Emperor Saga

Emperor Saga

¶Emperor Saga's personal name was Kamino (Note: following the Montoku Jitsuroku. The Nihon Kiryaku writes the name with the characters 賀美能, likewise read Kamino — the two are equivalent readings). He was the younger brother, by the same mother, of Emperor Heizei.

¶He was born at the Nagaoka Palace on the seventh day of the ninth month of the fifth year of Enryaku, the day Mizunoto-mi (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku and the Kōdaiki). By established custom, whenever an imperial prince was born he was named after the surname of his wet nurse. The emperor's wet nurse bore the surname Kamino, and this accordingly became his name (Note: following the Montoku Jitsuroku).

¶From childhood the emperor was clear-minded and intelligent, and fond of reading. As he grew he read widely in the classics and the histories, composed skillfully, and excelled also in the cursive and clerical styles of calligraphy. His bearing was as lofty as a mountain, and he possessed the stature of a sovereign. Emperor Kanmu held him in particular affection.

¶At first he held only the rank of imperial prince. In the second month of the eighteenth year of Enryaku, he underwent the genpuku, the ceremony of coming of age. In the first month of the twenty-second year, he was granted the third rank of imperial princes, and successively held the posts of Minister of Central Affairs and Director of the Board of Censors, danjō-no-kami (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku).

¶In the fifth month of the first year of Daidō, he was installed as kōtaitei, crown prince in succession to his brother.

¶In the fourth year, on the first day of the fourth month, the day Hinoe-ne, Emperor Heizei, being ill, ceded the throne. The crown prince submitted a memorial firmly declining, but this was not accepted (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the thirteenth day, the day Tsuchinoe-ne, he ascended the imperial throne at the Daigokuden, the Hall of State. He was twenty-four years of age at the time (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku. The age given here follows the Mizukagami, the Kōdaiki, and the Kōnendai Ryakki, together with this work's own statement that he died at fifty-seven). The Minister of the Right and Captain of the Left Palace Guards, Fujiwara-no-Uchimaro, and the Middle Counselor and Captain of the Right Palace Guards, Sakanoue-no-Tamuramaro, both retained their posts (Note: following the Kugyō Bunin). On the fourteenth day, the day Tsuchinoto-ushi, an edict installed his nephew, Imperial Prince Takaoka, as crown prince (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). The Middle Counselor Fujiwara-no-Kadonomaro was made Tutor to the Crown Prince, tōgū-no-fu (Note: following the Kugyō Bunin). On the sixteenth day, the day Kanoto-u, an edict was handed down ordering the provinces to repair their shrines. On the twentieth day, the day Kinoto-hitsuji, imperial messengers were dispatched ordering that the Kansatsushi, Inspectors, of the several circuits hold concurrently the post of outside official, genin, and that their former manor households be collected to help defray the expenses of the provinces (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-eighth day, the day Mizunoto-u, an edict declared: "Of late the Retired Emperor's health has not been good, and this has continued for months; medicine has shown no effect, and prayer has brought no relief. Among all things possessed of spirit, man is especially to be weighed. We wish to extend broad clemency, and thereby aid his sacred person. Let a general amnesty be proclaimed throughout the realm, remitting entirely even those offenses not covered by the ordinary pardon. Let the taking of life be forbidden throughout the realm for seven days. Let food be provided, according to their circumstances, to the common people who dwell by the waters and live by fishing." (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi.) On the twenty-second day of the fifth month, the day Hinoto-u, on account of prolonged rains, the people of the capital were given relief goods. On the twenty-fifth day, the day Kanoe-uma, prayers for clear weather were offered at the shrines of Matsunoo, Kamo-Mioya, and Wakeikazuchi (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-seventh day, the day Mizunoe-saru, the storehouse of the Ōiryō, the Bureau of Palace Provisions, caught fire (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-eighth day, the day Mizunoto-tori, Ise province presented a white crow (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the eighth day of the sixth month, the day Mizunoe-uma, prayers for rain were offered at Niukawakami (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the thirteenth day, the day Hinoto-i, Imperial Princess Takatsu, of the third rank, was installed as consort, and Tachibana-no-Kachiko and Tajihi-no-Takako were installed as ladies-in-waiting, bunin. In autumn, on the first day of the seventh month, the day Kinoto-mi, the Yakushi rite was performed for seven days at the Koyasudono to pray for the Retired Emperor's recovery (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the third day, the day Hinoto-hitsuji, hunting was forbidden in the fields of Ōhara, Kurikuma, Mizuo, and Hine. On the seventeenth day, the day Kanoto-tori, the provincial governors were ordered by edict to observe ritual abstinence and pray for rain. On the nineteenth day, the day Mizunoto-i, a great wind blew. On the fifth day of the eighth month, the day Tsuchinoe-tora, a great wind again blew (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the eleventh day, the day Kinoe-saru, Imperial Princess Nishi was made Ise Priestess. On the last day of the month, the day Mizunoto-u, the emperor went to the Headquarters of the Left Military Guards and paid a visit to the Retired Emperor (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the third day of the ninth month, the day Hinoe-uma, on account of drought and epidemic disease, the labor service of porters, kyakufu, conscripted from the provinces for duty in the capital was suspended (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). On the fifth day, the day Tsuchinoe-saru, houses collapsed in a violent storm (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-seventh day, the day Kanoe-uma, the sixteen articles proposed by the Kansatsushi were promulgated throughout the realm (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku and the Ruijū Kokushi). In winter, on the first day of the tenth month, the day Mizunoto-tori, Balhae sent envoys to the court bearing tribute (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the fifth day of the eleventh month, the day Hinoto-hitsuji, the Retired Emperor dispatched the Middle Captain of the Right Palace Guards, Fujiwara-no-Manatsu, the Chief of the Bureau of the Left Horses, Fujiwara-no-Mao, the Junior Controller of the Left, Taguchi-no-Okitsugu, and the Lesser Captain of the Left Palace Guards, Fujiwara-no-Sadamoto, among others, to the former capital of Heijō and to the fields of Teshima and Ina in Settsu, to select a site for a palace. On the twelfth day, the day Kinoe-tora, the Retired Emperor dispatched the Captain of the Right Military Guards, Fujiwara-no-Nakanari, and Taguchi-no-Okitsugu, among others, to build a palace at Heijō (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). On the fourth day of the twelfth month, the day Kinoto-i, the Retired Emperor made a progress to the Heijō Palace. Since the palace buildings were not yet complete, the former residence of the late Minister of the Right, Ōnakatomi-no-Kiyomaro, was used for the time being as his temporary lodging (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku).

¶In the first year of Kōnin, the year Kanoe-tora, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Mizunoe-tora, the New Year's felicitations were cancelled on account of the emperor's ill health. Robes and bedding were bestowed upon attendants of chamberlain rank and above (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the seventh day, the day Tsuchinoe-saru, envoys were sent to give relief to the starving people of the Left and Right Capitals (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the thirteenth day, the day Kinoe-tora, the unpaid taxes owed by Oki province since the first year of Daidō were remitted (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). This month, the Heijō Palace was completed, and the Retired Emperor took up residence there (Note: following the Mizukagami). On the tenth day of the third month, the day Kanoe-inu, the Kurōdodokoro, the Chamberlains' Office, was established for the first time (Note: following the Shikiji Bunin). In summer, in the fourth month, the pagoda of the Shōdaiji temple was built (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the fifteenth day of the fifth month, the day Kinoe-tora, an edict ordered the provinces to discontinue the presentation of sumai-bito, wrestlers (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twentieth day, the day Tsuchinoto-hitsuji, envoys were sent to Niukawakami to pray for clear weather (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the second day of the sixth month, the day Kanoe-uma, the emperor made a progress to the Shinsen-en garden. On the eighteenth day, the day Hinoe-inu, he again made a progress to the Shinsen-en. On the twenty-eighth day, the day Hinoe-saru, the Retired Emperor issued an edict: "We earlier established the Kansatsushi, Inspectors, entrusting each with a single circuit. But the post of Councillor, sangi, carries weighty expectations and great responsibilities to uphold. In demanding results of those who hold it, We cannot allow its duties to become a name without substance. Let the Kansatsushi be abolished, and the title of Councillor restored. Let the system of enfeoffed households likewise be returned to its former number." (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku.) In autumn, on the thirteenth day of the seventh month, the day Kanoto-i, sutras were chanted at the two temples of Kawaradera and Nagaokadera on account of the emperor's ill health (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the eighteenth day, the day Hinoe-tatsu, the Major Controller of the Right, Fujiwara-no-Fujitsugu, and the Director of the Bureau of Divination, Abe-no-Makatsu, among others, were sent to perform rites of pacification at the Takahata mausoleum. On this day, envoys were also sent to present offerings to the eminent deities, myōjin, of the home provinces, to avert calamities of wind and rain (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). On the nineteenth day, the day Hinoto-mi, the emperor moved his residence to the Crown Prince's Palace. On the twenty-sixth day, the day Kinoe-ne, the taking of life was forbidden throughout the realm for seven days. Food was provided to those whose livelihood was fishing. On the last day of the month, the day Tsuchinoe-tatsu, the Major Controller of the Right, Fujiwara-no-Fujitsugu, was sent to present offerings at the Daijingū, the Grand Shrine of Ise. On the eighth day of the eighth month, the day Hinoe-ne, offerings were presented to the god of Isonokami — the Nihon Kiryaku calls it an eminent deity, myōjin, but the Ruijū Kokushi is here followed instead — to pray for recovery from the emperor's illness. On the tenth day, the day Tsuchinoe-tora, Settsu province reported that an auspicious cloud, keiun, had appeared. On the eleventh day, the day Tsuchinoto-u, the Yakushi rite was performed for seven days at the Daijōkan, the Great Council of State (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the first day of the ninth month, the day Tsuchinoe-inu, envoys were sent to the home provinces to allot portion fields, kubunden, to the people (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the sixth day, the day Mizunoto-u, the Retired Emperor's Chief Handmaid, Naishi-no-kami, Fujiwara-no-Kusuko, falsely claiming it to be the Retired Emperor's own command, plotted to move the capital back to Heijō. This threw the hearts of the people into turmoil (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the tenth day, the day Hinoto-hitsuji, a state of martial alert was declared within the palace (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Ruijū Kokushi). Envoys were sent to guard the three provincial headquarters of Ise, Ōmi, and Mino, as well as the old checkpoints. An edict publicly exposed the crimes of Kusuko and her elder brother Nakanari. The Councillor Fujiwara-no-Otsugu was sent to report the course of events at the Kashiwabara mausoleum. On the eleventh day, the day Tsuchinoe-saru, the Senior Secretary, Kamitsukeno-no-Hidehito, came from Heijō and reported that the Retired Emperor had, at dawn that day, set out at the head of an army for the eastern provinces. The emperor dispatched the Major Counselor Sakanoue-no-Tamuramaro and the Councillor Funya-no-Watamaro (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku), leading troops to block the Mino road (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Ruijū Kokushi). Troops were also sent to guard Uji, Yamazaki, the ferry crossings, and Ichizu. That night, Nakanari was put to death. On the twelfth day, the day Tsuchinoto-tori, the Retired Emperor returned to the palace and shaved his head, and Kusuko took poison and died. On the thirteenth day, the day Kanoe-inu, the crown prince was deposed, and his younger brother, the Minister of Central Affairs, Imperial Prince Ōtomo, was installed as kōtaitei, crown prince in succession to his brother. An edict declared that those who had followed the Retired Emperor to the eastern provinces would not be held to account (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the eighteenth day, the day Kinoto-u, the Major Counselor Fujiwara-no-Sonohito was made Tutor to the Crown Prince (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Kugyō Bunin). On the nineteenth day, the day Hinoe-tatsu, the era name was changed. On the twenty-ninth day, the day Hinoe-tora, Balhae sent envoys to the court bearing tribute (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). In winter, on the twenty-seventh day of the tenth month, the day Kinoe-uma, a purification rite was performed at the Matsuzaki river (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the eighteenth day of the eleventh month, the day Kinoe-tora, thunder sounded (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the nineteenth day, the day Kinoto-u, the Daijōsai, the Great Thanksgiving Rite, was performed. On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the day Tsuchinoto-u, the emperor hunted for pleasure at Serikawano. On the sixteenth day, the day Mizunoe-uma, the Councillor Kose-no-Notari was sent to present offerings at the Hachiman shrine and at the Kashii mausoleum, giving thanks in prayer for the suppression of the rebellion. On the twentieth day, the day Hinoe-inu, the Office of Coinage presented newly minted coins (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). Rank and gifts were bestowed on its director and those below him (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Ruijū Kokushi). This year, Imperial Princess Uchiko was made Kamo Priestess, to pray for reconciliation with the Retired Emperor. The institution of the Kamo Priestess began with this (Note: following the Kijoshō and the Ichidai Yōki. Note further: the Kamo Saiinki gives no account of its origin, while the Teiō Hennenki holds that the office was first established in the fifth month of the ninth year of Kōnin). Yamato, Kawachi, Settsu, Mikawa, Tōtōmi, Tanba, Inaba, Hōki, Harima, Mimasaka, Bingo, Awaji, Sanuki, and Tosa suffered famine, and envoys were sent to give relief (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku).

