Nihongi 29

Book XXIX. The Emperor Ama no Nuna-hara Oki no Mabito.—Part II. (Temmu Tennō.)

2nd year, Spring, 1st month, 7th day. The Ministers were entertained at a banquet at which sake was provided.

2nd month, 27th day. The Emperor commanded the functionaries to prepare an arena, in which he assumed the Imperial Dignity at the Palace of Kiyomibara in Asuka. He raised his wife to the rank of Empress-consort. She bore to him His Highness the Imperial Prince Kusakabe. Before this he had taken to him the Empress-consort's elder sister, the Imperial Princess Ohota, and made her his consort. She gave birth to the Imperial Princess Ohoki, and the Imperial Prince Ohotsu. His next consort was the Imperial Princess Ohoye. She gave birth to the Imperial Prince Naga, and the Imperial Prince Yuge. His next consort, the Imperial Princess Nittabe, gave birth to the Imperial Prince Toneri. Moreover the Lady Higami no Iratsume, daughter of the Oho-omi, Fujihara, bore to him the Imperial Princess Tajima. Another lady, named Ihohe no Iratsume, younger sister of Higami no Iratsume, bore to him the Imperial Prince Nittabe. Next the lady Ohonu no Iratsume, daughter of the Oho-omi Soga no Akaye, bore to him one son and two daughters. The first was called the Imperial Prince Hodzumi; the second was called the Imperial Princess Ki; the third was called the Imperial Princess Tagata. The Emperor before this had taken to him Princess Nukada no Iratsume, daughter of Prince Kagami, who gave birth to the Imperial Princess Towochi. Next he took to him Amako no Iratsume, daughter of Tokuse, Munagata no Kimi, who bore to him His Highness the Imperial Prince Takechi; next a daughter of Ohomaro, Shishibito no Omi, named Kaji-hime no Iratsume, who bore to him two sons and two daughters. The first was called the Imperial Prince Osakabe; the second was called the Imperial Prince Shiki; the third was called the Imperial Princess Hatsusebe; the fourth was called the Imperial Princess Taki.

29th day. Cap-ranks were conferred on those who had rendered good service, varying according to circumstances.

3rd month, 17th day. The Governor of the province of Bingo caught a white pheasant in the district of Kameshi and sent it as tribute. Accordingly the forced labour due from that district was entirely remitted, and a general amnesty granted throughout the Empire.

In this month scribes were brought together who began to copy out the "Issaikio" in the Temple of Kaharadera.

Summer, 4th month, 14th day. With the view of sending the Imperial Princess Ohoki to attend upon the Shrine of Ama-terasu no Oho-kami, she was made to dwell in the Abstinence-palace of Hatsuse. This was that she might first purify herself before she by-and-by approached the place where the Goddess was.

5th month, 1st day. The Emperor gave command to the Ministers of State, the Daibu, as well as to the Omi and Muraji, and also the Tomo no Miyakko, saying:—"Let those who first take service (under Government) be at the outset employed by the Ohotoneri. Afterwards let them be allotted to suitable offices, selection being made according to their capacities. Moreover, let the waiting-women who offer their services he received freely, without respect of married and unmarried, or of old and young. In selecting them for particular duties let the rules of the (female) palace officials be followed."

29th day. Sakamoto no Takara no Omi, of the Upper Daikin rank, died. In consideration of his services during the (war of) the year Midzunoye Saru, the posthumous rank of Shōshi was conferred on him.

Intercalary 6th month, 6th day. Sa-thèk Syo-myöng of Pèkché, of Lower Daikin rank, died. He was of a wise and intelligent nature, and in his day had a reputation for ability. The Emperor was shocked at his death, and by a special favour granted him the posthumous rank of Outer Shōshi. In addition to this he conferred on him the rank of Prime Minister in his own country.

8th day. Tamna sent Princes Kumayè, Tora, Uma, etc., with tribute.

15th day. Silla sent Kim Seung-wön, of Han Ason rank, Kim Chi-san, of the rank of Ason, the Tè-sya Sangsyöl and others to congratulate the Emperor on his accession to the throne. At the same time Kim Sal-yu, of Il-kil-son rank, Kim Chi-san, of Han Na-ma rank, and others were sent to offer condolence on the decease of the late Emperor. [One book says as Tribute-Envoys.] The Escort-Envoys Kwi U-po and Chin-mo escorted Seung-wön and Sal-yu to Tsukushi.

24th day. Kwi U-po and the others were entertained at Tsukushi, and received presents varying in the case of each. They straightway returned to their country from Tsukushi.

Autumn, 8th month, 9th day. The Emperor made an order setting forth the good services rendered during the year Midzunoye Saru by Abemaro, Ki no Omi, and others, while stationed in the province of Iga, and publicly conferred on them favour and rewards.

20th day. Koryö sent the Tè-hyöng Han-chă, Witu of the Upper Division, the Tè-hyöng Syök-u of the Former Division, and others with tribute. Accordingly Silla sent Kim Ni-ik, of Han Na-ma rank, to escort the Koryö Envoys to Tsukushi.

25th day. Kim Seung-wön and the other Envoys sent to congratulate the Emperor on his accession—twenty-seven guests of middle and upper rank—were summoned to the capital. Accordingly the Emperor instructed the Viceroy (of Tsukushi) to declare his wishes to the Tamna Envoys, saying:—"The Emperor has newly reduced the Empire to peace, and has only just now assumed the Imperial Dignity. For this reason he does not invite to his Court any other Envoys than those who bring congratulations, as you yourselves have observed. Moreover the weather is cold, and the waves are mountainous. To detain you longer here would be rather distressing to you than otherwise. You would therefore do well to take your departure without delay." Accordingly the King resident in that country and his Envoys, Kumayé and his colleagues, were for the first time granted the cap-rank of Upper Dai-otsu, which moreover was adorned with brocade and embroidery, and corresponded to the rank of Cha-phyöng (Minister) in that country. So they returned home from Tsukushi.

9th month, 28th day. Kim Seung-wön and his colleagues were entertained at Naniha. There was a performance of music of all kinds, and they received presents varying in the case of each person.

Winter, 11th month, 1st day. Kim Seung-wön took his departure.

21st day. Han-chă of Koryö, Sal-yu of Silla, and their people, were entertained at Oho-gohori in Tsukushi, and received presents varying in the case of each.

12th month, 5th day. Presents were given to all those who were in attendance on the Emperor at the feast of first-fruits, viz. the Nakatomi and Imbe, with the officials of the Shintō department, the district governors of the two provinces of Harima and Tamba, and also to the labourers under them. A grade of cap-rank was accordingly conferred on each of the district governors.

17th day. Prince Mino, of Shōshi rank, and Katamaro, Ki no Omi, of Lower Shōkin rank, were appointed Commissioners for the erection of the great Temple of Takechi [now Ohomiya no Ohodera]. Now Fukurin, the priest appointed as superintendent, declined this office on account of age, but he was not allowed to refuse.

27th day. The Buddhist Priest Gisei was made Junior Sōdzu. On this day there were conjoined two additional priests as clerks. It was at this time that the practice of having four clerks first began.

This year was the year Midzunoto Tori (10th) of the Cycle.

3rd year, Spring, 1st month, 10th day. Prince Chhyang-syöng of Pèkché died. He was granted the rank of Outer Shōshi.

2nd month, 28th day. Abemaro, Ki no Omi, died. The Emperor was much grieved, and in consideration of his services in the campaign of the year Midzunoye Saru bestowed on him the rank of Daishi.

3rd month, 7th day. Ohokuni, Woshiumi no Miyakko, Governor of the province of Tsushima, reported that silver had been produced for the first time in that province, and sent some as tribute. Ohokuni was accordingly awarded the rank of Lower Shōkin. It was at this time that silver was first produced in Japan. Offerings were therefore made of it to all the Gods of Heaven and Earth, and presents of it were likewise given to the Daibu, etc., of the rank of Shōkin and above.

Autumn, 8th month, 3rd day. The Imperial Prince Wosakabe was sent to the shrine of Isonokami to brighten up the Divine precious things with oil. On the same day, the Emperor decreed, saying:—"Let all the precious things originally deposited in the Sacred Treasuries by the various Houses be returned to their descendants."

Winter, 10th month, 9th day. The Imperial Princess Ohoki left the Abstinence-palace of Hatsuse and proceeded to the shrine of Ise.

4th year, Spring, 1st month, 1st day. The various students of the Department of Education, the Department of the Yin and Yang, the Outer Apothecaries' Department, the woman of Śravastī, the woman of Tara, Prince Syön-kwang of Pèkché, and the Silla labourers offered presents of drugs and rarities.

2nd day. From the Imperial Princes downwards all the public functionaries presented their respects to the Emperor.

3rd day. All the public functionaries, from the initial rank upwards, presented firewood.

5th day. A platform was for the first time erected from which to divine by means of the stars.

7th day. A banquet was given at Court to the Ministers.

17th day. The Ministers of State, Daibu, and all the public functionaries from the initial rank upwards had an archery meeting in the Court of the Western Gate.

On this day, moreover, the province of Yamato presented an auspicious barn-door fowl, the Eastern provinces presented a white falcon, and the province of Afumi presented a white owl.

3rd day. Offerings (of cloth) were made at the various shrines.

2nd month, 9th day. The Emperor gave orders to the provinces of Yamato, Kahachi, Settsu, Yamashiro, Harima, Ahaji, Tamba, Tajima, Afumi, Wakasa, Ise, Mino, and Wohari, saying:—"Seek out in your jurisdiction men and women of the common people who can sing well, and also dwarfs and jugglers, etc., and send them as tribute."

13th day. The Imperial Princess Towochi and the Imperial Princess Abe proceeded to the shrine of Ise.

15th day. The Emperor decreed, saying:—"Let the serfs granted to the various Uji in the year Kinoye Ne be henceforward done away with. Moreover, let the mountains, marshes, islands, bays, woods, plains, and artificial ponds granted to Princes of the Blood, to Princes and to Ministers and Temples, be all done away with from first to last."

