Empress Kōken

Empress Kōken

¶Empress Kōken's personal name was Abe. She was the daughter of Emperor Shōmu. Her mother was the Empress of the Fujiwara clan, Empress Kōmyō.

¶She was born in the second year of Yōrō (Note: her birth year follows this work's own statement that she died at the age of fifty-three). She became an Imperial Princess, and was granted a stipend of one thousand households (Note: the information from "stipend" onward follows this work's Annals of the Deposed Emperor).

¶In the first month of the tenth year of Tenpyō, she was installed as crown princess.

¶On the fifth day of the fifth month of the fifteenth year, Emperor Shōmu assembled his ministers within the palace and held a banquet. The crown princess herself performed the Gosechi dance, and Empress Genshō composed a poem in praise of it.

¶In the first year of Tenpyō-Kanpō, on the second day of the seventh month, the day Kinoe-uma, she received the abdicated throne and ascended it at the Daigokuden, the Hall of State. She was thirty-five years of age at the time (Note: her age follows this work's own statement that she died at the age of fifty-three, together with the Kōnendaiki and the Kōnendai Ryakki; the Rekidai Kōki gives thirty-one, but this is mistaken). The Minister of the Left, Tachibana-no-Moroe, and the Minister of the Right, Fujiwara-no-Toyonari, both remained in office as before (Note: the information from "the Minister of the Left" onward follows the Kugyō Bunin). On this day, the era name was changed to Tenpyō-Shōhō.

¶In the first year of Tenpyō-Shōhō, the year Tsuchinoto-ushi, in autumn, on the twelfth day of the seventh month, the day Kinoe-tatsu, the Minister of the Right, Fujiwara-no-Toyonari, relinquished the post of General of the Central Guards, Chūe-no-Daishō, and the Major Counselor, Fujiwara-no-Nakamaro, took up that post concurrently (Note: no other work records Toyonari's relinquishing the post of general, but the Kugyō Bunin records that he held the post of general for about eight years. Reckoning from this, Toyonari took up the post of general concurrently in the fourteenth year of Tenpyō, and by this year about eight years had passed. It may be inferred that Toyonari relinquished the post and Nakamaro took his place; this is accordingly appended to the entry for this day. As for Nakamaro's holding the post of general concurrently, this work records the matter under the ninth month of the eighth year of Tenpyō-Hōji, but gives no month or day; this account accordingly follows the Kugyō Bunin). On the tenth day of the eighth month, the day Kanoto-hitsuji, Fujiwara-no-Nakamaro took up the post of Director of the Shibi, the Central Secretariat, concurrently. On the twenty-first day, the day Mizunoe-uma, the Hayato of Ōsumi and Satsuma presented tribute, chō.

¶On the sixth day of the ninth month, the day Hinoto-tori, Princess Oyake was made Ise Priestess, Saiō (Note: this work records, under the entry for the intercalary fifth month of this year, that the Ise Priestess left the Saigū, the Priestess's residence, on account of a parent's mourning, but contains no statement that a priestess was appointed; the information from "the sixth day" onward follows the Ichidai Yōki). On the seventh day, the day Tsuchinoe-inu, the ranks and offices of the Shibi Chūdai, the Central Secretariat, were established. In winter, on the ninth day of the tenth month, the day Kanoe-uma, she made a progress to Chishikiji in Kawachi province. On the fourteenth day, the day Kinoto-i, she made a progress to Ishikawa, bestowed cloth on the common people of the places she passed through, remitted their arrears, and bestowed cloth as well on the officials who had attended her. On the fifteenth day, the day Hinoe-ne, she returned to the Ōgōri Palace.

¶On the twenty-fifth day of the eleventh month, the day Kinoto-u, the Daijōsai, the Great Thanksgiving Rite, was performed at the new palace of Minami-no-Yakuon. On the eighteenth day of the twelfth month, the day Tsuchinoe-tora, the great god Hachiman of Usa was moved to the new hall of Nashihara, and forty monks were made to perform the rite of repentance, keka, for seven days. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Hinoto-i, the empress, accompanying the Retired Emperor — the Retired Emperor Shōmu — and the Empress Dowager — Empress Dowager Kōmyō — made a progress to Tōdaiji. Five thousand monks were assembled, rites of worship and sutra recitation were performed, and dance and music were performed. A stipend of four thousand households, and a hundred male and female servants, were granted to Tōdaiji.

¶In the second year, the year Kanoe-tora, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Kanoe-tora, she came forth to the Daianden and received the New Year's felicitations. On this day, the imperial carriage returned to the Ōgōri Palace. On the ninth day of the second month, the day Tsuchinoe-tatsu, she moved her residence to the Yakushiji Palace. On the sixteenth day, the day Kinoto-i, she made a progress to the Kasuga Sakadono. On the twenty-second day, the day Kanoto-mi, the empress, accompanying the Retired Emperor and Empress Dowager, made a progress to Tōdaiji, and increased its stipend to five thousand households (Note: the information from "the twenty-second day" onward follows the edict of the seventh month of the fourth year of Tenpyō-Hōji in this work's Annals of the Deposed Emperor. The edict preserved at Tōdaiji dates this to the twentieth day of the intercalary fifth month of the first year, but this work's own account is followed here for now). On the tenth day of the third month, the day Tsuchinoe-inu, the governor of Suruga province, Narahara-no-Azumahito, obtained gold and presented it.

