Emperor Kanmu

Emperor Kanmu

¶Emperor Kanmu's personal name was Yamabe. He was the eldest son of Emperor Kōnin (Note: that he was the eldest son follows the Nihon Kiryaku and the Ichidai Yōki).

¶His mother was the Empress Dowager, of the Takano clan. He was born in the ninth year of Tenpyō (Note: his birth year follows the Rekidai Kōki, and the Nihon Kiryaku's statement that he died at the age of seventy).

¶In the tenth month of the eighth year of Tenpyō-Hōji, he was granted Junior Fifth Rank Lower.

¶In the eleventh month of the second year of Tenpyō-jingo, he was advanced one rank, and soon afterward was made Head of the University, Daigaku-no-kami. In the eighth month of the first year of Hōki, he was granted Junior Fourth Rank Lower and made Chamberlain, jijū. In the eleventh month, he became an imperial prince. In the third month of the second year, he was appointed Minister of Central Affairs. In the fifth month of the third year, when the crown prince was deposed, the assembled ministers memorialized asking that a successor be determined. Emperor Kōnin declared, "Imperial Princess Sakahito should be installed." The Councillor Fujiwara-no-Hamanari petitioned for the installation of Imperial Prince Hieda instead. The Councillor Fujiwara-no-Momokawa alone put forward the emperor — Kanmu himself — and persisted strongly in urging his installation as crown prince. Emperor Kōnin followed this counsel (Note: the passage from "the assembled ministers" onward follows the Mizukagami). In the first month of the following year, he was at last installed as crown prince.

¶In the first year of Ten'ō, on the third day of the fourth month, the day Kanoto-u, the crown prince received the abdicated throne and ascended as emperor (Note: the Mizukagami, the Ichidai Yōki, and other sources state that he received the abdication on the third day and was enthroned on the twenty-fifth, but this is mistaken). He was forty-five years of age at the time (Note: his age follows the Mizukagami, the Gukanshō, and the Nihon Kiryaku's statement that he died at the age of seventy. On consideration, the Teiō Hennenki gives his age as forty-six, but this is mistaken). The Minister of the Right, Ōnakatomi-no-Kiyomaro, and the Inner Minister, Fujiwara-no-Uona, both remained in their posts as before (Note: following the Kugyō Bunin). On the fourth day, the day Mizunoe-tatsu, his younger brother, Imperial Prince Sawara, was installed as crown prince. On the eleventh day, the day Tsuchinoto-i, envoys were sent to the Grand Shrine — the Ise Shrine — to announce his enthronement. On the fourteenth day, the day Mizunoe-tora, the Middle Counselor, Fujiwara-no-Tamaro, became concurrently Tutor to the Crown Prince. On the fifteenth day, the day Mizunoto-u, an edict honored his birth mother, the consort of the Takano clan, with the title Empress Dowager Consort, kōtaibunin; rank was granted to the priests of the various shrines, gifts given to the Office of Monastic Affairs and to monks and nuns, relief given to the aged and destitute and to filial and righteous persons, this year's rice-field tax throughout the realm remitted, and the ranks of the assembled ministers advanced. On the fourth day of the fifth month, the day Mizunoe-inu, there was an earthquake. On the thirteenth day, the day Kanoto-hitsuji, there was again an earthquake. On the sixteenth day, the day Kinoe-inu, Ise province reported that the gate of the Suzuka barrier fortress had sounded of its own accord. On the seventeenth day, the day Kinoto-i, the Chūgūshiki, Office of the Empress Dowager's Household, was established for her. At dawn on the day Tsuchinoe-ne of the sixth month, an edict declared: "When the former kings established offices, they measured men's ability and granted posts accordingly, and the staff had a fixed complement. In later times government affairs gradually grew more complex, until posts beyond the fixed complement came to be established. Of late this has become customary, and the people suffer from its ill effects. Now that We have succeeded to the throne and reign over the realm, Our thoughts dwell on the people, and We wish to nurture and cherish them deeply. We would remove this harm and lead the realm to an age of benevolence and long life. Let all civil and military officials, within the court and without, beyond the regular fixed complement, be dismissed — excepting only district chiefs and local military officers. Moreover, many provincial governors act contrary to the trust the court has placed in them: some draw upon the public granary reserve, kugai, without accounting for shortfalls in the regular storehouses, and others plunder the common people without fear of the law. Let those guilty of especially grave misconduct be demoted according to the circumstances, even before their term has expired. Henceforth, let officials within the court and without who are pure and circumspect in conduct and impartial in their duties be granted fitting office, once the responsible authority has examined them well. Let those who, while in office, are greedy and disorderly in conduct be investigated by inspecting envoys sent on circuit, and be advanced or demoted accordingly. In this way, by dismissing the corrupt and raising up the pure, We wish to reform frivolous customs within this very reign, to care for the state and nurture the people, and to restore the simple ways of antiquity." On the twelfth day, the day Tsuchinoto-i, there was an earthquake. On the eighteenth day, the day Kinoto-mi, Yuge-no-Kiyohito and Hirokata, who had earlier been exiled, were pardoned. On the twenty-second day, the day Tsuchinoto-tori, there was an earthquake. On the twenty-third day, the day Kanoe-inu, the Minister of the Right, Ōnakatomi-no-Kiyomaro, retired from office. On the twenty-fourth day, the day Kanoto-i, Taihaku, the planet Venus, appeared in daylight. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Kinoe-tora, the Inner Minister, Fujiwara-no-Uona, was made Minister of the Left; the Middle Counselor, Fujiwara-no-Tamaro, was made Major Counselor and concurrently General of the Palace Guards; and the Middle Counselor, Fujiwara-no-Korekimi, was made Minister of Ceremonial and concurrently General of the Central Guards. On this day as well, Taihaku appeared in daylight. In autumn, on the fifth day of the seventh month, the day Mizunoe-inu, an edict declared: "Though Our virtue is slight, We have succeeded to this great undertaking. The harmony of yin and yang has not yet been restored, and scorching heat and drought have continued for months on end. Though We stand in the place of father and mother to the people, We have received this reproof from Heaven, and though We have exerted the utmost sincerity, We have still not been favored with beneficial rain. Thinking of the prisoners, We feel a special pity for them. A general amnesty shall be proclaimed throughout the realm." On the sixth day, the day Mizunoto-i, Suruga province reported that Mount Fuji had rained ash. On the nineteenth day, the day Hinoe-ne, Kawachi province reported that the water of Sakato Pond had turned as red as blood and given off a foul stench. On the twenty-fifth day of the eighth month, the day Kanoto-i, the Mutsu Inspector, azechi, Fujiwara-no-Oguromaro, returned in triumph. In winter, on the tenth day of the tenth month, the day Kinoto-hitsuji, there was an earthquake. On the twenty-fifth day, the day Kanoe-inu, a woman of Shimōsa gave birth to three children at once, and was granted a wet nurse and grain. On the third day of the eleventh month, the day Hinoto-mi, there was an earthquake. On the eighth day, the day Mizunoe-inu, Ōmi province reported that a tree had grown joined to another, renri. On the thirteenth day, the day Hinoto-u, the Daijōsai, the Great Thanksgiving Rite, was performed. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Kanoto-mi, there was an earthquake. On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the day Hinoe-saru, there was again an earthquake. On the seventeenth day, the day Kanoto-ushi, Third Rank Imperial Prince Hieda died. On the twentieth day, the day Kinoe-tatsu, an edict declared: "Though Our virtue is slight, We have unworthily succeeded to this great foundation. From early morning until late at night We have exerted Ourself and labored in mind seeking the way of government, Our aspiration fixed on filial reverence. Yet though We have exhausted Our sincerity, it has not yet moved Heaven to respond. Of late the Retired Emperor's — Retired Emperor Kōnin's — health has been poor; We have offered every prayer to the ancestral shrines and the gods of the state, and presented offerings, heihaku, again and again, yet though the months have repeatedly changed, no sign of recovery has appeared. We consider that the blame for this must rest upon Our own want of virtue. Pondering Our faults in the conduct of affairs, We feel shame and dread beneath Heaven. Among living things, none is weightier than man; and should punishment ever err, it invites the resentment of the wrongly condemned. We wish to send down a beneficent grace, and so aid the recovery of the sacred person. A general amnesty should be proclaimed throughout the realm. Even those whom an ordinary amnesty does not reach shall all be pardoned." On the twenty-third day, the day Hinoto-hitsuji, the Retired Emperor died. An edict declared: "Though We exhausted Our sincerity, We could not move Heaven to respond, and have come suddenly to this great grief. The pain of this loss clings to Us without end, and a sorrow lasting Our whole life binds Us fast. We wish to observe three years of mourning seclusion, ryōan, in repayment of this immeasurable debt. Yet the assembled ministers all say that the ancestral shrines must not be slighted, and that the affairs of government are the graver matter, and that, following the precedent of the later court of Naoyama — that of Empress Genmei and Empress Genshō — all government affairs should be carried on as usual. Since Our grief at the loss of Our father remains unchanged, and Our deep pain still runs deep, We cannot bear to return at once to ordinary affairs. Let mourning garments be worn throughout the realm, to be set aside after six months. From the twenty-fifth of this month, let the district chiefs of the provinces perform three days of mourning observance before their offices; distant provinces shall reckon from the day this order arrives." On the twenty-fourth day, the day Tsuchinoe-saru, there was an earthquake. On the twenty-sixth day, the day Kanoe-inu, the armory of the Southern Cloister sounded of its own accord. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Kanoto-i, an edict declared: "We earlier followed the memorial of the assembled ministers that mourning garments throughout the realm should be set aside after six months, but Our filial heart has found no relief, and the shadow of Our grief remains always with Us. Seeing the leaves colored by frost, Our longing for Our father only deepens, though We may never again look upon his face; thinking from afar of branches stirred by the wind, We have lost forever the chance to serve him. The pain that will last Our whole life only grows deeper, and Our wish to observe mourning to its full measure grows ever more urgent. Let the term for resuming the affairs of government fixed in Our earlier edict be changed to one year." (Note: following the Shoku Nihongi)