19th day. The Emperor issued an edict as follows:—"Ye Ministers, functionaries, and people of the Empire, avoid the commission of offences of all kinds. If there be any who disobey this, they shall be punished according to circumstances."

23rd day. The Emperor proceeded to the Castle of Takayasu.

In this month Silla sent Prince Chhyung-wön, the Tè-kam Keup-son Kim Chhaso, the Tè-kam Nama Kim Thyön-chhyung, the Tyé-kam Tè-ma, Pak Muma, and the Tyé-kam Tè-sya, Kim Naksyu, to offer tribute. Their Escort-Envoys, the Nama, Kim Phungna, and the Nama, Kim Hyopok, escorted Prince Chhyung-wön as far as Tsukushi.

3rd month, 2nd day. The great God of Tosa presented a divine sword to the Emperor.

14th day. Kim Phungna and the others were entertained at Tsukushi. They forthwith returned home from Tsukushi.

16th day. Prince Kurikuma, of the fourth rank, was appointed Director of Military Affairs, and Miyuki, Ohotomo no Muraji, of Upper Shōkin rank, was made Tayu.

In this month Koryö sent the Tè-hyöng Pok-kan, the Tè-hyöng Tamu and others with tribute. Silla sent the Keupson, Pak Keun-syu, and the Tè-na-ma, Kim Mika, to offer tribute.

Summer, 4th month, 5th day. More than 2400 priests and nuns were invited to a great feast of vegetable fare.

8th day. Hiromaro, Tahema no Kimi, of Upper Shōkin rank, and Maro, Kunu no Omi, of Lower Shōkin rank, were forbidden by the Emperor to attend at Court.

9th day. The Emperor decreed as follows:—"In regard to lending out the tax-rice, henceforward let the circumstances of the peasants be clearly ascertained, and their condition as to poverty or wealth having been learned in advance, let them be arranged in three classes, to the lower two of which such loans may be made."

10th day. Prince Mino, of Shōshi rank, and Hirotari, Saheki no Muraji, of Lower Shōkin rank, were sent to offer prayers to the Wind-Gods at Tateno in Tatsuta. Ohobuta, Hashibito no Muraji, of Middle Shōkin rank, and Karainu, Sone no Muraji, of Middle Daisen rank, were sent to worship the Oho-imi Deity at Kahawa in Hirose.

14th day. Maro, Kunu no Omi, of Lower Shōkin rank, was convicted of offering resistance to an Imperial messenger, and stripped of all his offices and dignities.

17th day. The Emperor issued a decree to the provinces, saying:—"Henceforth the fishermen and hunters are to be restrained from making pitfalls or using spear-traps and such like contrivances. Moreover, from the 1st day of the 4th month until the 13th day of the 9th month, let no one set fish-traps, closing the space. Further, let no one eat the flesh of kine, horses, dogs, monkeys, or barn-door fowls. This prohibition does not extend to other kinds of meat. Offenders against this regulation will be punished."

18th day. Prince Womi, of the third rank, was guilty of an offence and was banished to Inaba. One of his children was banished to the island of Idzu, and another to the island of Chika.

23rd day. A selection was made of persons possessed of accomplishments. They were granted presents, which varied in each case.

In this month Prince Chhyung-Wön of Silla arrived at Naniha.

6th month, 23rd day. Yesaka, Ohokida no Kimi, was ill, and was about to die. The Emperor was greatly shocked, and made an order, saying:—"Thou, Yesaka, hast devoted thyself to the public service, neglecting thy private affairs. Without sparing thy life, prompted by thy manly spirit, thou hast laboured in the great campaign. It has been my constant desire to show thee affection, and therefore, even when thou art gone, thy descendants will receive liberal rewards." He accordingly raised him to the rank of Outer Shōshi. Not many days after he died in his private dwelling.

Autumn, 7th month, 7th day. Kunimaro, Ohotomo no Muraji, of Upper Shōkin rank, was sent to Silla in the capacity of Chief Envoy. Irishi, Miyake no Kishi, of Lower Shōkin rank, accompanied him as Associate Ambassador.

8th month, 1st day. Prince Kumaki, the tribute Envoy of Tamna, anchored at Tsukushi.

22nd day. There was a storm which made the sand to fly, and damaged houses.

25th day. Chhyung-wön, the ceremonies being completed, took his departure. He set sail from Naniha.

28th day. The Tribute-Envoys of the two countries, Silla and Koryö, were entertained in Tsukushi, and given presents which varied in each case.

9th month, 27th day. Prince Ko-yö of Tamna arrived at Naniha.

Winter, 10th month, 3rd day. Messengers were despatched in all directions to seek for the Issaikio.

10th day. The Ministers were entertained at a banquet with sake.

16th day. Thirty men of Thang were forwarded as tribute from Tsukushi. They were forthwith sent to the province of Tōtōmi and settled there.

20th day. The Emperor made an edict, saying:—"Let everyone, from the Princes down to those of initial rank, provide himself with weapons." On this day there was a report received from the province of Sagami that in the district of Takakura a woman had given birth to three male children.

11th month, 3rd day. A certain man ascended the hill east of the Palace, and having uttered words of evil omen, cut his throat and died. Those who were on duty on that night received everyone a step in rank. There was a great earthquake in this month.

5th year, Spring, 1st month, 1st day. The Ministers and public functionaries paid their respects at Court.

4th day. There were granted to all, from the Imperial Prince Takechi down to the Daibu of Shōkin rank, upper garments, trousers, lined garments, girdles, garters, staffs, and arm-rests. But to the three grades of Shōkin rank arm-rests were not granted.

7th day. Grants were made to the Daibu of Shōkin rank and upwards, varying in each case.

15th day. The functionaries from the initial rank upwards presented firewood. On the same day they all assembled in the Court, and were entertained at a banquet.

16th day. Prizes were offered for archery in the Court of the Western Gate. Those who hit the target received prizes of values which varied according to circumstances.

On this day, the Emperor occupied the Palace of Shima, and gave a banquet there.

25th day. The Emperor made a decree, saying:—"In all cases of appointments as Governors of provinces, let men of not higher than Daisen rank be appointed. This rule does not apply to the Home provinces nor to the provinces of Michinoku and Nagato."

2nd month, 24th day. A ship was presented to the Tamna guests.

In the course of this month, Kunimaro, Ohotomo no Muraji, and his colleagues arrived from Silla.

Summer, 4th month, 4th day. Worship was paid to the Wind-Gods of Tatsuta and to the Oho-imi Deity of Hirose.

Adzumi no Hoshi, of the district of Lower Sofu, in the province of Yamato, sent tribute of an auspicious cock which had a comb like the flower of a camellia.

On this day a report was received from the district of Akunami, in the province of Yamato, that a hen had become changed into a cock.

14th day. A decree was issued to all the Princes and Ministers, saying:—"Let those who are in receipt of taxes from fiefs cease to receive them from the Western provinces, and let them be granted revenues from the Eastern provinces in exchange. Moreover, let all persons from the outer provinces who wish to enter our service be permitted to do so, whether they be the sons of Omi, Muraji, Tomo no Miyakko, or even the sons of Kuni no Miyakko. Further, let men of distinguished ability be allowed to do so, even though they are of the common people, of lower rank than the above."

22nd day. The Emperor gave orders to the Governor of the province of Mino, saying:—"Let the children of Abemaro, Ki no Omi, resident in the district of Toki, be removed to the East country and become peasants of that country."

5th month, 3rd day. A decree was promulgated respecting the offences of Governors of provinces who had failed to pay over their commuted taxes at the limited time, etc., etc.

7th day. The Governor of the province of Shimotsuke represented to the Emperor that, owing to a bad year, the peasantry in his domain were starving and wished to sell their children. The Court refused permission.

In the course of this month the Emperor forbade the cutting of grass or firewood on Mount Minabuchi and Mount Hosokaha. Moreover, indiscriminate burning and cutting were forbidden on all mountains and plains in the Home provinces as to which a prohibition had always existed.

6th month. Prince Kurikuma, of the fourth rank, died of disease.

Mononobe no Wogimi no Muraji took suddenly ill and died. When the Emperor heard this he was greatly shocked. In the campaign of the year Midzunoye Saru, he had followed the Imperial carriage to the East country. In consideration of his great services the Emperor showed him favour by conferring on him the rank of Inner Daishi. He also granted him the seniority among those of his House.

This summer there was great drought. Messengers were sent to all quarters to make offerings of cloth and to pray to all the gods of Heaven and Earth. Moreover, the priests and nuns were invited to offer supplications to the Three Precious Things. Still there was no rain, and therefore the five grains did not grow, and the peasants were starving.

Autumn, 7th month, 2nd day. The Ministers, Daibu and public functionaries received an increase of rank, each according to his deserts.

8th day. The Tamna guests returned to their own country.

16th day. Worship was paid to the Wind-Gods of Tatsuta and to the Oho-imi Deity of Hirose.

In the course of this month, Woyori, Murakuni no Muraji, died. In consideration of the services rendered by him in the campaign of the year Midzunoye Saru, he received the posthumous rank of Outer Shōshi.

A star appeared in the East, seven or eight feet in length. In the 9th month it at length disappeared from the sky.

8th month, 2nd day. Sustenance fiefs, varying in each case, were granted to all from the rank of Prince of the Blood down to Daibu of Shōkin rank, and also to Imperial Princesses, Princesses and lady officials of the Palace.

16th day. The Emperor commanded, saying:—"Let a Great Purification be held in all quarters. The articles needed for this purpose are to be forwarded to the shrines of purification by the Kuni no Miyakko of each province, to wit, one horse and one piece of cloth. The other things are to be supplied by the governors of districts, viz., each one sword, one deerskin, one mattock, one smaller sword, one sickle, one set of arrows, and one sheaf of rice in the ear. Further, let each house provide a bundle of hemp."