¶In summer, on the fourth day of the fourth month, the day Kanoto-tori, an edict was issued: "We have of late had a thought in mind. We have held to the Yakushi Sutra, performed ceremonial circumambulation, gyōdō, reciting the sutra as we circled the Buddha, and carried out rites of repentance. We wish to extend benevolence, and together with it to bring deliverance to the people. We wish to wash away entirely the stains of past transgression, and to make Ourself new once more. A general amnesty should be proclaimed throughout the realm, and this year's tribute of the four home provinces remitted." On the eighth day of the fifth month, the day Kinoto-hitsuji, a hundred monks were summoned to the Anden of the Middle Palace, and made to lecture on the Ninnōkyō, the Sutra of the Benevolent Kings. It was also lectured on throughout the capital, home provinces, and seven circuits. On the twenty-fourth day, the day Kanoto-i, lightning struck the pagoda of Nakayamadera, and in the capital rainwater overflowed.

¶On the seventh day of the sixth month, the day Mizunoto-i, Bizen province suffered famine, and relief was given. In autumn, on the eighteenth day of the seventh month, the day Kinoe-tatsu, women of Settsu and Mikawa each gave birth to three children at once; both were given official tax grain, shōzei, and a wet nurse. On the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, the day Tsuchinoto-tori, Junior Fourth Rank Lower Fujiwara-no-Kiyokawa was made chief envoy to Tang, and Junior Fifth Rank Lower Ōtomo-no-Komaro his deputy envoy. In winter, on the eighteenth day of the tenth month, the day Tsuchinoto-tori, Empress Genshō was reburied.

¶In the third year, the year Kanoto-u, in spring, on the fourteenth day of the first month, the day Tsuchinoe-inu, she made a progress to Tōdaiji. In summer, on the fourth day of the fourth month, the day Hinoe-tatsu, the Councillor, Ishikawa-no-Toshitari, was sent to Ise to present offerings, heihaku, at the Grand Shrine. Envoys were also sent to present offerings at the shrines of the realm, to pray for the safety of the mission to Tang. In autumn, on the first day of the eighth month, the day Kanoto-i, there was a solar eclipse. In winter, on the twenty-third day of the tenth month, the day Mizunoe-saru, on account of the Retired Emperor's illness, a general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm. On the seventh day of the eleventh month, the day Hinoe-inu, Junior Fourth Rank Upper Kibi-no-Makibi was made deputy envoy to Tang (Note: in the ninth month of the previous year, Ōtomo-no-Komaro had been made deputy envoy, yet here Makibi is again made deputy envoy; the reason for this is not clear). On the tenth day, the day Tsuchinoto-ushi, an edict remitted the unpaid tax, public and private, owed from before the first year of Tenpyō-Shōhō. In this year, the Jōrakue assembly was established for the first time (Note: the information from "in this year" onward follows the Ichidai Yōki. The Nenjū Gyōji states that the Jōrakue of Kōfukuji is held on the fifteenth day of the second month, but does not record its origin; it probably began on this occasion).

¶In the fourth year, the year Mizunoe-tatsu, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Tsuchinoto-u, the Dazaifu presented a white tortoise. On the third day, the day Kanoto-mi, an edict was issued: "The taking of life is forbidden throughout the realm this year. To the common people dwelling along the coast whose livelihood is fishing, let two shō of millet be given per person, per day. Let relief be given to widowers, widows, the solitary, and the destitute and chronically ill who cannot support themselves." On the eleventh day, the day Tsuchinoto-ushi, there was an earthquake. Since the Retired Emperor was ill, a thousand monks and nuns were granted the tonsure. On the twenty-fifth day, the day Mizunoto-u, Senior Seventh Rank Lower Yamaguchi-no-Hitomaro was made envoy to Silla.

¶In summer, on the ninth day of the fourth month, the day Kinoto-tori, she made a progress to Tōdaiji, and celebrated the great image of Rushana Buddha. The ceremonial guard of the hundred officials was arrayed as at the New Year's audience. Ten thousand monks were summoned and a religious feast held, and dance and music were performed. No religious observance before this had ever been so magnificent. That evening, she returned to the Tamura mansion of the Major Counselor, Fujiwara-no-Nakamaro. On the fourteenth day of the sixth month, the day Tsuchinoto-ushi, the Silla prince Kim Tae-ryeom came to court and presented tribute. In autumn, on the twentieth day of the seventh month, the day Kinoe-ne, a woman of Shimōsa province gave birth to four children at once; grain and a wet nurse were bestowed on her. On the seventeenth day of the eighth month, the day Kanoe-tora, seventeen shamans, fugeki, of the capital were apprehended and sentenced to exile. In winter, on the first day of the tenth month, the day Kinoe-inu, there was an earthquake. On the second day, the day Kinoto-i, there was another earthquake. On the first day of the twelfth month, the day Tsuchinoto-tori, there was a solar eclipse.

