Naniwa Palace. On the thirteenth day of the eleventh month, the day Mizunoe-saru, work began on the Rushana Buddha image at Kōkaji. On this day, the central pillar, kotchū, was raised for the first time. The emperor himself was present, and with his own hands drew on the rope. On the fourteenth day, the day Mizunoto-tori, the Retired Empress made a progress to the Kōka Palace. On the seventeenth day, the day Hinoe-ne, the Retired Empress arrived from Naniwa (Note: since the capital had by this time already been moved to Naniwa, it makes no sense to record that she "arrived from Naniwa"; there is probably a missing character or some other error here, but the particulars remain unclear). On the second day of the twelfth month, the day Kanoe-tora, a comet appeared at the Shōgunsei, the General Star. On the fourth day, the day Mizunoe-tatsu, the provinces of the realm were ordered to perform the Yakushi rite of repentance, keka, for seven days. On the eighth day, the day Hinoe-saru, a hundred people were granted the tonsure, and ten thousand lamps were lit at Konshuji and along Suzaku Avenue.

¶In the seventeenth year, the year Kinoto-tori, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Tsuchinoto-hitsuji, the New Year's felicitations were cancelled. The walls of the new capital's palace were not yet built, and curtains were hung in their place. A banquet was held with those of the fifth rank and above, and stipends were bestowed, each according to standing. In summer, on the first day of the fourth month, the day Tsuchinoe-ne, the mountain west of the market caught fire. On the third day, the day Kanoe-tora, the mountain east of the temple caught fire. On the eighth day, the day Kinoto-hitsuji, Makiyama in Ise caught fire. Yamashiro, Iga, Ōmi, and other provinces were ordered to extinguish it. On the eleventh day, the day Tsuchinoe-inu, the mountain east of the palace walls caught fire and burned for three days without being put out. On the fifteenth day, the day Mizunoe-tora, Prince Shioyaki, who had been sentenced to exile, was summoned back. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Kinoe-tora, on the recommendation of the circuit inspectors, an edict remitted last year's rice-field tax of the provinces, and proclaimed a general amnesty throughout the realm. On this day there was an earthquake, which did not cease for three days; Mino suffered especially severely. On the second day of the fifth month, the day Tsuchinoto-hitsuji, the Saishōōkyō sutra was read for seven days at the temples of the capital. On this day, the Council of State summoned the several offices to deliberate on where the capital should be fixed. On the sixth day, the day Mizunoto-i, the imperial carriage returned to the Kuni Palace. The common people paid homage at the left side of the road, acclaiming the emperor with cries of long life. On the eighth day, the day Kinoto-ushi, an imperial command ordered the Daijikkyō sutra to be read at the four temples of Daianji, Yakushiji, Gangōji, and Kōfukuji, and offerings, heihaku, to be presented at the shrines to pray for rain. On the ninth day, the day Hinoe-tora, a thousand people of Ōmi province were conscripted to extinguish the mountain fires around the Kōka Palace. On the tenth day, the day Hinoto-u, the Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra was read at the Heijō Palace. From the first day of the month, the day Tsuchinoe-uma, down to this day, there was an earthquake every day. On the eleventh day, the day Tsuchinoe-tatsu, offerings, heihaku, were presented at the mausolea. The imperial carriage made a progress to Heijō, and took up residence at the Chūgūin. The several offices and the hundred officials each returned to their original posts. On the sixteenth day, the day Mizunoto-tori, there was an earthquake. On the eighteenth day, the day Kinoto-i, there was shaking once again. The emperor himself went to the granaries at Matsubayashi, and bestowed grain on the attendant officials, each according to standing. In this month, the earthquakes were no ordinary matter, and in many places the earth split open and water gushed forth. On the fourth day of the sixth month, the day Kanoe-tora, envoys were sent to present offerings, heihaku, at the Grand Shrine. On the fifth day, the day Kanoto-u, the Dazaifu was reestablished. In autumn, on the fifth day of the seventh month, the day Kanoe-saru, rain was prayed for. On the seventeenth day, the day Mizunoe-saru, there was an earthquake. On the eighteenth day, the day Mizunoto-tori, there was shaking once again. On the fifteenth day of the eighth month, the day Kanoe-ne, a Great Unrestricted Assembly, mushadaie, was held at the Daianden. On the twenty-fourth day, the day Tsuchinoto-tori, there was an earthquake. On the twenty-eighth day, the day Mizunoto-ushi, the emperor made a progress to the Naniwa Palace. On the last day of the month, the day Kinoe-tora, there was an earthquake. On the second day of the ninth month, the day Hinoe-tatsu, there was shaking once again. On the fourth day, the day Tsuchinoe-uma, the Director of the Great Council of State and concurrently Minister of Civil Affairs, Prince Suzuka, died. On the fifteenth day, the day Tsuchinoto-mi, the slaughter of animals throughout the realm was forbidden for three years. On the seventeenth day, the day Mizunoto-hitsuji, an imperial command was given: "We have of late found no rest upon Our pillow, and Our ill health has now continued for somewhat more than ten days. We consider that there must be some fault in Our way of governing, and that the people have thereby fallen into crime in great numbers. A general amnesty is proclaimed throughout the realm, pardoning entirely even those offenses not forgiven under an ordinary amnesty. Relief is to be given to the aged of eighty years and above, and to widowers, widows, the solitary, and those gravely and chronically ill who cannot support themselves." On the nineteenth day, the day Mizunoto-tori, the emperor's condition was poor. An imperial command ordered the officials left in charge at Heijō and Kuni to guard the palace strictly. All the grandsons of imperial princes, son'ō, were summoned to the Naniwa Palace, and envoys were sent to collect the bell and seal of the Heijō Palace. The rite of Yakushi repentance, keka, was performed at the temples and renowned mountains of the capital and home provinces, and offerings, heihaku, were presented at the shrines of Kamo, Matsuo, and others, with prayers offered there. Hawks and cormorants throughout the provinces were released, and three thousand eight hundred people were granted the tonsure. On the twentieth day, the day Kinoe-inu, envoys were sent to present offerings, heihaku, at the Hachiman Shrine. The capital and home provinces were ordered to make a hundred copies of the Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra, to make seven images of Yakushi, and to copy seven scrolls of the Yakushi Sutra. On the twenty-third day, the day Hinoto-ushi, six hundred monks were assembled at the Chūgū of Heijō to read the Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra. On the twenty-sixth day, the day Kanoe-tatsu, the imperial carriage returned to Heijō. In winter, on the twenty-eighth day of the tenth month, the day Kanoto-i, Kawachi reported that a white tortoise had been obtained. On the second day of the eleventh month, the day Kinoto-u, the monk Genbō was assigned to Tsukushi, to oversee the construction of Kanzeonji. On the fifteenth day of the twelfth month, the day Tsuchinoe-inu, the weapons of the Kuni Palace were moved to Heijō.