¶In the first year of Enryaku, the year Mizunoe-inu, in spring, on the seventh day of the first month, the day Kanoe-saru, Emperor Kōnin was buried. On the last day of the month, the day Mizunoto-hitsuji, a great purification rite was performed, but the hundred officials did not yet set aside their mourning garments. On the thirteenth day of the intercalary month, the day Hinoe-saru, there was an earthquake. On the fourteenth day, the day Hinoto-tori, the Governor of Inaba, Hikami-no-Kawatsugu, plotted rebellion. The matter came to light, and he was exiled to Mishima in Izu province; his faction of thirty-five men were also stripped of rank and office and dismissed. On the fifteenth day, the day Tsuchinoe-inu, there was an earthquake. On the eighteenth day of the second month, the day Kanoto-hitsuji, a sound like thunder was heard in the sky. On the nineteenth day, the day Mizunoe-saru, there was an earthquake. On the ninth day of the third month, the day Kanoto-u, a rainbow encircled the sun. On the twenty-sixth day, the day Tsuchinoe-saru, Junior Fourth Rank Lower Prince Mikata, his wife Imperial Princess Yuge, and Senior Fifth Rank Lower Yamanoue-no-Funanushi conspired together to curse the emperor. An edict decreed: "Prince Mikata and Imperial Princess Yuge shall be exiled to Hyūga, and Funanushi to Oki." In summer, on the eleventh day of the fourth month, the day Mizunoto-i, an edict declared: "In reigning over the realm and cherishing the people, We wish to halt needless construction and devote strength to agriculture, to make frugality the guiding principle of government, and to fill the storehouses with wealth. Now Our palace halls are fit to dwell in, Our furnishings suffice for use, the building of Buddhist temples is all but complete, and the value of coin has already become stable. Let the two ministries of Palace Construction and of the Privy Treasury, zōgūshō and chokushishō, together with the Office of Hokkeji and the Mint, chūsenshi, be abolished, their expenses applied to the wealth of the state treasury, so that the virtue of frugality may be honored. Let the craftsmen of the various offices attached to the Ministries of Palace Construction and the Privy Treasury be assigned, according to their skill, to the Bureau of Carpentry, mokuryō, the Bureau of the Palace Storehouse, kuraryō, and the like, and let the rest be returned to their original offices." On the thirteenth day, the day Kinoto-ushi, a white fox appeared at the Jūkakumon, the Double-Storied Gate. On the sixteenth day, the day Tsuchinoe-tatsu, envoys were sent to the home provinces to pray for rain. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Tsuchinoto-u, an edict remitted the cloth tax, chō, of soldiers in the home provinces. On the twelfth day of the fifth month, the day Kinoe-uma, since the common people of the inner districts of Mutsu had repeatedly suffered from warfare, an edict established a three-year exemption from taxation for them. On the fourteenth day of the sixth month, the day Kinoto-ushi, the Minister of the Left, Fujiwara-no-Uona, was implicated in an affair and dismissed from office. On this day, there was an earthquake. On the twenty-first day, the day Mizunoe-saru, the Major Counselor, Fujiwara-no-Tamaro, was made Minister of the Right. In autumn, on the third day of the seventh month, the day Kinoe-saru, there was thunder and rain. The eastern long storehouse of the Ministry of the Treasury caught fire, and two horses of the Bureau of the Inner Stables were struck by lightning and died. On the eleventh day, the day Mizunoe-tatsu, fifty-four permanent miscellaneous-service officials, zōshiki-chōjō, were dismissed, and the households of cake-makers and of itinerant entertainers, mochikobe and sangakukobe, were abolished. On the twenty-fifth day, the day Hinoe-uma, an edict declared: "Though Our virtue is slight, We reign over the realm. We grieve that the myriad people are not yet at peace, and pity even a single creature that loses its place. All the more so since last year's harvest failed, and households whose goods are exhausted grow ever more numerous, while this year epidemic disease has struck, and not a few die young. Though We stand in the place of father and mother to the people, We have erred in the means of nurturing them. Pondering this, We feel shame. And even if the fault lies with them, the blame rests deeply with Ourself. Unless all is washed clean, how can We renew Ourself? A general amnesty should be proclaimed throughout the realm." On this day, there was an earthquake. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Tsuchinoe-saru, the emperor removed to the Chokushi Palace. On the twenty-ninth day, the day Kanoe-inu, the assembled ministers memorialized: "Of late calamities and portents have occurred again and again, and inauspicious signs have repeatedly appeared. We therefore had the reason inquired into by tortoise-shell and milfoil divination, and the Jingikan, the Bureau of Shrine Affairs, and the Onmyōryō, the Bureau of Yin-Yang, both report that, since the realm now wears mourning garments while the rites are still performed as usual, this has brought on the wrath of the great deity of Ise and the other gods. Yet Your Majesty, out of utmost filial devotion, intends to complete the mourning in full. The way of the gods is truly not to be treated lightly, and We fear it may bring harm to Your Majesty's health. We humbly beg that You consider the welfare of the state, set aside the mourning garments, and act in accordance with the gods' will." An edict declared: "Our grief at the loss of Our father is not yet healed, and the deep pain remains as fresh as yesterday; We had meant to complete the mourning seclusion, ryōan, in full, so as to repay this immeasurable debt. Yet the assembled ministers repeatedly memorialize on grounds of the ancestral shrines and the state. We have no choice but to follow their memorial as submitted. Let those in the provinces who set aside their mourning garments wait until the purification envoys arrive before doing so. Let none drink wine, perform music, or wear ornate clothing." On the first day of the eighth month, the day Kanoto-i, the hundred officials set aside their mourning garments. On the nineteenth day, the day Tsuchinoto-mi, an edict declared: "Before the Yin and Zhou dynasties, there were as yet no era names. It was only with Emperor Wu of Han that the practice of proclaiming an era name, beginning with Jianyuan, first arose. From that time on, successive dynasties have followed this example. Hence there has never been a ruler, whether succeeding a previous emperor or receiving an abdicated throne, who did not renew the era name upon his enthronement, or who, on receiving an auspicious sign, failed to change the name of his era. Though Our virtue is slight, We have succeeded to this great undertaking, and though years have already passed, We have not yet established a new era name. Now the ancestral shrines and the gods of the state have sent down their spirit, bringing blessing to the realms of the living and the dead alike; the grain has ripened abundantly, and auspicious signs have appeared one after another. We wish to share this joyful omen together with the myriad lands. Let the second year of Ten'ō be changed to the first year of Enryaku. Let one rank be granted to those of rank throughout the realm, to the priests of the various shrines, and to civil and military officials within the court and without who bear the official baton, shaku." In winter, on the thirteenth day of the eleventh month, the day Kanoto-u, a rainbow-shaped band of light appeared flanking the sun, and a further band of light appeared above the sun, about two jō in length. On the twenty-fourth day of the twelfth month, the day Mizunoe-saru, an edict declared: "Though We have ended Our mourning seclusion, Our grief remains deep. Our sorrow at the loss of Our father grows with each change of season, and Our longing for him only deepens with each change of scene. On New Year's Day of the coming year, the rite of the New Year's felicitations should be suspended." In this year there was famine in Izumi, Musashi, Awaji, and Tosa, and relief was given.

¶In the second year, the year Mizunoto-i, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Tsuchinoe-tora, the New Year's felicitations were suspended. On the twenty-third day, the day Kanoe-ne, there was an earthquake. On the nineteenth day of the third month, the day Hinoe-saru, the Minister of the Right and concurrently General of the Palace Guards and Tutor to the Crown Prince, Fujiwara-no-Tamaro, died. In summer, on the eighteenth day of the fourth month, the day Kinoe-ne, the consort Fujiwara-no-Otomuro was installed as empress. On the nineteenth day, the day Kinoto-ushi, an edict was given to the provinces of Bandō: "That barbarian peoples should take advantage of the summer season to raise disorder is a thing known since antiquity. Without recourse to arms, how could the harm they do the people be removed? Recalling the campaigns against the Youmiao and the chastisement of the Xianyun, We see that the former kings had true cause for taking up arms. Of late the captured Emishi, fushū, have grown fierce and unruly, and the defenses of the frontier have crumbled, so that We have had no choice but to move Our forces again and again. Because of this, the land of Bandō has suffered constant hardship from levies, and those engaged in farming have long been worn out by the transport of supplies. Thinking of this toil, We feel deep pity. Let envoys be sent to comfort and console them, and let the granaries be opened to give them generous supply. Let the people of the eastern provinces all know this heart of Ours." On the first day of the sixth month, the day Hinoe-uma, Dewa province reported that Ogachi and Hiraka districts had been plundered by bandits and were suffering grievously. An edict established a three-year exemption from taxation for them. On the tenth day, the day Kinoto-u, an edict again forbade the private construction of temples within the capital and home provinces. In autumn, on the nineteenth day of the seventh month, the day Kinoe-uma, the Major Counselor, Fujiwara-no-Korekimi, was made Minister of the Right. In winter, on the fourteenth day of the tenth month, the day Tsuchinoe-uma, he made a progress to Katano and went hawking and hunting. On the sixteenth day, the day Kanoe-saru, an edict remitted this year's rice-field tax of Katano district, and bestowed gifts on the elderly and on his attendants. On the eighteenth day, the day Mizunoe-inu, the imperial carriage returned to the palace. On the first day of the eleventh month, the day Kinoe-inu, there was a solar eclipse. On the sixth day of the twelfth month, the day Tsuchinoe-saru, an edict forbade the wealthy from lending money at interest and taking the house-plots of the poor as security, and forbade the temples of the capital from likewise seeking profit by taking house-plots as security.

¶In the third year, the year Kinoe-ne, in spring, on the twenty-fourth day of the second month, the day Kinoto-ushi (Note: this work gives the day Tsuchinoto-ushi, but it has here been corrected by calculation from the cyclical year Kinoe-ne), Junior Third Rank Ōtomo-no-Yakamochi was made General for the Subjugation of the East bearing the ceremonial staff of authority, and Junior Fifth Rank Upper Funya-no-Yoki was made his deputy general. In summer, on the thirteenth day of the fifth month, the day Mizunoto-hitsuji, the Settsu Administration reported that some twenty thousand toads had passed from the Naniwa market into Shitennōji. On the sixteenth day, the day Hinoe-inu, an edict sent the Middle Counselor, Fujiwara-no-Oguromaro, and Junior Third Rank Fujiwara-no-Tanetsugu, among others, to examine the configuration of the land, chisō, at Nagaoka village in Otokuni district, Yamashiro province. On the twenty-fourth day, the day Kinoe-uma, the Settsu Administration presented a white swallow. On the tenth day of the sixth month, the day Tsuchinoto-tori, envoys were sent to Nagaoka, and work began on the construction of the capital city and on the building of the palace halls. On the twelfth day, the day Kanoto-i, a monk of Fukōji presented a red crow. On the thirteenth day, the day Mizunoe-ne, the Councillor and Middle Captain of the Palace Guards, Ki-no-Funamori, was sent to the Great Shrine of Kamo to present offerings, heihaku, and announce the transfer of the capital. In autumn, on the fourth day of the seventh month, the day Mizunoto-tori, the Yamazaki Bridge was repaired. On the fifth day of the ninth month, the day Mizunoto-tori, there was heavy rain in the capital, and dwellings were destroyed; relief was given. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Kinoto-hitsuji, Taihaku appeared in daylight. On the tenth day of the intercalary month, the day Tsuchinoe-saru, the embankment of Manda district in Kawachi broke, and over sixty-four thousand hired laborers, tankō, were mobilized to rebuild it. On the seventeenth day, the day Kinoto-u, he made a progress to the Tamura mansion of the Minister of the Right, Fujiwara-no-Korekimi, and held a banquet. In winter, on the twenty-first day of the tenth month, the day Tsuchinoe-ne, Echigo province reported that Miyake-no-Kasaomaro, a man of Kanbara district, had distributed his private store of rice to relieve those suffering from cold and hunger, and had repaired roads and bridges to aid travelers at difficult crossings; he was granted Junior Eighth Rank Upper. On the last day of the month, the day Hinoto-tori, an edict declared: "We have heard that there are many thieves in the capital, who seize goods and set fires. Let the neighborhood associations be ordered to investigate wrongdoing strictly according to the provisions of the code. Let idlers who live in indolence and indulge in gambling be sentenced to one hundred strokes of the cane, without regard to the privilege of rank or the redemption of punishment by fine. For cases of arson and robbery, let death be imposed without necessarily being bound by the ordinary law, so that it may serve as a deterrent. Let this be strictly enforced, so that such crimes may be rooted out entirely." On the first day of the eleventh month, the day Tsuchinoe-inu, was the winter solstice. Gifts were bestowed on the assembled ministers and those below them, and an edict remitted the year's rice-field tax of the capital and home provinces. On the third day, the day Kanoe-ne, an edict declared: "The people are the foundation of the state, and only when the foundation is firm is the state at peace. What the people depend upon is nothing other than farming and sericulture. Of late the provincial governors have shown much partiality in their administration, feeling no shame at turning their backs on the way of nurturing the people, and fearing only that they might fail to extract profit skillfully from them. Some occupy wide tracts of forest and moor, others manage extensive rice-fields and gardens, while the common people grow exhausted. For this reason restrictions should be imposed, to correct this greedy and corrupt custom. Henceforth, provincial governors shall not develop new paddy fields beyond the public granary fields, kugaiden, nor shall they covetously reclaim land on their own account so as to encroach upon the farming and mulberry lands of the common people. Should any violate this, the land reclaimed and its yield shall be confiscated in full, the offender dismissed from his current post at once, and punished for disobeying the edict." On the eleventh day, the day Tsuchinoe-saru (Note: this work gives the day Kinoe-ne, but the sequence of sexagenary days is in disorder; it is here followed according to the Mizukagami and the Nihon Kiryaku), the emperor removed to the Nagaoka Palace. On the twenty-eighth day, the day Kinoto-ushi, the four shrines of the Lower and Upper Kamo Shrines, together with the Matsunoo and Otokuni shrines, were repaired. On the second day of the twelfth month, the day Tsuchinoto-mi, an edict granted rank to those of merit in the construction of the palace, and remitted the year's rice-field tax of the provinces that had contributed laborers. On the sixth day, the day Mizunoto-tori, envoys were sent to the home provinces and the seven circuits to perform a great purification rite and present offerings, heihaku, to the gods of Heaven and earth. On the thirteenth day, the day Kanoe-tatsu, an edict declared: "Princes, ministers, the several offices, and the temple houses are forbidden from jointly holding forest, grove, marsh, and moor land and monopolizing its profit. The family graves of the several clans must not be cut into or damaged."

¶In the fourth year, the year Kinoto-ushi, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Hinoto-tori, he came forth to the Daigokuden and received the New Year's felicitations. On the fifteenth day, the day Kanoto-i, the Councillor, Ki-no-Funamori, became concurrently General of the Palace Guards. On the twenty-second day, the day Tsuchinoe-uma, Awa province reported that over five hundred large fish had washed ashore. In summer, on the thirtieth day of the fourth month, the day Kinoe-uma, red sparrows gathered at the Empress's palace and did not depart for some ten days. On the third day of the fifth month, the day Hinoto-tori, an edict declared: "It is the duty of a subject's courtesy always to avoid the sovereign's personal name, imina. Of late, the personal names of the former emperor and of Ourself have been infringed upon, both in public and private matters. Henceforth, all should observe the taboo on these names." Accordingly, the surname Shiragabe was changed to Makamibe, and Yamabe was changed to Yamashiro (Note: this work lacks the character "shiro" here, but it has been supplied following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the nineteenth day, the day Mizunoto-ushi, on account of the auspicious sign of the red sparrows, an edict granted one rank to civil and military officials, within the court and without, who bore the official baton, and remitted the year's rice-field tax of Yamashiro province. On the twenty-sixth day, the day Kanoe-saru, envoys were sent to the home provinces to pray for rain. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Kanoto-tori, there was an earthquake. On the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month, the day Hinoto-i, an edict was given to the capital, the home provinces, and the seven circuits: "Investigate the households and population, and look into vagrants" (Note: the passage from "sixth month" onward follows the Ruijū Sandaikyaku). In autumn, on the twentieth day of the seventh month, the day Mizunoto-ushi, an edict ordered: "Let monks and nuns of virtuous conduct be recorded and reported." A further edict declared: "Laborers on the palace construction should be paid according to their work." Accordingly, three hundred and fourteen thousand commoners from the provinces were hired for labor. On the twenty-fourth day of the eighth month, the day Hinoe-inu, he made a progress to the Heijō Palace. On the third day of the ninth month, the day Kinoto-hitsuji, there was an earthquake. On the seventh day, the day Tsuchinoto-i, Imperial Princess Asahara was sent to serve at the Grand Shrine. On the eighth day, the day Kanoe-ne, he hunted at Mizuo-no-oka. On the twenty-third day, the day Kinoto-u, bandits shot and killed the Middle Counselor, Fujiwara-no-Tanetsugu. On the twenty-fourth day, the day Hinoe-tatsu, the imperial carriage returned from Heijō, and an edict ordered that the band of bandits be hunted down and seized. On investigation, it was found that the affair was connected to the crown prince, Imperial Prince Sawara. The ringleader, Junior Secretary of the Left, Ōtomo-no-Tsuguhito, was executed, and his faction were sentenced to death or exile. On the twenty-eighth day, the day Kanoe-ne, the crown prince was deposed and confined at Otokunidera (Note: the passage from "the twenty-eighth day" onward follows the Nihon Kiryaku). In winter, on the fourth day of the tenth month, the day Hinoe-tora, envoys were sent to inspect the paddies of the home provinces. On the eighth day, the day Kanoe-uma, envoys were sent to the later Saho mausoleum — that of Emperor Kōnin — at Tahara in Yamashina, to announce the crown prince's deposition, and he was at last exiled to Awaji province. Imperial Prince Sawara died on the way (Note: the passage from "at last exiled" onward follows the Nihon Kiryaku and the Mizukagami). On the twenty-seventh day, the day Tsuchinoto-ushi, the embankment of Kawachi broke. Over three hundred thousand hired laborers were mobilized to rebuild it. On the eighth day of the eleventh month, the day Kanoe-ne, the Governor of Noto, Mikuni-no-Hiromi, was exiled to Sado for falsely accusing another of rebellion. On the tenth day, the day Mizunoe-tora, he worshipped the gods of Heaven at Katano-no-Kashiwabara, in thanks for the fulfillment of an earlier prayer. On the twenty-fifth day, the day Hinoto-mi, Imperial Prince Ate was installed as crown prince, and a general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm. The Major Counselor and Minister of Central Affairs, Fujiwara-no-Tsugutada, was made Tutor to the Crown Prince. In this year there was famine and epidemic disease in Suō. The grain failed to ripen in Dewa and Tanba, and the common people went hungry. There was flooding in Kawachi. Great storms damaged the crops in Tōtōmi, Shimōsa, Hitachi, and Noto. Relief was given in each case.