17th day. The Emperor issued a decree, saying:—"Let all sentences of death, confiscation, or the three classes of banishment be mitigated one degree. As for crimes punishable by removal to another part of the same province or lesser offences, let them all be pardoned whether they have been detected or not.

This pardon, however, does not apply to persons who have already proceeded to their place of banishment."

On this day the Emperor commanded the various provinces to let loose living things.

In this month, Oho-miwa no Makamuta no Kobito no Kimi died. When the Emperor heard this, he was much grieved, and in view of his services in the year Midzunoye Saru granted him the posthumous rank of Inner Shōshi with the posthumous title of Ohomiwa no Makamuta no Mukahe-gimi.

9th month, 1st day. Owing to the rain, the beginning of the month was not announced.

10th day. The Princes and Ministers sent agents to the capital and to the Home provinces and gave out weapons for (man of each the population).

12th day. Prince Yagaki, of the third rank, Viceroy of Tsukushi, was guilty of an offence, and was banished to Tosa.

13th day. Presents were made to the public functionaries and to men of the frontier states, varying in the case of each.

21st day. The Department of the Shintō religion represented to the Emperor as follows:—"We have ascertained by divination the provinces and districts which are to supply the rice for the festival of the first-fruits. There respond to the divination the district of Yamada, in the province of Wohari, for the Yuki, and the district of Kasa, in the province of Tamba, for the Sugi."

In the course of this month Ikadzuchi, Sakata no Kimi, died. In view of his services during the year Midzunoye Saru he was granted the posthumous rank of Daishi.

Winter, 10th month, 1st day. The Ministers were entertained at a wine-feast.

3rd day. Offerings of cloth were made to all the Ahimbe Gods of Heaven and Earth.

10th day. Maro, Mononobe no Muraji, of Upper Dai-otsu rank, was sent to Silla as Chief Envoy, and Momotari, Yamashiro no Atahe, of Middle Dai-otsu rank, as Junior Envoy.

11th month, 1st day. On account of the festival of firstfruits, the ceremony of announcing the first day of the month was omitted.

3rd day. Silla sent Kim Chhyöng-phyöng, of Sason rank, to request governance. At the same time, Kim Hoyu, of Keup-son rank, the Tyé-kam, Kim Heum-kil, of Tè-sya rank, and others were sent to offer tribute. The Escort-Envoy Phi Chinna, of Nama rank, and his associate Hopok, of Nama rank, escorted Chhyöng-phyöng and the others to Tsukushi.

In this month seven men of Su-shen arrived in the train of Chhyöng-phyöng and his colleagues.

19th day. The Emperor gave orders to the provinces near the capital to release living things.

20th day. Men were sent to all parts to expound the Kon-kwō-myō Sutra and the Nin-ō Sutra.

23rd day. Koryö sent Ha-u, Chyupu of the After Division, as Chief Envoy, and Tök-pok, Tè-kyöng of the Former Division, as Associate Envoy, to offer tribute. Therefore Silla sent Kim Yang-wön, of Tè Nama rank, to escort the Koryö Envoys to Tsukushi.

It was intended this year to make the capital at Nihiki, and therefore all the rice-fields and gardens within the precincts, public and private property alike, were not cultivated and became totally waste. In the end the capital was not made there. [This passage is omitted in some books.]

6th year, Spring, 1st month, 17th day. There was archery at the South Gate.

2nd month, 1st day. Maro, Mononobe no Muraji, arrived from Silla.

In this month an entertainment was given to men of Tanegashima under the tsuki tree west of the Asuka Temple.

3rd month, 19th day. The Silla Envoys, Chhyöng-phyöng and the guests of lower rank to the number of thirteen, were invited to the capital.

Summer, 4th month, 11th day. Nagura Saita no Fubito, was convicted of scoffing at the Imperial car, and was accordingly banished to the island of Idzu.

14th day. The Escort-Envoys, Chinna and the rest, were entertained in Tsukushi, and straightway returned home from there.

5th month, 1st day. The ceremony of announcing the first day of the month was omitted.

3rd day. The Emperor granted to the Oho-hakase, a man of Pèkché named Sol-tan, the rank of Lower Daisen, and accordingly bestowed on him a fief of 30 houses. On this day Otokashi, the Yamato no Yeshi, was granted the rank of Lower Shōsen and a fief of 20 houses.

7th day. A man of Silla named Pak Chăpha, of Ason rank, accompanied by three attendants and three Buddhist priests, was driven by stress of weather to the island of Chikashima.

28th day. The Emperor gave orders to the Shrines of Heaven and the Shrines of Earth that the sacred rice-tax should be divided into three shares, one of which was to be set apart for the offerings to the Gods and the other two given to the Kannushi.

In this month there was drought in the capital and the Home provinces, and prayers were made for rain.

6th month, 14th day. There was a great earthquake.

In this month the Emperor commanded the Yamato no Aya no Atahe, saying:—"Your family has from the beginning been guilty of the seven misdemeanours. From the Woharida reign down to the Court of Afumi it has been the Emperor's constant business to take measures against you. Now in this Our reign you deserve to be called to an account for your misconduct, and to receive condign punishment. We are very reluctant, however, to extirpate the House of Aya no Atahe, and we therefore extend to you great clemency and pardon you. But henceforth if any of you offend his crime shall surely be ranked among unpardonable offences."

Autumn, 7th month, 3rd day. Worship was paid to the Wind-Gods of Tatsuta and to the Oho-imi Deity of Hirose.

8th month, 15th day. A great feast of Buddhist fare was given at the Asuka Temple, at which the "Issaikio" was read. The Emperor stood at the South Gate of the Temple, and did obeisance to the Three Precious Things. At this time he commanded the Princes of the Blood and the other Princes as well as the Ministers each to furnish one person to renounce the world. These persons were chosen without distinction of age or sex, and all entered religion in accordance with their wishes. They therefore took part in this great feast.

27th day. Kim Chhyöng-phyöng returned to his own country. Accordingly Pak Chă-pha and the other who had been driven by stress of weather to Japan were delivered to Chhyöng-phyöng and the rest, and sent back to their native land.

28th day. Tamna sent Prince Tora with tribute.

9th month, 30th day. A decree was made, saying:—"Let vagabonds who come back again after having been sent to their native places be, one and all, set to forced labour."

Winter, 10th month, 14th day. Momoye, Kahabe no Omi, of Inner Upper Shōkin rank, was appointed Minister of the Interior, and Maro, Tajihi no Kimi, of Inner Lower Daikin rank, was made Daibu of the province of Settsu.

11th month, 1st day. Owing to rain the ceremony of announcing the 1st day of the month was not observed.

The Viceroy of Tsukushi presented to the Emperor a red crow. The Viceroy's officials accordingly received presents, each according to his rank. Moreover the person who specially caught the red crow was granted five steps in rank. Also the local officials of the district in question had their rank raised. Consequently the taxes were remitted to the peasants of this district for the space of one year. On this day a general amnesty was proclaimed to the Empire.

21st day. The festival of first-fruits was held.

23rd day. A meal was given to all the public functionaries who possessed a definite rank.

27th day. Presents were given to the officials of the Shintō Department and to the local governors who had assisted in the offering of first-fruits.

12th month, 1st day. Owing to the snow the ceremony of announcing the 1st day of the month was not observed.

7th year, Spring, 1st month, 17th day. There was archery at the South Gate.

22nd day. The Tamna people set out for the capital.

This spring, as a preparation for worshipping the Gods of Heaven and Earth, a purification was held throughout the Empire. An Abstinence-palace was erected on the bank of the Kurahashi river.

Summer, 4th month, 1st day. The Emperor wished to proceed to the Abstinence-palace, and held divination for this purpose. The response fell upon the 7th day. Accordingly, at the hour of sunrise the officers whose business it was to clear the road having already started, and the public functionaries being formed in line of procession, the Emperor took his seat in his palanquin, and ordered his canopy, but had not yet set out, when the Imperial Princess Towochi suddenly took ill, and died within the Palace. For this reason the cortège was stopped, and the Emperor was unable to proceed. The result was that the Sacrifice to the Gods of Heaven and Earth did not take place.

13th day. A pillar of the Western Hall of the New Palace was struck by lightning.

14th day. The Imperial Princess Towochi was buried at Akaho. The Emperor was present, and was graciously pleased to raise lament for her.

Autumn, 9th month. Yoshimaro, Oshinomi no Miyakko, presented to the Emperor five auspicious stalks of rice. Each stalk had branches. In consequence, all sentences from that of minor banishment downwards were remitted.

Prince Wakasa, of the 3rd rank, died.

Winter, 10th month, 1st day. At Naniha there fell a rain of something like floss silk. It was five or six feet long and seven or eight inches wide. It floated on the wind and waved from the fir woods and reed plains. The people of that day called it "sweet-dew."

26th day. The Emperor issued a decree, saying:—"Let all civil and military officials of the central and provincial governments every year consider the degree of competence of their subordinates from the rank of clerk upwards, who are animated by a disinterested public spirit and discharge their duties with zeal and respect, and let them determine accordingly the promotion they should receive. Not later than the first decade of the first month they should forward a full report to the judge. Thereupon the judge, having compared and decided, shall submit (his recommendation) to the Daibenkwan. However, when officers are ordered to go on missions of a public nature and refuse for trifling reasons—not genuine illness or mourning for parents—they are not to be placed in the schedule for promotion."

12th month, 27th day. Bramblings flew from south-west to north-east, covering the sky.

In the course of this month there was a great earthquake in Tsukushi. The ground split open to the width of two rods and a length of more than 3000 rods. Many of the peasants' houses in all the villages were brought down in ruins. At this time there was a peasant's house situated on the top of a hill. On the evening of the earthquake the hill crumbled down and changed its place. Yet the house remained intact and was not destroyed, and the inmates did not know that the hill had come down and that their house had moved away. When it became daylight, however, they discovered what had happened, to their great amazement.