¶In the fifth year, the year Mizunoto-mi, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Mizunoto-u, the New Year's felicitations were cancelled. On the ninth day of the second month, the day Kanoto-mi, Junior Fifth Rank Lower Ono-no-Tamori was made chief envoy to Silla (Note: this work records that Yamaguchi-no-Hitomaro was made envoy to Silla in the first month of the fourth year, yet here Tamori is again made envoy to Silla. This was probably because, on the arrival at court of the Silla prince, the earlier appointment was set aside and a new one made. On consideration, this work records no return of Tamori after this, stating only that he became Junior Assistant Governor-General of the Dazaifu the following year. According to the entry for the day Mizunoto-u of the ninth month of the fourth year of Tenpyō-Hōji, Silla on this occasion failed in courtesy, and Tamori returned without accomplishing his mission; that his return is not recorded here is probably a textual omission). On the twenty-ninth day of the third month, the day Kanoe-uma, a hundred high seats were set up at Tōdaiji, and the Ninnōkyō sutra was lectured on there. A whirlwind suddenly arose, and the lecture could not be completed.

¶In summer, on the ninth day of the fourth month, the day Kanoe-tatsu, the lecture was held once more, but the whirlwind arose again. On the fifteenth day, the day Hinoe-inu, since the Empress Dowager was ill, an edict proclaimed a general amnesty throughout the realm. On the twenty-fifth day of the fifth month, the day Kinoto-ushi, Balhae came to court and brought tribute. In autumn, on the fifth day of the ninth month, the day Mizunoe-tora, there was a great storm in Settsu province; the sea overflowed and destroyed houses, and many of the people were swept away by the waves and drowned. Relief was given. In winter, on the second day of the eleventh month, the day Tsuchinoto-i, Owari province presented a white tortoise. On the eleventh day of the twelfth month, the day Hinoto-ushi, this year's rice-field tax was remitted for the districts of Settsu province that had suffered flood damage. On the thirteenth day, the day Tsuchinoto-u, since the autumn harvest of Saikaidō had been greatly damaged, this year's rice-field tax was remitted there.

¶In the sixth year, the year Kinoe-uma, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Hinoto-tori, Kōzuke province presented a white swan. On the fifth day, the day Kanoto-ushi, she made a progress to Tōdaiji, and lit twenty thousand lamps. An edict was issued: "At the opening of the year, the calendar begins anew, and as the year turns and spring arrives, Heaven and earth practice benevolence, and their bounty reaches even to the birds and beasts, the plants and trees. The enlightened sovereigns of antiquity, meeting with so fine a season, never failed to spread the harmony of the time and to extend broadly their ordinances of loving care. Though We are of scant virtue, how could We fail to follow their example? A general amnesty should be proclaimed throughout the realm." On the sixteenth day, the day Mizunoe-ne, Ōtomo-no-Komaro returned from Tang.

¶On the twentieth day of the second month, the day Hinoe-inu, an edict was given to the Dazaifu: "In the seventh year of Tenpyō, the late Senior Assistant Governor-General, Ono-no-Oyu, sent Takahashi-no-Ushikai to the southern islands to set up markers there, but with the years these have decayed and fallen into ruin. Let them now be repaired as before, and let each marker show the name of the island, and the place where ships may anchor, where water may be found, and the course of the route. Let this allow drifting ships to know in which direction to return." On the tenth day of the third month, the day Hinoe-uma, an envoy was sent to present the gifts received from Tang at the Yamashina mausoleum, the tomb of Emperor Tenji. In summer, in the fourth month, she made a progress to Tōdaiji and received the bodhisattva precepts (Note: the information from "in summer, in the fourth month" onward follows the Nihon Kōsōden, the Teiō Hennenki, the Rekidai Kōki, and the Ganjin Tōseiden).

¶In autumn, on the thirteenth day of the seventh month, the day Hinoe-uma, since the Grand Empress Dowager — Empress Dowager Kōmyō — had fallen ill, an edict proclaimed a general amnesty throughout the realm, and a hundred and seven monks and nuns were granted the tonsure. On the nineteenth day, the day Mizunoe-ne, the Grand Empress Dowager of the Fujiwara clan — Empress Dowager Kōmyō — died. On the fourth day of the eighth month, the day Hinoto-u, the Grand Empress Dowager was buried. In winter, on the fourteenth day of the tenth month, the day Kinoto-i, officials and commoners were forbidden to gather to play sugoroku. On the eighteenth day, the day Tsuchinoto-u, archery fields, shaden, for the encouragement of the martial art of archery were established in the home provinces and seven circuits. In the intercalary month, on the twentieth day, the day Kanoto-i, the Dazaifu was ordered to perform rites of placation for a landslide that had occurred within its jurisdiction.