¶In the fifth year, the year Hinoe-tora, in spring, on the twenty-first day of the first month, the day Mizunoe-ne, Bonshakuji was built. On the twenty-eighth day, the day Tsuchinoto-hitsuji, there was an earthquake. In summer, on the third day of the fifth month, the day Kanoto-u, since the capital had been newly built and the people were not yet prosperous, an edict bestowed gifts on the people of the Left and Right Capitals and of the eastern and western markets. On the first day of the sixth month, the day Tsuchinoto-hitsuji, an edict declared: "To nurture the common people and to oversee their jurisdiction is the shared charge of provincial and district governors alike. Of late, when fire has struck a regular granary, only the district governor has been punished, and not the provincial governor — how can this accord with the intent of the law? Henceforth, let the public granary reserve, kugai, of provincial governors be confiscated, and let them make good the government property lost. As for district governors, they shall not be included in any general amnesty." In autumn, on the nineteenth day of the seventh month, the day Hinoe-uma, the hall of the Council of State, Daijōkan-in, was completed, and the hundred officials took their places at court for the first time. On the eighth day of the eighth month, the day Kinoe-ne, for the subjugation of the Emishi, Junior Fifth Rank Lower Saeki-no-Katsuragi was sent to the Tōkaidō and Ki-no-Katsunaga to the Tōzandō, to select soldiers and inspect weapons and equipment. In winter, on the twenty-eighth day of the tenth month, the day Kinoe-saru, Emperor Kōnin was reburied. In this year Balhae sent tribute.

¶In the sixth year, the year Hinoto-u, in spring, on the twenty-first day of the first month, the day Hinoe-uma, an edict was given to the Mutsu Inspector forbidding officials in the service of princes and ministers, and commoners, from trading with the captured Emishi, fushū (Note: following the Ruijū Sandaikyaku). On the twentieth day of the third month, the day Kinoe-tatsu, an edict declared: "The principle of caring for the aged was set forth by the sages of antiquity, and every reign since has followed this way. Now, at the very season of farming, the people labor in the fields. Looking upon the people, We feel deep compassion. Let grain be granted to the people of the capital, the home provinces, and the seven circuits who are eighty years of age or older, and let the heads of the provinces themselves go in person to the villages to give earnest relief to the widowers, widows, the solitary, the orphaned, kankakodoku, and the infirm." In summer, on the sixteenth day of the fourth month, the day Kanoe-uma, Yamashiro province presented a white pheasant. In autumn, on the eighth day of the seventh month, the day Tsuchinoto-hitsuji, Taihaku appeared in daylight. On the twenty-fourth day of the eighth month, the day Kinoe-tatsu, he made a progress to Takahashi-no-tsu, and on the way back visited the mansion of the Major Counselor, Fujiwara-no-Tsugutada. In winter, on the eighth day of the tenth month, the day Hinoto-i, an edict declared: "It has now been seven years since We came to reign over the realm, yet We have not yet caused the myriad people everywhere to enjoy good instruction, nor brought the whole land to a state of peace. We consider this to stem from Our own want of virtue, and feel truly ashamed and regretful. Yet this year the realm has enjoyed an abundant harvest, and We wish to share this good year together with the common people. Let grain be granted to the aged throughout the realm, and let the widowers, widows, the solitary, the orphaned, and the sick be given relief. Let the unpaid seed-loan interest, suiko, of Otokuni district be remitted." On the seventeenth day, the day Hinoe-saru, he hunted at Katano. On the twentieth day, the day Tsuchinoto-i, he returned to the palace. On the fifth day of the eleventh month, the day Kinoe-tora, the Major Counselor, Fujiwara-no-Tsugutada, was sent to perform the suburban sacrifice to the gods of Heaven, kōshi, at Katano, with Emperor Kōnin associated in the rite.

¶In the seventh year, the year Tsuchinoe-tatsu, in spring, on the fifteenth day of the first month, the day Kinoe-ne, the crown prince performed the rite of coming of age, genpuku, in the front hall, and a general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm. On the twenty-eighth day of the second month, the day Hinoe-uma, the Mutsu Inspector, Tajihi-no-Umi, became concurrently Defense General. On the second day of the third month, the day Kanoe-inu, an edict ordered that provisions be transported to Taga Castle in Mutsu. On the third day, the day Kanoto-i, fifty-two thousand eight hundred infantry and cavalry from the provinces of Bandō were levied, to be assembled at Taga Castle by the third month of the following year, so as to subjugate the Emishi. In summer, on the third day of the fourth month, the day Kanoe-tatsu, envoys were sent to the home provinces to pray for rain. On the tenth day, the day Hinoto-i, a horse was presented to Niukawakami to pray for rain. On the eleventh day, the day Tsuchinoe-ne, an edict was given to the five home provinces: "Of late a drought has continued for months on end, and the water of ditches and ponds has grown scarce. Let the responsible office order that, wherever there is water, the common people be allowed to sow seed, whether or not the field in question belongs to a prince's or minister's household. The season for farming must not be lost." On the sixteenth day, the day Mizunoto-mi, no rain had fallen since the previous winter, and the drought had continued into the fifth month. On this day there was drought. The emperor bathed, went out into the courtyard, and prayed for rain himself. Rain at once poured down. The assembled ministers danced for joy and cried out banzai. Bedding and clothing were thereupon bestowed on those of the fifth rank and above. On the second day of the fifth month, the day Tsuchinoto-tori, an edict ordered: "Let envoys be sent to pray for rain at the Ise Shrine and at the eminent shrines of the seven circuits." That evening, heavy rain fell. In autumn, on the fourth day of the seventh month, the day Tsuchinoto-tori, the Dazaifu reported: "Last March, Mount Sonomine in Ōsumi erupted, with a sound like thunder." On the sixth day, the day Kanoto-i, the Councillor and Middle Captain of the Central Guards, Ki-no-Kosami, was made General for the Subjugation of the East (Note: the Kugyō Bunin writes "Subjugation of the East" as "Subjugation of the Barbarians"). On the twenty-eighth day, the day Mizunoto-tori, the former Minister of the Right, Ōnakatomi-no-Kiyomaro, died. On the twenty-sixth day of the ninth month, the day Kanoe-uma, an edict declared: "Though We, of unworthy person, have unworthily succeeded to this great undertaking, and built the capital at Nagaoka, a place convenient by land and water, the palace halls are not yet completed, and much construction work still remains. The hardship of conscription has fallen heavily upon the common people. We now hear that the laborers on the palace construction cannot even clothe themselves adequately in coarse garments, and that many have grown thin and weak. We are deeply pained at heart. Let the provinces that have sent laborers have the interest on this year's seed-loan, suiko, reduced in every case, whether it is owed on regular tax rice or on the public granary reserve, kugai." In winter, on the second day of the tenth month, the day Hinoe-ne, there was thunder, rain, and a violent storm, and dwellings were destroyed. In this year the monk Saichō founded the Konponchūdō, the Central Hall, on Mount Hiei (Note: the passage from "this year" onward follows the Mizukagami, the Ichidai Yōki, the Rekidai Kōki, and the Tendai Zasu-ki).

¶In the eighth year, the year Tsuchinoto-mi, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Kinoe-tatsu, there was a solar eclipse. On the twenty-eighth day, the day Kanoto-hitsuji, an edict ordered that students of the University below the age of thirty should not be appointed to office (Note: the passage from "the twenty-eighth day" onward follows the Ruijū Sandaikyaku). On the twenty-seventh day of the second month, the day Kanoe-ne, he removed from the Western Palace and entered the Eastern Palace for the first time. On the ninth day of the third month, the day Kanoto-i, the soldiers of the provinces assembled at Taga Castle and marched out by separate routes to strike the rebels. On the tenth day, the day Mizunoe-ne, envoys were sent to present offerings, heihaku, at the Grand Shrine, to announce the subjugation of the Emishi. In autumn, on the fourteenth day of the seventh month, the day Kinoe-tora, an edict was given to the provinces of Ise, Mino, Echizen, and others: "Barrier-gates were originally established to prepare against emergencies. Now that the sovereign's calendar extends everywhere, there is no division within the realm, and there is no need to set up forbidding barriers merely to serve as defense. On the contrary, they cut off the capital from the provinces, deprive travelers of convenience, and constantly bring the hardship of delay to those traveling on public and private business alike. They bring no benefit to the conduct of government, and only deepen the people's distress. The former ill effects should be reformed, and matters handled flexibly as circumstances require. Let the barriers of the three provinces be entirely abolished. Let the weapons and provisions stored there be carried to the provincial headquarters, and let the remaining buildings be moved and rebuilt in a convenient district." On the thirtieth day of the eighth month, the day Tsuchinoto-i, an edict remitted the year's rice-field tax of those who had gone on campaign from Mutsu, and exempted them from taxation for two years. On the eighth day of the ninth month, the day Hinoto-hitsuji, the General for the Subjugation of the East, Ki-no-Kosami, returned from Mutsu. On the nineteenth day, the day Tsuchinoe-uma, an edict held Kosami and others to blame for lingering and suffering defeat in battle, and dismissed the Deputy Defense Generals, Ikeda-no-Mahira and Abe-no-Kuronawa, from office. The Minister of the Right and concurrently General of the Central Guards, Fujiwara-no-Korekimi, died. In winter, on the tenth day of the tenth month, the day Tsuchinoe-tora, the Major Counselor, Fujiwara-no-Tsugutada, became concurrently General of the Central Guards. On the twenty-third day, the day Kanoto-u, Junior Fifth Rank Lower Kose-no-Notari was made Deputy Defense General of Mutsu. On the twenty-third day of the twelfth month, the day Kanoe-tora, an edict ordered: "Since the health of the Chūgū has of late been poor, let the Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra be read at the temples throughout the realm." On the twenty-eighth day, the day Kinoto-hitsuji, the Chūgū, of the Takano clan, died (Note: on consideration, this work states that the Empress Dowager died, but the posthumous title of Empress Dowager was not conferred until the following year. Here the actual fact is followed, and she is recorded as Chūgū). In this year there was famine in Iga, Ise, Shima, Awa, Shimotsuke, Mimasaka, Bingo, and Kii, and relief was given (Note: the Teiō Hennenki states that the emperor made a progress to the Sumiyoshi Shrine this year, but since this does not appear in this work or in the Nihon Kiryaku, it is not adopted).