In this year the Silla Escort-Envoys, Ka-ryang Chyöng-san, of Nama rank, and Kim Hong-syé, of Nama rank, came to Tsukushi, and said:—"The King of Silla having despatched Kim Syo-mul, of Keup-son rank, Kim Syé-syé, of Tè-nama rank, etc., as Envoys to bring this year's tribute, I, Chyöng-san, was sent to escort Syo-mul and his colleagues. In mid-ocean, however, we chanced to meet with a storm, in which Syo-mul and the others became all dispersed, and I know not what has become of them. I, Chyöng-san, alone have with difficulty succeeded in reaching the shore." Syo-mul and his colleagues never arrived.

8th year, Spring, 1st month, 5th day. The Silla Escort-Envoys Ka-ryang Chyöng-san and Kim Hong-syé, etc., proceeded to the capital.

7th day. The Emperor issued a decree as follows:—"At the New Year let the Princes, Ministers, and public functionaries refrain from paying their respects to any persons except relatives of the grade of elder brothers or elder sisters and above, or to the senior members of the House. The Princes must not pay their respects even to their mothers, when the latter have not the title of Princess; nor must Ministers pay their respects to their mothers when the latter are of mean rank. Even on other ceremonial occasions than the New Year the same rule is to be observed, and those who infringe it shall be punished according to circumstances."

8th day. There was archery at the West Gate.

2nd month, 1st day. Koryö sent Hwan-heum, Tè-syang of the Upper Division, Sa Syu-lu, Tè-syang of the Lower Division, and others to offer tribute. Accordingly, Silla sent Kam Mul-la, of Nama rank, to escort Hwan-heum and his colleagues to Tsukushi.

3rd day. Katamaro, Ki no Omi, died. In consideration of his services in the year Midzunoye Saru, he received the posthumous rank of Upper Daikin.

4th day. The Emperor issued an edict, saying:—"When the year Kanoto Mi is reached, let there be a review of the weapons and horses belonging to the Princes of the Blood, the Ministers, and the public functionaries. Therefore let provision be made in advance."

In this month the Emperor was most graciously pleased to extend his charity to the poor and needy, and to give alms to those starving from cold and hunger.

3rd month, 6th day. Wakami, Ohokida no Kimi, of the Imperial guard, died. During the great campaign of the year Midzunoye Saru, he led the van in breaking the camp of Seta. For this service he was granted the posthumous rank of Outer Upper Shōkin.

7th day. The Emperor proceeded to Wochi, where he did reverence to the Misasagi of the Later Okamoto Empress.

9th day. Prince Ishikaha, Viceroy of Kibi, took ill and died in Kibi. When the Emperor heard this he was deeply grieved, and was most graciously pleased, etc., etc., to confer on him the posthumous honour of Prince of the second class.

22nd day. Alms of floss silk and cloth were given to poor priests and nuns.

Summer, 4th month, 5th day. The Emperor made a decree, saying:—"Let the history of those temples which have sustenance-fiefs attached to them be considered, and where addition is desirable, let addition be made; where they should be done away with, let them be done away with."

On this day the names of the temples were fixed.

9th day. Worship was paid to the Deities of Hirose and Tatsuta.

5th month, 5th day. The Emperor proceeded to the Palace of Yoshino.

6th day. The Emperor addressed the Empress Consort, the Imperial Prince Kusakabe, the Imperial Prince Ohotsu, the Imperial Prince Takechi, the Imperial Prince Kahashima, the Imperial Prince Osakabe, and the Imperial Prince Shiki, saying:—"We wish to-day to unite with you in making a vow in the Court, so that after a thousand years there may be no trouble. What think ye?" The Imperial Princes answered together, saying:—"The reasonableness of this is manifest." Accordingly, His Highness the Imperial Prince Kusakabe stood forward first and made oath, saying:—"Ye gods of Heaven and Earth, and ye Emperors, bear witness! We, elder and younger brothers, young or of mature age, more than ten Princes in all, born each of different mothers, without respect of birth from the same or different mothers, together comply with the Emperor's behest, and will give each other mutual support and avoid contention. If, from this time forward, any of us should not keep this vow, may he himself perish and may his line become extinct! There will be no forgetfulness or failure."

The (other) five Imperial Princes took oath together in the above terms in order one after another, and thereupon the Emperor said:—"Ye, my sons, though each born of different mothers, are now in affection as if born of one mother." Accordingly, loosening out his collar, he took the six Imperial Princes to his bosom, and made oath, saying:—"If We contravene this oath, may Our body perish instantly!" The Empress-consort's oath was like that of the Emperor.

7th day. The Emperor's car returned to the Palace.

10th day. The six Imperial Princes together paid their respects to the Emperor before the Great Hall.

6th month, 1st day. Hail fell as big as peaches.

23rd day. Prayer was made for rain.

26th day. Ohotomo no Moriya no Muraji, of Upper Daikin rank, died.

Autumn, 7th month, 6th day. Prayer was made for rain.

14th day. Worship was paid to the Deities of Hirose and Tatsuta.

17th day. Prince Katsuraki, of the 4th rank, died.

8th month, 1st day. The Emperor ordered that the various Houses should send tribute of women.

11th day. The Emperor went to Hatsuse and held a banquet by the Todoroki pool.

Before this, the Emperor had addressed an edict to the Princes and Ministers, saying:—"In addition to the usual riding-horses let there be got ready other good horses which can be furnished whenever called for." Accordingly on the day on which he returned to the Palace from Hatsuse, he inspected the spare good horses of the Ministers at the roadside by the post-station of Tomi, and made them all try their speed.

22nd day. Oshikatsu, Katsura no Miyakko, presented to the Emperor auspicious stalks of grain. Though from various plots, they had similar ears.

25th day. Prince Ohoyake died.

9th month, 6th day. The Envoys sent to Silla returned and paid their respects at Court.

23rd day. The Envoys sent to Koryö and the Envoys sent to Tamna returned, and paid their respects at Court together.

Winter, 10th month, 2nd day. The Emperor made a decree, saying:—"We are informed that of late there have been in the town many persons guilty of crimes of violence. Now this is the fault of the Princes and Ministers. Sometimes, when they hear of such criminals, they find it too much trouble, so they put up with them, and do not suppress them; sometimes when they see such wicked men, out of negligence they conceal the fact, and do not correct them. Now if they chastised them when seen or heard of, is it likely that there would be crimes of violence? This being so, if there be in future no shirking of trouble or negligence, if those in higher stations punish the offences of those beneath them, and if those in lower stations remonstrate with their superiors when they are guilty of violence, then the country will be well governed."

11th day. There was an earthquake.

13th day. The Emperor made regulations for the style of priests and nuns and for the colours of the priestly garb, also for the character of their suites of men and horses when passing along the streets.

17th day. Silla sent Kim Hang-ha, of Ason rank, and Sal Nyu-seng, of Sason rank, with tribute. The tribute consisted of such things as gold, silver, iron, sacrificial cauldrons with three feet, brocade, cloth, hides, horses, dogs, mules, and camels—more than ten kinds in all. There were also, distinct from these, presents for the Emperor, the Empress-consort, and the Prince Imperial, of gold, silver, swords, flags and the like—a certain number of each.

In the course of this month, the Emperor made a decree, saying:—"Ordinarily priests and nuns reside within their temples, and observe the Three Precious Things. In the case of aged persons, however, or those who by disease are permanently confined to bed in a narrow chamber, of those in short whose old age or ill-health allows them no facility of movement, places which should be pure are made impure. For this reason, let all such persons in future apply each to relations or friends to build for them in vacant spaces one or two dwellings where the aged can be nourished and the sick take medicine."

11th month, 14th day. There was an earthquake.

23rd day. Tsura, Yamato no Umakahibe no Miyakko, of Lower Dai-otsu rank, was sent to Tanegashima as Chief Envoy, and Kō-kan, Kami no Sukuri, of Lower Shō-otsu rank, as Junior Envoy. Accordingly one grade of rank was bestowed on them.

In this month barriers were constructed for the first time on Mount Tatsuta and Mount Ohosaka. Moreover Naniha built an outer line of fortifications.

12th month, 2nd day. In consequence of the auspicious stalks of grain, presents were made to the Princes of the Blood, the Princes, the Ministers, and the public functionaries, each according to his rank. There was an amnesty for all offences from capital crimes downwards.

In this year the district of Ito, in the province of Kiï, sent tribute of the herb of long life. It resembled a mushroom in appearance. Its stem was one foot long, and its crown two spans in circumference. Moreover, the province of Inaba sent tribute of auspicious rice, each stem of which had branches.

9th year, Spring, 1st month, 8th day. The Emperor occupied the Little Opposite Palace, where he gave a banquet to the Princes and Ministers in the Court of the Great Hall. On this day he granted a surname to Kobito, Imbe no Obito, and called him Muraji. Accordingly he presented his joyful acknowledgments along with his younger brother Shikobuchi.

17th day. All from the Princes of the Blood down to the officials of Shōken rank engaged in archery at the Smith Gate.

20th day. It was reported from the Province of Settsu that at the village of Ikuta, peach trees and plum trees had borne fruit.

2nd month, 18th day. A sound resembling that of drums was heard in the Eastern quarter.

26th day. There was a man who said:—"I got a deer's horn on Mount Katsuraki. This horn branches into two at the root. It is united at the end, and has flesh, over which flesh there is hair. The hair is one inch in length. Thinking this wonderful, I offer it as a present to the Emperor." It was, perhaps, the horn of a Lin.

27th day. Eight Silla labourers were sent back to their own country. The Emperor graciously bestowed presents on them, varying in the case of each.

3rd month, 10th day. The Province of Settsu sent tribute of a white shitodo.

23rd day. The Emperor went to Aki in Uda.

Summer, 4th month, 10th day. Worship was paid to the Deities of Hirose and Tatsuta.

11th day. A fire broke out in the nuns' quarters of the Tachibana Temple. Ten rooms were burnt.

25th day. The Silla Envoys Hang-na and his companions were entertained in Tsukushi, and received presents each according to his rank.