¶In the eighteenth year, the year Hinoe-inu, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Mizunoto-ushi, the New Year's felicitations were cancelled. On the fourteenth day, the day Hinoe-tora, there was an earthquake. On the twenty-eighth day, the day Kanoe-tatsu, a woman of the Right Capital gave birth to three daughters at once, and was given rice. On the twenty-ninth day, the day Kanoto-mi, there was an earthquake. On the last day of the month, the day Mizunoe-uma, there was shaking once again. On the seventh day of the third month, the day Tsuchinoto-hitsuji, since Kawachi had presented the white tortoise, one grade of honorary rank, shaku, was conferred on those of the sixth rank and below throughout the realm, and two grades on filial sons and obedient grandchildren, righteous husbands and chaste wives, and those diligent in farming. On the fifteenth day, the day Hinoto-u, an imperial command was given: "To raise up and make flourish the Three Treasures is a field of blessing, fukuden, for the state. To cherish and nurture the myriad people was a flourishing canon of the former kings. For this reason, that the foundation of the sacred treasure may be made firm forever, the imperial line long continued, the realm at peace, and the people brought to benefit, the Ninnō Hannyakyō, the Sutra of the Benevolent Kings, is to be lectured on. Hearing its teaching, compassion comes first of all. Clemency should be granted throughout the realm." In summer, on the fifth day of the fourth month, the day Hinoe-inu, the Minister of the Left, Tachibana-no-Moroe, was made concurrently Governor-General of the Dazaifu; the Middle Counselor, Fujiwara-no-Toyonari, was made concurrently Pacification Commissioner of Tōkaidō; the Councillor and Minister of Civil Affairs, Fujiwara-no-Nakamaro, concurrently Pacification Commissioner of Tōzandō; the Middle Counselor, Kose-no-Natemaro, concurrently Pacification Commissioner of both Hokurikudō and San'indō; the Councillor, Ōtomo-no-Ushikai, concurrently Pacification Commissioner of San'yōdō; and the Councillor, Ki-no-Maro, concurrently Pacification Commissioner of Nankaidō. On the ninth day of the fifth month, the day Kanoe-saru, temples were forbidden to privately purchase the fields and gardens of the common people and hold them in perpetuity as temple land. On the fifth day of the sixth month, the day Hinoe-inu, there was an earthquake. In autumn, on the first day of the seventh month, the day Kanoto-i, envoys were sent to the home provinces to pray for rain. On the third day of the ninth month, the day Mizunoe-ne, Princess Agata was sent to serve at the Saigū, the Shrine Priestess's residence, in Ise. On the thirteenth day, the day Mizunoe-inu, there was an earthquake. On the last day of the month, the day Tsuchinoe-tora, the Daigokuden of Kuni was donated to become a provincial temple, Kokubunji. In the intercalary month, on the thirteenth day, the day Kanoto-u, there was an earthquake. In winter, on the sixth day of the tenth month, the day Kinoe-tora, the emperor and empress accompanied the Retired Empress on a progress to Konshuji, and celebrated the erection of the Rushana Buddha image. In this month, Hyūga reported that silkworms had been damaged by wind and rain, and its tribute and labor-tax were accordingly remitted. On the tenth day of the twelfth month, the day Hinoto-mi, the Pacification Commissioners of the seven circuits were abolished, and soldiers were newly levied and assigned from the provinces of the capital and home provinces. In this year, more than eleven hundred people of Balhae and of the Tetsuri tribe came to court, drawn by the virtue of the realm. They were settled in Dewa, given clothing and provisions, and then sent home.