¶In the ninth year, the year Kanoe-uma, in spring, on the fifteenth day of the first month, the day Mizunoe-ne, the Empress Dowager, of the Takano clan, was buried (Note: on consideration, this work states that the posthumous title of Empress Dowager was conferred in the ninth year, but gives no month or day for it. It also states that, on the fourteenth day of the first month, the day Kanoto-i, a eulogy was offered and a posthumous name bestowed. According to this, the conferral of the title was presumably made at this same time). On the twenty-seventh day of the second month, the day Kinoe-uma, the Major Counselor, Fujiwara-no-Tsugutada, was made Minister of the Right. On the third day of the third month, the day Kanoe-ne, the seasonal court banquets were suspended. On the fourth day of the intercalary month, the day Kanoe-uma, for the subjugation of the Emishi, an edict ordered the provinces of Bandō to produce two thousand suits of leather armor within three years. On the tenth day, the day Hinoe-ne, the Empress, of the Fujiwara clan — Otomuro — died. On the eleventh day, the day Hinoto-ushi, the emperor removed to the headquarters of the Palace Guards. On the sixteenth day, the day Mizunoe-uma, an edict declared: "Though We, of meager virtue, reign over the realm, griefs have followed one upon another in the state, and calamities and portents do not cease. To turn misfortune into blessing, virtuous government must come first. We wish to spread Our benevolence widely, and bring about peace and calm. A general amnesty should be proclaimed throughout the realm. All unpaid tax, tribute, and labor dues owed throughout the realm from before the third year of Enryaku are remitted." On the twenty-eighth day, the day Kinoe-uma, the Empress was buried. On the twenty-ninth day, the day Kinoto-hitsuji, for the subjugation of the Emishi, an edict ordered the provinces of Bandō to provision a hundred and forty thousand koku of dried rations, kyūbi. In summer, on the fifth day of the fourth month, the day Kanoto-ushi, an edict ordered the Dazaifu to produce iron helmets. On the twenty-first day of the fifth month, the day Hinoe-inu, envoys were sent to the home provinces to pray for rain. On the twenty-ninth day, the day Kinoe-uma, an edict ordered offerings, heihaku, presented to the eminent gods of the home provinces, to pray for rain. On the thirteenth day of the sixth month, the day Tsuchinoe-saru, on account of the mourning seclusion, the Jinkonjiki rite was performed at the office of the Bureau of Shrine Affairs (Note: on consideration, the origin of the Jinkonjiki is not clear in detail. The Kuji Kongen states that it was first performed in the sixth month of the second year of Reiki under Empress Genshō, but it is not known on what this is based. Its appearance in the histories begins here. It seems to have already become a fixed annual observance by this time, and it is not recorded again hereafter). In autumn, on the third day of the ninth month, the day Hinoe-tora, an edict ordered sutras read at seven temples in the capital on account of the crown prince's illness. On the eleventh day, the day Kinoe-inu, the Ainame offering, heihaku, was presented to the Grand Shrine. On account of the mourning seclusion, he did not come forth to the Daigokuden. On the thirteenth day, the day Hinoe-ne, an edict declared: "Though We, of meager virtue and foolish person, unworthily govern the realm, We labor at the affairs of government from before dawn until late at night, Our heart set on nurturing the people. Yet harmony has not been achieved; scorching heat and drought have brought calamity, the fields are not well tended, and much farmland lies waste. Though good and bad harvests have their season, the responsibility rests deeply with Ourself. We have heard that the failure of the harvest in the capital and home provinces is worse than in the outlying provinces, and that there is also epidemic disease and famine. The year's rice-field tax of the capital and home provinces should be remitted." On the sixteenth day, the day Tsuchinoto-u, the Settsu Administration presented a white rat. In winter, on the second day of the tenth month, the day Kinoe-uma, the Mint, jusenshi, was restored. On the fourteenth day, the day Hinoe-uma, Michimori-no-Azumahito was summoned for an audience within the palace. He was a hundred and twenty-two years of age (Note: the Nihon Kiryaku gives his age as a hundred and twelve), and his face was like that of a youth. He was granted clothing and sent home. On the nineteenth day, the day Kanoto-i, over four thousand eight hundred forty men of merit in the subjugation of the Emishi were rewarded, granted ranks of merit, and advanced in rank. On the twentieth day, the day Mizunoto-ushi, the Daijōkan memorialized: "The Emishi have broken the law and long evaded the sovereign's punishment; though great armies have struck at them with vigor, the remnants are not yet extinguished. The provinces of Bandō have long suffered under the burden of military service. The able-bodied have exhausted their strength, and the poor and weak are distressed by the transport of supplies. Yet the common people of the other provinces have not yet been levied. All the people under Heaven are alike the sovereign's own subjects — in undertaking this task, how can the hardship not be shared equally? We request that the provincial governors of the capital, the home provinces, and the seven circuits be ordered to investigate and record those of sufficient means to bear the cost of making armor, whether native-registered commoners, vagrants, people in the service of princes and ministers, or tenant farmers, denko, and to report the quantity of their stored wealth together with their names and native villages." The emperor approved this. On the fifteenth day of the eleventh month, the day Hinoto-ushi, there was an earthquake. On the seventeenth day, the day Tsuchinoto-u, on account of the mourning seclusion, the Niiname harvest rite was performed at the Bureau of Shrine Affairs. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Tsuchinoto-ushi, on account of military service, epidemic disease, and drought, an edict remitted the year's rice-field tax of the provinces of Bandō. On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the day Kinoe-tatsu, there was an earthquake. In this year there was famine in Izumi, Mikawa, Tōtōmi, Ōmi, Mino, Hida, Kōzuke, Tanba, Hōki, Harima, Mimasaka, Bizen, Bitchū, Kii, Awaji, and Awa, and in the territory under the Dazaifu, and relief was given in every case. From autumn into winter, pea-pox, endōsō — a form of smallpox — spread, and was worst of all in the capital and home provinces.

¶In the tenth year, the year Kanoto-hitsuji, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Mizunoe-inu, the New Year's felicitations were suspended. On the eighteenth day, the day Tsuchinoto-u, plans were laid for the subjugation of the Emishi, and Senior Fifth Rank Upper Kudara-no-Shuntetsu and Junior Fifth Rank Lower Sakanoue-no-Tamuramaro were sent to the Tōkaidō, and Fujiwara-no-Mawashi to the Tōzandō, to inspect soldiers and equipment. On the twenty-first day of the second month, the day Kanoto-i, the Assistant Governor of Mutsu, Funya-no-Ōhara, became concurrently Deputy Defense General. On the sixth day of the third month, the day Hinoe-tora, an edict ordered that the ritsuryō code, as revised by Kibi-no-Makibi, Yamato-no-Nagaoka, and others, be put into effect for the first time. On the seventeenth day, the day Hinoto-ushi, an edict ordered the Minister of the Right and those below him, of the fifth rank and above, to have armor made, in quantities graded according to rank. On the twenty-third day, the day Mizunoto-hitsuji, the Daijōkan memorialized: "At present there are many days of national mourning observance, and court government is needlessly suspended because of them. We request that those whose degree of mourning kinship has lapsed — that is, distant relatives — be excluded." The emperor followed this. On the twenty-sixth day, the day Hinoe-inu, an edict ordered the provincial and district governors of the capital, the home provinces, and the seven circuits to have armor made. In summer, on the eighteenth day of the fourth month, the day Tsuchinoe-saru, envoys were sent to repair the pagodas of the temples of Yamashiro province. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Hinoto-mi, the imperial carriage made a progress to the mansion of the Director of the Board of Censors, Prince Jin, and held a banquet. On the fifth day of the fifth month, the day Kinoto-ushi, on account of drought and epidemic disease in the provinces, the seasonal court banquets were suspended. On the first day of the sixth month, the day Kanoe-tora, there was a solar eclipse. On the twenty-sixth day, the day Kinoto-u, a horse was presented to the deity of Niukawakami. In autumn, on the first day of the seventh month, the day Kanoe-saru, offerings, heihaku, were presented to the eminent gods of the home provinces to pray for rain. On the thirteenth day, the day Mizunoe-saru, Junior Fourth Rank Lower Ōtomo-no-Otomaro was made Envoy for the Subjugation of the Barbarians, and Senior Fifth Rank Upper Kudara-no-Shuntetsu, Junior Fifth Rank Upper Tajihi-no-Hamanari, Junior Fifth Rank Lower Sakanoue-no-Tamuramaro, and Kose-no-Notari were made his deputies. On the twenty-second day, the day Kanoto-mi, Iyo province presented a white sparrow. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Hinoe-inu, the households of falconers, takabe, were abolished. On the third day of the eighth month, the day Kanoto-u, bandits set fire to the main hall and treasury of the Grand Shrine, together with its gates and fences. On the fifth day, the day Mizunoto-mi, envoys for the allotment of rice-fields, handenshi, were established for the home provinces. On the fourteenth day, the day Mizunoe-tora, the Councillor and Middle Captain of the Central Guards, Ki-no-Kosami, and the Minister of the Bureau of Shrine Affairs, Ōnakatomi-no-Moroo, were sent to Ise to present offerings, heihaku, in apology for the fire at the shrine, and envoys were also sent to have the shrine buildings repaired. On the seventeenth day of the ninth month, the day Kinoe-inu, the gates of the Heijō Palace were moved and rebuilt at the Nagaoka Palace. The common people of Ise, Owari, Ōmi, Mino, Wakasa, Echizen, Kii, and other provinces were forbidden to slaughter cattle in sacrifice to the gods of the continent, karakami. On the twenty-third day, the day Kanoe-tatsu, the Deputy Envoy for the Subjugation of the Barbarians, Kudara-no-Shuntetsu, became concurrently Defense General of Mutsu. In winter, on the tenth day of the tenth month, the day Hinoto-tori, he hunted at Katano. On the thirteenth day, the day Kanoe-ne, he returned to the palace. On the twenty-fifth day, the day Mizunoe-ne, an edict ordered the provinces of the Tōkaidō and Tōzandō to make war-arrows, soya. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Kinoe-tora, the crown prince worshipped at the Grand Shrine, in thanks for the fulfillment of an earlier prayer. On the third day of the eleventh month, the day Tsuchinoto-hitsuji, an edict ordered the provinces of Bandō to provision over a hundred and twenty thousand koku of dried rations. On the eleventh day, the day Hinoto-u, the crown prince returned from Ise. In this year there was famine in Kii, Bungo, Hyūga, and Ōsumi, and relief was given in every case.

¶In the eleventh year, the year Mizunoe-saru, in spring, on the ninth day of the first month, the day Kinoe-ne, he came forth to the Inokuma Cloister and watched archery by those of the fifth rank and above, granting coin to those who hit the mark (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twentieth day, the day Kinoto-i, he hunted at Tōrokuno (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). On the twenty-seventh day, the day Mizunoe-uma, there was an earthquake (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-ninth day, the day Kinoe-saru, a band of white vapor pierced the sun (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the sixth day of the second month, the day Kanoto-u, he hunted at Minaseno. On the eighteenth day, the day Mizunoto-u, he hunted at Ōharano (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-seventh day, the day Mizunoe-ne, he hunted at Kurikumano, and then made a progress to the private villa of the late Minister of the Right, Fujiwara-no-Korekimi (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). On the twenty-eighth day, the day Mizunoto-ushi, the several guard headquarters were ordered to guard the former palace at Heijō (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the last day of the month, the day Kinoe-tora, the imperial carriage made a circuit of the capital, and then proceeded to the mansion of the Assistant Minister of Military Affairs, Fujiwara-no-Otoei (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the eleventh day of the third month, the day Kinoto-ushi, he made a progress to Sugitani (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-first day, the day Kinoto-i, Mimasaka province presented a white pheasant. On the twenty-fourth day, the day Tsuchinoe-tora, the Grand Shrine was repaired (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On this day, a private banquet, kyokuen, was held, and coin was bestowed on those of the fifth rank and above (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). In summer, on the second day of the fourth month, the day Hinoe-inu, the Major Counselor and concurrently General of the Palace Guards, Ki-no-Funamori, died. On the twenty-first day, the day Kinoto-mi, the Councillor, Ōnakatomi-no-Moroo, was made General of the Palace Guards (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku and the Kugyō Bunin). On the sixth day of the fifth month, the day Tsuchinoto-hitsuji, on account of drought damage continuing over several years, mounted archery was suspended. On the seventeenth day, the day Kanoe-uma, he made a progress to the Kadono River, and entered the private villa of the Minister of the Right, Fujiwara-no-Tsugutada. On the first day of the sixth month, the day Kinoe-saru, the cold was as if it were winter, and some people wore padded clothing. On the fifth day, the day Tsuchinoe-ne, offerings, heihaku, were presented to the eminent gods of the home provinces, to pray for the crown prince's recovery from illness. On the twenty-second day, the day Kinoto-mi, there was thunder, rain, and a great flood, and the southern gate of the Ministry of Ceremonial collapsed (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). In autumn, on the twenty-seventh day of the seventh month, the day Kanoe-tatsu, an edict declared: "The rites of burial should take simplicity as their guiding principle. We have heard that wealthy and powerful houses, and the people of the towns, still vie with one another in extravagance, disregard the law, recklessly gather great crowds, and set up rows of banners and standards, bandō, and that, once the burial is over, they return home given over to drink. Not only does this waste wealth, it truly does harm to public morals. Let the responsible office be ordered to enforce strict control over this." (Note: following the Ruijū Sandaikyaku) On the ninth day of the eighth month, the day Kanoto-u, there was heavy rain and flooding. On the eleventh day, the day Mizunoto-mi, he made a progress to Akamezaki to inspect the flood damage. On the twelfth day, the day Kinoe-uma, envoys were sent to relieve the common people affected by the flood (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). In the ninth month, he hunted at Ōharano, Kurikumano, Tōrokuno, and Katano. In winter, on the fourteenth day of the tenth month, the day Kinoto-hitsuji, he hunted at Ōharano (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). On the twenty-sixth day, the day Hinoto-hitsuji, the presentation of tachibana citrus from Sagami province and of melons from Iyo province was discontinued. On the first day of the eleventh month, the day Mizunoe-ne, there was a solar eclipse (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-fifth day, the day Hinoe-ne, there was a great snowfall. Cotton wadding was bestowed on palanquin-bearers, kayochō, and those above them (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). On the first day of the intercalary month, the day Mizunoe-uma, the newly enacted eighty-three articles of the Board of Censors' ordinances were handed down to the Board of Censors. On the eighth day, the day Tsuchinoe-ne, he made a circuit of the several cloisters (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twelfth day, the day Mizunoe-tatsu, Iyo province presented a white deer (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). This month, he hunted at Minaseno, Kuzuhano, Ōharano, Ishitsukuri-no-oka, and Tōrokuno (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi).