In this month an Imperial decree was issued as follows:—"Henceforward let all temples, with the exception of the two or three great national temples, cease to be administered by officials. But for those which hold a sustenance-fief, a limit from first to last of thirty years is fixed. This will be discontinued when, upon calculating the years, the number of thirty is completed. Moreover the Temple of Asukadera ought not to be included in those administered by officials, but as it was originally a Great Temple, always administered by officials, and has also done good service formerly,—for these reasons it is still retained in the class of officially administered temples."

5th month, 1st day. By order of the Emperor coarse silk, floss silk, raw silk, and cloth were bestowed on the twenty-four temples within the capital, the amount varying in each case.

On this day the expounding of the "Kon-kwō-myō Sutra" was begun in the Palace and in the various temples.

13th day. Koryö sent Myo-mun of the Southern Division as Chief Envoy, Chyun-tök, who was Tè-kyöng of the Western Division, and others with tribute. Accordingly Silla sent Ko-na, of Tè-nama rank, to escort the Koryö Envoys Myo-mun and the others to Tsukushi.

21st day. Tsunade, Hada no Miyakko, of Lower Daikin rank, died. On account of his services during the year Midzunoye Saru, he received the posthumous rank of Upper Daikin.

27th day. Moro, Hoshikaha no Omi, of Middle Shōkin rank, died. On account of his services in the year Midzunoye Saru, he received the posthumous rank of Daishi.

6th month, 5th day. The Silla guests, Hang-na and his colleagues, returned to their own country.

8th day. There was a rain of ashes.

14th day. There was a great thunderstorm.

Autumn, 7th month, 1st day. A branch of the tsuki tree west of the Temple of Asuka broke of itself and fell.

5th day. The Emperor went to the house of Ohotomo, Agata no Inukahi no Muraji, and visited him in his illness, bestowing on him great favour, etc., etc.

On this day there was prayer for rain.

8th day. Worship was paid to the Deities of Hirose and Tatsuta.

10th day. A red bird perched on the Southern Gate.

17th day. Komaro, Yenowi no Muraji, was granted the rank of Lower Shōkin.

20th day. Kōchō, priest of the Temple of Asuka, died. The Imperial Princes Ohotsu and Takechi were sent on a visit of condolence.

23rd day. Ihatoko, Miyake no Muraji, of Lower Shōkin rank, died. On account of his services during the year Midzunoye Saru, he was given the posthumous rank of Lower Daikin.

25th day. Prince Toneri, of the 5th rank, who held the joint offices of Nagon and Minister of the Household, took ill and was on the point of death, so the Imperial Prince Takechi was sent to ask after him. He died the next day. The Emperor was greatly shocked, and sent the Imperial Princes Takechi and Kahashima to be present at his temporary interment and to make lament for him. The public functionaries followed their example and made lamentation.

8th month, 5th day. The officials of the department of law gave tribute of auspicious stalks of grain. Beginning on this day, for three days there was rain with floods.

14th day. There was a storm which broke trees and damaged houses.

9th month, 9th day. The Emperor visited Asatsuma. Accordingly he inspected the horses of the officials from the rank of Daisen downwards at Nagara no mori. He also had archery practised on horseback.

23rd day. There was an earthquake.

27th day. Prince Kuhachi died in his private residence.

Winter, 10th month, 4th day. The Emperor commiserated the needy common people and also the monks and nuns of the temples within the capital and gave them alms. Each monk and nun received four hiki of coarse silk, four bundles of floss silk, and six tan of cloth, while the Shami and those in white garments received each two hiki of coarse silk, two bundles of floss silk, and four tan of cloth.

11th month, 1st day. There was an eclipse of the sun.

3rd day. There was a brightness in the East from the hour of the Dog to the hour of the Rat.

4th day. Nineteen men of Koryö returned to their own country. These were condolence envoys who came over on the occasion of the mourning for the later Okamoto Empress. They had been detained and had not yet taken their departure.

7th day. The Emperor issued an edict to the officials, saying:—"If any one knows of any means of benefiting the state or of increasing the welfare of the people, let him appear in Court and make a statement in person. If what he says is reasonable, his ideas will be adopted and embodied in regulations."

10th day. There was thunder in the West.

12th day. The Empress-consort was unwell. (The Emperor,) having made a vow on her behalf, began the erection of the Temple of Yakushiji, and made one hundred persons enter religion as priests. In consequence of this she recovered her health.

On this day an amnesty was granted.

16th day. There was an eclipse of, the moon.

The Imperial Prince Kusakabe was sent to pay a visit of inquiry to the Priest Yemiō. On the following day Priest Yemiō died, and the three Imperial Princes were sent to make a visit of condolence.

24th day. Silla sent Kim Ya-phil, of Sason rank, and Kim Wön-seung, of Tè-nama rank, to offer tribute. Three student interpreters arrived in the suite of Ya-phil.

26th day. The Emperor took ill. For this reason one hundred persons were made to enter religion as priests, and he presently recovered.

30th day. Bramblings covered the sky, flying from south-east to north-west.

10th year, Spring, 1st month, 2nd day. Offerings were distributed to the Gods of Heaven and Earth.

3rd day. The various functionaries paid their respects at Court.

7th day. The Emperor occupied the Opposite Little Hall, and gave a banquet there. On this day the Princes of the Blood and the Princes were introduced into the inner reception Chamber while the Ministers were all in attendance in the outer reception Chamber. For both alike sake was provided and a musical performance given. On this occasion Oho-gata, Kusakabe no Kishi, of Upper Daisen rank, was granted the rank of Lower Daikin, and the title was bestowed on him Of Naniha no Muraji.

11th day. By an Imperial decree, Ihadzumi Sakahibe no Muraji was granted a fief of sixty houses and received a present of thirty pieces of coarse silk, a hundred and fifty kin of floss silk, one hundred and fifty tan of cloth, and a hundred mattocks.

17th day. All from the Princes of the Blood down to the rank of Shōken had archery in the Court.

19th day. Orders were given to the Home and other provinces to repair the Heavenly and Earthly (Shintō) shrines.

25th day. The Emperor and Empress-consort took their places together in the Great Hall of Audience, and having summoned before them the Princes of the Blood, the Princes and the Ministers, addressed them as follows:—"It is Our desire now anew to enact regulations and to reform the laws. Do ye therefore join with us in executing this enterprise. But if we were to proceed suddenly with this business, affairs of state would suffer. It will therefore be proper to make a division of men before going on."

On this day, His Highness the Imperial Prince Kusakabe was made Prince Imperial and was accordingly associated with the Emperor in the conduct of the myriad machinery of state.

29th day. The Lady Abe died.

30th day. Toyohama Tahema no Kimi, of Shōshi rank, died.

3rd month, 3rd day. The Lady Abe was buried.

16th day. The Emperor took his place in the Great Hall of Audience, and there gave orders to the Imperial Princes Kahashima and Osakabe, to Prince Hirose, Prince Takeda, Prince Kuhada, and Prince Mino, to Michichi, Kamitsukenu no Kimi, of Lower Daikin rank, Kobito, Imbe no Muraji, of Middle Shōkin rank, Inashiki, Adzumi no Muraji, of Lower Shōkin rank, Ohogata, Naniha no Muraji, Ohoshima, Nakatomi no Muraji, of Upper Daisen rank, and Kobito Heguri no Omi, of Lower Daisen rank, to commit to writing a chronicle of the Emperors, and also of matters of high antiquity. Ohoshima and Kobito took the pen in hand themselves, and made notes.

20th day. There was an earthquake.

24th day. The Emperor took his place by the well of the New Palace, made trial of the sounds of drums and flutes and caused them to be practised in harmony.

Summer, 4th month, 2nd day. Worship was paid to the Deities of Hirose and Tatsuta.

3rd day. A prohibitory law in 92 articles was established, and was accordingly promulgated with the following words:—"The costumes of all from the Princes of the Blood down to the common people, and the wearing of gold and silver, pearls and jewels, purple, brocade, embroidery, fine silks, together with woollen carpets, head-dresses and girdles, as well as all kinds of coloured stuffs, are regulated according to a scale the details of which are given in the written edict."

12th day. The title of Muraji was granted to Wokida, Nishikori no Miyakko, Yoshimaro, Tawi no Atahe, Mukutari and Ihakatsu, Sugita no Kurando, Agata, Kahachi no Atahe, Kagami, Oshinomi no Miyakko, Yoshimaro, Aretawo no Atahe, Momoye and Oshidzuki, Ohokoma no Miyakko, Tatsumaro, Yamato no Atahe, Ohoshima, Kadobe no Atahe, Ohi, Shishibito no Miyakko, and Yamashiro no Koma no Ikamaro, fourteen persons in all.

17th day. An entertainment was given in Tsukushi to the Koryö guests Myo-mun and his people. Each received presents according to his rank.

5th month, 11th day. Worship was paid to the august spirit of the Emperor's grandfather. On this day the Emperor issued a decree, saying:—"The deference paid by public functionaries to the Palace officials is far too great. Sometimes they go to their doors and address their plaints to them, sometimes they pay court to their houses by offerings of presents. If there should be any such cases in future, the offenders will be punished according to circumstances."

26th day. Myo-mun of Koryö took his departure.

6th month, 5th day. The Silla guest Ya-phil was entertained in Tsukushi. He (and his suite) received presents varying in the case of each.

17th day. Prayer was made for rain.

24th day. There was an earthquake.

Autumn, 7th month, 1st day. A red sparrow was seen.

4th day. Tsukura, Uneme no Omi, of Lower Shōkin rank, was sent to the Land of Silla as Chief Envoy, and Tate, Tahema no Kimi, as Junior Envoy.

On this day Hirotari, Saheki no Muraji, of Lower Shōkin rank, was sent as Chief Envoy to the Land of Koryö, and Maro, Woharida no Omi, as Junior Envoy.

10th day. Worship was paid to the Deities of Hirose and Tatsuta.

30th day. Orders were given to the whole Empire to hold a great Purification ceremony. At this time the Miyakko of each province supplied one slave to the Shrine of Purification, and thus did purification.