¶In the second year, the year Kanoto-u, in spring, on the fifth day of the first month, the day Kanoe-ne, the jōden-doneri, upper-hall attendants, were returned to the ranks of naiju, palace pages (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the eighth day of the second month, the day Mizunoto-tori, an edict ordered that food be provided to the ifu, subjugated Emishi, of the provinces (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Ruijū Kokushi). On the eleventh day, the day Hinoe-ne, the emperor hunted for pleasure at Kitano. On the fifteenth day, the day Kanoe-tatsu, he moved his residence to the Nishi-no-miya, the Western Palace (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the tenth day of the third month, the day Kinoto-mi, the provinces were for the first time ordered to submit household registers, keichō, of the ifu (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Ruijū Kokushi). In summer, on the seventeenth day of the fourth month, the day Kanoe-tatsu, Funya-no-Watamaro, Senior Fourth Rank Upper, was made seii-shōgun, General for the Subjugation of the Barbarians, with Ōtomo-no-Imahito, Saeki-no-Mimimaro, and Sakanoue-no-Takakai, all Junior Fifth Rank Lower, as his deputy generals (Note: following the Nihon Kōki). On the twenty-seventh day, the day Kanoe-tora, Hayashi-no-Azumahito, Senior Sixth Rank Upper, and others were sent to Balhae (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). This month, the emperor made a progress to the Shinsen-en four times (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Ruijū Kokushi). On the twelfth day of the fifth month, the day Kinoto-mi, he made a progress to the Shinsen-en; from this time on he frequently sought refuge there from the heat (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twentieth day, the day Mizunoto-ushi, since epidemic disease had spread one after another through the provinces, an edict ordered relief, shinjutsu, for widowers, widows, orphans, the childless, and those poor, aged, or infirm who could not support themselves (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-first day, the day Kinoe-tora, farmers were again forbidden to eat fish or drink wine (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Ruijū Kokushi). On the twenty-third day, the day Hinoe-tatsu, the Major Counselor and Captain of the Right Palace Guards, Sakanoue-no-Tamuramaro, died (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Nihon Kiryaku, and the Kugyō Bunin). On the twenty-fifth day, the day Tsuchinoe-uma, Shinano province presented a white crow (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the first day of the sixth month, the day Mizunoto-i, the Councillor Kose-no-Notari was made concurrently Captain of the Right Palace Guards (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Kugyō Bunin). On the third day, the day Kinoto-ushi, offerings were presented at the Daijingū. On the nineteenth day, the day Kanoto-mi, monks and nuns of eighty years or older at the thirteen great temples were each granted two bolts of coarse silk, ashiginu, and four lengths of cloth (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Ruijū Kokushi). On the twenty-fifth day, the day Hinoto-i, the cauldron of the Tonomoryō, the Bureau of Palace Furnishings, fell over of its own accord (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). In autumn, on the twelfth day of the seventh month, the day Kinoe-tatsu, the emperor made a progress to the Shinsen-en, and bestowed coin on his attendants. On the thirteenth day, the day Kinoto-mi, an edict declared: "We hear that the officials of the various guards at the Heijō Palace come and go as they please, and are negligent in their night watch. Let the Councillors be made to oversee and inspect them." (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Ruijū Kokushi.) On the twelfth day of the eighth month, the day Kinoe-inu, the emperor made a progress to the Shinsen-en. That night, stars drew together and apart, as though contending with one another (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the sixteenth day, the day Tsuchinoe-tora, he hunted for pleasure at Kitano (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Ruijū Kokushi). On the twelfth day of the ninth month, the day Mizunoto-u, a great wind blew. On the thirteenth day, the day Kinoe-tatsu, rice was bestowed on those harmed by the storm (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the sixteenth day, the day Hinoto-hitsuji, concerning the officials of the various guards headquarters at the Heijō Palace who left their night duty as they pleased, an order was given that lieutenant-generals and above should inspect and examine them. On the twenty-sixth day, the day Hinoto-mi, the emperor hunted for pleasure at Murasakino (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Ruijū Kokushi). This month, peach and plum trees bloomed out of season. In winter, on the second day of the tenth month, the day Mizunoto-i, Hayashi-no-Azumahito and the others returned from Balhae (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twentieth day, the day Kanoto-mi, the Ninnōkyō, the Sutra of the Benevolent Kings, was expounded (Note: following the Nihon Kōki). On the twenty-fourth day, the day Kinoto-tori, he hunted for pleasure at Kurikumano. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Tsuchinoe-ne, he again hunted for pleasure at Murasakino (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the ninth day of the eleventh month, the day Kanoe-ne, since Ise province had in recent years faced repeated difficulties and its people were exhausted, its land tax for that year was remitted (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Ruijū Kokushi). On the twenty-eighth day, the day Tsuchinoto-hitsuji, the Saeji-fu, Headquarters of the Left and Right Gate Guards, were renamed the Left and Right Emon-fu, Headquarters of the Palace Gate Guards (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Nihon Kiryaku, and the Ryō no Shūge). On the sixteenth day of the twelfth month, the day Hinoe-ne, there was an earthquake. On the seventeenth day, the day Hinoto-ushi, the emperor hunted for pleasure at Ōharano. On the ninth day of the intercalary month, the day Tsuchinoto-i, a haloing vapor, hōki, appeared around the sun. On the fourteenth day, the day Kinoe-tatsu, he hunted for pleasure at Mizuono (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the nineteenth day, the day Tsuchinoto-tori, since the common people of Dewa province had been worn out by military service, they were granted exemption from taxes and labor service for three years (Note: following the Nihon Kōki).