¶In the twelfth year, the year Mizunoto-tori, in spring, on the fourteenth day of the first month, the day Mizunoto-mi, the Yakushikyō, the Sutra of the Healing Buddha, was read in the palace for the first time, and a seven-day ban on the taking of life was ordered throughout the realm (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). On the fifteenth day, the day Kinoe-uma, plans were laid to move the capital, and the Major Counselor, Fujiwara-no-Oguromaro, and the Major Controller of the Left, Ki-no-Kosami, were sent to Uta village in Kadono district to examine the configuration of the land. On the seventeenth day, the day Hinoe-saru, the archery ceremony, jarai, was suspended. On the twenty-first day, the day Kanoe-ne, he removed to the Eastern Cloister on account of work to demolish the palace halls (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the second day of the second month, the day Kanoto-i, envoys were sent to Kamo to announce the transfer of the capital (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the fourth day, the day Mizunoto-ushi, he hunted at Kurikumano, and made a progress to the private villa of Imperial Prince Iyo. On the thirteenth day, the day Mizunoe-inu, he hunted at Minaseno (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). On the first day of the third month, the day Tsuchinoto-u, the imperial carriage made a progress through the new capital (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the ninth day, the day Hinoto-i, the Settsu Administration was reorganized as a province (Note: following the Ruijū Sandaikyaku and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twelfth day, the day Kanoe-tora, the palace enclosure of the new capital was built. This month, offerings, heihaku, were presented at Ise. Envoys were sent to the imperial mausolea at Tahara in Yamashina to announce the transfer of the capital. In summer, on the third day of the fourth month, the day Kanoto-i, he made a progress to Kadono, and entered the private villa of Fujiwara-no-Tsugutada (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the sixteenth day of the fifth month, the day Mizunoto-mi, an edict ordered the release of living creatures, hōjō, to be performed in Yamashiro and Settsu (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). On the eighth day of the sixth month, the day Kinoto-u, prayers for rain were offered. On the twenty-third day, the day Kanoe-uma, the provinces were levied to build the several gates of the new palace (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). In autumn, on the seventh day of the seventh month, the day Mizunoto-hitsuji, he came forth to the Baretsuden, the Horse-Enclosure Hall, and watched sumo wrestling (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku. On consideration, the presentation of sumo wrestlers by the provinces first appears in the fifth year of Jinki under Emperor Shōmu, and the watching of sumo on the seventh day of the seventh month first appears in the sixth year of Tenpyō. From this year onward it was performed frequently without interruption, generally on the seventh day of the seventh month, until, in the third year of Tenchō under Emperor Junna, the date was changed to the sixteenth to avoid the death-day of Emperor Heizei. Since it is thus clear that this had become a fixed annual event, it is not recorded again hereafter). On the nineteenth day, the day Kinoto-hitsuji, he hunted at Ōharano (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). On the twenty-fifth day, the day Kanoto-ushi, he made a circuit of the new palace (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-first day of the eighth month, the day Hinoto-u, he hunted at Ōharano, and entered the private villa of Fujiwara-no-Tsugutada (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). On the twenty-sixth day, the day Mizunoe-saru, he made a circuit of the capital (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-eighth day, the day Kinoe-inu, he hunted at Kadono. On the seventh day of the ninth month, the day Mizunoto-hitsuji, he hunted at Ōharano. On the twenty-second day, the day Tsuchinoe-inu, he hunted at Kurikumano, and entered the mansion of Imperial Prince Iyo. On the twenty-fourth day, the day Kanoe-ne, he hunted at Mizuno (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). In winter, on the first day of the tenth month, the day Hinoe-uma, there was a solar eclipse (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the sixth day, the day Kanoto-i, Prince Fukakusa was exiled to Oki for the crime of striking his father. On the second day of the eleventh month, the day Hinoto-ushi, he made a circuit of the new capital (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku), and entered the private villa of Fujiwara-no-Tsugutada. This winter, he hunted at Kadono, Katano, Kurikurano, Mizuno, and Okayano (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi).

¶In the thirteenth year, the year Kinoe-inu, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Kinoto-i, the New Year's felicitations were suspended on account of work to demolish the palace halls. On the fifteenth day, the day Tsuchinoto-ushi, there was an earthquake (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). This month, offerings, heihaku, were presented at the Grand Shrine. Envoys were sent to the imperial mausolea at Tahara in Yamashina to announce the subjugation of the Emishi (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). This spring, he hunted at Kurikumano, Mizuno, Kadono, Minaseno, and Ōharano (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). In summer, on the first day of the fourth month, the day Mizunoto-hitsuji, there was a solar eclipse (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-eighth day, the day Kanoe-uma, the imperial carriage made a circuit of the new capital (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-fourth day of the fifth month, the day Kinoto-hitsuji, Kai province presented a white crow (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the thirteenth day of the sixth month, the day Kinoe-tora, there was an earthquake (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-first day, the day Mizunoe-inu, Hizen province presented a white sparrow (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). In autumn, on the first day of the seventh month, the day Kanoto-hitsuji, the eastern and western markets were moved to the new capital. On the tenth day, the day Kanoe-tatsu, the palace enclosure and the government offices and dwellings of the capital and home provinces were struck by lightning (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the thirteenth day of the eighth month, the day Mizunoto-ushi — the Minister of the Right, Fujiwara-no-Tsugutada, and others had earlier been ordered to compile a national history, and at this time it was completed and presented (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). This month, there was epidemic disease in Awa province. On the first day of the ninth month, the day Kanoto-hitsuji, there was an earthquake. On the second day, the day Mizunoe-saru, there was again an earthquake (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). On the third day, the day Mizunoto-tori, an edict ordered a three-day ban on the taking of life throughout the realm, so that the Ninnōkyō, the Sutra of Benevolent Kings, might be expounded (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-eighth day, the day Tsuchinoe-inu, offerings, heihaku, were presented to the eminent gods of the provinces, to announce the transfer of the capital and the subjugation of the Emishi (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the last day of the month, the day Tsuchinoto-i, a hundred monks were summoned, and the Ninnōkyō was expounded at the new palace (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku. On consideration, the Tendai Zasu-ki, the Eigaku Yōki, and Takashina-no-Naritada's record of the dedication of the Central Hall all state that Saichō dedicated the Central Hall this month and that the emperor made a progress there, but this does not appear in the Ruijū Kokushi or the Nihon Kiryaku. The Enryakuji Kuyōki also records the Senior Secretary of the Outer Palace, Kiyohara-no-Naritada's rebuttal of the memorandum on the dedication of the Central Hall, and his argument is indeed detailed. For this reason it is not adopted here). This autumn, he hunted at Ōharano and Katano (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). In winter, on the twenty-second day of the tenth month, the day Kanoto-tori, the imperial carriage moved to the new capital (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-eighth day, the day Hinoto-u, the Shogun for the Subjugation of the Barbarians, Ōtomo-no-Otomaro, reported victory in battle (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the seventh day of the eleventh month, the day Hinoe-ne, an edict added a hundred and two chō of paddy land in Echizen province to the University, and named it Kangakuden, the Field for the Encouragement of Learning (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the eighth day, the day Hinoto-ushi, an edict declared: "Now this land of Yamashiro has mountains and rivers linked together like a lapel and sash, kintai, forming a natural fortress. In accordance with the excellence of this configuration, a new name should be established. Let Yamashiro — written with the character for 'back' — be changed to Yamashiro written with the character for 'castle.' The people who gather here in admiration, and those who sing its praises, all with one voice call it Heian-kyō, the Capital of Peace and Tranquility. Let this name now be adopted." (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku) This winter, he hunted at Katano, Kitanooka, Kōrakuno, Ōharano, and Yamashinano (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). In this year the Hirano Shrine was built (Note: the Nenjū Gyōji and the Kuji Kongen both state that it was built during the Enryaku era; the Ichidai Yōki dates it to this year, and that is here followed).

¶In the fourteenth year, the year Kinoto-i, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Kanoe-uma, the New Year's felicitations were suspended because the Daigokuden was not yet completed (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the thirteenth day, the day Mizunoe-uma, there was a great snowfall. Cotton wadding was bestowed on the assembled ministers and those below them (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). On the last day of the month, the day Tsuchinoe-inu, the Shogun for the Subjugation of the Barbarians, Ōtomo-no-Otomaro, returned in triumph. On the fourth day of the third month, the day Kanoto-hitsuji, the private keeping of hawks was forbidden (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). This spring, he hunted at Hino and Katano (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). In summer, on the first day of the fourth month, the day Tsuchinoe-inu, there was a solar eclipse (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-seventh day, the day Kinoe-ne, the common people were forbidden to donate or sell paddy fields, dwellings, and garden land to Buddhist temples (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Ruijū Sandaikyaku). On the third day of the fifth month, the day Tsuchinoto-mi, Kamitsukeno-no-Ekunime, a woman of the Right Capital, styled herself a heavenly being, shoten, and deceived the people with sinister sayings; she was exiled to Tosa. In the sixth month, he made a progress to the Kintōin and to Ōi (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). In autumn, on the twelfth day of the seventh month, the day Hinoto-ushi, he made a circuit of the capital (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the first day of the intercalary month, the day Kinoto-hitsuji, an edict declared: "At present the interest on the regular tax rice lent out as seed-loan, suiko, in the provinces is taken at the rate of fifty percent, hanbai. Because of this, many poor and destitute people ruin their household livelihood. We feel deep pity for this. The men of old have said: 'If the common people have enough, with whom shall their lord share any want?' Let the interest on seed-loans of the public granary rice, kugaitō, and the miscellaneous-service rice, zōshikitō, and the like, be deliberated and fixed, and uniformly reduced from this year on. We wish thereby to enrich wealth and its use, relieve the ruined among the people, bring prosperity to every household, and satisfy every person, and so raise up an age of great peace even now." (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi) On the second day, the day Hinoe-saru, circuit inspectors were established for the capital and the seven circuits. On the eleventh day, the day Kinoto-mi, there was a great storm, and dwellings were destroyed. On the fifteenth day of the eighth month, the day Tsuchinoto-u, the Ōsaka barrier in Ōmi was abolished. On the nineteenth day, the day Mizunoto-hitsuji, he made a progress to the Chōdōin to inspect the progress of construction. On the last day of the month, the day Kinoe-uma, the circuit inspectors were abolished. On the fifth day of the ninth month, the day Tsuchinoe-inu, he made a progress to the Eastern Cloister. On the twenty-ninth day, the day Mizunoe-inu, Taihaku appeared in daylight (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). This autumn, he made a progress to Sahi-no-tsu, Ōi, and Kitano, and hunted at Kashiwabarano, Ōharano, Hino, and Tōrokuno (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). In winter, on the sixteenth day of the tenth month, the day Tsuchinoto-u, he made a progress to Katano. On the twenty-second day, the day Kinoto-tori, he returned to the palace (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the first day of the twelfth month, the day Kinoe-ne, he made a circuit of the capital (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the thirteenth day, the day Hinoe-ne, Councillors and those above were permitted to wear belts of white jade, hakugyokutai (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the eighteenth day, the day Kanoto-mi, he made a circuit of the capital (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-sixth day, the day Tsuchinoto-ushi, the death sentences of three hundred and forty soldiers who had deserted from the provinces were remitted, and they were assigned to Mutsu to serve permanently as frontier garrison households, sakuko (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). This winter, he hunted at Murasakino, Kurusuno, and Ōharano (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku).

¶In the fifteenth year, the year Hinoe-ne, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Kinoe-uma, he came forth to the Daigokuden and received the New Year's felicitations. Iwami province presented a white sparrow, and Nagato province a white pheasant (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the fifteenth day of the second month, the day Hinoto-ushi, offerings, heihaku, were presented at the Grand Shrine. On the twenty-fifth day, the day Hinoto-i, an edict declared: "The post-road of the Nankaidō makes a long detour, and envoys find it difficult to travel. Let the old route be abolished, and a new road opened." On the nineteenth day of the third month, the day Kanoe-inu, an edict was given to the provinces: "Let those outstanding in military skill be recommended" (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). A further edict forbade officials and commoners of the capital and home provinces from mingling together, men and women alike, in unsanctioned worship of the Pole Star, Hokushin (Note: on consideration, according to the Nenjū Gyōji, after the transfer of the capital in the Enryaku era there was for the first time a rite of presenting a sacred lamp, miakashi, to the Pole Star. The Kuji Kongen states that the Pole Star was first worshipped in the third month of the fifteenth year of Enryaku. However, on examining the text of the edict in the Ruijū Kokushi, it was not that the court performed this rite for the first time, but simply that it forbade unsanctioned popular worship, inshi). On the twenty-fourth day, the day Kinoto-u, he made a circuit of the Chōdō and the several cloisters. He entered the Kintōin and held a banquet, bestowing gifts on the assembled ministers (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). This spring, he made a progress to Murasakino (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). He hunted at Serikawano, Tōrokuno, Minaseno, and Hino. In summer, on the tenth day of the fourth month, the day Kanoto-hitsuji, he made a circuit of the capital (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the fifteenth day, the day Hinoe-ne, hail fell (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-seventh day, the day Tsuchinoe-ne, Balhae sent tribute (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the fourth day of the fifth month, the day Kinoe-uma, Kibi-no-Uonushi was sent to the San'yōdō to search out bandits (Note: Uonushi's rank and office are not known). On the twelfth day, the day Mizunoe-tora, there was heavy rain and flooding. On the third day of the sixth month, the day Mizunoe-inu, Hizen province presented a white sparrow. This month, he made a progress to the Kadono River (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). In autumn, on the sixteenth day of the seventh month, the day Kinoto-mi, the Minister of the Right and concurrently Tutor to the Crown Prince and General of the Central Guards, Fujiwara-no-Tsugutada, died (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Kugyō Bunin). On the nineteenth day, the day Tsuchinoe-saru, envoys were sent to relieve the famine in Owari province (Note: following the Nihon Kōki). This month, Higo province reported that the water of the sacred pool, shinreichi, on Mount Aso had dried up by over twenty jō (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). An edict ordered: "Relieve the widowers, widows, the solitary, and the orphaned who cannot support themselves. Let the provincial governors have sutras read and penance, keka, performed" (Note: following the Nihon Kōki). On the first day of the eighth month, the day Tsuchinoto-hitsuji, there was a solar eclipse (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the sixth day, the day Kinoe-ne, there was a landslide in Yamato province, and water overflowed (Note: the Nihon Kiryaku gives the day as Kinoe-saru). On the seventh day, the day Kinoto-ushi, offerings, heihaku, were presented to the gods of the home provinces, to pray for clear weather. On this day, relief was given for the flood damage in Chikugo province (Note: following the Nihon Kōki). On the twenty-first day, the day Tsuchinoto-u, he made a circuit of the capital (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). On this day, an edict ordered the provinces to make maps. This month, continuous rain fell, and the price of grain rose sharply. Envoys were sent to give relief in the capital (Note: following the Nihon Kōki). On the first day of the ninth month, the day Tsuchinoto-ushi, an edict established beacon towers, hōsui, in Yamashiro and Kawachi, to prepare against unforeseen events (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). This autumn, he hunted at Tōrokuno and Kurikumano (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). In winter, on the sixteenth day of the tenth month, the day Mizunoto-tori, the Yakushisen penance rite was performed in the palace. On this day, envoys were sent to relieve the famine in Shima province (Note: following the Nihon Kōki). On the eighth day of the eleventh month, the day Kinoto-hitsuji, new coins were minted (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the fourteenth day, the day Kanoto-ushi, the new coins were presented to the three shrines of Ise, Kamo, and Matsunoo, given to the seven great temples, and bestowed on the crown prince and the assembled ministers below him (Note: following the Nihon Kōki). On the twenty-first day, the day Tsuchinoe-saru, nine thousand people from Sagami, Musashi, Kazusa, Hitachi, Kōzuke, Shimotsuke, Dewa, and Echigo were resettled at Korehari Castle in Mutsu province. On the twenty-second day, the day Tsuchinoto-tori, an edict ordered throughout the realm that craftsmen of Hida who had fled be hunted down and seized (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the fourth day of the twelfth month, the day Kanoto-tori, the Councillor, Fujiwara-no-Otomo, was made General of the Central Guards (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Kugyō Bunin). On the fourteenth day, the day Kanoto-hitsuji, he made a circuit of the capital (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). He entered the mansion of Imperial Princess Asahara, and bestowed gifts on those of the fifth rank and above (Note: following the Nihon Kōki). This winter, he hunted at Tōrokuno, Ōharano, Murasakino, Hino, Kitano, and Kurusuno (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). In this year Tōji was founded (Note: following the Mizukagami and the Ichidai Yōki. The Ranshōshō dates it to the following year).

¶In the sixteenth year, the year Hinoto-ushi, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Tsuchinoe-ne, the Dazaifu presented a white sparrow (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-third day, the day Kanoe-inu, relief was given to the starving people of Iki (Note: following the Nihon Kōki). On the twenty-sixth day, the day Mizunoto-ushi, he made a progress to the Kintōin (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the ninth day of the second month, the day Kinoto-ushi, the Major Counselor, Ki-no-Kosami, was made Tutor to the Crown Prince (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Kugyō Bunin). On the thirteenth day, the day Tsuchinoto-mi — the Crown Prince's Scholar, gakushi, Sugano-no-Mamichi, and others had earlier been ordered once more to compile the Shoku Nihongi, and at this time it was completed and presented (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-first day, the day Hinoto-ushi, the Councillor and General of the Palace Guards, Ōnakatomi-no-Moroo, died (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Nihon Kiryaku, and the Kugyō Bunin). On the eleventh day of the third month, the day Hinoto-tori, the Councillor, Fujiwara-no-Uchimaro, was made General of the Palace Guards, and Fujiwara-no-Otoei was made General of the Central Guards (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Kugyō Bunin). This month, envoys were sent to relieve the starving people of Kai, Shimōsa, Musashi, and Tosa (Note: following the Nihon Kōki). This spring, he made a circuit of the capital three times, and hunted at Minaseno, Ōharano, Kitano, and Tōrokuno (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Ruijū Kokushi). In summer, on the fourth day of the fourth month, the day Tsuchinoto-hitsuji, the Major Counselor and concurrently Tutor to the Crown Prince, Ki-no-Kosami, died (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku, the Kugyō Bunin, and the Ichidai Yōki). On the eighteenth day, the day Mizunoto-tori, Imperial Princess Fuse was made Ise Priestess (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the nineteenth day, the day Kinoe-inu, an edict ordered the Dazaifu to investigate vagrants (Note: following the Ruijū Sandaikyaku). On the seventh day of the fifth month, the day Mizunoe-tatsu, he made a circuit of the capital (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the eighth day, the day Mizunoto-mi, the Uji Bridge was repaired. On the nineteenth day, the day Kinoe-tatsu, the Kongō Hannyakyō, the Diamond Sutra, was read in the palace and at the crown prince's palace (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-second day, the day Hinoto-hitsuji, the abhiṣeka rite, kanjō kyōbō, was performed in the palace (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). On the seventh day of the sixth month, the day Kanoto-tori, Imperial Princess Asahara presented a white sparrow (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the ninth day, the day Mizunoto-i, an edict was issued distributing to the responsible offices the forty-five articles of the revised code, ryōkaku, compiled by the Director of the Board of Censors, Prince Jin, and others (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). On the seventeenth day, the day Kanoto-hitsuji, an edict forbade officials of the several offices from privately wearing festive garments before their period of mourning was complete (Note: following the Ruijū Sandaikyaku). On the eighteenth day, the day Mizunoe-saru, envoys were sent to present offerings, heihaku, to the eminent gods of the home provinces and the seven circuits, to pray for the peace of the realm (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-eighth day, the day Mizunoe-uma, on account of the transfer of the capital, the year's tax of the provinces was remitted. In autumn, on the eleventh day of the seventh month, the day Kinoe-uma, an edict declared: "That there be distinction between men and women is a matter the canons of ritual propriety hold dear. Should this become disordered without regard to status, the way of moral instruction is as good as already lost. We have heard that the common people are ignorant and do not know propriety, that the responsible offices are merely lenient and give no instruction or guidance at all, and that at gatherings both public and private, men and women mingle indiscriminately. Nothing does greater harm to public morals than this. It should be strictly forbidden." (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Ruijū Sandaikyaku) On the fourteenth day of the eighth month, the day Hinoto-u, there was an earthquake and a violent storm (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). The neighborhood gates of the Left and Right Capitals, and the dwellings of the common people, were blown down (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). On the twenty-fifth day, the day Tsuchinoe-tora, the Yamashiro barrier was established south of Nagaoka-kyō (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twentieth day of the ninth month, the day Mizunoe-tora, an edict declared: "It is now the season of the autumn harvest, nishinari, and the people are occupied with gathering it in. Let the provinces of the home region be ordered not to make contributions to the temporary lodging, anzaisho." (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi) This autumn, he made a progress to the Kadono River and the Kintōin (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). He hunted at Matono, Kitano, and Ōharano (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). In winter, on the ninth day of the tenth month, the day Kanoe-saru, the imperial carriage was about to make a progress to Katano, but, since a woodpecker had flown into the front hall, the progress was called off. On the fifth day of the eleventh month, the day Hinoe-inu, Junior Fourth Rank Lower Sakanoue-no-Tamuramaro was made Shogun for the Subjugation of the Barbarians (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). This winter, he hunted at Kitano, Hino, Sueno, Kurusuno, and Ōharano (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). In this year the office of Governor of Chikuzen was abolished, and the province subordinated to the Dazaifu (Note: following the Ruijū Sandaikyaku).

¶In the seventeenth year, the year Tsuchinoe-tora, in spring, on the sixteenth day of the third month, the day Hinoe-saru, the Ministry of Ceremonial memorialized requesting that the two commentaries on the Spring and Autumn Annals, the Gongyang and Guliang, be established in the University's curriculum, and this was granted (Note: following the Ryō no Gige). This spring, the imperial carriage made a circuit of the capital five times, and he hunted at Minaseno. In summer, on the tenth day of the fourth month, the day Kanoe-saru, there was an earthquake (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the fifteenth day, the day Kinoto-ushi, an edict ordered an inquiry into monks who did not follow the precepts of discipline (Note: following the Ruijū Sandaikyaku). On the nineteenth day of the fifth month, the day Tsuchinoe-inu, envoys were sent to Balhae. On the twenty-fifth day of the intercalary month, the day Kinoe-inu, prayers for rain were offered at Niu. On the fourth day of the sixth month, the day Mizunoe-uma, prayers for rain were again offered (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). This summer, the imperial carriage made a circuit of the capital three times (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). He also made a progress to the Kintōin, the Kadono River, and Kitano. In autumn, on the twenty-fifth day of the seventh month, the day Mizunoe-saru, offerings, heihaku, were presented at Niu, to pray for clear weather. On the ninth day of the eighth month, the day Hinoe-inu, there was a great storm, and dwellings were destroyed (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the tenth day, the day Hinoto-i, he made a circuit of the capital (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the sixteenth day, the day Mizunoto-mi, the Major Counselor, Prince Jin, was made Minister of the Right (Note: following the Kugyō Bunin). On the twenty-third day of the ninth month, the day Tsuchinoto-mi, an edict forbade officials and commoners of the provinces from hoarding coin (Note: following the Ruijū Sandaikyaku). This month, there was famine in Awa province, and relief was given (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). This autumn, he hunted at Kashiwabarano, Kitano, Ōharano, Kurikumano, and Hino (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). In winter, on the fourth day of the tenth month, the day Tsuchinoto-u, it was forbidden for men and women to gather at night festivals in the two capitals and the home provinces to eat, drink, sing, and dance together. On the nineteenth day, the day Kinoe-uma, an edict declared: "Among the many officials there are those who, following hearts set on private gain, repeatedly go against the law. We have admonished and encouraged them again and again, but have not heard that they have repented and reformed. As a benevolent government that pities the guilty, We earnestly wish to relax the net of the law with generosity, but the code that makes punishment clear is indeed an unavoidable measure. Let them be earnestly instructed and admonished, and each made to exert himself. Should any continue to offend, he shall without fail be punished with severity." (Note: following the Ruijū Sandaikyaku) On the twenty-seventh day of the twelfth month, the day Mizunoe-tora, Balhae sent tribute. This winter, he made a progress to Ōi and Kitano (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). He hunted at Ōharano, Hino, and Minaseno (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku).