Intercalary 7th month, 15th day. In fulfilment of a vow of the Empress-consort a great feast of vegetable fare was given, and the Sutras were expounded in all the Temples of the capital.

8th month, 11th day. A notification was made to the people of the three Han, saying:—"On a former day, your taxes were remitted for a period of ten years, which have now come to an end. In addition to this, all forced labour is remitted for a period of ten years to you who accepted our rule, and also to your children and grandchildren who accompanied you in the first year."

11th day. Michichi, Kamitsukenu no Kimi, of Lower Daikin rank, died.

16th day. The province of Ise sent tribute of a white owl.

20th day. The Envoys sent to Tanegashima presented a map of that island. This country is more than 5000 ri distant from the capital, and lies in the middle of the sea south of Tsukushi. The inhabitants cut off their hair and wear garments of grass. Rice is always abundant. With one sowing, there are two harvests. The products of the island are Cape jasmine and bulrushes. There are also numerous marine products of different kinds.

On this day, Ya-phil took his departure for his own country.

9th month, 3rd day. The Envoys sent to Koryö and Silla arrived together and paid their respects to the Emperor.

5th day. The province of Suwō presented a red tortoise, which was let loose in the pond of the Palace of Shima.

9th day. A decree was issued, as follows:—"Let all Houses in which a senior member has not yet been fixed, each decide upon a senior member and report to the controlling department."

14th day. An entertainment was given to the men of Tanegashima on the river bank west of the Temple of Asuka. Various kinds of music were performed.

16th day. A comet appeared.

17th day. The planet Mars entered the Moon.

Winter, 10th month, 1st day. There was an eclipse of the sun.

18th day. There was an earthquake.

20th day. Silla sent Kim Chhyung-phyöng, an Il-kil-son of Sa-tök, and Kim Il-syé, of the rank of Tè-nama, to bring tribute, which consisted of such things as gold, silver, copper, iron, brocade, thin silk, deer skins and fine cloth—a certain quantity of each. Separately they brought presents for the Emperor, the Empress-consort, and for the senior Prince of such things as gold, silver, flags of haze-brocade and skins, a certain quantity of each.

25th day. The Emperor issued a decree as follows:—"Let all, from those of Daisen rank down to Shōken, each declare their views."

In this month the Emperor intended to hunt on the plain of Hirose. A temporary palace had been constructed, and his baggage made ready, but in the end the Imperial car did not proceed thither. Only those from the rank of Princes of the Blood down to the Ministers all stayed at Karunoichi and inspected the equipage and the saddle-horses. The Daibu from the rank of Shōkin upwards all sat in order under a tree, while those of the rank of Daisen and under mounted on horseback themselves and passed together along the highway from south to north.

Silla Envoys came and announced the death of the king of that country.

11th month, 2nd day. There was an earthquake.

12th month, 10th day. Kobito, Kahabe no Omi, of Lower Shōkin rank, was sent to Tsukushi to entertain Chhyung-phyöng, the Silla guest.

29th day. Kanuchi, Tanaka no Omi, Saru, Kakimoto no Omi, Kuniwoshi, Tanabe no Muraji, Maro, Takamuku no Omi, Mabito, Ahata no Omi, Maro, Mononobe no Muraji, Ohoshima, Nakatomi no Muraji, Karainu, Sone no Muraji, and Chitoko, Fumi no Atahe, ten persons in all, received the rank of Lower Shōkin.

On this day, Nukamushi, Toneri no Miyakko, and Chitoko, Fumi no Atahe, were granted the title of Muraji.

11th year, Spring, 1st month, 9th day. Nukamushi, Toneri no Miyakko, of Daisen rank, was given the rank of Lower Shōkin.

11th day. Kim Chhyung-phyöng was entertained in Tsukushi.

18th day. The Lady Higami died within the Palace.

19th day. There was an earthquake.

27th day. The Lady Higami was buried at Akaho.

2nd month, 12th day. Kim Chhyung-phyöng returned to his own country.

In this month, Nukamushi, Toneri no Miyakko, of Lower Shōkin rank, died. In view of his services in the year Midzunoye Saru, he received the posthumous rank of Upper Daikin.

3rd month, 1st day. Prince Mino, of Shōshi rank, the Daibu of the Household Department and others were sent to Nihiki to examine the conformation of the ground. It was accordingly resolved to have the capital there.

2nd day. Twenty-two Yemishi of the province of Michinoku were granted dignities.

7th day. There was an earthquake.

13th day. By command of the Emperor, Ihashiki, Sakahibe no Muraji, invented afresh new characters—one book in forty-four volumes.

16th day. The Emperor visited Nihiki.

28th day. The Emperor issued a decree forbidding henceforward all from the Princes of the Blood down to the public functionaries to wear caps of rank, aprons, lined garments, and habaki, and also forbidding the stewards and Uneme of the Palace to wear shoulder-straps or scarfs.

On this day, a decree was addressed to all from the Princes of the Blood down to the Ministers who had been granted sustenance-fiefs, discontinuing all such fiefs, and directing that they should be returned to the State.

In this month, Mate, Hase no Muraji, died. For his services in the year Midzunoye Saru he was granted the posthumous rank of Upper Daikin.

Summer, 4th month, 9th day. Worship was paid to the Deities of Hirose and Tatsuta.

21st day. Shima, Tajihi no Mabito, Viceroy of Tsukushi, and others, sent tribute of a large bell.

22nd day. Itaka, Kina, and others, Yemishi of Koshi, requested 7000 families of captives, in order to constitute a district. Their request was granted.

23rd day. The Emperor made a decree, saying:—"Henceforth all persons whatsoever, men or women, must tie up their hair. This is to be completed not later than the 30th day of the 12th month. But for the date of tying up the hair, let a further Imperial notification be awaited." It was from this time that the practice began of women riding on horseback like men.

5th month, 12th day. The Yamato no Aya no Atahe were granted the title of Muraji.

16th day. The Chief Envoy to Koryö, Hirotari, Saheki no Muraji, and the Junior Envoy, Maro, Woharida no Omi, reported to the Palace the results of their mission.

27th day. The Yamato no Aya no Atahe, male and female, all presented themselves. They were rejoiced at the grant of a title, and paid their respects to the Emperor.

6th month, 1st day. The King of Koryö sent Cho Yu-kwè, Nu Mo-chöl and Tè-ko-myo-ka, of the Lower Division, with tribute of the products of the country. Accordingly, Silla sent Kim Syök-kwi, of Tè-nama rank, to escort the Koryö Envoys to Tsukushi.

6th day. Men and women began to tie up their hair. They accordingly wore caps of varnished gauze.

12th day. Prince Yeguri, of the 5th rank, died.

Autumn, 7th month, 3rd day. Hayato came in numbers with tribute of the productions of their country. On this day, the Hayato of Ohosumi and the Hayato of Ata wrestled in the Court. The Ohosumi Hayato had the victory.

9th day. Maro, Kashihade no Omi, of middle Shōkin rank, took ill. His Highness the Imperial Prince Kusakabe and the Imperial Prince Takechi were sent to make kind inquiry as to his illness.

11th day. Worship was paid to the Deities of Hirose and Tatsuta.

17th day. There was an earthquake.

18th day. Maro, Kashihade no Omi, died. The Emperor was shocked, and lamented greatly.

21st day. For his services in the year Midzunoye Saru, Maro no Omi was granted the posthumous rank of Daishi and presents were given. The Empress-consort also bestowed gifts, which moreover were similar to those granted by the government.

25th day. Presents of various values were given to men of Tane, of Yaku and of Amami.

27th day. The Hayato were entertained west of the Asuka Temple. Music of various kinds was performed, and presents given them varying in value in the case of each. The Buddhist priests and laity all came to look on.

On this day it was reported from the provinces both of Shinano and Kibi that hoar-frost had fallen, moreover that owing to storms the five grains had not formed.

8th month, 1st day. All from the Princes of the Blood down to the Ministers were each made to bring forward matters suitable for framing regulations.

3rd day. The Koryö guests were entertained in Tsukushi.

On this evening at twilight a great star passed from the East to the West.

5th day. Laws were drawn up. There was a great rainbow within the Palace.

11th day. A thing appeared in shape like a Buddhist baptismal flag, and of a flame colour. It floated through the void towards the north and was seen by all the provinces. Some said that it sank into the Sea of Koshi. On this day a white vapour arose on the Eastern Mountain, four fathoms in size.

12th day. There was a great earthquake.

—th day. The Viceroy of Tsukushi reported that there was a sparrow with three legs.

17th day. There was another earthquake. On this day there was a rainbow at dawn right in the middle of the sky and opposite to the sun.

22nd day. The Emperor issued an edict (prescribing) the character of ceremonies and language.

He decreed further, saying:—"Let the lineage and character of all candidates for office be always inquired into before a selection is made. None whose lineage is insufficient are eligible for appointment, even although their character, conduct and capacity may be unexceptionable."

28th day. On account of the illness of the Imperial Princess Hidaka [otherwise called the Imperial Princess Nihiya], an Imperial command was given for the pardon of 190 persons of both sexes who were guilty of capital or lesser crimes.

29th day. More than 140 persons renounced the world in the Great Temple of the Great Palace.

9th month, 2nd day. By Imperial command ceremonial kneeling and crawling were both abolished from this time forward , and the ceremonial custom of standing of the Naniha Court was again practised.

11th day. At mid-day, several hundreds of cranes appeared in the quarter of the Great Palace, and soared aloft in the void. After two hours they all dispersed.

Winter, 10th month, 8th day. A great revel was held.

11th month, 16th day. The Emperor made a decree, saying:—"Hear this, all ye Princes of the Blood, Princes and Ministers, as well as ye common people! In regard to trials For offences against the law, whether within the Palace or in the Court, let examination be made at the place where the offence has been committed as soon as seen or heard of, and let there be no concealment. In the case of grave crimes, let those which should be referred to a superior be so referred, and when arrest is proper let the offender be seized. If any resist and are not arrested, raise the soldiers of the place and arrest them. To those judged deserving of flogging there may be administered not more than a hundred blows, to be determined according to a scale. Moreover, when the facts of a crime are undeniable and the accused falsely states that he is innocent, and does not admit the justice of the charge, but disputes with the prosecutor, let his original offence be superadded to this."