¶In the third year, the year Mizunoe-tatsu, in spring, on the twenty-fifth day of the first month, the day Kinoe-tora, the emperor hunted for pleasure at Kurikumano. On the twelfth day of the second month, the day Kanoto-ushi, he made a progress to the Shinsen-en to view the blossoms. The Hana-no-En, the Flower Banquet festival, began with this. On the fourteenth day, the day Mizunoto-u, he hunted for pleasure at Mizuono. On the fifteenth day, the day Kinoe-tatsu, he hunted for pleasure at Katano (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-fourth day of the third month, the day Mizunoe-uma, a resident of the Right Capital presented a tree whose branches had grown joined together, renri (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). In summer, on the sixth day of the fourth month, the day Mizunoto-mi, the emperor made a progress to the Shinsen-en (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the sixteenth day, the day Mizunoto-u, an edict ordered the correction of the conduct of monks and nuns whose behavior was improper (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Ruijū Kokushi). On the third day of the fifth month, the day Kanoe-saru, an edict again forbade provincial governors from encroaching on kugeden, official emolument fields, or cultivating unauthorized fields of paddy and dry land (Note: following the Nihon Kōki). On the twelfth day, the day Tsuchinoto-mi, the emperor made a progress to the Shinsen-en (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the eighteenth day, the day Kinoto-i, relief was given to the starving people of the capital (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-first day, the day Tsuchinoe-tora, the ministers memorialized, requesting to revise and determine those articles of the ritsuryō code found inconvenient, and this was granted. On the second day of the sixth month, the day Tsuchinoe-ne, the Councillor Ki-no-Hirohama and the Director of the Bureau of Divination, Abe-no-Makatsu, together with more than ten others, were made to read the Nihongi, and Ō-no-Hitonaga, Junior Fifth Rank Lower, was made to lecture on it. On this day, ifu-no-osa, chiefs of the ifu, were established in the several provinces (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Ruijū Kokushi). On the third day, the day Tsuchinoto-ushi, envoys were sent to Settsu to build the Nagara bridge (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the fifth day, the day Kanoto-u, there was a plague of locusts in Satsuma province, and its unpaid rice tax was remitted. On the sixteenth day, the day Mizunoe-tora, the official granaries were opened and their contents sold to the poor at reduced prices. On the twenty-third day, the day Tsuchinoto-tori, monks and nuns were again corrected (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Ruijū Kokushi). On the twenty-fourth day, the day Kanoe-inu, the emperor made a progress to Ōi (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-sixth day, the day Mizunoe-ne, offerings were presented to the eminent deities, myōjin, of the home provinces, to pray for rain. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Mizunoto-ushi, a small bird gave birth to a large bird. In autumn, on the first day of the seventh month, the day Hinoto-mi, offerings were presented to the eminent deities of the realm on account of drought and epidemic disease. On the second day, the day Tsuchinoe-uma, offerings were presented at the Daijingū (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-fourth day, the day Kanoe-tatsu, the emperor made a progress to the Shinsen-en, and bestowed coin on his attendants (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the sixth day of the ninth month, the day Kanoto-tori, he hunted for pleasure at Kitano. On the twentieth day, the day Kinoto-i, the taking of life within a radius of two ri in every direction from Tōdaiji was again forbidden (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Ruijū Kokushi). On the twenty-fifth day, the day Kanoe-tatsu, he hunted for pleasure at Ōharano (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-sixth day, the day Kanoto-mi, an edict declared: "Of portents and the strange, the sages do not speak. The offense of spreading deceitful rumors, yōgen, is no light matter under the law. Yet the people of the provinces speak falsely and report such things with great frequency. Some concern affairs of state; others recklessly discourse on fortune and misfortune; nothing does more to subvert the law and disorder its principles. Let the provinces strictly investigate, and henceforth let anyone, man or woman, who falsely claims to have received a divine oracle be dealt with according to the circumstances. But if a divine pronouncement is genuine and its efficacy especially manifest, let the provincial governor investigate and report the facts as they stand." (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Ruijū Sandaikyaku.) In winter, on the sixth day of the tenth month, the day Kanoto-u, the Minister of the Right and Captain of the Left Palace Guards, Fujiwara-no-Uchimaro, died (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the second day of the twelfth month, the day Hinoe-inu, ten thousand five hundred bundles of tribute cotton were bestowed on the resident monks of the seven great temples and on the naigubu-jūzenji, the Ten Meditation Masters in Palace Attendance (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Ruijū Kokushi). On the fifth day, the day Tsuchinoto-ushi, the Major Counselor Fujiwara-no-Sonohito was made Minister of the Right (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Kugyō Bunin), and Fujiwara-no-Fuyutsugu was made concurrently Captain of the Left Palace Guards (Note: following the Kugyō Bunin). On the twenty-first day, the day Kinoto-mi, he hunted for pleasure at Serikawano (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku).

¶In the fourth year, the year Mizunoto-mi, in spring, on the twenty-sixth day of the first month, the day Kanoe-tatsu, the emperor hunted for pleasure at Kurikumano. On the sixteenth day of the second month, the day Tsuchinoto-i, he hunted for pleasure at Katano. On the eighteenth day, the day Kanoto-ushi, he hunted for pleasure at Mizuono (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-fifth day, the day Tsuchinoe-saru, it was decreed: "In years when crops are damaged, relief is given to the native people, but not to the fushū, subjugated Emishi. Henceforth the fushū shall also be included among the recipients of relief." (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi.) On the twenty-ninth day, the day Mizunoe-ne, the emperor made a progress to the Shinsen-en (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the eighteenth day of the third month, the day Kanoto-hitsuji, the Dazaifu reported: "Men of Silla arrived at Odzuka island in Hizen province. The local people fought them, killing or capturing more than a hundred." (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku.) In summer, on the first day of the fourth month, the day Mizunoto-hitsuji, there was a solar eclipse. On the twenty-second day, the day Kinoe-tatsu, the emperor made a progress to the South Pond of the crown prince's residence (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the tenth day of the fifth month, the day Kanoto-tori, in Settsu province a rabbit was caught having one head and two bodies (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-fifth day, the day Hinoe-ne, an edict declared: "The essential task in governing a realm is to enrich the people. When the people have stores laid by, even a lean year poses no threat. Thus in the reign of Yu even the nine years' flood left the people's faces unmarked by hunger, and in the reign of Tang even the seven years' drought did not cause the people to lose their livelihood. Now the officials of the provinces have greatly strayed from the purpose of their charge. Some mistime the calling of labor service and so ruin the farming season; others devote themselves solely to encroaching upon and squeezing the people, with no heart to nurture and care for them. Because of this the people lose their livelihood, and famine follows one upon another. Even where it is not due to natural disaster, the people's hunger is constantly reported, and relief is given every year, so that the granaries are nearly exhausted. Should a true disaster occur, what would then be used for relief? Henceforth, unless there is damage to the fields or an epidemic, requests for relief shall not be recklessly granted." (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi.) On the first day of the sixth month, the day Mizunoe-uma, the common people of the capital and home provinces were forbidden to abandon the sick (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Ruijū Sandaikyaku). On the second day, the day Mizunoto-hitsuji, since Iwami and Aki had suffered flood damage, their unpaid taxes were remitted (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). On the third day, the day Kinoe-saru, there was a plague of locusts in Ōsumi and Satsuma, and their unpaid taxes were remitted (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-fourth day, the day Kinoto-mi, the emperor made a progress to Ōi (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). In autumn, on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, the day Kinoto-hitsuji, he made a progress to the South Pond of the crown prince's residence. On the sixteenth day, the day Hinoe-saru, he made a progress to the Kadono river. On the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, the day Mizunoto-tori, the emperor feasted the crown prince at the Seiryōden, entertaining him with ceremonies in the Chinese style (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-seventh day, the day Hinoe-ne, an edict declared: "The strategic points of the frontier are the places that guard against foreign incursion. In preparing for the unforeseen, provisions are what matter most. Now, great armies have repeatedly taken the field, and the provisions laid by have been entirely exhausted, yet remnants of the enemy remain, and unforeseen events are hard to gauge. Without stores laid by, how could a sudden crisis be met? Let the kuge, official emolument rice, of Mutsu and Dewa provinces be merged with the regular tax rice, and let the two provinces furnish Shinano and Echigo from it each year in turn. But where a poor harvest leaves nothing to merge, or where a province cannot obtain kuge, let transport and provision be arranged according to actual circumstances. The time to discontinue this measure shall await a further edict." (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi.) On the twenty-eighth day, the day Hinoto-ushi, he hunted for pleasure at Ōharano (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). In winter, on the third day of the tenth month, the day Mizunoe-uma, offerings were presented to the eminent deities, myōjin, in thanks for a bountiful harvest (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the fourth day, the day Mizunoto-hitsuji, he hunted for pleasure at Kitano. On the seventh day, the day Hinoe-inu, he hunted for pleasure at Ichiharano. On the twenty-fourth day, the day Mizunoto-u, he hunted for pleasure at Kurikumano (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). This month, having suffered a violent storm, the land and tribute taxes of Chikugo, Buzen, Hizen, Ōsumi, and Satsuma were remitted. On the twenty-first day of the eleventh month, the day Kanoe-uma, an edict declared: "The nature of the ifu differs from that of the common people. Though they have submitted to the court's civilizing influence, they have not yet forgotten their wild ambitions. We have therefore ordered the provincial governors to instruct and guide them with care. Yet some of them, far from heeding the court's wishes, make no effort at pacification. The grievances of the ifu go unresolved for days on end, so that discontent and resentment accumulate, and in the end lead to rebellion. Let the governors and deputy governors of Harima, Bizen, Bitchū, Chikuzen, Chikugo, Hizen, Higo, and Buzen apply instruction and guidance once more. Let matters of grievance be settled without delay. Where a matter cannot properly be decided on the spot, let it be reported upward for judgment. Should mishandled pacification provoke rebellion, or should anyone go up to the capital to lodge an improper appeal, ossō, let those responsible be punished according to the circumstances." On the twenty-fourth day, the day Mizunoto-tori, one man from among the deputy governors and above of the several provinces was chosen as ifu-sentō, officer in charge of the ifu. On this day, he hunted for pleasure at Mizuono (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). On the twenty-seventh day, the day Hinoe-ne, he hunted for pleasure at Serikawano (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). This year, bamboo bore fruit (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku).