¶On the first day of the eleventh month, the day Kanoto-tori, circuit inspectors were sent to the several circuits. Junior Fourth Rank Upper Prince Ikeda was made home provinces inspector, Junior Fifth Rank Lower Ki-no-Odate Tōkaidō inspector, Ishikawa-no-Toyonari Tōzandō inspector, Fujiwara-no-Murashi Hokurikudō inspector, Junior Fifth Rank Upper Ōtomo-no-Yakamochi San'indō inspector, Junior Fifth Rank Lower Abe-no-Emishi San'yōdō inspector, Tajihi-no-Kohito Nankaidō inspector, and Junior Fourth Rank Upper Ki-no-Iimaro Saikaidō inspector. On the eighth day, the day Tsuchinoe-tatsu, an edict ordered forty-nine monks to make offerings to the Yakushi Buddha, to pray for the health of the Retired Emperor and the Empress Dowager, and a general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm. On the twenty-fourth day, the day Kinoe-saru, the monk Gyōshin of Yakushiji was sent to Shimotsuke Yakushiji (Note: the original text lacks a clear verb at this point; the sense has been rendered here as best as can be determined from the original). On the twenty-seventh day, the day Hinoto-i, Ōmiwa-no-Yashirome was exiled to Hyūga, and Tamaro was exiled to Tanegashima. In this year, the provinces of the home provinces suffered wind and flood damage, and relief was given.

¶In the seventh year, the year Kinoto-hitsuji, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Kanoto-tori, the New Year's felicitations were cancelled on account of mourning, ryōan. On the fourth day, the day Kinoe-ne, an edict changed the character used for "year" from nen to sai. On the twenty-eighth day of the third month, the day Hinoto-i, in accordance with an oracle of the great god Hachiman, the stipend households and rank-fields of its shrine were confiscated, and only its regular shrine fields, jōshinden, were left to it. In summer, on the fifteenth day of the sixth month, the day Mizunoto-u, Aki province presented a white swan. In winter, on the twenty-first day of the tenth month, the day Hinoe-uma, the Retired Emperor fell ill. An edict was issued: "Let a general amnesty be proclaimed throughout the realm, and let the widowers, widows, the solitary, and the destitute and chronically ill be given relief and comfort. From this day until the last day of the twelfth month, the taking of life is forbidden. Let envoys be sent to the mausolea of Yamashina and Ōuchi, and others, to present offerings and pray there." On the second day of the eleventh month, the day Hinoto-mi, an envoy was sent to Ise to present offerings, heihaku, at the Grand Shrine.

¶In the eighth year, the year Hinoe-saru, in spring, on the second day of the second month, the day Hinoe-tatsu, the Minister of the Left, Tachibana-no-Moroe, retired, chishi, from office. On the twenty-fourth day, the day Tsuchinoe-saru, she made a progress to Naniwa. On the twenty-fifth day, the day Tsuchinoto-tori, the imperial carriage passed by seven temples, including Chishiki-sange, and rites of worship were performed. On the twenty-sixth day, the day Kanoe-inu, palace attendants, udoneri, were sent to six temples to recite sutras. On the twenty-eighth day, the day Mizunoe-ne, the progress arrived at the Naniwa new palace.

¶On the first day of the third month, the day Kinoe-tora, the Retired Emperor made a progress to Horie. On the second day, the day Kinoto-u, an edict remitted the rice-field tax of Kawachi and Settsu. On the fifth day, the day Tsuchinoe-uma, envoys were sent to have sutras recited at the temples of Settsu. In summer, on the fourteenth day of the fourth month, the day Hinoto-tori, an edict was issued: "Of late the Retired Emperor's sacred person has lain ill, and though many days have already passed, he has not yet recovered. We have heard it said that nothing surpasses a wind of benevolence for dispelling calamity and bringing blessing, and that it is truly through virtuous government that illness is relieved and life prolonged. A general amnesty should be proclaimed throughout the realm. Let relief be given, in due measure, to widowers, widows, the solitary, and the destitute and chronically ill." On the seventeenth day, the day Kanoe-ne, the imperial carriage returned to the palace. On the twenty-second day, the day Kinoto-mi, an envoy was sent to Ise to present offerings, heihaku, at the Grand Shrine. On the last day of the month, the day Mizunoe-ne, a physician, a meditation master, and an official were each sent to the Left and Right Capitals and the four home provinces, to treat those stricken with the measles-like epidemic disease, shinshitsu. Envoys were also sent to present offerings at the Hachiman Shrine.

¶On the third day of the fifth month, the day Kinoto-u, an envoy was sent to Ise to present offerings, heihaku, at the Grand Shrine, and this year's rice-field tax throughout the realm was remitted. On this day, the Retired Emperor Shōmu died. In his final testament, he decreed: "Let the Minister of the Ministry of Central Affairs, Prince Funado, be made crown prince." On the seventh day, the day Tsuchinoto-hitsuji, the civil and military hundred officials put on plain mourning robes, sofuku, and performed the rites of mourning. On the twentieth day, the day Mizunoe-saru, Emperor Shōmu was buried. On the twenty-fourth day, the day Hinoe-ne, in recognition of the monk Hōei's service in attending Emperor Shōmu with medicine during his illness, the labor dues of his home district were remitted. On the twenty-fifth day, the day Hinoto-ushi, the labor dues of the households to which the hundred and twenty-six meditation masters who had attended the former emperor during his illness belonged were remitted.

¶On the eighth day of the sixth month, the day Kanoe-tora, an edict proclaimed: "The taking of life is forbidden throughout the realm from this day until the thirtieth day of the fifth month of next year." On the tenth day, the day Mizunoe-tatsu, an edict was issued: "Of late We have sent out envoys and artisans separately, to inspect and press forward the Buddhist images of the provinces, and at the same time to have halls and pagodas built in time for next year's memorial day. Yet the Buddhist law holds compassion foremost, and the common people should not be made to suffer on this account. Let special reward be given to those provincial governors and artisans whose work accords with Our wishes." On the twenty-second day, the day Kinoe-tatsu, the fortress of Itojō was built for the first time. The provinces of the six circuits were ordered by edict to build the covered corridor, horō, of the Great Buddha Hall of Tōdaiji. In autumn, on the fourth day of the eighth month, the day Kinoto-tori, a hundred scrolls of the Ōmi Chōshohō were donated to Sūfukuji.

¶In winter, on the first day of the tenth month, the day Kanoto-mi, there was a solar eclipse. On the sixteenth day, the day Hinoe-saru, a white vapor passed through the sun. On the seventeenth day of the eleventh month, the day Hinoto-u, the Niiname-sai, the Harvest Festival, was cancelled on account of mourning (Note: this work's own note states that, on examining the records of the Jingikan, this year the Niiname-sai was performed within the offices of the Jingikan). On the first day of the twelfth month, the day Kanoe-tatsu, thunder had sounded for six days running since the previous month. On the fifth day, the day Kinoe-saru (Note: this work has the character "tora" inserted between "kinoe" and "saru" at this point, but it is a superfluous character inserted in error; it has now been removed by reckoning from the sexagenary cycle), a hundred monks were assembled at Tōdaiji and made to read through the Ninnōkyō sutra by alternate recitation, tendoku. On the sixteenth day, the day Kinoto-hitsuji, an edict had earlier ordered that orphans of the capital be taken in and provided with clothing and food, to be raised in this way. By this time there were nine boys and one girl; they were given surnames and entered into the household registers of the common people, henko. On the last day of the month, the day Tsuchinoto-tori, an edict sent the crown prince, together with the Minister of the Right, Fujiwara-no-Toyonari, the Major Counselor, Fujiwara-no-Nakamaro, and ten others, in groups to Tōdaiji, Daianji, Geshima-bō, Yakushiji, Gangōji, and Yamashinadera, to lecture on the Bonmōkyō sutra. By this they sought to promote the repose of Emperor Shōmu in the afterlife.

¶In the first year of Tenpyō-Hōji, the year Hinoto-tori, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Kanoe-inu, the New Year's felicitations were cancelled on account of mourning. An edict granted the tonsure to eight hundred people. On the sixth day, the day Kinoto-u, the former Minister of the Left, Tachibana-no-Moroe, died. On the twentieth day of the third month, the day Tsuchinoe-tatsu, characters appeared of their own accord on the ceiling cloth, shōjin, of the sleeping hall, reading "the realm is at peace" (Note: the Ichidai Yōki places this in the second year of Tenpyō-Shōhō, and the Rekidai Kōki likewise places it within the Shōhō era, but both are mistaken). On the twenty-second day, the day Kanoe-uma, an edict summoned the imperial princes and the assembled ministers, and showed them these auspicious characters, zuiji. On the last day of the month, the day Ushi (Note: given as it stands in the original), the crown prince, Prince Funado, was deposed.