12th month, 3rd day. A decree was issued as follows:—"Let the people of every House each determine who shall be the Senior member of the House, and make report accordingly. Moreover, in cases where there are numerous members of the same House, let them divide and each part determine who shall be its own Senior member, all reporting at the same time to the proper officials, who shall thereupon weigh the facts and deal with the matter. Such official decisions must be accepted. And let no one for trifling reasons hastily include in his House persons who do not belong to it."

12th year, Spring, 1st month, 2nd day. The functionaries paid their respects at Court.

The Viceroy of Tsukushi, Shima, Tajihi no Mabito, and others presented tribute of a three-legged sparrow.

All from the Princes of the Blood down to the Ministers were invited in front of the Great Hall of Audience and a banquet given them. On this occasion the three-legged sparrow was shown to the Ministers.

18th day. The Emperor issued a decree, saying:—"This is the ordinance of Us, the Emperor Yamato neko, who rule, as a God Incarnate, the great eight regions. Hear it, all ye governors of provinces, Kuni no Miyakko, governors of districts and common people! Ever since We first rose to the vast dignity, there have been auspicious signs from Heaven, not one or two only, but many. Now We learn by tradition that auspicious signs from Heaven come as a response when the principles of administering the Government are in harmony with the laws of Heaven. That they should appear repeatedly every year in this Our reign is, on the one hand, matter for awe, and on the other, matter for rejoicing. Therefore the Princes of the Blood, the Princes, with the Ministers and functionaries, as well as the people of the Empire, join with Us in our joy." Accordingly presents were made to all from the rank of Shōken upwards, each according to his rank, and all crimes were pardoned from capital offences downwards. Moreover all forced labour was remitted to the common people.

On this day there was a performance in the Court of the Woharida dance and of the music of the three countries of Koryö, Pèkché and Silla.

2nd month, 1st day. The Imperial Prince Ohotsu for the first time attended to matters of State.

3rd month, 2nd day. On the occasion of making appointments to the offices of Sōjō, Sōdzu, and Risshi, the Emperor gave command, saying:—"Let those who have general control over the priests and nuns act according to the law," etc., etc.

19th day. The Envoys sent to Tane returned.

Summer, 4th month, 15th day. The Emperor made a decree, saying:—"Henceforth copper coins must be used, and not silver coins."

18th day. A decree was issued, saying:—"Let the use of silver be not discontinued."

21st day. Worship was paid to the Deities of Hirose and Tatsuta.

6th month, 3rd day. Umakuta, Ohotomo no Muraji, died. The Emperor was much shocked, and sent Prince Hatsuse on a visit of condolence. The Emperor manifested a loving recognition of his zeal during the year Midzunoye Saru and of the services of his ancestors at all times, and granted him the posthumous title of Daishi, and burial with beat of drum and blowing of horns.

6th day. Prince Takazaka, of the 3rd rank, died.

Autumn, 7th month, 4th day. The Emperor went to the house of the Princess Kagami-hime and made kind inquiry as to her illness.

5th day. Princess Kagami-hime died.

In this summer priests and nuns were for the first time invited to the Palace for a "retreat." Accordingly thirty persons of pure conduct were selected, who renounced the world.

15th day. Prayer was made for rain.

18th day. The Emperor made a tour in the capital.

20th day. Worship was paid to the Deities of Hirose and Tatsuta.

From this month a drought began which lasted till the eighth month. A Buddhist priest of Pèkché named Dōzō prayed for rain and obtained it.

8th month, 5th day. A general amnesty was ordered throughout the Empire.

Wofukehi, Ohotomo no Muraji, died. For his services in the year Midzunoye Saru, he was granted the posthumous rank of Middle Daikin.

9th month, 2nd day. There was a great storm.

23rd day. The title of Muraji was granted to thirty-eight Houses, viz. Yamato no Atahe, Kurikuma no Obito, Motori no Miyakko, Yatabe no Miyakko, Fujiharabe no Miyakko, Osakabe no Miyakko, Saigusabe no Miyakko, Ofuchi Kahachi no Atahe, Kahachi no Aya no Atahe, Mononobe no Obito, Yamashiro no Atahe, Katsuraki no Atahe, Tonohatori no Miyakko, Kadobe no Atahe, Nishikori no Miyakko, Katsura no Miyakko, Tottori no Miyakko, Kume no Toneri no Miyakko, Hinokuma no Toneri no Miyakko, Ohokoma no Miyakko, Hada no Miyakko, Kahase no Toneri no Miyakko, Yamato no Mumakahi no Miyakko, Kahachi no Mumakahi no Miyakko, Kibumi no Miyakko, Komotsume no Miyakko, Magari Hakodzukuri no Miyakko, Isonokamibe no Miyakko, Takara Himatsuri no Miyakko, Hasetsukabe no Miyakko, Anahobe no Miyakko, Shiragabe no Miyakko, Oshinomi no Miyakko, Hatsukase no Miyakko, Fumi no Obito, Wohatsuse no Miyakko, Kudara no Miyakko and Katarahi no Miyakko.

Winter, 10th month, 5th day. The title of Muraji was granted to fourteen houses, viz., Miyake no Kishi, Kusakabe no Kishi, Hōki no Miyakko, Fune no Fubito, Iki no Fubito, Sarara no Mumakahi no Miyakko, Uno no Mumakahi no Miyakko, Yoshino no Obito, Ki no Sakabito no Atahe, Uneme no Miyakko, Atogi no Fubito, Takechi no Agatanushi, Shiki no Agatanushi and Kagami-dzukuri no Miyakko.

13th day. The Emperor went a-hunting to Kurahashi.

11th month, 4th day. An Imperial command was given to all the provinces to engage in military training.

13th day. Silla sent Kim Chu-san, of Sason rank, and Kim Chang-chi, of Tè-nama rank, to offer tribute.

12th month, 23rd day. The Emperor sent Prince Ise, of the fifth rank of Princes, Yakuni, Hata no Kimi, of Lower Daikin rank, Homuchi, Ohoshi no Omi, of Lower Shōkin rank, Ohoshima, Nakatomi no Muraji, of Lower Shōkin rank, with Hangwan, clerks, and artizans, to make a tour through the Empire and determine the boundaries of the provinces. They were unable, however, to determine them all this year.

17th day. The Emperor made a decree, saying:—"Let all civil and military officials, and all persons of rank in the Home provinces, not fail to present themselves at Court in the four first months. If owing to mortal disease they cannot attend, let the officials whose duty it is to do so prepare a full report and forward it to the judicial authorities."

He further made a decree, saying:—"The Capital and Palace should not be in one place only. They must be constructed in several places. We therefore wish first of all to make the Capital at Naniha. Let the public functionaries therefore each proceed thither, and apply for sites for houses."

13th year, Spring, 1st month, 17th day. The title of Muraji was granted to the two Houses of Mino no Agatanushi and Kurando no Kinunuhi no Miyakko.

23rd day. The Emperor, taking his place in the Eastern Court with the Ministers in attendance, sent for men skilled in archery, with dwarfs and palace attendants, and made them shoot.

2nd month, 24th day. Kim Chu-san was entertained in Tsukushi.

28th day. The Emperor sent Prince Hirose of Jō-kwō-shi rank, and Yasumaro, Ohotomo no Muraji, of Middle Shōkin rank, with Hangwan, clerks, professors of the In and Yō, and artizans to the Home provinces, to determine by divination a site suitable for the capital.

On this day Prince Mino, Tsukura, Uneme no Omi, of Lower Shōkin rank, and others were sent to Shinano to inspect the conformation of the ground, perhaps with the object of having a capital there.

3rd month, 8th day. Yumi, Ube no Atahe, a man of Yoshino, sent tribute of a white camellia.

9th day. The Emperor made a visit to the capital, and decided on the site for a palace.

23rd day. Kim Chu-san returned to his own country.

Summer, 4th month, 5th day. All persons with sentences of not more than lesser banishment were pardoned.

13th day. Worship was paid to the great Abstinence Deity of Hirose and to the Wind-Gods of Tatsuta.

20th day. Maro, Takamuku no Omi, of Lower Shōkin rank, was sent as Chief Envoy to Silla, and Tsuno no Omi, of Lower Shōsen rank, as Junior Envoy.

Intercalary 4th month, 5th day. The Emperor made a decree, saying:—"We have resolved to hold an inspection in the ninth month of next year. We therefore prescribe the conduct and the state of the public functionaries."

A further edict was made, as follows:—"In a government, military matters are the essential thing. All civil and military officials should therefore sedulously practise the use of arms and riding on horseback. Be careful to provide an adequate supply of horses, weapons, and articles of personal costume. Those who have horses shall be made cavalry soldiers, those who have none shall be infantry soldiers. Both shall receive training. Let no obstacle be thrown in the way of their assembling for this purpose. If any person disobeys this edict, if he does not provide a horse and weapons, or if his costume is defective, all such persons, from Princes of the Blood down to Ministers, shall be fined. Those from the rank of Daisen down who deserve to be fined shall be fined: those who deserve flogging shall be flogged. But if by diligent practice they succeed in learning their duties, they shall have their punishment diminished by two degrees, even in the case of those guilty of capital crimes. Anyone, however, who purposely offends in reliance on his own cleverness is not included among those eligible for pardon."

A further edict was made as follows:—"As to the clothing of both men and women, it is left to the wearers' option whether they have susotsuki or not, and also ties or tassels. But on the occasion of (state) assemblies, those who wear susotsuki should also have tassels. In the case of men, however, those who have yebōshi should wear them, and at the same time laced trousers. Women of forty years of age or upwards are allowed to tie up their hair or not, and to ride astride or side-saddle, just as they please. A distinction is made in the case of practisers of magic, who are excepted from the rule for tying up the hair."