¶In the nineteenth year, the year Hinoto-i, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Hinoto-ushi, the New Year's felicitations were cancelled. The emperor came forth to the Southern Garden and held a banquet with his attendant ministers. An imperial command was given: "We have long been unwell in sleep and diet, and this has continued for years now. When We reflect upon Ourself and consider others, how could We lack a heart of pity and compassion? A general amnesty should be proclaimed throughout the realm, and those in grief and suffering relieved." On the twentieth day of the second month, the day Hinoto-u, since last year's drought had caused a poor harvest of grain, an edict ordered that tax grain, cloth, and salt be bestowed on the ministers and those below them, down to officials of saichōjō rank and above in the several offices, each according to standing. On the twenty-second day, the day Tsuchinoe-tatsu, relief was given for famine in Ōyamato, Kawachi, Settsu, Ise, Shima, Ōmi, Tanba, Izumo, Harima, Mimasaka, Bizen, Bitchū, Kii, Awaji, and Sanuki. On the sixteenth day of the third month, the day Kanoto-u, Ōyamato province was renamed once again as Great Yamato. In summer, on the fourteenth day of the fourth month, the day Tsuchinoto-hitsuji, relief was given for drought and epidemic disease in Kii. On the twelfth day of the fifth month, the day Hinoto-i, there was an earthquake. On the fifteenth day, the day Kanoe-tora, the Ninnōkyō sutra was lectured on in the Southern Garden, and the provinces of the realm were likewise ordered to have it lectured on. On the eighteenth day, the day Mizunoto-mi, relief was given for famine in Ōmi and Sanuki. On the fifteenth day of the sixth month, the day Tsuchinoto-hitsuji, the u rite, a prayer for rain, was performed at the Rajō Gate. In autumn, on the seventh day of the seventh month, the day Kanoto-mi, an edict was issued: "Since the sixth month, drought has continued in the capital. We have presented offerings, heihaku, at the renowned mountains, and prayed for rain at the shrines, but though We have exhausted Our sincerity, no favor has come, and the seedlings and crops are scorched and withered. This is probably because Our governance and teaching have not yet reached to the ruling of the people. This year's rice-field tax of the Left and Right Capitals is remitted." In winter, on the first day of the tenth month, the day Mizunoto-u, there was a solar eclipse. On the fourteenth day of the twelfth month, the day Kinoto-u, on account of the Retired Empress's illness, a general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm.