¶In the fifth year, the year Kinoe-uma, in spring, on the first day of the second month, the day Tsuchinoto-u, Mutsu province captured and presented a white pheasant. On the eighth day, the day Hinoe-inu, the emperor hunted for pleasure at Kurikumano. On the sixteenth day, the day Kinoe-uma, he made a progress to Katano (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On this day countless wagtails, sekirei, gathered in the loquat trees of the Onmyōryō, the Bureau of Divination (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the seventeenth day, the day Kinoto-hitsuji, he hunted for pleasure at Katano. On the eighteenth day, the day Hinoe-saru, he hunted for pleasure at Mizuono. On the twenty-first day, the day Tsuchinoto-i, the ranks of the governors and deputy governors of Yamashiro, Settsu, and Kawachi were advanced. Those of the fourth rank and above were given quilted bedding, fusuma; chamberlains, controllers, and the secretaries, jō, of the three provinces of the third rank and above were given robes; and clerks, sakan, and below, together with the district magistrates, gunji, were given cotton, each according to rank. On this day the imperial procession returned to the palace (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-seventh day, the day Kinoto-mi, the provinces of Yamashiro, Yamato, Kawachi, Settsu, Ōmi, and others were forbidden to catch young sweetfish, koayu, before the fourth month (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). On the twenty-eighth day, the day Hinoe-uma, the emperor made a progress to the Shinsen-en. In summer, on the twenty-eighth day of the fourth month, the day Kinoto-mi, he made a progress to the Kan'intei, the residence of the Councillor Fujiwara-no-Fuyutsugu (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the fourth day of the fifth month, the day Kanoe-inu, birds white in body and black of head gathered at the kitchen of the Daijōkan (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the eighth day, the day Kinoe-tora, an edict granted the surname Minamoto-no-Ason to the imperial princes Nobuhiro and Tsuneakira, and to the imperial princesses Sadahime, Kiyohime, Zenhime, and Yoshihime (Note: following the Shinsen Shōjiroku). On the twelfth day, the day Tsuchinoe-uma, the emperor made a progress to the Shinsen-en. On the eighteenth day, the day Kinoe-ne, on account of a rebellion among the fushū, the unpaid taxes of the three districts of Ou, Izumo, and Kando in Izumo province were remitted (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). This month, the trees of the Kashiwabara mausoleum withered from insect blight. On the third day of the sixth month, the day Tsuchinoe-tora, the northern wall of the Shinsen-en collapsed of its own accord. On this day, relief was given to the starving people of the capital. On the nineteenth day, the day Kinoe-uma, a purification rite was performed at the Kamo river (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-third day, the day Tsuchinoe-inu, provincial governors were forbidden to remodel their official residences without authorization (Note: following the Ruijū Sandaikyaku). In autumn, on the twelfth day of the seventh month, the day Hinoto-mi, one thousand kan of newly minted coin and one thousand ingots of iron from the Empress's household were distributed among the various great temples (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). On the sixteenth day, the day Kanoto-tori, the emperor made a progress to the Kadono river (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-first day, the day Hinoe-tora, the unpaid land tax of Yamato and Kawachi was remitted (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Ruijū Kokushi). On the twenty-fifth day, the day Kanoe-uma, an edict ordered that in the home provinces, Ōmi, Tanba, and elsewhere, it be made customary practice that in times of drought the head of the provincial office observe ritual purification and personally pray for rain (Note: following the Nihon Kōki). On the sixth day of the intercalary month, the day Kanoe-tatsu, the emperor made a progress to the Shinsen-en. On the twelfth day, the day Hinoe-inu, he again made a progress there. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Kanoto-ushi, he hunted for pleasure at Kitano. On the last day of the month, the day Mizunoto-u, Mimasaka province presented a white sparrow. On the eleventh day of the eighth month, the day Kinoe-tora, he made a progress to the South Pond of the crown prince's residence (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the eighteenth day, the day Kanoto-tori, at the Yashimadera temple in Yamato province an auspicious rice stalk, kaka, grew with eighteen ears on a single stem (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-fifth day, the day Tsuchinoe-tatsu, he hunted for pleasure at Kitano. On the twenty-sixth day, the day Tsuchinoto-mi, he hunted for pleasure at Kurusuno (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-ninth day, the day Mizunoe-saru, an edict declared: "In recent years, at the time of the spring planting the branches have been favored with nourishing rain, and at the time of the autumn harvest the furrows have yielded grain in abundance. Let this be entrusted to the provincial governors throughout the realm, that they may clearly inspect and confirm it. Let offerings be presented to the court, and alms be given to aged monks and nuns, and to the aged, the widowed, the orphaned, the childless, and those unable to support themselves." (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku.) This month, the Yakushi rite was performed for seven days at the Daijōkanin (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). On the ninth day of the ninth month, the day Mizunoe-uma, the emperor made a progress to the Shinsen-en. On the eleventh day, the day Kinoe-saru, cotton was given to monks and nuns of eighty years or older at the kokubunji, the provincial temples, of the home provinces and seven circuits, and grain was given, each according to rank, to those eighty years or older and to the widowed, orphaned, childless, and those unable to support themselves (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Ruijū Kokushi). On the fifteenth day, the day Tsuchinoe-ne, offerings were presented to the eminent deities in thanks for a bountiful harvest (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-seventh day, the day Kanoe-ne, he hunted for pleasure at Kurikumano (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the last day of the month, the day Mizunoto-u, Balhae sent envoys to the court bearing tribute (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). In winter, on the tenth day of the tenth month, the day Mizunoto-ushi, he hunted for pleasure at Kitano. On the twenty-fourth day, the day Hinoto-u, he hunted for pleasure at Mizuono (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-seventh day, the day Kanoe-uma, the Dazaifu reported that twenty-six men of Silla had come to submit as subjects (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the ninth day of the eleventh month, the day Kanoto-mi, on account of damage from brigand unrest and the entertainment of foreign guests, bankaku, the land tax of Izumo province was remitted (Note: the Ruijū Kokushi gives the day as Kanoto-ushi, but this is an error). On the twenty-second day, the day Kinoe-uma, he hunted for pleasure at Serikawano. On the twentieth day of the twelfth month, the day Mizunoe-inu, he again hunted at Serikawano (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku).

¶In the sixth year, the year Kinoto-hitsuji, in spring, on the seventeenth day of the second month, the day Tsuchinoto-hitsuji, the emperor made a progress to Katano. On the twenty-third day, the day Kinoto-ushi, the imperial procession returned to the palace (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-eighth day, the day Kanoe-uma, he made a progress to the Shinsen-en (Note: following the Nihon Kōki). On the second day of the third month, the day Mizunoto-tori, it was decreed: "Envoys of foreign states come to court at set times. The facilities of the guest residences must always be kept in sound repair. Let the Danjōdai, the Board of Censors, and the Kyōshiki, the Capital Bureaus, inspect them." (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku.) On the twentieth day, the day Kanoto-u, an edict declared: "In matters of military provision, the horse is foremost in importance. We now hear that powerful and privileged houses seek out horses in the border settlements, and that because enforcement there has grown lax, the supply of military horses is falling short. In accordance with the kyaku of the sixth year of Enryaku, the buying and selling of horses in Mutsu and Dewa should be forbidden; pack horses alone are exempted from this prohibition." (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Ruijū Kokushi.) In summer, on the eleventh day of the fourth month, the day Mizunoe-ne, the emperor made a progress to the Shinsen-en. On the twenty-second day, the day Mizunoto-i, he made a progress to Shiga-no-Karasaki in Ōmi, the crown prince accompanying him. They stopped at the temples of Sūfukuji and Bonshakuji, and then floated on the lake itself by boat. The provincial governor performed local songs and dances. On the fourteenth day of the fifth month, the day Kinoe-saru, there was a plague of locusts in Satsuma province, and its tribute and land taxes were remitted (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the third day of the sixth month, the day Mizunoe-tora, the home provinces and Ōmi, Tanba, Harima, and other provinces were ordered to plant tea and present it each year as tribute (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Ruijū Kokushi). On the sixteenth day, the day Kinoto-u, there was flood damage in Kawachi province, and relief was given (Note: following the Nihon Kōki). In autumn, on the seventh day of the seventh month, the day Hinoe-ne, the emperor made a progress to the Shinsen-en. On the thirteenth day, the day Mizunoe-uma, the lady-in-waiting Tachibana-shi was installed as empress (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). The lady-in-waiting Tajihi-no-Takako was installed as consort, and Fujiwara-no-Onatsu, Junior Fourth Rank Lower, was installed as a lady-in-waiting (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Ruijū Kokushi). On the twentieth day, the day Tsuchinoto-ushi, the Minister of Central Affairs, Imperial Prince Manda, and the Minister of the Right, Fujiwara-no-Sonohito, among others, presented the completed Shinsen Shōjiroku (Note: following the memorial of presentation of the Shōjiroku. Note further: on consideration, the Nihon Kiryaku places this event on the first day of the sixth month of the fifth year). On the twenty-fourth day, the day Mizunoto-mi, the emperor made a progress to the Shinsen-en. On the twenty-fifth day, the day Kinoe-uma, an edict declared: "Heaven brings forth the people, and sets up those who govern them, so that wealth may be made abundant, resources turned to use, and the realm brought under civilizing influence. For this reason We have labored from dawn to correct the decayed customs of the age, wishing that the farmer might know the joy of a good harvest, and that the labor of women might be free of the lament of the loom. Yet since the past fifth month the rains have overflowed, and the fields could not be tilled. If the common people lack sufficient means, with whom shall their sovereign share sufficiency? Let the land tax of the Left and Right Capitals and the home provinces for this year be remitted." (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Ruijū Kokushi.) On this day, the rotation of provincial governors was fixed at a term of four years. On the first day of the eighth month, the day Tsuchinoto-i, there was a solar eclipse. On the third day, the day Kanoto-ushi, envoys were sent to Ise and Kamo to present offerings and pray for clear weather (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-sixth day, the day Kinoe-ne, he hunted for pleasure at Kitano. On the twenty-sixth day of the ninth month, the day Mizunoto-mi, he hunted for pleasure at Ōharano (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). From the fifth month to this month, prolonged rains continued throughout the provinces (Note: following the Nihon Kōki and the Nihon Kiryaku). In winter, on the twenty-fifth day of the tenth month, the day Mizunoe-inu, he hunted for pleasure at Kurikumano (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twentieth day of the eleventh month, the day Hinoto-i, an edict declared: "Every year, the decision of capital sentences should be reported at the beginning of winter, and must not be deferred into the months of spring." (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Ruijū Sandaikyaku.) On the twenty-eighth day, the day Kinoe-uma, he hunted for pleasure at Mizuono. On the seventeenth day of the twelfth month, the day Mizunoto-ushi, he hunted for pleasure at Serikawano. This year, since poor harvests had continued repeatedly, the land tax of the provinces under the jurisdiction of the Dazaifu was remitted for a term of three years (Note: following the Nihon Kōki, the Ruijū Kokushi, and the Nihon Kiryaku).