11th day. Prince Mino and his colleagues presented a map of the province of Shinano.

16th day. A vegetarian feast was prepared within the Palace. A pardon was accordingly given to the Toneri who had been guilty of offences.

24th day. The Buddhist priest Fukuyō of Asukadera was condemned and thrown into prison.

29th day. Fukuyō committed suicide by cutting his throat.

5th month, 14th day. The priests, nuns and laity who had emigrated from Pèkché, men and women, altogether twenty-three persons, were all settled in the province of Musashi.

28th day. Nanihamaro, Miwa no Hiketa no Kimi, was sent to Koryö as Chief Envoy, and Hitotari, Kuhabara no Muraji, as Junior Envoy.

6th month, 4th day. Prayer was offered for rain.

Autumn, 7th month, 4th day. The Emperor visited Hirose.

9th day. Worship was paid to the Deities of Hirose and Tatsuta.

23rd day. A comet appeared in the North-west, more than ten feet long.

Winter, 10th month, 1st day. The Emperor made a decree, saying:—

"The hereditary titles of all the families are again reformed, and eight titles of eight classes instituted. By this means the multitudinous titles of the Empire are amalgamated. The first is Mabito, the second Ason, the third Sukune, the fourth Imiki, the fifth Michi no Shi, the sixth Omi, the seventh Muraji, and the eighth Inaki."

On this day thirteen houses received the title of Mabito, viz. Moriyama no Kimi, Michi no Kimi, Takahashi no Kimi, Mikuni no Kimi, Tahema no Kimi, Ibaraki no Kimi, Tajihi no Kimi, Wina no Kimi, Sakata no Kimi, Hata no Kimi, Okinaga no Kimi, Sakabito no Kimi, and Yamaji no Kimi.

3rd day. Prince Ise and his colleagues were sent to determine the boundaries of the provinces.

On this day, Tasuki, Agata no Inukahi no Muraji, was sent to Tamna as Chief Envoy, and Kane, Kahabara no Muraji, as Junior Envoy.

14th day. At the hour of the boar (10 p.m.) there was a great earthquake. Throughout the country men and women shrieked aloud, and knew not East from West. Mountains fell down and rivers gushed forth; the official buildings of the provinces and districts, the barns and houses of the common people, the temples, pagodas and shrines were destroyed in numbers which surpass all estimate. In consequence many of the people and of domestic animals were killed or injured. The hot springs of Iyo were dried up at this time and ceased to flow. In the province of Tosa more than 500,000 shiro of cultivated land were swallowed up and became sea. Old men said that never before had there been such an earthquake. On this night a rumbling noise like that of drums was heard in the East. Some said that the island of Idzu had increased of itself on two sides, the north and west, to the extent of more than 300 rods, and that a new island had been formed. The noise like that of drums was the sound made by the gods in constructing this island.

16th day. Presents were made to the Princes and Ministers.

11th month, 1st day. The title of Ason was granted to fifty-two houses, viz. Oho-miha no Kimi, Oho-Kasuga no Omi, Abe no Omi, Kose no Omi, Kashihade no Omi, Ki no Omi, Hata no Omi, Mononobe no Muraji, Heguri no Omi, Sazakibe no Omi, Nakatomi no Muraji, Ohoyake no Omi, Ahata no Omi, Ishikaha no Omi, Sakarawi no Omi, Uneme no Omi, Tanaka no Omi, Woharida no Omi, Hodzumi no Omi, Yamashiro no Omi, Kamo no Kimi, Wono no Omi, Kahahe no Omi, Iwi no Omi, Kakimoto no Omi, Karobe no Omi, Waka-zakurabe no Omi, Kishida no Omi, Takamuko no Omi, Shishi-bito no Omi, Kume no Omi, Inugami no Kimi, Kamidzukenu no Kimi, Tsunu no Omi, Hoshikaha no Omi, Oho no Omi, Munagata no Kimi, Kuruma-mochi no Kimi, Aya no Kimi, Shimoji no Omi, Iga no Omi, Abe no Omi, Hayashi no Omi, Hami no Omi, Shimodzukenu no Kimi, Sami no Kimi, Chi-mori no Omi, Ohono no Kimi, Sakamoto no Omi, Ikeda no Kimi, Tamate no Omi, and Kasa no Omi.

3rd day. The Governor of the province of Tosa reported that owing to a great tide which rose high, and an overflowing rush of sea-water, many of the ships used for conveying tribute had been sunk and lost.

21st day. At dusk the seven stars drifted together to the North-east and sank.

23rd day. At sunset a star fell in the quarter of the East as large as a jar. At the hour of the dog the constellations were wholly disordered, and stars fell like rain.

During this month there was a star which shot up in the zenith and proceeded along with the Pleiades until the end of the month, when it disappeared.

12th month, 2nd day. The title of Sukune was granted to fifty houses, viz. Ohotomo no Muraji, Saheki no Muraji, Adzumi no Muraji, Imbe no Muraji, Wohari no Muraji, Kura no Muraji, Nakatomi no Sakabito no Muraji, Hashi no Muraji, Harahibe no Muraji, Sakahibe no Muraji, Sakarawi no Tanabe no Muraji, Ifube no Muraji, Kannaibe no Muraji, Osakabe no Muraji, Kusakabe no Muraji, Miyake no Muraji, Kobe no Muraji, Tasuki no Muraji, Tajihi no Muraji, Yuki no Tajihi no Muraji, Nuribe no Muraji, Oho-yuye no Muraji, Waka-yuye no Muraji, Yuge no Muraji, Kami Hatori no Muraji, Nukatabe no Muraji, Tsumori no Muraji, Agata no Inukahi no Muraji, Waka-inukahi no Muraji, Tamanoya no Muraji, Nittabe no Muraji, Shidzuwori no Muraji, Hi no Muraji, Ofusama no Muraji, Yamabe no Muraji, Yatsume no Muraji, Sawi no Muraji, Tsume-takumi no Muraji, Ato no Muraji, Mamuta no Muraji, Tame no Muraji, Chihisakobe no Muraji, Uji no Muraji, Wi-tsukahi no Muraji, Ama no Inukahi no Muraji, Hashibito no Muraji, Usume no Muraji, Mino no Muraji, Moroahi no Omi, and Furu no Muraji.

6th day. Wohi, Hashi no Sukune, and Hōzen, Shirawi no Fubito, who had gone to the Land of Great Thang for study, and also Kobito Witsukahi no Muraji, and Tokuko, Tsukushi no Miyake no Muraji, who had been carried off to Great Thang during the Pèkché campaign, arrived by way of Silla. Accordingly Silla sent Kim Mul-yu, of Tè-nama rank, to escort Wohi and the others to Tsukushi.

13th day. There was a general pardon to all criminals except those guilty of capital crimes.

In this year it was notified to the four provinces of Iga, Ise, Mino, and Wohari, that for the future in years of payment of commuted taxes, forced labour would be remitted, and in years of forced labour, the commuted taxes would be remitted.

The lower district of Katsuraki in Yamato reported that there was a fowl with four legs.

Moreover the district of Higami in the province of Tamba reported that there was a calf with twelve horns.

14th year, Spring, 1st month, 2nd day. The public functionaries paid their respects at Court.

21st day. The styles of official ranks were reformed, and new grades added. There were two grades of Myō-i (bright-rank) and four grades of Jō-i (pure-rank), each grade being distinguished into Dai (great) and Kwō (broad), so as to form twelve grades in all. The above were for persons not below the rank of Princes.

Next there were four grades of Shō-i (true or first rank), four grades of Jiki-i (straight or direct rank), four grades of Gon-i (diligent-rank), four grades of Mu-i (earnest-rank), four grades of Tsui-i (following-rank), and four grades of Shin-i (advancing-rank). Each grade was divided into Dai and Kwō, so that there were in all forty-eight grades. The above were the ranks of high officials.

On this day, His Highness the Imperial Prince Kusakabe was granted the rank of Jō-kwō-ichi (pure-broad-first-rank), the Imperial Prince Ohotsu the rank of Jō-dai-ni (pure-great-second-rank), the Imperial Prince Takechi the rank of Jō-kwō-ni, the Imperial Prince Kahashima and the Imperial Prince Osakabe the rank of Jō-dai-san. The Princes of inferior rank and the high officials received steps in rank varying in each case.

2nd month, 4th day. Degrees of rank were granted to men of Great Thang, of Pèkché, and of Koryö, 147 persons in all.

3rd month, 14th day. Kim Mul-yu was entertained in Tsukushi, and straightway took his departure from there. Accordingly seven men of Silla who had been cast away on our coast were delivered to Mul-yu and sent back.

16th day. Shitanu, Kose no Ason, of Jiki-dai-san rank, the Mayor of the capital, died.

27th day. Orders were sent to all the provinces that in every house a Buddhist shrine should be provided, and an image of Buddha with Buddhist scriptures placed there. Worship was to be paid and offerings of food made at these shrines.

In this month there was a rain of ashes in the province of Shinano. The herbs and trees all withered up.

Summer, 4th month, 4th day. The Governor of the province of Kiï reported that the hot springs of Muro had dried up and ceased to flow.

12th day. Worship was paid to the Deities of Hirose and Tatsuta.

17th day. Kim Chu-san of Silla took his departure.

25th day. Priests and nuns were for the first time invited to come to the Palace for a "retreat."

5th month, 5th day. There was archery at the South Gate.

The Emperor visited the Temple of Asuka, presented to the Buddha precious objects, and paid him reverence.

19th day. Mabito, Ahada no Ason, of Jiki-dai-shi rank, offered to transfer his rank to his father, but by an Imperial order this was disallowed.

On this day, Hiromaro, Tahema no Mabito, of Jiki-dai-san rank, died. For his services in the year Midzunoye Saru, he was granted the posthumous rank of Jiki-dai-ichi.

26th day. Maro, Takamuku no Ason, