Emperor Kōnin

Emperor Kōnin

¶Emperor Kōnin's personal name was Shirakabe. He was a grandson of Emperor Tenji, and the sixth son of Prince Shiki, who was posthumously honored as Kasuga-no-miya-no-Sumeramikoto, the Kasuga Palace Sovereign (Note: the Jinnō Shōtōki gives him as the third son, but this is mistaken).

¶His mother was of the Ki clan. He was born on the thirteenth day of the tenth month of the second year of Wadō, the day Kinoto-hitsuji (Note: his birth date follows an edict of the sixth year of Hōki recorded in this work).

¶In the ninth month of the ninth year of Tenpyō, he was granted Junior Fourth Rank Lower.

¶In the sixth month of the third year of Tenpyō-Hōji, he was granted Junior Third Rank. In the twelfth month of the sixth year, he was appointed Middle Counselor. In the ninth month of the eighth year, he was granted Senior Third Rank.

¶In the first month of the first year of Tenpyō-jingo, he was awarded the Second Order of Merit. In the first month of the second year, he became Major Counselor.

¶The emperor was generous and compassionate, and broad-minded. Since the Tenpyō-shōhō era, the state had had no settled crown prince, and people regarded one another with suspicion; many were charged with crimes and deposed. The emperor, deeply fearful of being caught up in unforeseen calamity, gave himself over to drink and concealed his own talent and discernment, and so repeatedly escaped misfortune.

¶In the fourth year of Jingo-keiun, on the fourth day of the eighth month, the day Mizunoto-mi, Empress Shōtoku died. Junior Fourth Rank Upper Fujiwara-no-Momokawa, together with the Minister of the Left, Fujiwara-no-Nagate, the Minister of the Right, Kibi-no-Makibi, the Councillors Fujiwara-no-Sukunamaro, Fujiwara-no-Nawamaro, and Isonokami-no-Yakatsugu, and the General of the Palace Guards, Fujiwara-no-Kurajimaro, laid plans in secret within the palace. That same day, in accordance with Empress Shōtoku's testamentary edict, they raised Prince Shirakabe to the position of crown prince (Note: this work does not record Momokawa's name, but it is here supplied following the Kugyō Bunin and the Mizukagami). On the sixth day, the day Kinoto-hitsuji, mourning was declared throughout the realm, and the period of mourning was set at one year. Two hundred mounted soldiers of Ōmi were dispatched to guard the palace gates. On the seventeenth day, the day Hinoe-uma, Empress Shōtoku was buried. The monk Dōkyō, having attended the imperial coffin, remained in a mourning hut beside the mausoleum. On the twenty-first day, the day Kanoe-inu, an order was given demoting Dōkyō and appointing him superintendent, bettō, of Yakushiji in Shimotsuke. On the twenty-second day, the day Kanoto-i, the Major Counselor Yuge-no-Kiyohito and his son Hirokata were exiled to Tosa. On the twenty-sixth day, the day Kinoto-u, the Kawachi Administration was restored to Kawachi province. On the third day of the ninth month, the day Mizunoe-inu, supernumerary officials holding superfluous posts were discharged. On the sixth day, the day Kinoto-ushi, the exile Wake-no-Kiyomaro was recalled. On the twenty-second day, the day Kanoto-mi, a great purification rite, ōharae, was performed throughout the realm. On the twenty-third day, the day Mizunoe-uma, the one-year mourning period was ended, and the realm returned to its normal state. On the first day of the tenth month, the day Tsuchinoto-ushi, the crown prince ascended the imperial throne at the Daigokuden, the Hall of State. He was sixty-two years of age at the time (Note: his age follows the Mizukagami and the Rekidai Kōki, together with this work's own statement that he died at the age of seventy-three). Earlier, a muraji of Higo had presented a white tortoise. An edict was proclaimed: "Let the fourth year of Jingo-keiun be changed to the first year of Hōki. A general amnesty shall be proclaimed throughout the realm, relief given to the aged and the destitute and to filial sons and righteous men, and this year's rice-field tax throughout the realm remitted." The Minister of the Left, Fujiwara-no-Nagate, and the Minister of the Right and concurrently General of the Central Guards, Kibi-no-Makibi, both remained in their posts as before (Note: the information from "the Minister of the Left" onward follows the Kugyō Bunin).

¶In the year Kanoe-inu, the first year of Hōki, in winter, on the eighth day of the tenth month, the day Hinoe-saru, Kibi-no-Makibi resigned as General of the Central Guards. On the sixth day of the eleventh month, the day Kinoe-ne, his late father was posthumously honored with the title Kasuga-no-miya-no-Sumeramikoto, the Kasuga Palace Sovereign (Note: the Teiō Hennenki places this in the second month of the following year, but this is mistaken). The emperor's brothers, sisters, and sons were all made imperial princes and princesses. His consort, Imperial Princess Inoe, was installed as empress. On the tenth day, the day Tsuchinoe-tatsu, he made a progress to Mikanohara. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Kinoto-tori, an edict pardoned the remnants of the rebel faction who had earlier sided with the Deposed Emperor, Emperor Junnin.