¶In summer, on the fourth day of the fourth month, the day Kanoto-mi, Prince Ōi was installed as crown prince. An edict was issued: "A state takes its sovereign as master, and is made firm by its heir. For this reason the former emperor, in his final testament, decreed: 'Let Prince Funado be installed as crown prince.' Yet while the period of mourning had not yet ended, and the earth of the mausoleum had not yet dried, he grew intimate with foolish and obstinate youths, and failed in propriety even while in mourning. Matters of state secrecy were entirely leaked abroad. He was repeatedly instructed and admonished, yet showed no heart of repentance. He favored the counsel of women, grew increasingly unruly in his conduct, slipped secretly from the Eastern Palace, and went about in disguise under cover of night. He himself said, 'I am foolish by nature, and cannot bear so heavy a charge.' For this reason We have deposed him, and have resolved to install Prince Ōi in his place. We Ourself prayed to the Three Treasures — the Buddha, the Law, and the Monastic Order — and besought the gods, asking that a sign be shown of the rightness or wrongness of this act of government. And now, on the ceiling cloth of Our own dwelling, the characters 'the realm is at peace' have appeared. This is the protection of High Heaven, and a sign revealed by the gods. Looking across all ages, past and present, nothing like it has ever been seen or heard of. We now know that the Three Treasures of Buddha, Law, and Monastic Order foretell the peace of the state, and that the gods of Heaven and earth show beforehand the eternal firmness of the ancestral shrines. To receive so auspicious a sign is a thing of true joy, and of true awe. This too is surely owed to the loyal assistance, kyōhitsu, of the princes and ministers. How could We alone have called forth so wondrous a sign? Together with the princes, ministers, officials, and commoners, We should receive this gift of Heaven, wash away the stains of the past, and begin anew together with all. A general amnesty should be proclaimed throughout the realm. The common people of the realm enter upon light labor service at the age of seventeen, seidō, and upon full labor service at the age of twenty, jakkan; We pity their toil, and feel grief at heart over it. Henceforth, those of eighteen years shall be classed as middle-aged males, and those of twenty-two years and above as full adult males. In antiquity, to govern the state and give the people peace, filial piety was always relied upon; of the hundred forms of conduct, none comes before it. Let it be ordered throughout the realm that every household keep a single copy of the Classic of Filial Piety, and diligently study and recite it. Should there be among the common people any whose filial conduct becomes widely known, let the chief officer concerned record his name and recommend him. Should there be those who are unfilial, disrespectful, unbrotherly, or disobedient, let them be banished to Monō in Mutsu or Okachi in Dewa, to purify the customs of those places. And should there be any who, like the recluses of old, dwell in retirement by the Ying River or hide their traces on Mount Ji, let them be treated, in Our stead, as another Chaofu or Xu You. Let them be sought out and visited with due ceremony, and allowed to nurture their nature as they themselves wish. Let relief be given, in due measure, to the widowers, widows, the solitary, and the gravely and chronically ill throughout the realm. Among the people of Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla who have come to settle here out of admiration for the sovereign's civilizing influence, let those who wish to be granted a surname be permitted it." Upon this, the hundred officials submitted memorials congratulating the appearance of the auspicious characters.

¶On the fifth day of the fifth month, the day Kanoto-i (Note: the original text has a different character here, which is probably an error for Kanoto-i), she moved her residence to the Tamura Palace, so that the great palace might be repaired. On the ninth day, the day Kinoto-u, the provinces of Noto, Awa, and Izumi, among others, were reestablished. On the twenty-first day, the day Hinoto-u, the post of Shibi Naishō, Inner Minister of the Central Secretariat, was established for the first time, and the Major Counselor, Fujiwara-no-Nakamaro, was appointed to it. The proper officials were ordered by edict to put into force the Code compiled and revised by Fujiwara-no-Fuhito.

¶In autumn, on the fourth day of the seventh month, the day Kanoe-inu, the Senior Controller of the Left, Tachibana-no-Naramaro, plotted to depose the crown prince and install another, but the plot was discovered and he was placed under arrest. His fellow conspirators — Prince Kibumi, Prince Funado, Prince Asukabe, Ōtomo-no-Komaro, Tajihi-no-Koushikai, Ono-no-Azumabito, Kamo-no-Tsunotari, Saeki-no-Ōnari, and Ōtomo-no-Koshibi, among others — were arrested, interrogated, kikumon, and sentenced for their crimes. On the eighth day, the day Kinoe-tora, an edict was issued: "Of late, stubborn and foolish wretches secretly plotted rebellion. Imperial Heaven did not long delay in bringing them to account and putting them to death. There may yet be those among the common people who, pretending to speak for vengeful spirits, spread wild rumors in confusion and disturb the villages and hamlets; without regard to the gravity of the offense, all such persons shall be held equally guilty. Let this be proclaimed far and near, that the source of these ominous rumors may be cut off." A further edict declared: "Among the partisans of the rebels, those who surrender themselves within ten days in the capital and home provinces, or within thirty days in the distant provinces, shall be pardoned. Those who are denounced by another shall without fail be charged with the full offense." On the twelfth day, the day Tsuchinoe-uma, the Minister of the Right, Fujiwara-no-Toyonari, was demoted and made Supernumerary Governor-General of the Dazaifu. The common people who had been implicated, keigo, through their connection with Prince Kibumi and the others were moved to the frontier guard-posts, kinohe, of Dewa. On the twenty-fourth day, the day Kanoe-uma, a religious feast was held within the palace, and the Ninnōkyō sutra was lectured on.