¶In the seventh year, the year Hinoe-saru, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Hinoto-u, the New Year's felicitations were cancelled on account of rain. On the second day, the day Tsuchinoe-tatsu, the emperor went to the Daigokuden and received the New Year's felicitations (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-fifth day, the day Kanoto-u, sand fell like rain (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-sixth day, the day Mizunoe-tatsu, he hunted for pleasure at Kurikumano (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the first day of the second month, the day Hinoto-tori, there was a solar eclipse (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the sixteenth day, the day Mizunoe-ne, he made a progress to Katano. On the twentieth day, the day Hinoe-tatsu, he hunted for pleasure at Mizuono. On the twenty-fifth day, the day Kanoto-tori, he made a progress to the residence of the Naishi-no-suke, Assistant Handmaid, Ono-no-Iwako, in Nagaoka. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Mizunoto-i, he made a progress to his villa at Saga. On the twenty-eighth day, the day Kinoe-ne, since the palace was under repair, he moved his residence to the Benkan-no-zōshi, the office chambers of the Controllers. On the twenty-seventh day of the third month, the day Mizunoe-tatsu, the Left and Right Palace Guards were made to shoot arrows, and coin was bestowed on those whose shots found their mark. In summer, on the sixth day of the fourth month, the day Kanoto-ushi, the emperor made a progress to the Shinsen-en; the Left and Right Palace Guards were again made to shoot arrows, with coin bestowed on those who hit the mark. On the twenty-fifth day, the day Kanoe-saru, the imperial procession returned to the palace (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the fifteenth day of the sixth month, the day Tsuchinoto-tori — the emperor had earlier received lectures on the Shiki, the Records of the Grand Historian, from Isayama-no-Fumitsugu, Outer Junior Fifth Rank Lower, and on this day, these being concluded, Fumitsugu was granted Junior Fifth Rank Lower. On the twenty-sixth day, the day Kanoe-saru, he made a progress to Ōi. On the twenty-eighth day, the day Mizunoe-inu, the Jingikan, the Bureau of Shrine Affairs, memorialized that when the trees of the Takahata mausoleum had been felled, a curse had appeared in divination. An edict declared: "What We revere with Our whole heart lies solely in the imperial mausolea. Yet the officials responsible neglected their oversight, bringing about an omen inviting such reproach as this. Measured against the statutes of the realm, this offense is no light matter. Henceforth let strict prohibition be observed." In autumn, on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, the day Tsuchinoe-tora, the Office of Coinage was abolished. On the twentieth day, the day Mizunoto-hitsuji, an edict was handed down: "That wind and rain come at the wrong season and the fields suffer harm is owing to the provincial governors' failure to observe the rites of sacrifice with care. We now hear that the young shoots of this year are flourishing, and that auspicious grain fills the furrows; We desire that the people be made prosperous. Let the governors of the home provinces and seven circuits be ordered to purify and discipline themselves in abstinence, to present offerings to the eminent deities, and to pray that the wind and rain be stilled, without the slightest negligence." (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi.) On the second day of the eighth month, the day Kinoto-hitsuji, offerings were presented at the Daijingū (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the sixteenth day, the day Tsuchinoto-tori, a great wind blew, toppling the Rajōmon gate, and causing damage throughout the provinces (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-fourth day, the day Hinoto-mi, he made a progress to the Reizen'in. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Kanoe-saru, he made a progress to his villa at Saga (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On this day, Shinano province petitioned: "Last year's harvest was poor, and food within the province is scarce. We request ten thousand koku of grain, to be exchanged for merchant cloth, in order to relieve our distress," and this was granted (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). On the twenty-eighth day, the day Kanoto-tori, he again made a progress to Saga. On the fourth day of the ninth month, the day Hinoe-tora, the emperor fell ill. On the sixth day, the day Tsuchinoe-tatsu, offerings were presented at the Daijingū in thanks for prayers that had averted damage from wind. On the ninth day, the day Kanoto-hitsuji, the court banquets, setsue, were cancelled on account of the emperor's ill health. In winter, on the eighth day of the tenth month, the day Tsuchinoto-i, there was an earthquake (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the thirteenth day, the day Kinoe-tatsu, the Dazaifu reported that a hundred and eighty men of Silla had come to submit as subjects (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the first day of the twelfth month, the day Mizunoe-tatsu, the Middle Counselor Kose-no-Notari resigned as Captain of the Right Palace Guards. The Councillor Funya-no-Watamaro was made Captain of the Right Palace Guards (Note: following the Kugyō Bunin). This year, the monk Kūkai founded a monastic center on Mount Kōya (Note: following the Rekidai Kōki, the Ichidai Yōki, and the Shōryōshū).

¶In the eighth year, the year Hinoto-tori, in spring, on the twenty-fifth day of the first month, the day Kinoto-tori, the emperor hunted for pleasure at Serikawano (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the first day of the second month, the day Kanoto-u, there was a solar eclipse (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the ninth day, the day Tsuchinoto-i, he hunted for pleasure at Mizuno (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the fifteenth day, the day Kinoto-mi, the Dazaifu reported that thirty-three men of Silla had come to submit as subjects (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the seventeenth day, the day Hinoto-hitsuji, he made a progress to Katano. On the twentieth day, the day Kanoe-inu, the imperial procession returned to the palace. In summer, on the third day of the fourth month, the day Mizunoe-tatsu, he made a progress to the Reizen'in (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-second day, the day Kanoto-i, the Dazaifu reported that a hundred and forty-four men of Silla had come to submit as subjects (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the sixteenth day of the intercalary month, the day Kinoto-i, he made a progress to his villa at Saga (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the second day of the sixth month, the day Kanoe-saru, prayers for rain were offered at Murōsan (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the fourth day, the day Mizunoe-inu, the provinces of the realm were made to pray for rain (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku, quoting the Nihon Kōki as cited in the Kiu Nikki). Settsu province reported that the tide had risen violently, sweeping away and drowning two hundred and twenty people (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the seventeenth day of the eighth month, the day Kinoe-inu, the emperor hunted for pleasure at Kitano. On the twenty-fifth day of the ninth month, the day Kanoto-i, he hunted for pleasure at Ōharano. In winter, on the first day of the tenth month, the day Hinoto-mi, ten thousand three hundred bundles of tribute cotton were bestowed on the resident monks of the seven great temples, and he hunted for pleasure at Mizuono. On the twenty-third day of the eleventh month, the day Tsuchinoe-saru, he again hunted for pleasure at Mizuono. On the twenty-fifth day, the day Kanoe-inu, heavy snow fell, and cotton was bestowed on the Left and Right Palace Guards. On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the day Hinoto-u, there was an earthquake. On the fourteenth day, the day Tsuchinoe-tatsu, he hunted for pleasure at Serikawano. On the eighteenth day, the day Mizunoe-saru, there was an earthquake. On the twentieth day, the day Kinoe-inu, there was again an earthquake (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). This year, Shinano, Nagato, and Chikuzen suffered famine, and relief was given in each case (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku).

¶In the ninth year, the year Tsuchinoe-inu, in spring, on the twenty-fourth day of the first month, the day Tsuchinoe-saru, the emperor hunted for pleasure at Serikawano. On the seventh day of the second month, the day Kanoto-tori, he hunted for pleasure at Kurikumano. On the sixteenth day, the day Kanoe-uma, he made a progress to Katano. On the nineteenth day, the day Mizunoto-tori, the imperial procession returned to the palace. On the twenty-eighth day, the day Mizunoe-uma, he made a progress to the Shinsen-en (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the nineteenth day of the third month, the day Mizunoe-tora, the ministers memorialized: "In recent years flood and drought have followed one upon another, and the damage has not been slight. We wish to reduce the stipends of the officials, to help meet the expenses of the state, and to restore them once a bountiful year comes." This was granted. On the twenty-third day, the day Hinoe-uma, an edict declared that the ceremonies of court assembly, the forms of regular dress, and the manner of bowing and kneeling should, for men and women alike, follow entirely the ceremonial of Tang; but that the formal attire of the fifth rank and above, the colors of the several court robes, and the dress of the guards on duty should all remain according to former usage (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). This spring there was a great epidemic. The emperor himself copied out the Hannya Shingyō, the Heart Sutra, in letters of gold, and had the monk Kūkai consecrate it with a rite of celebration, to drive the epidemic away (Note: following the Kokon Chomonjū). In summer, on the thirteenth day of the fourth month, the day Hinoe-tora, envoys were sent to pray for rain to the various deities of the capital and home provinces. On the twenty-second day, the day Kinoto-i, offerings were presented at the Daijingū, and the great temples and the temples of the home provinces were made to recite sutras and worship the Buddha in prayer for rain. On the twenty-third day, the day Hinoe-ne, on account of the burning heat and drought, the emperor withdrew from the main hall. An edict was handed down: "Let the customary fare of the imperial table be reduced. Let all expenses of the rear palace, and the fodder and grain of the Left and Right Bureaus of Horses, be cut back." The Left and Right Capital Bureaus were also ordered: "Gather up and bury the dead who have fallen by the roadside, and give relief to those in distress." The Ministry of Justice was further ordered to clarify and correct cases of false accusation. Offerings were presented at the various shrines in prayer for rain, and the Office of Monastic Affairs was ordered to have sutras recited. The emperor, the ministers, and the hundred officials observed a vegetarian fast for three days (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On this day, the Uzumasa-no-Kimidera temple was destroyed by fire (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-fourth day, the day Hinoto-ushi, there was famine in Kawachi province, and relief was given. On the twenty-sixth day, the day Tsuchinoto-u, envoys were sent to the Kashiwabara mausoleum to pray for rain. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Kanoe-tatsu, the names of the various halls and gates of the palace were changed, and plaques bearing the new names were hung at each. On this day, on account of the drought, the Ninnōkyō was expounded at the front hall (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-third day of the fifth month, the day Kinoto-mi, the Saiinshi, the Office of the Priestess, was established (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the first day of the sixth month, the day Mizunoto-ushi, there was a solar eclipse. In autumn, on the third day of the seventh month, the day Kinoto-tori, a cow in Sanuki province gave birth to a calf with two heads (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the seventh day, the day Tsuchinoto-ushi, the court banquets were cancelled on account of the drought (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the fourteenth day, the day Hinoe-saru, envoys were sent to Kifune and to the dragon cave of Murōsan to pray for rain (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). This month, there were earthquakes and landslides in the provinces of Sagami, Musashi, Shimōsa, Hitachi, Kōzuke, and Shimotsuke, among others, and the common people crushed to death were beyond counting. On the nineteenth day of the eighth month, the day Kanoe-uma, envoys were sent to the provinces to make a circuit of inspection. An edict declared: "Though We are a person of scant virtue, We have reverently succeeded to the imperial throne, and Our sincere wish to nurture and care for the people has never for a moment been forgotten. Yet Our civilizing influence has still not spread abroad, and the great undertakings of a sovereign have still not flourished; the signs of reproach that appear on this account have, at this time, become especially severe. We hear it reported that in Kōzuke and other regions, disaster from earthquake has struck, compounded by flood damage, so that people and property alike have suffered harm. Though the way of Heaven is said to be high and distant, We cannot remain silent. It is truly a fault in Our own conduct of government that has invited such divine reproach, and brought this suffering upon the people by Our own doing. We are ashamed before the realm of Our thin virtue and shamelessness. Reflecting quietly upon this reproach, We find it truly lamentable. How could a sovereign remain at ease while his people face such danger, or a parent fail to care when his child is in distress? We therefore dispatch special envoys to extend comfort and relief. For those whose livelihood has been entirely destroyed by earthquake or flood, let the envoys and the local officials together make their assessment, and remit this year's land and tribute taxes. Let relief also be given from the regular tax rice, without distinction between commoner and ifu, to help repair dwellings and spare the people hunger and exposure. Let those crushed to death be buried without delay. Exhaust the full intent of Our broad clemency, and answer this deep concern of Ours." On the twenty-fifth day, the day Hinoe-ne, the payment in coin of the land tax of the home provinces and of the registered households of the capital was suspended, and payment in rice substituted (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). On the twenty-eighth day, the day Tsuchinoto-u, the emperor hunted for pleasure at Kitano (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the tenth day of the ninth month, the day Kanoto-u, an edict declared: "He who receives the mandate of Heaven honors, in his way, the love of the people; he who holds the rank of sovereign places first, in his achievements, the saving of all things. He should therefore restrain himself and follow the people's wishes, cultivate virtue in answer to the hearts of the spirits, labor without rest until evening falls, and forget sleep until the deep of night. Yet Our wisdom does not extend to all things, and Our sincerity has not been enough to move Heaven; there is a want in the highest harmony, and signs of reproach have repeatedly appeared. Of late there have been earthquakes, and their harm has reached the people. Fortune and misfortune arise from human conduct, and portents do not occur of themselves. We fear that it may be Our own governance that has estranged the people's hearts, and that Heaven has sent down this grave reproach to admonish and spur Us on. We stand in awe of Heaven's warning, and cannot rest at ease. When We consulted the tortoise-shell and the milfoil stalks, the reproach they revealed matched the season exactly. Long ago, in the Tenpyō era, a like calamity occurred, and from it epidemic disease spread and the whole realm suffered harm. We must not forget what went before, and should take warning from a precedent not far removed in time. We consider, too, that the teaching of the Buddha runs deep, that it holds the relief of human sorrow paramount, that it neglects nothing however small, and fails to save nothing however distant; and that it has precedent also for driving away disease. Let the provinces of the realm hold a vegetarian feast at their Konkōmyōji temples, invite monks, and have the Diamond Sutra of the Perfection of Wisdom recited by alternate reading for five days. Let envoys also be sent to perform purification rites, and remove all ill-omened things. Further, the provinces of the home circuits and the seven circuits have petitioned that the collection of taxes unpaid before the eighth year of Kōnin be entirely suspended. As for the land tax owed by the people of the Left and Right Capitals, those in arrears from the previous year or before shall likewise be forgiven, whether or not they have so petitioned. May the paths of the nether world look down with favor, blocking the source of calamity before it reaches its final course, and may the way that brings forth good fortune be made manifest, uprooting the cause of sickness before it can sprout. If this reproach may be made to fall on Us alone, so that the people suffer no more untimely deaths, then We have no wish to turn that calamity elsewhere. That King Wen of Zhou took the blame upon himself is a thing We truly look up to and revere. That there is no falsehood in Our words is as plain as the bright sun itself." (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi.) On the eleventh day, the day Mizunoe-tatsu, offerings were presented at the Daijingū, in prayer for the removal of epidemic disease (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). In winter, on the ninth day of the tenth month, the day Tsuchinoto-hitsuji, since the prayers for rain had proved effective, thanks were rendered at the Kifune shrine (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-fourth day, the day Kinoe-inu, he hunted for pleasure at Kurikumano (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-seventh day, the day Hinoto-ushi, ten thousand bundles of cotton were bestowed on the resident monks of the seven great temples. On the first day of the eleventh month, the day Kanoto-mi, new coins were cast, bearing the characters Fuju Shinpō. On the fifth day, the day Kinoto-tori, the Minister of Civil Administration, Imperial Prince Sakamoto, died (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the nineteenth day of the twelfth month, the day Tsuchinoe-tatsu, the Minister of the Right and Tutor to the Crown Prince, Fujiwara-no-Sonohito, died (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku and the Kugyō Bunin).