¶In the twentieth year, the year Tsuchinoe-ne, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Mizunoe-saru, the New Year's felicitations were cancelled. On the eighth day of the third month, the day Tsuchinoe-tora, an imperial command was given: "We, of scant virtue, reign over the four seas, and from early morning to late at night have grieved and toiled over the myriad people. Yet still Our teaching and transformation have not spread abroad, and many violate the prohibitions. This is because Our instruction and guidance have not been made plain, and is no fault of the people. Every offense rests with Us alone. All should be permitted to wash away their faults and stains, and to make themselves new again. A general amnesty may be proclaimed throughout the realm." In summer, on the twenty-first day of the fourth month, the day Kanoe-saru, the Retired Empress passed away. On the twenty-second day, the day Kanoto-tori, an imperial command ordered three days of mourning throughout the realm. On the twenty-eighth day, the day Hinoto-u, Empress Genshō was buried, and an imperial command ordered mourning dress to be worn throughout the realm. On the fifth day of the sixth month, the day Mizunoto-u, the hundred officials and the provinces put off their mourning dress. In autumn, on the eighteenth day of the seventh month, the day Hinoe-inu, a thousand copies of the Lotus Sutra were made, to pray for Empress Genshō's repose in the afterlife. On the fifth day of the eighth month, the day Mizunoto-u, the ceremony, implements, and dress of the sekiten, the rite honoring Confucius, were newly fixed. On the twenty-first day, the day Tsuchinoto-hitsuji, the imperial carriage made a progress to the house of Fujii-no-Hironari, a man of rank without office. In winter, on the twenty-eighth day of the tenth month, the day Kinoto-ushi, an edict remitted the rice-field tax of the capital, home provinces, and seven circuits. On the eighteenth day of the twelfth month, the day Kinoe-tora, envoys were sent to perform rites of placation at the Saho mausoleum, and a thousand monks and a thousand nuns were granted the tonsure. In this year, Kawachi, Izumo, Ōmi, and Harima were struck by famine, and relief was given.

¶In the first year of Tenpyō-Kanpō, the year Tsuchinoto-ushi, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Hinoe-tora, the New Year's felicitations were cancelled. The temples of the realm were ordered to perform the rite of repentance, keka, for seven days and to read through the Konkōmyōkyō sutra, and the taking of life was forbidden throughout the realm. On the fourth day, the day Tsuchinoto-mi, since the drought of recent years had caused a poor harvest of the five grains, rice was given to the civil and military officials and to the household stewards, shokashi, of the princely houses. On the twenty-first day of the second month, the day Hinoe-tatsu, since anonymous denunciations had become frequent, an edict was handed down: "Let the hundred officials and the students of the university be instructed and admonished." On the twenty-second day, the day Hinoto-mi, Mutsu presented gold in tribute for the first time. Offerings, heihaku, were presented at the shrines of the home provinces and the seven circuits, to announce this. On the first day of the third month, the day Kinoto-ushi, there was a solar eclipse. This spring, Kazusa suffered famine, Shimōsa suffered famine from drought and locusts, and Iwami was struck by epidemic disease; relief was given in each case. In summer, on the first day of the fourth month, the day Kinoe-uma, the emperor made a progress to Tōdaiji and, facing north, came before the image of Rushana Buddha. The empress and the crown prince attended him, and the assembled ministers, hundred officials, and gentry and commoners were ranked behind the hall. The Minister of the Left, Tachibana-no-Moroe, was sent to announce to the Buddha that gold had been found in Mutsu. An edict was also proclaimed to the imperial kin, the hundred officials, and the myriad people. On the second day, the day Kinoto-hitsuji, a general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm. On the fifth day, the day Tsuchinoe-inu, the Minister of Popular Affairs, Ki-no-Maro, and others were sent to Ise to present offerings, heihaku, at the Grand Shrine. On the fourteenth day, the day Hinoto-hitsuji, the emperor made a progress to Tōdaiji, and came forth to the hall before Rushana Buddha. An edict raised the Minister of the Left, Junior First Rank Tachibana-no-Moroe, to Senior First Rank, and made the Major Counselor, Fujiwara-no-Toyonari, Minister of the Right. On this day, the era name was changed. On the twenty-seventh day of the fifth month, the day Kanoe-tora, grain was given, five to apiece, to widowers, widows, orphans, the solitary, and those suffering from illness who could not support themselves. Filial sons and obedient grandchildren, and righteous husbands and chaste wives, were honored and exempted for life from their tax and labor dues; those diligent in farming who held no rank were granted one grade of rank; this year's rice-field tax throughout the realm, and three years of Mutsu's tribute and labor-tax, were remitted. In the intercalary month, on the ninth day, the day Mizunoe-tora, a thousand people were granted the tonsure within the palace. On the tenth day, the day Mizunoto-u, an edict was issued: "We, of scant virtue, have reverently succeeded to the imperial throne, and have always feared lest We mar the favor with which Heaven and earth cover and nurture all things, and fail the trust the myriad people place in Us; We do nothing but grieve and toil in vain, while the business of government still seems to fall short. That the gods should send down reproach is truly Our own doing. Of late, in this season of burning heat, Our sleep and diet have not been well, the hundred officials go about in fear and awe, and those at Our side have given Us their utmost devotion. We now wish to follow closely the heart of Heaven, and to dispel the baleful vapors of calamity. We therefore seek a way to amend the past, and wish to confess deeply the faults that lie within Ourself. We should let flow a favor as broad as sweat, and spread abroad a government that washes and purifies. A general amnesty may be proclaimed throughout the realm. This does not, however, extend to those who have killed their father or mother, or who have defaced a sacred image of the Buddha." On the twenty-third day, the day Hinoe-tatsu, the emperor moved his residence to Yakushiji. In autumn, on the second day of the seventh month, the day Kinoe-uma, he yielded the throne to the crown princess.

¶The emperor deeply revered the Buddhist law, and honored and trusted the monk Gyōki and others; he called himself the Slave of the Three Treasures, Sanbōnu, and also styled himself the novice Shōman.

¶In the fourth month of the sixth year of Tenpyō-Shōhō, he made a progress to Tōdaiji, ascended the ordination platform, and received the bodhisattva precepts from the Tang priest Ganjin. The empress and Empress Kōken also received the precepts together with him (Note: the entries from Tenpyō-Shōhō onward follow the Nihon Kōsōden. The Genkō Shakusho states that in the first month of the twenty-first year of Tenpyō, the retired emperor summoned Gyōki to the Nakajima Palace in Heijō and received the bodhisattva precepts from him, treating the reception of the precepts from Ganjin as an event of the previous year. On consideration of the various works, however, the account in the Genkō Shakusho is probably mistaken).

¶In the eighth year of Tenpyō-Shōhō, on the third day of the fifth month, the day Kinoto-u, he passed away in the sleeping hall. He was fifty-six years of age (Note: his age follows this work's own statement that he was born in the first year of Taihō, together with the Rekidai Kōki). He was buried at the Saho mausoleum (Note: the Engishiki adds the character for "South" beneath "Saho-yama"). At the funeral rites were used a lion throne, shishiza, an incense throne for the Son of Heaven, a golden wheel banner, kondō, great and small jeweled banners, hōdō, incense banners, kōdō, flower garlands, kemon, canopies, gai, and parasols, san; in every particular these matched the rites offered to the Buddha, and flute players performed the melody of ceremonial circumambulation, gyōdō. Once, when the emperor was making a progress through the capital, he happened to pass by a prison on his way, and hearing cries of anguish, felt deep pity in his heart. He sent envoys to review once more the gravity of the prisoners' offenses, and in his mercy pardoned the death penalty and all lesser offenses entirely, bestowing clothing on them as well and permitting them to make themselves new. Because the emperor had renounced the world and taken refuge in the Buddha, no posthumous name was conferred on him at the time (Note: the Mizukagami states that the emperor abdicated the throne and took the tonsure, rakushoku. The Gukanshō and the Ichidai Yōki state that the emperor renounced the world. On consideration of this work's own Annals of Empress Kōken, there is a record of his renouncing the world, but none of his taking the tonsure, and it is not clear on what the Mizukagami's statement is based).

¶In the second year of Tenpyō-Hōji, he was subsequently given the honorific title of Shōhō Kanjin Shōmu Tennō, and the posthumous name Amenoshirushi-Kunioshiharaki-Toyosakurahiko-no-Mikoto. He later came to be known as Emperor Shōmu.