¶In the year Kanoto-i, the second year, in spring, on the thirteenth day of the first month, the day Kanoto-hitsuji, the Kichijō Keka, the Rite of Repentance to the Goddess of Fortune, performed throughout the realm, was discontinued. On the twenty-third day, the day Kanoto-mi, Imperial Prince Osabe was installed as crown prince, and the Major Counselor, Ōnakatomi-no-Kiyomaro, was made Tutor to the Crown Prince, tōgū no moriyaku. A general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm. On the thirteenth day of the second month, the day Kanoe-ne, he made a progress to Katano. On the fourteenth day, the day Kanoto-ushi, he proceeded on to the Naniwa Palace. On the twenty-first day, the day Tsuchinoe-saru, when the imperial carriage returned to the temporary palace of Takaharai, a flagpole snapped of its own accord, for no apparent reason. On the twenty-second day, the day Tsuchinoto-tori, the Minister of the Left, Fujiwara-no-Nagate, died. On the first day of the third month, the day Tsuchinoe-uma, the Dazaifu presented a white pheasant. On the fifth day, the day Mizunoe-inu, the deity of plague was propitiated in the provinces throughout the realm. On the thirteenth day, the day Kanoe-uma, the Major Counselor, Ōnakatomi-no-Kiyomaro, was made Minister of the Right, and Senior Third Rank Fujiwara-no-Yoshitsugu was made Inner Minister. This month, the Minister of the Right, Kibi-no-Makibi, retired from office (Note: the date of his retirement follows this work's own entry recording Makibi's death in the tenth month of the sixth year, together with the Kugyō Bunin). On the eighteenth day of the intercalary month, the day Kinoto-mi, the island of Iki presented a white cock. In summer, on the twenty-second day of the fifth month, the day Tsuchinoto-tori, a man of the Right Capital presented silkworms whose markings formed characters. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Kinoe-tora, a memorial feast was held for the first time at Kawaradera on the death-day of Kasuga-no-miya-ni-Ame-no-Shita-Shiroshimeshishi-Sumeramikoto, and it was made a kokki, a death-day observance of state (Note: the information on the kokki follows the entry for the eighth year of Genkei in the Sandai Jitsuroku). On the sixteenth day of the sixth month, the day Kinoto-ushi, on account of drought, a horse was presented to the deity of Niukawakami. In autumn, on the twenty-second day of the ninth month, the day Kinoto-mi, the Left and Right Offices of Price Stabilization, Heijunsho, were abolished. In winter, on the eighteenth day of the eleventh month, the day Kanoe-ne, envoys were sent to have the Saigū, the Ise Priestess's residence, built in Ise. On the twenty-first day, the day Mizunoto-u, the Daijōsai, the Great Thanksgiving Rite, was performed. On the twenty-ninth day, the day Kanoto-i, a star fell toward the southwest, with a sound like thunder. On the first day of the twelfth month, the day Mizunoto-ushi, there was a solar eclipse. On the fifteenth day, the day Hinoto-u, his birth mother, of the Ki clan, was posthumously honored as Empress Dowager, her grave was called a misasagi, imperial mausoleum, and a kokki, death-day observance, was established for her. In this year there was famine in Iwami, and relief was given.

¶In the year Mizunoe-ne, the third year, in spring, on the third day of the first month, the day Kinoe-saru, Balhae sent an envoy to pay tribute, but since his memorial contained discourtesies, he was turned away. On the seventeenth day of the second month, the day Tsuchinoe-tatsu, he made a progress to the mansion of the Minister of the Right, Ōnakatomi-no-Kiyomaro. On the twenty-fourth day, the day Kinoto-i, on account of drought, a horse was presented to the deity of Niukawakami. On the day Hinoto-u, the Naikenshō, the Office of Pages, and the Gaiefu, the Outer Guards Headquarters, were abolished (Note: calculating the sexagenary cycle, the day Hinoto-u falls on the sixteenth, yet this work records the entry after the day Kinoto-i; it would seem that "U" is a mistake for "Ushi" — the day Hinoto-ushi would fall on the twenty-sixth). On the second day of the third month, the day Mizunoto-hitsuji, Empress Inoe was deposed, having been implicated in the crime of sorcery and cursing, fuko. On the fifteenth day, the day Hinoe-saru, the labor levy on the governor's office and households of Dewa province was remitted for the first time. In summer, on the eighteenth day of the fourth month, the day Tsuchinoe-tatsu, a general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm. On the twenty-ninth day, the day Tsuchinoto-u, lightning struck the western pagoda of Saidaiji. On the twenty-sixth day of the fifth month, the day Hinoe-uma, a sound like thunder was heard in the sky to the northwest. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Hinoto-hitsuji, the crown prince, Imperial Prince Osabe, was deposed. On the first day of the sixth month, the day Kanoe-inu, there was a solar eclipse. On the fourth day, the day Mizunoto-ushi, Mikawa presented a white crow. On the fifteenth day, the day Kinoe-ne, a Ninnōe assembly was held in the palace, at the temples of the capital, and at the provincial temples and Konkōmyōji throughout the realm. On the sixteenth day, the day Kinoto-ushi, a rainbow encircled the sun. On the nineteenth day, the day Tsuchinoe-tatsu, meteorite stones fell on the capital over the course of several days, each about the size of a citron. On the twenty-third day, the day Mizunoe-saru, on account of drought, offerings, heihaku, were presented to the shrines of the home provinces. In autumn, on the twenty-second day of the seventh month, the day Kanoto-ushi, Kazusa presented a horse whose forehooves resembled those of an ox; but since this proved to be a fraud, the assistant governor and others of the province were punished, and the man himself was sentenced to eighty strokes of the cane. On the sixth day of the eighth month, the day Kinoe-tora, he made a progress to the mansion of Imperial Princess Naniwa. On this day there was a great storm, which uprooted trees and tore off roofs. On divination, it was found to be a visitation from the deity Tsukiyomi of Ise, and it was thereupon decreed that a horse be presented to him every year in the ninth month, after the manner of the offering made to the deity Aramatsuri. On the eighteenth day, the day Hinoe-tora, envoys were sent to Awaji, and the Deposed Emperor, Emperor Junnin, was reburied. This month, owing to long rains and great storms, the embankments of Kawachi broke in twenty-two places. On the third day of the ninth month, the day Kanoe-tatsu, Yamashiro presented a tree whose branches had grown together, renri. On the twenty-sixth day, the day Mizunoto-u, envoys were sent to the six circuits to investigate the damage. In winter, on the tenth day of the tenth month, the day Hinoto-mi, the Dazaifu reported: "Last year, in the fifth month, there was a landslide in Hayami district in Bungo; the mountain stream was blocked, and dwellings were swept away." An edict remitted the tribute and labor taxes, and relief was given. On the eleventh day, the day Tsuchinoe-uma, Ashikita and Yatsushiro districts in Higo each presented a white tortoise. On the fourteenth day, the day Kanoto-tori, the ban on opening new fields was lifted. On the tenth day of the eleventh month, the day Hinoe-inu, an edict, on account of the irregular winds and rains and the famine that had continued year after year, restored the Kichijō Keka at the provincial temples throughout the realm. On the eleventh day, the day Hinoto-i, an edict remitted the rice-field tax of those in the capital, the home provinces, and the seven circuits who had suffered storm damage. On the thirteenth day, the day Tsuchinoto-ushi, Imperial Princess Sakahito was made Ise Priestess. On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the day Tsuchinoto-hitsuji, stars fell like rain. On the twenty-third day, the day Tsuchinoto-mi, a comet appeared in the south, and a hundred monks were summoned to hold a religious feast at the Yamamomo Palace. On the twenty-fifth day, the day Kanoto-hitsuji, he made a progress to Mizuo-no-oka in Yamashiro. On the twenty-ninth day, the day Kinoto-i, a horse was seen to bite at the clay ox and the human effigy at the Archery Target Gate. In this year there was famine in Owari, and epidemic disease spread in Sanuki; relief was given to each.