¶On the thirteenth day of the eighth month, the day Tsuchinoto-ushi, a man of Mashizu District in Suruga province presented a specimen of silkworms that had formed characters. On the eighteenth day, the day Kinoe-uma, an edict was issued: "We, of scant and meager virtue, have unworthily succeeded to the great foundation of the throne, and it is now nine years since We came to reign over the eight directions. We have never achieved true good government, and day and night have been consumed with worry, as precarious as standing at the edge of a deep abyss, as cautious as treading on thin ice. On the twentieth day of the third month past, Imperial Heaven bestowed upon Us the four characters 'the realm is at peace,' manifesting the tranquility of the realm and showing the eternal firmness of the imperial succession, rekisū. Yet the treacherous subjects — the deposed crown prince, Prince Funado, together with Prince Asukabe, Prince Kibumi, and Tachibana-no-Naramaro — were by nature savage and obstinate, benighted and violent, giving no thought to the way proper between sovereign and subject, fearing neither the unseen nor the visible world, and secretly banding together with rebels in a plot to overturn the ancestral shrines. All of them have met with Heaven's reproach, and all have been brought low in their crime. Even the slanderous rumors raised against Us, like those of the two scheming brothers of ancient tale who conspired against the regent Duke of Zhou, were in the end stilled within these very walls. The partisans, like the notorious miscreants banished in the age of the sage-king Shun, have been driven far to the frontier. The capital now lies pure and still, and the court hall rests in peace and quiet. What We privately fear is that Our virtue falls short of the sage Yu Shun, that We have met with a difficult turn of fortune, that Our military valor would shame King Tang of Yin, and that Our charge has fallen upon a time of crisis and disorder. We have thought on this by day and by night, almost to the neglect of sleep and food. And now a man of Mashizu District in Suruga province, Kanasashi-no-Toneri-maji, has presented silkworms that had formed characters. The text read: 'On the eighth day of the fifth month, the sign of Taishaku was opened and sent down, to make known that the span of the Heavenly Sovereign's reign is a hundred years, and that the realm within will know peace.' We accordingly referred this to the assembled ministers for deliberation, and they said with one voice: 'The eighth day of the fifth month was the first anniversary of the Retired Emperor's death, and the final day of the religious feast and rite of repentance held for him. The god Taishaku, moved by this sincerity, looked down from above upon this excellent undertaking, and for this reason granted a distant reign of a hundred years. This is a sign that the teaching of benevolence and virtue has spread abroad, that the realm rests in peace, that the wind of compassion reaches far and wide, and that the state is entirely at peace. Now the silkworm is a creature that bears markings like a tiger, sheds its skin at the proper season, and though it has a mouth like a horse's, never contends with its own kind. It is born and raised within doors, and its silk clothes the people of the realm. That this divine insect should be made to form characters, manifesting a wonder by this means, is a thing aided by Heaven itself, and auspicious and beneficial through and through.' How could this have been brought about by Our own power alone? This is the achievement of the assistance of worthy ministers. Together with the princes and ministers, We wish to receive this gift, and extend its blessings throughout the realm. Let the ninth year of Tenpyō-Shōhō be changed to the first year of Tenpyō-Hōji. Let half of the realm's rice-field tax be remitted. Let the common people of this district — Mashizu — be exempted from labor dues for one year."

¶On the twenty-third day, the day Tsuchinoto-i, an edict ordered the University, the Bureau of Music, the Bureau of Yin-Yang, the Bureau of Medicine, and the Palace Medical Office each to be granted official stipend fields, kugaiden, for the support of their students. On the twenty-fifth day, the day Kanoto-ushi, an edict was issued: "The great essentials of governing a state lie in both letters and arms; neither may be set aside for the other. This principle is set down even in the classics of former ages. We earlier issued an edict encouraging literary talent, and accordingly set aside public fields in proportion to the importance of each office. Yet as for preparedness in arms, no provision has yet been made. Let archery and horsemanship fields, shakiden, now be established for the Six Guard Headquarters, and let a trial of skill be held each year in the depth of winter, with reward given to those who excel, that the military arts may flourish."

¶In winter, on the sixth day of the tenth month, the day Kanoe-inu, an edict was issued: "We have heard that the porters, kyakufu, who transport the labor-tax and tribute goods of the provinces, on their way home after completing their duty, often run out of provisions over the long road, and that some, falling ill along the way, die in vain after great hardship. Reflecting on this, We feel Our pity deepen all the more. Let the proper offices be commanded to provide them with food and medicine, in due measure. Should any neglect this and fail to act, let them be charged with the offense of violating an imperial edict." On the eighth day of the twelfth month, the day Kanoto-i, a hundred chō of reclaimed land in Echizen province was granted to the dispensary of Yamashinadera — Kōfukuji — to relieve and sustain the sick and the poor. On the ninth day, the day Mizunoe-ne, the Council of State deliberated on the merit-fields of the meritorious subjects of the Otsushi and Jinshin affairs — the Taika Reform and the Jinshin War — of those who had compiled the Taihō and Yōrō Codes, and of those who had reported treasonous plots.

¶In the second year, the year Tsuchinoe-inu, in spring, on the fifth day of the first month, the day Tsuchinoe-tora, an edict was issued: "We, being of ordinary ability and scant virtue, have unworthily received the great throne. We wish to look upon the realm as a mother does, to nurture the myriad people as a mother does her children, and together with worthy and good ministers, to purify the customs of the age. We desire that the sacred reign, hōreki, be made firm for long ages, and that the myriad people be set at peace. Yet, quite unexpectedly, a perverse and unprincipled attendant secretly harbored treasonous intent, joined with others in wrongdoing, and in the end became the source of rebellion. Relying on the awesome power of the ancestral shrines, We were able at once to destroy it utterly. Yet the kin and partisans of the rebels must still harbor grief and unease. Even those guilty of grave wrong should still be dealt with leniently, so that they may be set at ease without fear, and their troubled hearts be stilled. We have heard it said that those still in office among the hundred officials remain anxious and afraid. They should fully understand Our intent, and need not trouble their hearts with suspicion and doubt. Of old, Zhang Chang, though suspected of wrongdoing, in the end obtained the vermilion carriage of high office once more; An Guo, pardoned of a sentence of forced labor, again wore the blue cord of office. All of them cleansed their hearts and strove to uphold their integrity, giving their utmost sincerity and loyalty. Their deeds were admired in their own time, and their renown has been handed down across a thousand ages. How could the men of resolve in Our own day fall short of the worthies of former times? Let them amend and wash away their faults, and strive to make themselves new. What We truly wish is that a flaw should never be allowed to obscure a virtue, and that, awaiting a skilled craftsman, no timber be discarded, so that a great structure may at last be raised. Let all now in office take these words as a mirror, and, without slackening day or night, strive to fulfill their duties."

¶A further edict declared: "To impart teaching and transformation in accordance with Heaven is the standard bequeathed by the sage rulers. To proclaim the transformation of custom in accordance with the season is the excellent ordinance of the former kings. For this reason Heaven and earth are without fault, and the four seasons are brought into harmony and accord. An auspicious air spreads throughout the land, and benevolence and long life reach the myriad people. Now the three yang forces of spring have already taken their place, the ten thousand things have begun to sprout forth, and the mild scene is truly made new; all should rejoice together in it. Let envoys therefore be sent out, divided among the eight circuits, to go about and inquire into the people's hardships. Let them strive to show pity to the poor and the sick, and compassion in relieving hunger and cold. May it be that no household suffers the grief of cold and poverty, and that every province knows the joy of revival, raiso. Let pure and impartial envoys be sent out, and let them strive to give relief, so as to accord with Our wishes." Thereupon Junior Fifth Rank Lower Ishikawa-no-Toyonari was made inspector of the capital and home provinces, Senior Sixth Rank Lower Fujiwara-no-Kiyobe inspector of Tōkaidō and Tōzandō, Senior Sixth Rank Upper Ki-no-Hirozumi inspector of Hokurikudō, Ōtomo-no-Kiyotari inspector of San'indō, Fujiwara-no-Kurajimaro inspector of San'yōdō, Junior Sixth Rank Lower Abe-no-Hirohito inspector of Nankaidō, and Senior Sixth Rank Upper Fujiwara-no-Kaedemaro inspector of Saikaidō.

¶On the twentieth day of the second month, the day Mizunoe-inu, an edict was issued: "To establish regulations in accordance with the times is the constant rule of those who hold a state. To exercise authority in place of the age is the time-honored teaching of the kings of old. Of late, at gatherings and banquets among the common people, there have too often been improper and unseemly acts. Sometimes those bent on wrongdoing gather together and recklessly slander the sacred teaching of the sovereign; sometimes, in drunken disorder, without restraint, they provoke quarrels and brawls. Henceforth, from the princes and ministers on down, none shall drink wine except at rites of worship or in the treatment of illness. Friends and relatives wishing to visit one another must first report to the proper office before gathering together. Should there be violators, those of the fifth rank and above shall have their stipend suspended for one year, those of the sixth rank and below shall be removed from their present post, and all others shall be sentenced to eighty strokes of the rod. It is Our wish that simple and honest customs prevail, and that people be encouraged to do good. Propriety should be instilled in ordinary times, so as to forestall disorder before it arises." On the twenty-seventh day, the day Tsuchinoto-mi, a strange wisteria grew on the sacred mountain of Great Yamato province, and the marks left by insects eating into it formed characters.

¶On the tenth day of the third month, the day Kanoto-mi, an edict was issued: "We have heard it said that the heart of a filial child, in longing for a parent, knows no end throughout life. These words are recorded in books, and have not faded across a thousand ages. In the fifth month of the eighth year of Tenpyō-Shōhō, the former emperor ascended to the beyond. We Ourself met with this sorrow, and have cherished feelings of grief over it, yet, bound by the limits of ceremonial propriety, have bowed Ourself to observe the joyful occasions of the calendar. Yet each time the Tango festival approaches, Our heart is stirred by the sorrow of the swaying tree, fūju, who cannot repay a parent's kindness, and We find it unbearable to set out a banquet and raise the wine cup there. Henceforth this festival observance shall be discontinued for all time."

¶In autumn, on the fourth day of the seventh month, the day Kinoe-inu, since the Empress Dowager was ill, the taking of life was forbidden throughout the realm for this year. On the first day of the eighth month, the day Kanoe-ne, she yielded the throne to the crown prince — Prince Ōi, Emperor Junnin. The assembled ministers presented her with an honorific title, styling her Jōdai Hōji Shōtoku Kōken Kōtei.