¶In the tenth year, the year Tsuchinoto-i, in spring, on the first day of the first month, the day Kanoe-tatsu, the New Year's felicitations were cancelled on account of wind and cold. On the twenty-sixth day, the day Kinoto-mi, he hunted for pleasure at Serikawano (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twentieth day of the second month, the day Tsuchinoe-tatsu, the ministers memorialized: "In recent years poor harvests have continued, and the common people suffer from famine; the granaries are empty, and there is nothing left to give in relief. Once the destitute come face to face with hunger, they are sure to forget all sense of shame. Your servants humbly wish that envoys be sent to the home provinces, to record on the spot the stores of the wealthy, lend them to the needy, and have them repaid, in proportion to the amount, at the time of the autumn harvest. In this way the rich would have no fear of losing their wealth, and the poor would gain the joy of preserving their lives." This was granted (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Ruijū Sandaikyaku). On the twenty-first day, the day Tsuchinoto-mi, he hunted for pleasure at Mizuono. Rice was bestowed, each according to need, on the destitute of Mizuo village. On the twenty-second day, the day Kanoe-uma, the imperial procession returned to the palace. On the twenty-fifth day, the day Mizunoto-tori, he made a progress to the Shinsen-en (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the first day of the third month, the day Tsuchinoto-u, a rainbow pierced the sun (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the second day, the day Kanoe-tatsu, there was famine in Yamashiro, Mino, Wakasa, Noto, and Izumo. An edict declared: "The stores of the granaries are already exhausted, and there is nothing left for relief. Let loans be added to relieve this urgent need; the method of distribution shall follow the precedent of relief giving." (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi.) On the fourteenth day, the day Mizunoe-tatsu, since the common people's food was scarce on account of the previous year's poor harvest, the buying and selling of wheat and barley within the home provinces and capital was forbidden, as a reserve against hunger (Note: following the Ruijū Sandaikyaku). The feeding of green wheat to horses was likewise forbidden. On the twenty-first day, the day Tsuchinoto-i, an edict restored the rank and title of the late lady-in-waiting Fujiwara-no-Yoshiko and of Imperial Prince Iyo. In summer, on the seventeenth day of the fifth month, the day Kinoe-uma, the emperor made a progress to the Shinsen-en, and prayed for rain at Kifune. On the first day of the sixth month, the day Hinoto-hitsuji, there was a solar eclipse. On the fourth day, the day Kanoe-inu, coin was given to the destitute of the capital. On the ninth day, the day Kinoto-u, white horses were offered at Niukawakami and Kifune, in prayer for clear weather (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-fourth day, the day Kanoe-uma, he made a progress to the Kadono river (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). In autumn, on the second day of the seventh month, the day Tsuchinoe-tora, a black horse was offered at Niukawakami, in prayer for rain. On the seventeenth day, the day Mizunoto-mi, envoys were sent to pray for rain at the Daijingū. On the eighteenth day, the day Kinoe-uma, the thirteen great temples and the fixed-endowment temples of Yamato were made to recite the Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra by alternate reading for three days, in prayer for rain. On the twentieth day, the day Hinoe-saru, a white dragon appeared in the capital, and a violent storm damaged dwellings. No rain had fallen since summer, and the provinces had suffered harm. The emperor made a progress to the Saga-in (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-eighth day, the day Mizunoto-tori, prayers for clear weather were offered at Kifune (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-ninth day, the day Kinoe-inu, the kokubunji temples of Tōtōmi, Sagami, and Hida were destroyed by fire (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). On the last day of the month, the day Kinoto-i, prayers for clear weather were offered at Niukawakami (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). In winter, on the second day of the tenth month, the day Hinoto-hitsuji, he hunted for pleasure at Ōharano (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). On the tenth day, the day Kinoto-ushi, he made a progress to the Reizen'in. On the twentieth day, the day Kinoto-ushi, he made a progress to Katano (Note: as in the original text — the date Kinoto-ushi is recorded twice, and is here reproduced following the original's own form). On the twenty-fourth day, the day Tsuchinoto-mi, the imperial procession returned to the palace (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the third day of the eleventh month, the day Hinoto-ushi, there was a plague of locusts in Satsuma province, and its land tax was remitted (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). On the twentieth day, the day Kinoe-uma, Balhae sent envoys to the court bearing tribute (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-second day, the day Hinoe-saru, he hunted for pleasure at Kurikumano. On the twenty-sixth day, the day Kanoe-ne, he hunted for pleasure at Serikawano (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the first day of the twelfth month, the day Kinoto-mi, there was a solar eclipse. On the sixth day, the day Kanoe-inu, the draining of ponds to catch fish was again forbidden (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). This year, the Major Counselor Fujiwara-no-Fuyutsugu and the Middle Counselor Fujiwara-no-Otsugu, among others, were ordered by edict to compile the Nihon Kōki (Note: following the preface to the Nihon Kōki as recorded in the Ruijū Kokushi).

¶In the eleventh year, the year Kanoe-ne, in spring, on the twenty-sixth day of the first month, the day Tsuchinoto-i, the emperor hunted for pleasure at Kurikumano. On the twenty-second day of the intercalary month, the day Kinoto-ushi, he hunted for pleasure at Serikawano (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-fourth day, the day Hinoto-u, a bronze statue of the Four Heavenly Kings was placed at the Bonshakuji temple in Ōmi. On the fifth day of the second month, the day Hinoto-ushi, the day of the Sekiten, the Confucian offering ceremony, was changed to fall on the middle tei day, chūtei (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the thirteenth day, the day Kinoto-tori, on account of flood damage, loans for relief, shintai, were given to the impoverished households of Kawachi province (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). On the fourteenth day, the day Hinoe-inu, seven hundred men of Silla settled in Tōtōmi and Suruga rose in rebellion. The two provinces sent troops to subdue them but could not prevail, and in the end the rebels fled into the sea. Troops from the seven provinces of Sagami, Musashi, and others were sent to subdue and pacify them. On the seventeenth day, the day Tsuchinoto-ushi, envoys were sent to dig a reservoir pond in Takechi district in Yamato province (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twentieth day, the day Mizunoe-tatsu, he made a progress to Katano (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the sixth day of the third month, the day Hinoto-hitsuji, relief was given to the starving people of the capital (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). In summer, on the seventh day of the fourth month, the day Tsuchinoe-tora, deputy governors and above of the provinces of the seven circuits were made ifu-sentō, officers in charge of the ifu (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the ninth day, the day Kanoe-tatsu, an edict declared: "To take from those above to benefit those below brings the people joy beyond measure, and the giving of charity is honored above all else in the governance of a sovereign. Of late, flood and drought have followed one upon another, and the grain has not ripened. Households have no stored millet, and every family shows the pallor of want. To go hungry for even a single day is a suffering equal to three years'. Reflecting on this in spring, We feel Our pity deepen. Of the common people of the realm who have failed to pay their land tax, or failed to deliver their tribute tax and labor levy, let those owed from before the tenth year of Kōnin in the Left and Right Capitals and home provinces, and from before the ninth year in the provinces of the seven circuits, be entirely remitted, without regard to the amount. Even those not yet reported need not be collected afterward, and the same applies to the unpaid balance of last year's loans to the poor still outstanding. Let the rice of shrines and temples be treated according to the same rule. The treasury is not yet full, and there is much left wanting in the finances of the state, but it would never do for the child to prosper while the parent remains poor. Strive to extend relief and care, in accordance with Our wishes." (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi.) On the twenty-first day, the day Mizunoe-tatsu, the ten fascicles of the Kōnin Kyaku were put into effect (Note: following the Sandai Jitsuroku, Jōgan 11). On the twenty-sixth day, the day Hinoto-tori, there was famine in Izumi province, and relief was given (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the fourth day of the fifth month, the day Kinoe-tatsu, an edict ordered that those who had fallen ill with hunger by the roadside be taken in and cared for (Note: following the Ruijū Sandaikyaku). On the tenth day, the day Kanoe-inu, there was drought damage in Sanuki province, and relief was given (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the seventeenth day of the sixth month, the day Hinoto-i, he made a progress to the Reizen'in (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-sixth day, the day Hinoe-saru, offerings were presented to the eminent deities in prayer for rain. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Hinoto-tori, the provinces of the realm were made to recite the Daiunkyō, the Great Cloud Sutra, on account of the drought (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). In autumn, on the ninth day of the seventh month, the day Tsuchinoto-tori, an edict declared: "In the second year of the former Tenpyō Jingo era, in the ninth month, an edict was handed down throughout the realm urging and requiring the common people to plant wheat and barley. We hear that the foolish among the people, giving no thought to caution, in the end exhaust their food supply; and when famine then strikes, they mistime the planting season and waste their labor in vain, all because the officials of the provinces and districts have been careless of the court's instructions and mistaken in the timing they set. If this is what is meant by following the government's policy, who then deserves to be called a good official? The Monthly Ordinances say: 'In the mid-autumn month, encourage the planting of wheat, and let not the season be missed; if the season is missed, punishment must follow.' Henceforth, from the eighth month, let the people devote themselves wholly to sowing, and not miss the season." (Note: following the Ruijū Sandaikyaku.) On the twelfth day, the day Mizunoe-ne, he made a progress to the Kadono river (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the fifth day of the eighth month, the day Kinoe-inu, the unpaid taxes of Inaba, Hōki, Iwami, and Aki were remitted (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). On the seventh day, the day Hinoe-inu, he made a progress to the Reizen'in. On the twenty-fifth day of the ninth month, the day Kinoe-ne, he made a progress to Ōharano. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Hinoe-tora, he made a progress to Kitano. In winter, on the tenth day of the tenth month, the day Tsuchinoto-u, ten thousand five hundred bundles of cotton were bestowed on the naigubu-jūzenji and on the monks of the seven great temples (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). In the eleventh month, an edict declared that the stipends of the fifth rank and above be restored to their former amount. The ministers submitted a memorial requesting it, and the customary fare of the imperial table was likewise restored (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku).

¶In the twelfth year, the year Kanoto-ushi, in spring, on the fifth day of the first month, the day Mizunoe-tora, the ten articles of the Keihō Danrei, Rules for Judicial Decisions, were established (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the ninth day, the day Hinoe-uma, the Major Counselor Fujiwara-no-Fuyutsugu was made Minister of the Right (Note: following the Kugyō Bunin and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the eleventh day of the second month, the day Tsuchinoe-tora, an edict ordered that four koku of grain be bestowed on commoners a hundred years of age or older, three koku on those ninety or older, two koku on those eighty or older, and one koku on those seventy or older, and that the deputy governors and above personally make the rounds of the villages and districts and present these in person (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). In summer, on the fifth day of the fourth month, the day Kanoe-uma, a woman of Hitachi province gave birth to three children at once, and was granted three hundred bundles of rice (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the eleventh day of the fifth month, the day Hinoe-uma, the common people of Harima province dug into the earth and found a bronze bell, dōtaku, three shaku eight sun in height and one shaku two sun in diameter. On the fifth day of the sixth month, the day Tsuchinoto-mi, prayers for clear weather were offered at Niu and Kifune (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). In autumn, on the third day of the eighth month, the day Hinoe-tora, an edict ordered offerings to be presented to the eminent deities in prayer for a bountiful harvest (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the eighteenth day, the day Kanoto-mi, offerings were presented to the eminent deities in thanks for a bountiful harvest (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the sixth day of the ninth month, the day Tsuchinoto-i, he made a progress to the residence of the Minister of the Right, Fujiwara-no-Fuyutsugu (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). In winter, on the twenty-fourth day of the tenth month, the day Hinoto-i, an edict declared: "Of late the weather has not settled into its proper course, and flood has become a calamity. The damage is especially severe along the borders of Kawachi province; the autumn harvest has been ruined by it, and the common people below suffer greatly on this account. Now that We have made a progress through this region and seen it with Our own eyes, Our concern only deepens. Let the districts that have suffered damage be granted exemption from taxes and labor service for three years. For those in especially dire poverty, let last year's unpaid land tax, together with this year's land tax, be remitted as well. Yamashiro and Settsu, whose terrain lies interwoven with and adjoining this region, should have their waterside commoners who have lost their holdings investigated, and their land tax for this year remitted in every case. Let relief, in proportion to their hardship, likewise be given to the impoverished of the three provinces who have suffered damage." (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi.) On the twenty-seventh day, the day Kanoe-tora, the imperial procession returned from Katano (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku. Note further: on consideration, since neither work records the progress itself, this would seem to be an omission in both). On the thirteenth day of the eleventh month, the day Kinoto-mi, Balhae sent envoys to the court bearing tribute. On the fourth day of the twelfth month, the day Hinoe-tora, the Hakase, scholars, and physicians of the home provinces were reestablished (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku. Note further: the Ruijū Sandaikyaku gives the second day). This year, the Shingon-in was built at Tōdaiji (Note: following the Ichidai Yōki).

¶In the thirteenth year, the year Mizunoe-tora, in spring, on the twenty-fifth day of the first month, the day Hinoto-mi, he hunted for pleasure at Kitano. On the twenty-seventh day, the day Tsuchinoto-hitsuji, he hunted for pleasure at Serikawano. On the eighth day of the second month, the day Tsuchinoto-mi, he hunted for pleasure at Kurikumano (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the seventeenth day, the day Tsuchinoe-tora, it was decreed: "Those of the fifth rank and above who are aged shall be granted only the setsuroku, their seasonal stipend, and need no longer attend the court assembly." (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi.) On the twenty-first day, the day Mizunoe-uma, he hunted for pleasure at Mizuono. On the twenty-second day, the day Mizunoto-hitsuji, he hunted for pleasure at Serikawano. On the twenty-ninth day, the day Kanoe-tora, he made a progress to the Shinsen-en (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the fourteenth day of the third month, the day Kinoto-mi, the ministers memorialized: "Your servant has heard that of the Eight Government Concerns of the Great Plan, food stands first. Even an armed force of a million cannot hold its ground without grain. For this reason, when the sage kings of old established their government, they made it their task to fill the granaries to the full; the standards left by the wise men of antiquity likewise aimed at making food sufficient. We have respectfully examined the edict of the second year of the former Tenpyō Jingo era, which states: 'Let fifty thousand koku of grain from the neighboring districts of Ōmi province be transported and stored at the Matsubara granary.' We humbly wish that, following this former precedent, grain be transported from the districts of Ōmi along the lake and stored at the Kokusōin, the Granary Office." This was granted (Note: following the Ruijū Sandaikyaku). In summer, on the first day of the fourth month, the day Kanoto-tori, there was a solar eclipse (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the eighteenth day, the day Tsuchinoe-tora, he made a progress to the Reizen'in (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the thirteenth day of the fifth month, the day Mizunoe-tora, there was famine in Iwami province, and relief was given (Note: the text omits the character for "fifth month," but it has here been supplied on the basis of the sexagenary date). In autumn, on the fifth day of the seventh month, the day Mizunoto-mi, envoys were sent to the home provinces to pray for rain (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the sixth day, the day Kinoe-uma, an edict declared: "Of late the blessed rain has not fallen, and burning heat and drought have continued for more than ten days. We have had offerings rushed to the host of deities, yet no response has quietly come. Does not the Book of Odes say, 'The drought is already exceedingly severe, and anxious cares are as fire burning within'? Let the garments and provisions of Ourself and the empress be reduced, as an economy." On the eighth day, the day Hinoe-saru, a hundred kan of newly minted coin were distributed among the poorer of the imperial princes (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). There was famine in Yamashiro province (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku), and epidemic disease in Kai province, and relief was given in each case (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On this day, the ministers memorialized, requesting a further reduction of the stipends of the fifth rank and above, and this was granted. On the seventeenth day, the day Kinoto-mi, forty men of Silla came to submit as subjects (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). In the eighth month, on the first day, the day Tsuchinoe-uma, since disasters had followed one after another and the grain had failed to ripen, the two kokubunji temples of each province were made to perform the kekka, rite of repentance, for seven days and nights, and the Seijin shrines were also made to be repaired. On the twenty-seventh day of the ninth month, the day Kinoe-tora, he hunted for pleasure at Kitano. In winter, on the eighth day of the tenth month, the day Kinoe-uma, he made a progress to the Kayō Palace, and hunted for pleasure at Katano. In the eleventh month, on the day Hinoto-mi, which was saku-tan tōji — the rare coincidence of the month's first day with the winter solstice — the hundred officials presented memorials of congratulation (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-fourth day, the day Kanoe-tatsu, an edict declared: "The virtue of the gods governs no single thing alone, and all things delight in the fulfillment of their own nature. The virtue of the sage knows no bounds, and all the people alike receive its benefit. Thus can one govern the realm in its entirety, weave together the principle of yin and yang, grant broad protection to the myriad people, and spread and advance the great undertaking. We, though of slight and humble person, have unworthily received the charge of governing the people, and have gone always in fear and reverence, as though treading on thin ice or mounted on a runaway horse. Of late, the officials concerned have memorialized: 'This year, the first day of the eleventh month falls precisely on the winter solstice. Ending and beginning anew, it accords with the law of Heaven; the ashes fly in answer to the pitch-pipe of cold, and the season stirs the faint beginnings of yang.' This long-awaited auspicious event is not without precedent, and the meaning of Heaven's continuing favor has its forerunners as well. With Our own want of virtue, how could We alone be worthy to meet it? We wish to share this good fortune together with the realm. Let a general amnesty be proclaimed throughout the realm. Let civil and military officials within and without, of the rank of sakan and above, be advanced one grade in rank, and let clerks and below be granted goods in proportion. May this benefit extend to the home provinces, the Sekiken, and answer the gift bestowed by Heaven. Let this be proclaimed far and near, that all may know Our intent." (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi.) On the twenty-seventh day, the day Mizunoto-hitsuji, he hunted for pleasure at Mizuno (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku).

¶In the fourteenth year, the year Mizunoto-u, in spring, on the fifth day of the first month, the day Kanoto-tori, a comet appeared in the southwest (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the nineteenth day, the day Kinoto-i, the monk Kūkai was made Tōji-no-chōja, Superior of Tōji temple (Note: following the Rekidai Kōki, the Ichidai Yōki, and the Gyōjōki as quoted in the Kōbō Gyōjō Yōshūshō). On the twentieth day, the day Hinoe-ne, the Masuda pond was dredged (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-eighth day, the day Kinoe-saru, he hunted for pleasure at Serikawano (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the first day of the second month, the day Hinoe-inu, coin was bestowed on the starving people of the two capitals (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twelfth day, the day Hinoto-tori, he hunted for pleasure at Kurikumano (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-fifth day, the day Kanoe-inu, since the monk Chūgen-Kōshin of Kōfukuji and the monk Eikei of Gangōji had committed illicit acts, both were exiled to Tōtōmi province (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). On the twenty-sixth day, the day Kanoto-i, the Konpon Chūdō, the Central Hall, on Mount Hiei was given the name Enryakuji (Note: following the Rekidai Kōki, the Ichidai Yōki, the Tendai Zasuki, and the Eigaku Yōki). On the twenty-eighth day, the day Mizunoto-ushi, he made a progress to the mountain villa of Imperial Princess Uchiko. This month, throughout the realm many died of epidemic disease (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the first day of the third month, the day Hinoe-tatsu, the two districts of Enuma and Kaga were detached from Echizen province to form Kaga province (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku and the Ruijū Sandaikyaku). On the eighth day, the day Mizunoto-i, the Yakushi rite was performed at Tōdaiji to drive away the epidemic (Note: the Tōdaiji Yōroku places this in the first month). On the sixteenth day, the day Kanoto-hitsuji, the price of rice soared in the capital. A thousand koku of grain from the Kokusōin was sold to the poor at a reduced price (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). On the twenty-second day, the day Hinoto-ushi, there was famine in the Left and Right Capitals, and relief was given. In summer, on the tenth day of the fourth month, the day Kinoe-uma, the emperor moved his residence to the Reizen'in. On the sixteenth day, the day Kanoe-ne, he came out to the front hall, summoned the crown prince, and addressed him with these intimate words of counsel: "We were originally no more than one among many imperial princes. Through the Retired Emperor's especial favor, We unexpectedly rose to the rank of crown prince, and succeeded to the imperial line. In the course of this, the slander of petty men arose, and We chanced to incur the Retired Emperor's wrath, compounding Our own want of virtue. Yet Our true heart has never wavered, remaining constant as the bright sun. We are a person of scant virtue, and have now occupied the throne for sixteen years (Note: on consideration, the emperor's reign in fact lasted fifteen years; the figure of sixteen given here is likely an error). That the crown prince is wise and humane has long been known to Us, and his age, too, is nearly the same as Our own. It is long since We first wished to pass the throne to him. Now, at last, We wish to fulfill that long-held desire, and ask that he accept this intent." The crown prince withdrew from his seat, knelt, and replied: "Though your servant is a person of dark and foolish nature, he has long been unworthily honored with the rank of crown prince. Yet he unfortunately suffers from a chronic illness, and constantly fears himself unfit to carry on the imperial succession. He has spoken of this repeatedly to the Minister of the Right, but has not yet had occasion to memorialize on it. Were the great treasure, taihō — the imperial throne — now bestowed upon your servant, his heart and spirit would be thrown into utter confusion, and he dares not accept this command." The emperor counseled him earnestly once more: "Until today, We have treated the crown prince as if he were Our own son. From today onward, let the crown prince treat Us, in turn, simply as if We were his own father." The crown prince thereupon ascended the throne. This was Emperor Junna. Imperial Prince Masara was accordingly installed as crown prince. The emperor sent the Provisional Middle Counselor Fujiwara-no-Mimori bearing a letter declining the honor, its form identical to that of a formal memorial; Emperor Junna thereupon had Mimori carry the letter back unopened (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku). He then received the honorific title and was called Daijō Tennō, Retired Emperor. The emperor sent a letter firmly declining this as well, but it was not accepted (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku). In the ninth month, he made a progress to his estate at Saga. Emperor Junna commanded the officials concerned to prepare a palanquin and ceremonial guard, but the Retired Emperor declined them. Since the emperor repeatedly and earnestly entreated him, the Retired Emperor consented only to ride on horseback, and dismissed the escort of armed guards (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku).

¶In the tenth month of the second year of Tenchō, he hunted for pleasure at Katano, the Minister of the Left, Fujiwara-no-Fuyutsugu, accompanying him. Emperor Junna sent the Middle Counselor Kiyohara-no-Natsuno, together with three chamberlains, to attend upon him (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi). In the eleventh month, Emperor Junna celebrated the Retired Emperor's shijūzan, the congratulatory rite for his fortieth year (Note: following the Ruijū Kokushi and the Nihon Kiryaku).

¶In the tenth year, the crown prince ascended the throne. This was Emperor Ninmyō. Emperor Junna received the honorific title of Retired Emperor, and from this time the Retired Emperor Saga came to be called Sen-Daijō Tennō, the Former Retired Emperor.

¶In the second month of the third year of Jōwa, he hunted for pleasure at Katano.

¶In the tenth month of the fourth year, he again hunted at Katano.

¶In the seventh month of the ninth year, the emperor fell ill. On the fifteenth day, the day Hinoto-hitsuji, he died at the Saga-in. He was fifty-seven years of age. In his testament he decreed: "Let the funeral rites proper to a Retired Emperor be set aside. We shall weigh the precedents of the past Ourself, and establish instead a separate ordinance, to be called Sōshū, the Rite of Sending Off the End." Its substance was as follows: "To bury, after all, means to conceal, and it is a thing meant to keep the dead from the sight of the living. Yet since the Zhou dynasty, men have used inner and outer coffins, partitioned with pine and charcoal, striving to let the remains wither away over a thousand years, and have long kept the dead confined within a single burial chamber. This already runs contrary to the principle of returning to what is true and simple, and leaves behind it nothing but the mockery due to a truly foolish custom. How much less fitting is it that one who, in life, possessed no virtue to compare with Yao or Shun should, in death, burden the state with such expense? Since ancient times, the wise have censured the practice of enriching the dead and burying them lavishly. It was for this reason said of Huan Sima's stone outer coffin that it would have been far better for it to decay quickly. Yet the naked burial of Yang Wangsun, too, is not something to be borne and followed. It is rather the two sovereigns Emperor Wen of Han and Emperor Wen of Wei whom We take as Our models. We therefore wish that, should We die in the morning, We be buried that same evening, and should We die in the evening, buried the following morning. Let the coffin not be made thick; let it be covered with a straw mat, bound with black vine, and placed upon a platform. For the dressing of the body, let the garments of the season be used — all of them old clothes, with nothing tailored specially for the occasion — and let no additional wrappings be added beyond a belt of ox horn. All else — the burial robes and coverlets, the rice placed in the mouth, and other such articles used in life — shall be dispensed with entirely. Choose for burial an unused and inconspicuous tract of land on the north side of a mountain; the pit dug need be no deeper or wider than is needed to hold the coffin. Let the funeral rites be concluded within three days. Place no trust in divination by tortoise-shell or milfoil stalk, and let no worldly customs bind you (Note: this refers to such things as the posthumous name, the eulogy, the rice placed in the mouth, prayers of invocation, and the day of mourning's end). Set out for the burial ground only after night has fallen. The people of the household may wear mourning dress and attend to the mourning rites. Let those who draw the coffin number twelve, and those who bear the torches likewise twelve, all of them dressed in coarse cloth. Let those in attendance number no more than twenty (Note: this refers to close attendants of the household). This restriction does not apply to male children, but women shall be altogether forbidden from taking part. Once the coffin is lowered, raise no mound and plant no trees over it; level the ground flush with its surroundings. Let sacrifices to the dead cease forever; but the eldest among Our children may, as a private matter, appoint a caretaker — though this, too, shall be discontinued after three years. Let no official or commoner of the realm wear mourning dress. Let no court office send condolences out of grief. But as for those who wear the mourning garments of hemp, saitetsu, let this be limited to seven days, and let them remove them promptly once this period has passed (Note: attendants close to Us who had occasion to enter Our bedchamber should be chosen to wear plain mourning dress; the ending of mourning should follow the same rule). Nor should the teachings of the Buddha be set aside and abandoned. On the twenty-first day and the forty-ninth day, let a hundred lengths of coarse cloth be given to a suitable temple in each case, as an offering for the repose of Our soul, and two hundred lengths on the first anniversary (Note: the offering to the Buddha should be ten bundles of fine cotton thread, wrapped in raw silk and placed upon a table of plain unlacquered wood). There is no need to include this day among the national days of mourning. On each year's death-day, have sutras briefly recited at a single temple. But this practice must without fail end within the present generation, and later generations of Our children must not follow it as precedent. Should this not be observed, it would bring shame upon Our corpse even in the earth below, and inflict further injury upon one already dead. Should Our soul possess any spirit, it would harbor resentment and grief in the realm of the dead, and become a vengeful spirit forever. In all other matters not covered by this ordinance, let everything be carried out in keeping with its spirit." On the sixteenth day, the day Tsuchinoe-saru, the site of the imperial mausoleum was determined (Note: on consideration, the Engishiki records no mausoleum for him; this is presumably because, in accordance with his testament, he was given a simple burial, and so no mausoleum name exists). Two thousand lengths of merchant cloth and one thousand kan of coin were used to defray the costs of the funeral, and the rites were concluded within that same day (Note: following the Shoku Nihon Kōki). He was called Emperor Saga.