¶In the year Mizunoto-ushi, the fourth year, in spring, on the second day of the first month, the day Tsuchinoe-tora, Imperial Prince Yamabe, Minister of Central Affairs, was installed as crown prince. A general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm (Note: this work's sequence of sexagenary days for the first and second months is in disorder; it has here been corrected by calculating forward from the day Kinoe-ne. The Mizukagami and the Rekidai Kōki state that the crown prince was installed on the fourteenth day, which would be the day Kanoe-tora; it is not clear which is correct, and this work is for the present followed). On the seventh day, the day Mizunoto-hitsuji (Note: this work writes "Kanoto-hitsuji," but calculation shows there is no day Kanoto-hitsuji in this month. The edict of pardon speaks of "before dawn on the seventh day of the first month," and the record of a banquet held with gifts bestowed at the Chōkaku Chūin agrees with the seventh day; it is plain that the seventh day is correct. "Mizunoto" was probably mistakenly written as "Kanoto." This is accordingly corrected here), an edict declared: "Though Our virtue is slight, We have unworthily succeeded to this great foundation. Our civilizing instruction has not yet spread abroad, and Our thoughts dwell ever and deeply on the people. Calamities and portents occur again and again, and Our sense of treading at the edge of a deep abyss grows ever stronger. Now, as the calendar of early spring opens, a mild breeze stirs all things, Heaven and earth extend their benevolence, and all living and growing things look up to their bounty. Mindful of following the season, We should extend a broad and generous pardon. A general amnesty shall be proclaimed throughout the realm." On the seventeenth day of the second month, the day Mizunoe-inu, there was an earthquake. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Mizunoe-saru, the Yamamomo Palace was completed, and he took up residence there. On the last day of the month, the day Kinoto-i, there was an earthquake. On the thirteenth day of the third month, the day Tsuchinoe-ne, on account of drought, a horse was presented to the deity of Niukawakami. On the fourteenth day, the day Tsuchinoto-ushi, since the price of grain throughout the realm had risen sharply, the court in council established the Jōheihō, the Law of the Ever-Normal Price. Envoys were sent to the seven circuits to sell grain and relieve the people, and it was decreed that those who sold their private rice cheaply should be granted rank. In summer, on the eighteenth day of the fourth month, the day Mizunoe-inu, an edict declared: "We reign over the four seas and rear the myriad people as Our own children; We honor virtue to the point of forgetting food, and pity those under punishment to the point of forgetting sleep. Yet still Our civilizing instruction does not spread, and calamities and portents occur again and again. Each time We ponder this, We can only reproach and feel shame at Ourself. Though laws are set down in order to do away with punishment, still We cannot keep from shedding tears at the sight of guilt. In this season when all things grow and flourish, We should extend a broad and generous grace. A general amnesty shall be proclaimed throughout the realm. Let all those of the rebel factions of the first and eighth years of Tenpyō-Hōji who were banished, far or near, be pardoned and set free, excepting only Kō Gendo and those guilty of the two crimes of robbery and theft, who shall not be included in this pardon." On the twenty-third day, the day Hinoto-u, a horse was presented to the deity of Niukawakami. On the first day of the fifth month, the day Kinoto-i, on account of drought, offerings, heihaku, were presented to the shrines of the home provinces. On the second day, the day Hinoe-ne, rain fell. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Kanoto-ushi, a star fell in the north and another in the south, each about the size of an earthenware jar. On the first day of the sixth month, the day Kinoto-mi, there was a solar eclipse. On the second day, the day Hinoe-uma, there were long rains. On the fourteenth day, the day Tsuchinoe-uma, a Balhae envoy arrived at Noto. An envoy was sent to reprove him for his discourtesy, and he was turned away. In autumn, on the tenth day of the seventh month, the day Mizunoto-hitsuji, the deity of plague was propitiated in the provinces throughout the realm. On the eighth day of the eighth month, the day Kanoto-i, there were long rains. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Kanoe-uma — earlier, the granaries of Shimotsuke and Kōzuke had been destroyed by fire. An edict now ordered that district governors in the provinces who had allowed government property to be lost by fire be removed from their current posts. On the last day of the month, the day Mizunoe-saru, there was an earthquake. On the fifteenth day of the ninth month, the day Hinoto-i, Hitachi presented a white swan. In winter, on the first day of the tenth month, the day Mizunoto-u, there was an earthquake. On the fourth day, the day Hinoe-uma, there was again an earthquake. On the twenty-fifth day of the twelfth month, the day Kinoto-hitsuji, an edict declared: "We would increase the fields of merit, fukuden, and rely on the broad salvation of the Buddhist teaching. That the fortune of the state should flourish comes of the divine merit of great compassion. For this reason We have of late invited monks and held a religious feast based on the Yakushikyō, the Sutra of the Healing Buddha. As for the release of living creatures, hōjō, reason demands that it be done without delay. Moreover, the yang force is beginning to stir, and the wind of benevolence is about to blow abroad. Following this season, We wish to extend Our bountiful grace. A general amnesty shall be proclaimed throughout the realm." On this day, Bizen reported that a tree had been found whose branches had grown together. In this year the Major Counselor, Fujiwara-no-Uona, held concurrently the post of General of the Palace Guards (Note: this work does not record that Uona was made General, but its own entry for the third month of the ninth year, recording Uona's appointment as Inner Minister, states that he "remained General of the Palace Guards as before." The Kugyō Bunin dates this appointment to this year, which is here followed). There was famine in the Left and Right Capitals, Shima, and Owari, and great storms struck Mikawa, Ōmi, Hida, and Dewa; relief was given to each in turn. Epidemic disease spread in Iga, and medicine was provided.

¶In the year Kinoe-tora, the fifth year, in spring, on the twentieth day of the first month, the day Kanoe-saru, an edict decreed that the attendance of captured Emishi, fushū, at court be discontinued. On the twenty-fifth day, the day Kinoto-ushi, Yamashiro reported: "Last December, at the shrine of Otokuni, wolves, deer, and wild foxes gathered by night, about a hundred strong, and cried out; after seven days this ceased." On the third day of the second month, the day Mizunoe-saru, sutras were read for seven days in the provinces throughout the realm, to ward off epidemic disease. On the fourth day of the third month, the day Mizunoto-u, a Silla envoy arrived. He was reproved for his discourtesy and turned away. On the eighteenth day, the day Hinoto-mi, an edict abolished the posts of supernumerary provincial governor. In summer, on the eleventh day of the fourth month, the day Tsuchinoto-u, since epidemic disease was spreading, an edict ordered the civil and military hundred officials and the common people throughout the realm to recite the Makahannya Haramitsu, the Great Perfection of Wisdom. On the twenty-second day, the day Kanoe-tora, on account of drought, a horse was presented to the deity of Niukawakami. On the fifth day of the sixth month, the day Mizunoe-saru, on account of the strange occurrence of the wild dogs and wolves, offerings, heihaku, were presented to the shrine of Otokuni. On this day a horse was also presented to the deity of Niukawakami. In autumn, on the tenth day of the seventh month, the day Hinoto-hitsuji, Kazusa presented a white swan. On the twenty-third day, the day Kanoe-saru, an edict ordered the Chinju Shōgun, Defense General, of Mutsu, Ōtomo-no-Surugamaro, to subdue the Emishi. On the second day of the eighth month, the day Tsuchinoto-mi, an edict was given to the eight provinces of Bandō: "Should Mutsu send urgent word, dispatch troops at once and go to its aid." On the twenty-second day, the day Tsuchinoto-ushi, he made a progress to the Niiki Palace. On the sixth day of the ninth month, the day Mizunoe-tora, the provinces were ordered to repair their channels and ponds. On the seventh day, the day Mizunoto-u, envoys were sent to investigate the damage throughout the realm. On the twenty-fifth day, the day Kanoto-tori, envoys were sent to the five home provinces to have reservoirs repaired and built. In winter, on the fourth day of the tenth month, the day Kanoe-uma, Ōtomo-no-Surugamaro and his men subdued the Emishi, and envoys were sent to Mutsu to proclaim comfort to the people. On the ninth day of the eleventh month, the day Kinoe-tatsu, he made a progress to the mansion of Imperial Princess Sakaibe. In the twelfth month, the Hōkō Keka, the Rite of Repentance of the Vaipulya, was held in the palace for the first time (Note: the information from the second month onward follows the Nenjū Gyōji and the Kuji Kongen. On consideration, the ceremony of the later Butsumyōe, the Buddha-Name Assembly, had its beginning here). In this year there was famine in the capital, and in Yamato, Kawachi, Shima, Owari, Mikawa, Ōmi, Mino, Hida, Wakasa, Noto, Iyo, Tosa, and Sanuki; relief was given to all.

¶In the year Kinoto-u, the sixth year, in spring, on the third day of the first month, the day Hinoto-tori, an edict declared: "Now that the three months of spring first open, all things are made new, Heaven and earth practice benevolence, and all living and growing things are steeped in their bounty. The wise rulers of old, meeting with so fine a season, never failed to spread their bounty abroad and extend broadly their merciful ordinances. Though Our virtue is slight, how could We fail to follow their example? A general amnesty shall be proclaimed throughout the realm." On the eighth day of the second month, the day Kanoto-hitsuji, there was an earthquake. On the thirteenth day, the day Hinoe-ne, envoys were sent to Ise to have the weirs and channels of Watarai district repaired. On the twenty-second day of the third month, the day Hinoe-tatsu, since fields and paddies had fallen to waste on account of last year's Emishi unrest, an edict remitted the labor levy and rice-field tax of Mutsu for this year. On the twenty-fifth day, the day Tsuchinoto-hitsuji, a banquet was held at the former Tamura Palace. The assembled ministers offered their felicitations, and gifts were bestowed, each according to standing. In summer, on the seventh day of the fourth month, the day Tsuchinoto-mi, in Kawachi and Settsu, rats devoured the five grains and plants. Envoys were sent to present offerings, heihaku, at the shrines of the provinces. On the thirteenth day, the day Kinoto-i, Ōmi presented a white tortoise. On the fifteenth day, the day Hinoto-ushi, Yamashiro presented a white pheasant. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Tsuchinoto-ushi, the deposed empress, Imperial Princess Inoe, and Osabe, who had been reduced to commoner status, both died. On the fourth day of the fifth month, the day Hinoe-saru, there was an earthquake. On the fourteenth day, the day Hinoe-uma, a white rainbow crossed the sky. On the nineteenth day of the sixth month, the day Kanoto-mi, Senior Fourth Rank Lower Saeki-no-Imaemishi was made chief envoy to Tang; Senior Fifth Rank Upper Ōtomo-no-Masutate and Junior Fifth Rank Lower Fujiwara-no-Takatori were made his deputies. On the twenty-second day, the day Kinoe-saru, envoys were sent to propitiate the deity of plague in the provinces of the home region. On the twenty-fifth day, the day Hinoto-i, on account of drought, a horse was presented to the deity of Niukawakami, and offerings, heihaku, were presented to the shrines of the home provinces reputed to have the divine power to raise clouds and bring down rain. In autumn, on the sixteenth day of the seventh month, the day Hinoto-hitsuji, Shimotsuke reported: "In Tsuga district there are several hundred black rats, which have devoured the roots of plants and trees over several tens of ri." On the nineteenth day, the day Kanoe-inu, hail fell. On the twelfth day of the eighth month, the day Mizunoto-tori, a Lotus-Leaf Banquet was held for the first time. On the nineteenth day, the day Kanoe-tatsu — earlier, an edict had declared: "The stipends of officials at the capital are meager, and they cannot escape the hardship of hunger and cold. Provincial governors, by contrast, enjoy ample profit, and have of themselves plenty of food and clothing. For this reason most officials wish only for appointment to the provinces, and the gentry have lost all sense of modesty and shame. We reign over the realm with the resolve to deal fairly with all. We wish to divide the kugai, the public rice reserve, of the provinces, and add a portion of it to the stipends of officials at the capital." At this point the Daijōkan memorialized: "Let a quarter of the kugai be set aside in each province, and added to the stipends of officials at the capital," and this was approved. On the twenty-second day, the day Mizunoto-hitsuji, Ise, Owari, and Mino reported: "There was a great storm, which destroyed dwellings, and many people and livestock died" (Note: this work states that the three provinces reported "an unusual storm on a day of the ninth month," but the three characters "a day of the ninth month" are probably an error; since the Nihon Kiryaku lacks these three characters, it is here followed). Envoys were sent to repair the Ise Priestess's residence and to investigate the common people affected by the disaster. On this day, the deity of plague was propitiated in the five home provinces. On the last day of the month, the day Kanoto-u, a great purification rite, ōharae, was performed on account of the great storm. On the sixteenth day of the ninth month, the day Hinoe-uma, Kawachi presented a white tortoise. On the twenty-first day, the day Kanoto-i, on account of long rains, a white horse and offerings, heihaku, were presented to the deity of Niukawakami and to the gods of the home provinces. In winter, on the first day of the tenth month, the day Kanoto-tori, there was a solar eclipse. On the second day, the day Mizunoe-inu, the former Minister of the Right, Kibi-no-Makibi, died. On the sixth day, the day Hinoe-tora, there was an earthquake. On the thirteenth day, the day Mizunoto-tori, was the emperor's birthday. Earlier, this day had been named Tenchōsetsu, and an edict had ordered that the monks and nuns of the several temples read through the sutras by alternate recitation and perform ritual circumambulation every year on this day, and had forbidden the slaughter of animals throughout the realm. At this time a great public banquet, taiho, was held, and gifts were bestowed on the assembled ministers, each according to standing. Dewa reported: "Since the Emishi are not yet pacified, we request that garrison troops be stationed here." An edict ordered: "Let soldiers be levied and dispatched from Sagami, Musashi, Kōzuke, and Shimotsuke." On the nineteenth day, the day Tsuchinoto-u, two hundred monks were summoned to read the Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra, the Daihannyakyō, in the palace and at the Courtiers' Hall. On the twenty-fourth day, the day Kinoe-saru, a great purification rite was performed on account of the storm and the earthquake. On the twenty-fifth day, the day Kinoto-tori, offerings, heihaku, were presented to the Grand Shrine, that is, the Ise Shrine. On the sixth day of the eleventh month, the day Hinoe-saru, envoys were sent to the five home provinces to have channels and ponds repaired. On the seventh day, the day Hinoto-tori, the Dazaifu reported: "In Hyūga and Satsuma, storms have damaged the mulberry and hemp." An edict remitted their tribute and labor taxes for this year. In this year there was famine in Izumi, Mikawa, Shinano, Tango, Bizen, and Sanuki, and relief was given.

¶In the year Hinoe-tatsu, the seventh year, in spring, on the nineteenth day of the first month, the day Tsuchinoe-saru, tax inspectors, kenzeishi, were sent to the seven circuits. On the sixth day of the second month, the day Kinoe-ne, a meteor appeared, as large as a tray. In summer, on the first day of the fourth month, the day Tsuchinoe-uma, there was a solar eclipse. On the twelfth day, the day Tsuchinoto-mi, an edict declared: "The worship of the gods of Heaven and earth is a great canon of the state. If it is not performed with sincerity and reverence, how can blessings be invited? We have heard that the various shrines fail to examine themselves for impurity, and that the spring and autumn rites are also neglected. For this reason auspicious signs do not descend, and calamities and portents occur again and again. Let the provinces be instructed, that this may never happen again." On the second day of the fifth month, the day Tsuchinoe-ne, the Emishi of Shiwa village in Dewa rose in revolt. Mounted soldiers from Shimōsa, Shimotsuke, Hitachi, and other provinces were dispatched to subdue them. On the twenty-ninth day, the day Kinoto-u, since calamities and portents had appeared again and again, a great purification rite was performed. On the last day of the month, the day Hinoe-tatsu, six hundred monks were summoned to read the Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra in the palace and at the Courtiers' Hall. On the fourth day of the sixth month, the day Kanoe-saru, Taihaku, the planet Venus, appeared in daylight. On the eighteenth day, the day Kinoe-inu, on account of drought, a great purification rite was performed in the capital and the home provinces, and a horse was presented to the deity of Niukawakami. In autumn, on the nineteenth day of the seventh month, the day Kinoe-tatsu, lightning struck the western pagoda of Saidaiji. On the first day of the eighth month, the day Hinoe-tatsu, envoys were sent to present offerings, heihaku, at the shrines throughout the realm. Shrine priests, hafuri, who had neglected the upkeep of their shrines and let them fall into disrepair, were dismissed from their posts. On the thirteenth day, the day Tsuchinoe-tatsu, there was a great storm. This month, a locust plague occurred throughout the realm. Envoys were sent to patrol the home provinces, and the provincial governors were made to inspect the provinces. On the twenty-eighth day of the intercalary month, the day Mizunoe-ne, a woman of Tango gave birth to three boys at once, and was granted rice and a wet nurse. The island of Iki, having suffered storm damage and lost its crops, had its tribute tax for this year remitted. On the thirteenth day of the ninth month, the day Hinoto-u, captured Emishi, fushū, of Mutsu were resettled in Tsukushi. On the twentieth day, the day Kinoe-inu, the emperor made a progress to the Ministry of the Treasury, and gave gifts to those of the fifth rank and above in attendance, letting each take according to his own strength. This month, every night, tiles and stones fell upon the roof of the office of the Naiju, the Pages, in the capital; after more than twenty days this ceased. In winter, on the ninth day of the tenth month, the day Mizunoto-mi, there was an earthquake. On the eleventh day, the day Kinoto-hitsuji, since the people of Mutsu were exhausted from repeated warfare, this year's rice-field tax was remitted for them. On the second day of the eleventh month, the day Hinoe-tatsu, there was an earthquake. On the twenty-sixth day, the day Kanoe-tatsu, soldiers of Mutsu were dispatched to subdue the rebels of Isawa. On the last day of the month, the day Mizunoto-hitsuji, captured Emishi of Dewa were resettled in Tsukushi and Sanuki. On the fourteenth day of the twelfth month, the day Hinoto-tori, the deputy envoy to Tang, Ōtomo-no-Masutate, was removed from his post, and the Middle Controller of the Left, Ono-no-Iwane, and the Governor of Bitchū, Ōmiwa-no-Suetari, were appointed in his place. The common people of Mutsu who guarded the inner districts were granted a three-year exemption, fuku, from labor and tribute dues.

¶In the year Hinoto-mi, the eighth year, in spring, on the third day of the first month, the day Hinoe-tatsu, the Inner Minister, Fujiwara-no-Tsugu, was made Naidaijin, Minister of the Palace. On the twenty-eighth day of the second month, the day Kanoe-inu, envoys were sent to the five home provinces to propitiate the deity of plague. On the last day of the month, the day Mizunoe-ne, there was a solar eclipse. On the first day of the third month, the day Mizunoto-ushi, a banquet was held at the former Tamura Palace. On the sixteenth day, the day Tsuchinoe-tatsu, he made a progress to the mansion of the Major Counselor, Fujiwara-no-Uona. On the nineteenth day, the day Kanoto-hitsuji, since strange occurrences had repeatedly taken place in the palace, a great purification rite was performed. On the twenty-first day, the day Mizunoto-tori, six hundred monks were summoned to the palace to read the Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra. In summer, on the fifth day of the fourth month, the day Hinoe-inu, hail fell. On the thirteenth day, the day Kinoe-uma, there was rain, and lightning struck the hall of the Daijōkan. On the twenty-second day, the day Mizunoto-u, Balhae sent an envoy to pay tribute and to offer congratulations on the enthronement. Earlier, since the chief envoy to Tang, Saeki-no-Imaemishi, had been unable to set out on account of illness, an edict had ordered the deputy envoy, Ono-no-Iwane, to bear the ceremonial sword and act in his place as chief envoy. On the seventh day of the fifth month, the day Hinoto-mi, he came forth to the Chōkakumon, the Double-Storied Gate, and watched mounted archery (Note: on consideration, Empress Kōken had discontinued the Tango Festival because it fell in the mourning month for Emperor Shōmu, and here it is held again; this is presumably why the sources distinguish between its discontinuance and its restoration. It is not recorded again after this. The matter appears in the commentary on the first year of Taihō in the Monmu Annals, but it is not clear why it was delayed to the seventh day here. The Ruijū Kokushi records this under the entry for the banquet of the fifth day, and that is here followed). On the thirteenth day, the day Mizunoto-i, on account of long rains, a horse was presented to the deity of Niukawakami. On the eighteenth day of the sixth month, the day Tsuchinoe-inu, a lotus with two heads grew in the southern pond of the Yamamomo Palace. In autumn, on the eighth day of the eighth month, the day Hinoe-inu, on account of long rains, a horse was presented to the deity of Niukawakami. On the eleventh day, the day Tsuchinoto-ushi, Junior Third Rank Fujiwara-no-Sōshi was made a consort, bunin. On the fifteenth day of the ninth month, the day Mizunoto-i, since troops had been sent out to subdue the rebels, the tribute, labor dues, and rice-field tax of Mutsu for this year were remitted. On the eighteenth day, the day Hinoe-tora, the Minister of the Palace, Fujiwara-no-Yoshitsugu, died. In winter, on the last day of the tenth month, the day Tsuchinoe-saru, a general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm. On the eighteenth day of the eleventh month, the day Hinoe-tora, Nagato presented a white pheasant. On the twenty-fifth day of the twelfth month, the day Mizunoe-tora, since the crown prince had fallen ill, envoys were sent to present offerings, heihaku, at the shrines of the five home provinces. This winter no rain fell, and the wells and springs all ran dry. In this year there was famine in Hōki, Oki, and Sanuki, and relief was given.

¶In the year Tsuchinoe-uma, the ninth year, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Tsuchinoe-saru, since the crown prince was ill, the New Year's felicitations were cancelled. On the twentieth day, the day Hinoto-u, Imperial Princess Inoe was reburied. On the twenty-third day of the second month, the day Kanoe-ne, the Councillor, Fujiwara-no-Momokawa, was made concurrently General of the Central Guards. On the third day of the third month, the day Tsuchinoto-tori, the Major Counselor, Fujiwara-no-Uona, was made Inner Minister. Tosa reported: "Last July there was a great storm, which destroyed dwellings and swept away people and livestock." An edict ordered that relief be given. On the twentieth day, the day Hinoe-tora, sutras were chanted at the three temples of Tōdaiji, Saidaiji, and Hōryūji. On the twenty-third day, the day Tsuchinoto-mi, an edict decreed that the grave of the Deposed Emperor, Emperor Junnin, be called a misasagi, imperial mausoleum, and that tomb-guard households, shuko, be appointed to it. On the twenty-fourth day, the day Kanoe-uma, a general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm, and thirty persons were ordained as monks. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Mizunoto-tori, a great purification rite was performed. Envoys were sent to present offerings, heihaku, at the Ise Shrine and the shrines throughout the realm, and to pray for the crown prince's recovery. On this day, the deity of plague was propitiated in the home provinces. On the last day of the month, the day Hinoe-ne, the Inner Minister, Fujiwara-no-Uona, had his title changed to Chūshin, an alternate name for the same office. In summer, on the eighth day of the fourth month, the day Kinoe-saru, Settsu presented a white rat. On the eighteenth day, the day Kinoe-uma, he made a progress to the mansion of the Minister of the Right, Ōnakatomi-no-Kiyomaro. On the twenty-first day of the fifth month, the day Hinoto-u, there was an earthquake. On the twenty-fifth day, the day Kanoto-hitsuji, there was again an earthquake. On the twenty-fifth day of the sixth month, the day Kanoe-ne, rank was granted to two thousand two hundred and sixty-seven men of Mutsu and Dewa, from the provincial governors down, who had distinguished themselves in battle. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Kanoto-ushi, the Councillor, Fujiwara-no-Korekimi, and the Governor of Higo, Fujiwara-no-Korehito, were specially sent to present offerings, heihaku, at Hirose and Tatsuta, and to pray that the winds and rains be harmonious and the autumn harvest abundant. In autumn, on the ninth day of the seventh month, the day Mizunoto-ushi, Hida reported that an auspicious cloud had been seen. On the first day of the eighth month, the day Kinoe-inu, there was a solar eclipse. In winter, on the twenty-fifth day of the tenth month, the day Hinoto-tori, the crown prince, on account of his illness, journeyed to Ise, and worshipped at the Grand Shrine in person, praying for the long-held wish of his recovery. On the eleventh day of the twelfth month, the day Mizunoto-hitsuji, the Dazaifu presented a white rat.

¶In the year Tsuchinoto-hitsuji, the tenth year, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Mizunoe-tora, the Chūshin, Fujiwara-no-Uona, was made Minister of the Palace. On the fifth day, the day Hinoe-uma, Balhae sent an envoy to pay tribute. On the tenth day of the third month, the day Kanoto-i, the deputy envoy to Tang, Ōmiwa-no-Suetari, and his party returned from Tang. In summer, on the nineteenth day of the fourth month, the day Tsuchinoto-ushi, there was a violent storm at night, which broke trees and tore off roofs. On the third day of the fifth month, the day Mizunoto-u, the Tang envoy Sun Xingjin and his party arrived. On the seventeenth day, the day Hinoto-mi, the Tang envoys were entertained at the Courtiers' Hall, and were granted rank and gifts. On the twenty-third day of the sixth month, the day Kanoto-tori, a man of Suō falsely styled himself Imperial Prince Osabe and deceived the common people; he was exiled to Izu. In autumn, on the first day of the seventh month, the day Tsuchinoe-tatsu, there was a solar eclipse. On the ninth day, the day Hinoe-ne, the Councillor and concurrently General of the Central Guards, Fujiwara-no-Momokawa, died. On the second day of the eighth month, the day Tsuchinoto-i, Inaba reported: "There was a violent rainstorm; mountains collapsed and water overflowed, sweeping away people and livestock, and the common people are suffering from hunger." Envoys were sent to give relief. On the nineteenth day, the day Hinoe-tatsu, a general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm. On the fourth day of the ninth month, the day Kanoe-uma, the Middle Counselor, Fujiwara-no-Nawamaro, was made concurrently General of the Central Guards. On the fourteenth day, the day Kanoe-tatsu, three hundred and fifty-nine people of the Tetsuri people of Balhae were settled in Dewa. In winter, on the nineteenth day of the eleventh month, the day Kinoto-tori, the Daijōkan memorialized: "The regular tax reserves of most provinces have fallen short, and payments are in arrears. We request that the practice of dividing the kugai of the provinces to add to the stipends of officials at the capital be discontinued." This was approved. On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the day Tsuchinoto-tori, the Middle Counselor and concurrently General of the Central Guards, Fujiwara-no-Nawamaro, died. On the twenty-fifth day, the day Kanoto-tori, the Minister of Central Affairs, Fujiwara-no-Tamaro, was made concurrently Acting General of the Central Guards. In this year there was a great flood in Suruga, followed by famine, and relief was given.

¶In the year Kanoe-saru, the eleventh year, in spring, on the morning of the day Hinoto-u of the first month, the New Year's felicitations were cancelled on account of rain. On the fifth day, the day Kanoto-hitsuji, Silla sent an envoy to pay tribute. On the fourteenth day, the day Kanoe-tatsu, there was a great thunderclap, and several temples in the capital caught fire. On the nineteenth day, the day Kinoto-tori, an edict declared: "To follow the order of the four seasons is a canon the sages have always honored. To draw in the net on three sides and leave one side open is the deep benevolence of the wise sovereigns of old. We have received the will of Heaven and reign over this world below; in government We give first place to frugality, and Our resolve is to labor in care for the people. Right principle has not yet spread everywhere, and We can only feel shame at Our daily conduct of affairs; yet near and far all is at peace, and the year has been abundant and the seasons mild. Now, at the beginning of the first month, all things are made new. Following the mildness of the yang force, We should spread abroad this bountiful grace. A general amnesty shall be proclaimed throughout the realm, and this year's rice-field tax remitted." On the twentieth day, the day Hinoe-inu, an edict declared: "Of late Heaven has given a sign of reproof, and temple halls have been destroyed by fire. Pondering this, We feel deep dread and sorrow. Though it is Our own lack of virtue that has brought on this rebuke, can the clergy themselves truly claim to have nothing to be ashamed of? We have heard that the conduct of monks and nuns differs little from that of laymen. Above, they turn their backs on the Buddha's teaching of compassion; below, they transgress the laws of the state. If the Sōgō, the Office of Monastic Affairs, does not take the lead in correcting this, who else could correct it?" On the second day of the second month, the day Hinoto-tori, Mutsu petitioned: "We wish to build the fortress of Kakubetsu, to guard against the Emishi." This was granted. On the sixteenth day of the third month, the day Kanoto-mi, the Daijōkan memorialized: "Dividing offices and establishing posts was never meant to multiply their number. In spreading good customs and guiding the people, what matters is simplicity that captures the essential. For this reason, when the codes were first enacted, the number of officials was limited, ability was measured and talent assigned, and official business never fell behind. Now offices are many and affairs are burdensome, and there are many who idly draw a stipend. Grain and cloth are not easily produced, yet they are used without restraint. Should a single year's harvest fail, the people at once take on the sickly pallor of want. In antiquity, though people were many and fields were few, there were still reserves, because expenditure was restrained. Now, though land has been opened and the number of households has fallen, want is still feared, because expenditure is excessive. Your servants consider that the urgent task of the present day is to reduce offices, suspend levies, unite the hearts of high and low in devotion to agriculture alone, and at the same time reduce the number of officials. If this is done, the granaries will be full, propriety will be observed, the resources of the state will suffice, and a sense of honor and shame will arise once more." They further memorialized: "At present the soldiers of the several provinces are for the most part weak, serving only to free themselves from labor levies, and are of no use to the state. Provincial governors and military officers, gunki, employ them as they please, without training them in mounted archery, and set them only to cutting grass. To send such men into battle would be no different from discarding soldiers outright. We ask that, except at the three key barrier-posts, a fixed complement be set according to the size of each province, that wealthy commoners skilled in bow and horse be chosen and trained exclusively in the military arts, in readiness for levy, and that the weak all be set to farming instead. This is the way to maintain defense while eliminating wasteful expense." Both memorials were approved. On the twenty-second day, the day Hinoto-i, Mutsu reported: "Korehari-no-Azamaro, the district chief of Kamihari district, has risen in rebellion and killed the inspector, azechi, Ki-no-Hirozumi. The Emishi are in great disorder." On the twenty-ninth day, the day Mizunoto-mi, the Middle Counselor, Fujiwara-no-Tsugutada, was made chief envoy for the subjugation of the east, and Senior Fifth Rank Upper Ōtomo-no-Masutate and Junior Fifth Rank Upper Ki-no-Kosami were made his deputies. On the last day of the month, the day Kinoe-uma, Junior Fifth Rank Lower Ōtomo-no-Matsuna was made Deputy Defense General of Mutsu, and Junior Fifth Rank Upper Abe-no-Iemaro was made General for the Subjugation of the Barbarians of Dewa, and they were sent to subdue the Emishi. In summer, on the eighteenth day of the fourth month, the day Mizunoe-ne, a woman of the Left Capital gave birth to three boys at once, and was granted rice and a wet nurse. On the twenty-eighth day of the sixth month, the day Kanoto-tori, Ise reported that the drum of the western inner fort at the Suzuka barrier had sounded of its own accord. In autumn, on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, the day Hinoto-ushi, an edict was sent to the coastal provinces ordering strict vigilance. On the twenty-second day, the day Kinoe-saru, the daughter of Ochi-no-Shizukai of Iyo supported a hundred and fifty-eight destitute people with her own resources, and was granted two ranks. On the twenty-third day of the ninth month, the day Kinoe-saru, Senior Fourth Rank Lower Fujiwara-no-Oguromaro was made chief envoy for the subjugation of the east, bearing the ceremonial staff of authority. In winter, on the third day of the tenth month, the day Mizunoto-mi, the drum of the Left Arsenal sounded of its own accord. On the fourth day of the twelfth month, the day Kinoe-uma, an edict was given to the Left and Right Capitals: "We have heard that, in building temples, graves are being entirely destroyed and their stones taken for use. This not only violates and disturbs the spirits of the dead, but truly brings grief and harm upon their descendants. Henceforth let this be strictly forbidden." On the fourteenth day, the day Kinoe-tatsu, a further edict declared: "The ignorant common people of the Left and Right Capitals invite shrine maidens and sorcerers, kannagi, and venerate unsanctioned cults. By means of straw dogs, sūku, and talismans, they perform strange and dubious acts of every kind, going so far as to curse others under the pretense of inviting good fortune. Let this be strictly forbidden." In this year there was famine and epidemic disease in Suruga and Izu, and relief was given (Note: following the Shoku Nihongi).

¶In the first year of Ten'ō, the year Kanoto-tori, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Kanoto-tori, an edict declared: "To take Heaven as the greatest of things and follow its model is the way of the sage. To take the people as one's own heart and nurture them is the way of the benevolent ruler. Though Our virtue is slight, We have unworthily succeeded to this precious foundation, and, without having benefited the myriad people in the least, have idly passed a full cycle of twelve years. The stream of Our grace has been blocked and does not flow, and only care and dread accumulate one upon another. Day by day We examine Ourself, and keep this ever in mind. Of late an official memorialized: 'A beautiful cloud has appeared over the Ise Priestess's residence, truly matching the sign of a great auspicious omen.' That shrine is what secures and steadies the state, and if Heaven has responded to it, there can be nothing but good fortune and benefit in it. A general amnesty shall be proclaimed throughout the realm, and the era name shall be changed to Ten'ō. Millet shall be granted to the aged throughout the realm, and relief given, each according to need, to those without family and those unable to support themselves. For filial sons, obedient grandsons, righteous husbands, and chaste wives, a mark of commendation shall be set up at the gate of their homes, and they shall be exempted from labor and tribute dues for life. Moreover, those common people who were deceived into following Azamaro and his band but have since returned to allegiance shall be granted a three-year exemption. Able-bodied men from the several provinces who served in the Mutsu and Dewa campaigns shall have this year's rice-field tax remitted." On the sixth day of the third month, the day Kinoto-ushi, there was an earthquake. On the twenty-fifth day, the day Kinoe-saru, on account of the emperor's illness, gofurei, an edict proclaimed a general amnesty throughout the realm. On the twenty-sixth day, the day Kinoto-tori, Mimasaka reported that the arsenal of Tomata district had resounded and shaken like thunder. Ise reported that the drum of the western middle gate at the Suzuka barrier had sounded of its own accord. This spring there was famine in Shimōsa, and relief was given. In summer, on the first day of the fourth month, the day Tsuchinoto-ushi, the weapons and implements of the Left and Right Arsenals sounded of their own accord. Envoys were sent to Ise, Mino, and Echizen to strengthen the barrier-gates. On the third day, the day Kanoto-u, he abdicated the throne to the crown prince. On the twenty-third day of the twelfth month, the day Hinoto-hitsuji, the retired emperor died. He was seventy-two years of age.

¶In the first month of the following year, he was given the posthumous name Amemune-Takatsugi-no-Sumeramikoto, and was buried at the Hirooka mausoleum. He was also given the posthumous name Emperor Kōnin (Note: some texts of the Ruijū Kokushi write the first character of "Kōnin" with the character meaning "broad" rather than "light," though both are read "Kō").

¶In the tenth month of the fifth year of Enryaku, he was reburied at the Tawara mausoleum (Note: following the Shoku Nihongi. The Engishiki adds the character "East" before the name of the mausoleum).

¶Before he ascended the throne, the emperor tempered the brilliance of his own virtue in his dealings with people and affairs. Once he had taken his rightful place and reigned over the realm, he attended only to the great outlines of government, and did not trouble himself with minute inquiry. He did away with superfluous offices, and his civilizing influence prized what was pure and simple. Because of this, throughout the Hōki years the realm was governed in peace, punishment was rarely resorted to, and people far and near gladly submitted to his rule. It may truly be said that he possessed, in full measure, the generosity, benevolence, and breadth of mind befitting a sovereign.