¶In the eighteenth year, the year Tsuchinoto-u, in spring, on the ninth day of the first month, the day Kinoe-tora, new coins were bestowed on those of the fifth rank and above (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the fifteenth day of the second month, the day Tsuchinoto-ushi, an edict declared: "The private lending of seed rice as suiko has already been forbidden, and severe penalties attach to any violation. Yet last year's harvest failed, and the common people are short of food. It is an established rule that the suiko of the provinces is difficult to extend evenly to all. To relax or tighten a rule as circumstances require is a constant principle through all ages. The former regulation should be relaxed, and matters left for a time to the actual condition of the people. Let the rate of interest be fixed at thirty percent. Should this limit be exceeded, the penalty shall be as before." (Note: following the Nihon Kōki) This month, he made a progress to Katano (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku), and hunted at Kurikumano (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the first day of the third month, the day Kinoto-mi, the storehouse of the Ministry of Popular Affairs was struck by lightning (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). In summer, on the ninth day of the fourth month, the day Mizunoto-hitsuji, since crops had been damaged by flooding from continuous rain, the poor of Yamashiro, Kawachi, and Settsu were investigated and given regular tax rice (Note: following the Nihon Kōki). On the fifteenth day, the day Tsuchinoto-ushi, relief was given to the poor of the Left and Right Capitals (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the sixteenth day, the day Kanoe-tora, Senior Sixth Rank Upper Ōtomo-no-Minemaro was made envoy to Silla. On the nineteenth day of the fifth month, the day Mizunoe-inu, the provincial governors and lecturers were ordered to examine the monks of the provincial temples (Note: following the Nihon Kōki). On the twenty-eighth day, the day Kanoto-hitsuji, envoys were sent to have the main hall of the Grand Shrine rebuilt. Grain was lent to relieve Sanuki province. On the twenty-ninth day, the day Mizunoe-saru, the mission to Silla was called off (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the fifth day of the sixth month, the day Tsuchinoe-tora, an edict declared: "For a king who governs a country, virtuous government comes first. For a sovereign who nurtures the people, good grain is the foundation. Though Our virtue is slight, We have unworthily succeeded to this great undertaking. We tread as though on thin ice, and govern as cautiously as one driving with worn-out reins, aiming, though dim and foolish, at the great and shining virtue of old. We hear government business until the sun sinks low, meaning to spread good rule abroad, yet the spread of moral instruction and the diffusion of an age of great peace have not yet been achieved, and the harmony of yin and yang is still lost. Last year's harvest failed, and the crops suffered damage. Reflecting on this ill effect, We feel compassion at heart. We should extend generous grace, in answer to this sign of calamity. Mimasaka, Bizen, Bingo, the Nankaidō, Hizen, Higo, and other provinces — eleven in all — have suffered especially severe damage. Let last year's rice-field tax be remitted for them entirely, as a special measure." On the tenth day, the day Mizunoto-hitsuji, an edict declared: "We earlier ordered that the public granary reserve, kugai, no longer be conflated with the regular tax rice, and at the same time reduced the seed-loan grain, so as to lighten the people's burden. Yet the provinces report that, for arrears remaining from a governor's term of office, interest on the public granary reserve is still being collected, and that the common people suffer from this, their hardship truly deep. Henceforth, the collection of this should be stopped. Let violators be punished." On the twelfth day, the day Kinoto-tori, since monks were recklessly leaving their home temples to dwell in the mountain forests, and performing heterodox rites at others' request, an edict was given to the provincial governors: "Inspect the monks and nuns within your jurisdiction, record them in detail, and report" (Note: following the Nihon Kōki). On the twenty-third day, the day Hinoe-saru, an edict declared: "We have reverently succeeded to this great undertaking, and in nurturing the myriad people, We exert and labor Ourself without leisure for ease. We wish to bring harmony to the four seas, to look forward to an age when punishment is not needed, to save the common people universally, and to bring about an age of long life. Yet of late, making a circuit of the capital, as We passed by the Horikawa, We saw prisoners bound in fetters and chains, exposing their bodies as they labored at hard toil. Though it is the ignorant common people who have brought this crime upon themselves, how, as father and mother to the people, could We not grieve at this? Let the prisoners presently serving sentence, and those held in confinement throughout the realm, be pardoned in every case, regardless of the gravity of their crime, and given the chance to renew themselves. This excepts, however, the district officials, officers, and commoners of the provinces under investigation for counterfeiting coin, premeditated or deliberate murder, or complaints brought before the envoys sent to inquire into the people's hardships, mon-minkushi — these shall not be included in the pardon. Those sentenced to hard labor for premeditated or deliberate murder shall have their labor sentence suspended and be exiled instead." (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Ruijū Kokushi) On the twenty-sixth day, the day Tsuchinoto-i, the unpaid tax of the three districts of Otokuni, Kadono, and Otagi in Yamashiro province was remitted. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Kanoe-ne, three hundred eminent monks and fifty novices, shami, were invited into the palace to read the Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra (Note: following the Nihon Kōki). In autumn, on the twenty-third day of the seventh month, the day Kinoto-ushi, on account of wind and flood damage and drought, last year's tax of Bitchū province was remitted. This month, a man of India, Tenjiku, drifted ashore in Mikawa province (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Ruijū Kokushi). On the fifth day of the eighth month, the day Hinoe-ne, Hitachi province reported: "On the eleventh of last month, the tide of the sea rose and fell fifteen times" (Note: following the Nihon Kōki). On the seventh day, the day Tsuchinoe-tora, he made a circuit of the capital (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the fifteenth day, the day Hinoe-inu, envoys were sent to the home provinces to inspect the paddy fields (Note: following the Nihon Kōki). On the seventh day of the ninth month, the day Tsuchinoe-saru, a violent storm destroyed dwellings. This autumn, he made a progress to Ōi and Kitano (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). He hunted at Kurikumano, Minaseno, Sueno, and Matono. In winter, on the fourth day of the eleventh month, the day Kinoe-tatsu, there was an earthquake (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the eighth day, the day Tsuchinoe-saru, on account of wind and flood damage, the year's tribute and labor dues of Awaji province were remitted (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Ruijū Kokushi). On the fourteenth day, the day Kinoe-tora, grain was issued from Harima province to relieve the distressed households of Awaji (Note: following the Nihon Kōki). On the twenty-fourth day, the day Kinoe-ne, an edict declared: "We earlier sent out envoys to inquire into the people's hardships, mon-minkushi, so that the actual state of government might be investigated and made clear, and reward and punishment made strict. On examining the envoys' reports, We find that many have gone against the laws and regulations. In reason, severe punishment should be imposed, to serve as a lasting warning for later generations. In the fourteenth year of Enryaku, We had intended to select envoys and send them on circuit inspection, but, considering that officials might reform themselves, did not dispatch them at once. Yet they have neglected the law without reforming, and given themselves over to greed without restraint. From the fifteenth year of Enryaku onward, let provincial governors and those below them who have committed offenses be dealt with according to law, as a warning for the future. Those, however, who have offended regarding cultivated fields, denden, of three chō or less, or who have made use of soldiers for labor, shall be treated with especial leniency. As for crimes committed before the fourteenth year, the accumulated custom has long persisted, and it is difficult to wash it clean all at once. Without regard to the gravity of the offense, let all be granted a general pardon, genmen." (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Ruijū Kokushi) On the twenty-ninth day of the twelfth month, the day Tsuchinoe-inu, an edict ordered: "Let the subjects of the realm submit their clan genealogical registers, honkeichō" (Note: following the Nihon Kōki). This winter, he made a circuit of the capital twice. He hunted at Katano, Nishino, and Minaseno (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). In this year there was famine in Yamato, Kawachi, Ōmi, Mino, Ecchū, Tango, Hōki, Bitchū, Kii, Awaji, Awa, Sanuki, and Tosa, and relief was given in every case (Note: following the Nihon Kōki).

¶In the nineteenth year, the year Kanoe-tatsu, in spring, in the first month, he made a progress to the villa of Imperial Princess Ioi, and to the Nishinoshima Cloister and Kitano (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the fourth day of the second month, the day Mizunoe-saru, it was forbidden for commoners to seek rank by paying coin (Note: following the Ruijū Sandaikyaku and the Nihon Kiryaku). This month, he hunted at Kurikumano. In the third month, he made a circuit of the capital (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). In summer, on the twenty-third day of the fourth month, the day Kanoto-u, hail fell in Izumi province, the size of peaches and plums (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). This month, he made a circuit of the capital twice (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). On the first day of the sixth month, the day Tsuchinoe-tatsu, there was a solar eclipse. On the sixth day, the day Mizunoto-tori, Suruga province reported: "From spring into summer, Mount Fuji has erupted, raining ash and resounding with a sound like thunder" (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). In autumn, on the twenty-third day of the seventh month, the day Tsuchinoto-hitsuji, the deposed crown prince, Sawara, was posthumously given the title Emperor Sudō, and the deposed empress, Imperial Princess Inoe, was posthumously restored as empress (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi, the Nihon Kiryaku, and the Mizukagami). Their graves were called imperial mausolea, sanryō (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the fourteenth day of the eighth month, the day Kanoe-tatsu, he prayed for clear weather at Niu. This autumn, he made a progress to the Shinsen'en, the Kadono River, and Ōi (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku), and hunted at Minaseno, Kurikumano, and Ōharano (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). In winter, on the fourth day of the tenth month, the day Tsuchinoto-mi, the embankment of the Kadono River was repaired. On the sixth day, the day Kanoto-hitsuji, he hunted at Matono. On the seventeenth day, the day Mizunoe-uma, he made a progress to Katano. On the twenty-fifth day, the day Kanoe-tora, he returned to the palace. On the sixth day of the eleventh month, the day Kanoe-ne, the Shogun for the Subjugation of the Barbarians, Sakanoue-no-Tamuramaro, was sent to inspect the submitted Emishi, ifu, of the provinces (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-sixth day, the day Kanoe-saru, it was forbidden for the people of the provinces to register themselves in the household registers of the capital so as to evade labor dues and taxes (Note: following the Ruijū Sandaikyaku).

¶In the twentieth year, the year Kanoto-mi, in spring, on the twenty-fifth day of the second month, the day Hinoto-mi, he supervised the examination for the civil service, taisaku (Note: following the Keikokushū). This spring, he made a progress to Ōi and Ōtsu. In summer, on the eighth day of the fourth month, the day Tsuchinoto-i, an edict was given to the Governor of Echizen forbidding the slaughter of cattle in sacrifice to the gods. On the nineteenth day, the day Kanoe-inu, he made a progress to the Yamashina mansion of the Councillor, Ki-no-Katsunaga. On the first day of the fifth month, the day Mizunoe-inu, there was a solar eclipse. On the thirteenth day, the day Kinoe-inu, an edict was given to the provinces: "Prepare boats and oars, construct pontoon bridges, and provide convenience for the delivery of tribute." On the seventeenth day, the day Tsuchinoe-tora, prayers for rain were offered at Niu (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the third day of the sixth month, the day Mizunoto-mi, Bitchū province reported the appearance of an auspicious cloud, keiun (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). On the twelfth day, the day Mizunoe-tora, the presentation of Hayato tribute-bearers by the Dazaifu was discontinued (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the fourteenth day, the day Kinoe-tatsu, a woman of Mikawa province gave birth to three children at once, and was granted three hundred bundles of rice (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). This summer, he made a progress to Kaguraoka, Ōtsu, the Shinsen'en, and Ōi. In autumn, on the twenty-sixth day of the seventh month, the day Hinoe-inu, Mikawa province reported the appearance of an auspicious cloud. On the tenth day of the eighth month, the day Kanoe-ne, Junior Fourth Rank Lower Fujiwara-no-Kadonomaro was made Ambassador to Tang, and Junior Fifth Rank Lower Ishikawa-no-Michimasu was made his deputy. On the twenty-seventh day of the ninth month, the day Hinoe-inu, the Shogun for the Subjugation of the Barbarians, Sakanoue-no-Tamuramaro, reported that he had struck down and pacified the barbarian rebels. This autumn, he made a progress to the Shinsen'en and Ōi (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku), and hunted at Ōharano, Kurikumano, and Matono (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). In winter, on the twenty-eighth day of the tenth month, the day Hinoto-mi, Sakanoue-no-Tamuramaro returned in triumph (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). This winter, he hunted at Kurikumano, Hino, and Minaseno (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku).

¶In the twenty-first year, the year Mizunoe-uma, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Tsuchinoe-uma, the New Year's felicitations were suspended on account of rain and snow (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the eighth day, the day Kinoto-ushi, ranks of merit were added to the officers and men who had subjugated the barbarians. An edict declared: "Mount Fuji has erupted, and sand and gravel have fallen like rain. On divination, it was found to be an omen of drought and epidemic disease. Let the two provinces of Suruga and Sagami have sutras read to avert this calamity." On the ninth day, the day Hinoe-tora, Junior Third Rank Sakanoue-no-Tamuramaro was sent to build Isawa Castle in Mutsu province. On the eleventh day, the day Tsuchinoe-tatsu, four thousand vagrants from the eastern provinces were assigned to Isawa Castle. On the eighteenth day, the day Kinoto-i, Mimasaka province presented a white deer. This spring, he made a progress to the Shinsen'en five times (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). He hunted at Minaseno (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). In summer, on the fifteenth day of the fourth month, the day Kanoe-ne, Sakanoue-no-Tamuramaro reported: "The Emishi chieftains Tamonokimi-Ateri'i and Iwakunokimi-More, leading over five hundred of their followers, have surrendered." On the nineteenth day of the fifth month, the day Kinoe-inu, since the eruption of Mount Fuji had blocked the Ashigara road with stone, the Hakone road, Hakoneji, was opened (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twelfth day of the sixth month, the day Hinoto-tori, there was a fire in the Left Capital, and rice and salt were granted to those affected (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-sixth day, the day Kanoto-i, an edict again forbade Dewa province to trade privately in Emishi goods (Note: following the Ruijū Sandaikyaku). This summer, he made a progress to the Shinsen'en twice. In autumn, on the first day of the seventh month, the day Kinoto-u, Yamato province reported that a cow had given birth to a calf with two heads and six legs. On the tenth day, the day Kinoe-ne, Sakanoue-no-Tamuramaro arrived in the capital with the two Emishi chieftains. On the twenty-fifth day, the day Tsuchinoto-u, the hundred officials offered felicitations on the pacification of the Emishi (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the eighth day of the eighth month, the day Mizunoe-tatsu, Bungo province presented a white sparrow (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). On the thirteenth day, the day Hinoto-tori, the two Emishi chieftains were beheaded. This autumn, he made a progress to the Shinsen'en and Ōi (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku), and hunted at Matono (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku), Serikawano (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi), and Kitano (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). In winter, on the ninth day of the tenth month, the day Mizunoe-tatsu, he made a progress to Katano. On the fifteenth day, the day Tsuchinoe-inu, he returned to the palace. On the twenty-sixth day, the day Tsuchinoto-tori, he made a progress to Ōharano. On the first day of the eleventh month, the day Kinoe-tora, there was a solar eclipse (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku).

¶In the twenty-second year, the year Mizunoto-hitsuji, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Mizunoto-ushi, the New Year's felicitations were suspended on account of rain. On the second day, the day Kinoe-tora, he received the New Year's felicitations. Mimasaka province presented a white deer, and Bungo province a white sparrow (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the sixth day of the third month, the day Hinoto-mi, Sakanoue-no-Tamuramaro built Shiwa Castle, to guard against the Emishi. This month, he made a progress to the Shinsen'en and Shiga-no-Karasaki. In summer, on the eighth day of the fifth month, the day Hinoto-mi, the Hakone road was abolished, and the old Ashigara road restored. On the twenty-second day, the day Kanoto-hitsuji, the Ambassador to Tang, Fujiwara-no-Kadonomaro, met with a violent storm and could not cross the sea, and returned the ceremonial sword of authority, sesshō. On the twenty-first day of the sixth month, the day Kanoe-ne, he prayed for clear weather at Niu. This summer, he made a circuit of the capital. He made a progress to the Shinsen'en and Shiga-no-Karasaki (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). In autumn, on the thirteenth day of the eighth month, the day Kanoto-u, Senior Sixth Rank Upper Prince Nagakura was exiled to Tanegashima for failing to guard his speech (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). This autumn, he made a progress to the Shinsen'en, the Umehara Palace, the private villa of Imperial Prince Iyo at Otagi, the Kadono River, and the Nishihachijōin (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). He hunted at Kashiwano, Minaseno, Kitano, and Matono (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). In winter, on the twenty-fifth day of the tenth month, the day Mizunoe-tora, Imperial Prince Daitoku died. On the first day of the intercalary month, the day Tsuchinoe-saru, a temporary palace, angū, was built at Gamōno in Ōmi province. On the sixteenth day, the day Mizunoto-i, he made a progress to Gamōno. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Kinoe-inu, he returned to the palace. An edict remitted the year's rice-field tax of the three districts of Kurita, Kōka, and Gamō. Rank was advanced and gifts bestowed on the provincial and district governors and their assistants, suke and jō (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). This month, he hunted at Ōharano. On the first day of the eleventh month, the day Tsuchinoe-tora, was the winter solstice, and the Star of the Old Man — Canopus, the southern star of long life — appeared. The hundred officials came to court to offer their congratulations. On the fifteenth day, the day Mizunoe-tatsu, an edict declared: "Heaven and earth cover and nurture the myriad things, and cause the vital force to circulate with the seasons; the sovereign nurtures and rears the myriad creatures, and extends his bounty universally. Though We, of dim and foolish person, have succeeded to and ascended this great foundation, reigning over the eight directions, hakkō, and nurturing every living being, the way of government has not yet spread everywhere. We are ever mindful of a transforming virtue like the southern wind, yet the depths of Our beneficent bounty have not yet spread far, and We can only feel shame before the example of Tōko, the virtuous government of the sage kings of old. Of late the responsible office has memorialized that the Star of the Old Man has appeared. Moreover, this year the first day of the eleventh month falls on the sakutan tōji, the auspicious coincidence of the new moon and the winter solstice, and the crown prince and the hundred officials have offered their congratulations. We consider that the appearance of this mysterious and auspicious sign must be due to deep virtue, and that Heaven's favorable response to this fortunate mandate must be due to the highest benevolence. Looking upon Ourself, We are but mediocre and of meager virtue, and can only feel shame; yet We wish to extend this auspicious bounty, and answer the heart of Heaven. A general amnesty should be proclaimed throughout the realm. Princes and lords and those below them should receive Our grace universally. Yet those who have exhausted loyalty and diligent service, and who achieved merit in the past, We wish especially to honor with rank and reward, in praise of their achievement. Let one rank be granted to civil and military officials, within the court and without, of the clerk grade, sakan, and above, and let two koku of grain be granted to those throughout the realm who are a hundred years of age or more, one koku to those ninety or more, and five to of grain to those eighty or more. May this compassionate heart reach Heaven, and may an auspicious response be brought down upon the earth. Proclaim this far and near, that all may know Our heart." (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi) On the second day of the twelfth month, the day Tsuchinoe-saru, a fox cried out within the palace (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku).

¶In the twenty-third year, the year Kinoe-saru, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Hinoto-ushi, Musashi province reported that a tree had grown joined to another. Ōmi province presented a white sparrow (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the nineteenth day, the day Kinoto-hitsuji, for the subjugation of the Emishi, provision rice from Musashi, Kazusa, Shimōsa, Hitachi, Kōzuke, and Shimotsuke was transported to Nakayama Stockade in Oda district, Mutsu province (Note: following the Nihon Kōki). On the twenty-eighth day, the day Kinoe-tatsu, Junior Third Rank Sakanoue-no-Tamuramaro was again made Shogun for the Subjugation of the Barbarians (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). This month, the unpaid tax of the distressed people of Awaji province was remitted (Note: following the Nihon Kōki). On the fifth day of the second month, the day Kanoe-inu, the weapons of the Isonokami Shrine in Yamato province were moved to Kadono district (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the eighteenth day, the day Mizunoto-i, the rice-field tax and rent-fields, jishi, of Yamato province were remitted (Note: following the Nihon Kōki). On the twentieth day, the day Kinoto-ushi, he made a circuit of the capital (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-fifth day, the day Kanoe-uma, envoys were sent to relieve the famine in Settsu province (Note: following the Nihon Kōki). On the sixteenth day of the third month, the day Kanoto-u, on account of continuous rain, rice was granted to those of the fifth rank and above (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-eighth day, the day Mizunoto-u, the Ambassador to Tang, Fujiwara-no-Kadonomaro, was again granted the ceremonial sword of authority, as before (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). This spring, he hunted at Minaseno (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku), and made a progress to the Shinsen'en, Nishihachijō, the Gojōin, and Karasaki (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). In summer, on the twenty-eighth day of the fourth month, the day Mizunoe-saru, the Headquarters of the Right Palace Guards presented a white sparrow (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Ruijū Kokushi). On the eleventh day of the fifth month, the day Kinoe-saru, he made a progress to the mansion of the Minister of Ceremonial, Imperial Prince Iyo (Note: following the Nihon Kōki). On the twenty-third day, the day Hinoe-saru, the Office of the Ise Priestess presented a white sparrow (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). Twenty thousand bundles of regular tax rice were lent to the poor of Settsu province (Note: following the Nihon Kōki). On the nineteenth day of the sixth month, the day Mizunoe-inu, he made a progress to Ōi. In autumn, on the tenth day of the eighth month, the day Mizunoe-ne, there was violent rain and a great storm, and the western tower of the Central Cloister collapsed (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the eleventh day, the day Mizunoto-ushi, there was an earthquake. On the nineteenth day, the day Kanoto-tori, he made a circuit of the capital (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the eighteenth day of the ninth month, the day Tsuchinoto-ushi, the Junior Secretary of the Ministry of Military Affairs, Ōtomo-no-Minemaro, was sent to Silla. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Tsuchinoe-inu, there was an earthquake. This autumn, he made a progress to the Shinsen'en, Ōi, the Kadono River, and Yodo-no-tsu (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku), and hunted at Kitano, Kurikumano, and Ōharano (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). In winter, on the third day of the tenth month, the day Kinoe-tatsu, he made a progress to Izumi province (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). He hunted at Emi-no-hara (Note: following the Nihon Kōki), Hodono, Kakihino, Inōno, and Hineno. On the eleventh day, the day Mizunoe-ne, he proceeded with his progress to Tamatsushima in Kii province. On the thirteenth day, the day Kinoe-tora, he returned to the temporary palace of Hine. On the fourteenth day, the day Kinoto-u, he hunted at Kumatorino. On the seventeenth day, the day Tsuchinoe-uma, he returned to the palace. On the twenty-first day, the day Mizunoe-inu, he made a progress to the Shinsen'en. On the twenty-third day, the day Kinoe-ne, the private keeping of hawks and sparrowhawks was forbidden. On the twenty-second day of the eleventh month, the day Mizunoto-mi, Akita Castle in Dewa province was abolished and made a district (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). This month, he hunted at Hino (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku), and made a progress to the Shinsen'en four times. On the first day of the twelfth month, the day Mizunoe-tora, he made a progress to the Shinsen'en. On the sixth day, the day Hinoto-hitsuji, he made a progress there again (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-first day, the day Mizunoe-inu, an edict declared: "The use of cattle is a matter of urgent necessity for the state. Bearing heavy loads and carrying them over great distances, their service is truly manifold. We have heard that worthless men compete with one another in extravagance, slaughtering cattle and stripping their hides, vying to make saddles and saddle-pads, shitagura, from the mottled hide of calves; and that, when it comes to the fittings of quivers, koroku, the harm done is especially great. This should be strictly forbidden." (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Ruijū Sandaikyaku) On the twenty-fifth day, the day Hinoe-tora, the emperor's health was poor. Envoys were sent to the seven great temples to have sutras read, and relief was given to the clergy and laity of Heijō who were starving. On the twenty-sixth day, the day Hinoto-u, a general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku).

¶In the twenty-fourth year, the year Kinoto-tori, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Kanoto-hitsuji, the New Year's felicitations were suspended on account of the emperor's poor health (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the fourteenth day, the day Kinoe-saru, an edict ordered: "Release the hawks and dogs. Build a temple in Awaji for the sake of Emperor Sudō." A further edict ordered: "Repair the temples throughout the realm." On the twenty-second day, the day Mizunoe-tatsu, a great star fell in daylight (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-fifth day, the day Kinoto-hitsuji, there was an earthquake (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the tenth day of the second month, the day Kanoe-inu, an edict sent envoys to return the weapons of the Isonokami Shrine to the original shrine, to gather monks to read sutras, and so to pacify and apologize to the deity (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the fourteenth day, the day Kinoe-tora, envoys were sent to relieve the famine in Bingo province (Note: following the Nihon Kōki). On the nineteenth day, the day Tsuchinoto-hitsuji, the provincial temples of the several provinces were ordered to perform the Yakushisen penance rite. On the twenty-seventh day of the third month, the day Hinoe-saru, a general amnesty was proclaimed throughout the realm (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). The monk Genjitsu was summoned to the imperial hall, and performed the abhiṣeka rite (Note: following the Nihon Kōki). In summer, on the tenth day of the fourth month, the day Tsuchinoto-tori, offerings, heihaku, were presented at the Kamo Shrine. On the eleventh day of the fifth month, the day Tsuchinoto-u, a monk was sent to Ito district in Kii province to build a three-storied pagoda, and to pray for recovery from illness (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-sixth day, the day Kinoe-uma, envoys were sent to relieve the famine in Iga province (Note: following the Nihon Kōki). In autumn, on the fourteenth day of the seventh month, the day Kanoto-mi, the Ambassador to Tang, Fujiwara-no-Kadonomaro, and his party returned from Tang. On the seventeenth day, the day Kinoe-saru, there was an earthquake (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-fifth day, the day Mizunoe-tatsu, an edict declared: "We have heard that an epidemic has spread, and that the people shun one another, no longer even lending each other water or fire; that even fathers and sons, the closest of kin, fear and avoid approaching one another; and that in the end many have died. The responsible office should be instructed to exert its utmost in relief and treatment." (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku) On the twenty-sixth day, the day Mizunoto-mi, prayers for rain were offered to the eminent gods of the home provinces. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Kinoe-uma, gifts received from Tang were presented at the three mausolea of Yamashina, the later Tahara, and Emperor Sudō (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the ninth day of the eighth month, the day Kinoto-mi, there was an earthquake (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). On this day, the monk Saichō, who had studied in Tang, was summoned to the imperial hall to perform penance, keka, and read sutras. Saichō presented the Buddhist images he had brought back. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Mizunoto-i, Taihaku and Chinsei, the planet Saturn, appeared in the east. On the seventeenth day of the ninth month, the day Mizunoe-uma, Saichō was summoned to perform the Vairocana rite, Birushana-hō. In winter, on the second day of the tenth month, the day Hinoto-tori, a wild bird flew into the imperial hall. On the twenty-fifth day, the day Kanoe-saru, the Great Sutra Repository, Daizōkyō, was copied, to pray for the repose of Emperor Sudō. On the twenty-eighth day, the day Mizunoto-i, sutras were read for three days in the front hall (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the fifth day of the twelfth month, the day Kanoe-ne, there was an earthquake. On the seventh day, the day Mizunoe-tora, the assembled ministers were summoned to discuss the merits and faults of government policy, and military service and construction works were suspended (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). The numbers of corvée laborers, jichō, guards, eji, Hayato, singing women, utame, and serving women, tsukaeme, were reduced, and the labor dues for this year of twenty-one provinces, including Iga and Ise, were remitted (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku and the Ruijū Kokushi). On the eighth day, the day Mizunoto-u, the year's tribute and labor dues of the vagrants of Awaji province were remitted. On the tenth day, the day Kinoto-mi, the Office of Palace Construction was abolished (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku).

¶In the twenty-fifth year, the year Hinoe-inu, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Hinoe-tora, the New Year's felicitations were suspended on account of the emperor's poor health. On the seventh day, the day Mizunoe-saru, an edict ended the practice of those of the fifth rank and above presenting decorated horses, kazariuma. On the fifteenth day of the third month, the day Tsuchinoto-u, the emperor's illness suddenly grew severe. On the seventeenth day, the day Kanoto-mi, an edict declared: "Let those who were exiled in the fourth year of Enryaku and have since been pardoned and returned, whether living or dead, all be restored to their former rank." (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku) On this day, the emperor died in the main hall, seishin (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). He was seventy years of age (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). His posthumous name was Yamatonekosumeramikoto-Amatsushirushi-Iyateri-no-Mikoto, and he was also given the posthumous title Emperor Kanmu. He was buried at the Kashiwabara mausoleum in Kii district (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). He is known to the world as the Kashiwabara Emperor. A death-day observance, kokkisai, was established for him at Saiji (Note: following the Gōke Shidai).

¶The emperor was by nature fond of military affairs. Once he had ascended the throne, he exerted himself and devoted his heart to government (Note: following the Nihon Kōki). He struck mightily at the Emishi, and the frontier was at last made peaceful. He moved the capital to Heian-kyō, and later generations down to this day have enjoyed its benefit (Note: weighing the general sense of the several sources). There was once an occasion when the tower of the Central Cloister collapsed, crushing an ox to death. The emperor lamented, saying: "My birth year falls under Ushi, the Ox. This is perhaps an ill omen." Before long his health grew poor. He summoned the crown prince and issued a special edict. He also summoned the assembled ministers and questioned them about the people's hardships. The Councillor, Fujiwara-no-Otsugu, replied: "What now afflicts the realm is military affairs and public works. We beg that both be halted." The emperor approved this, and, following his counsel, discontinued both. Among those who heard of this, there was none who did not marvel at it (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku).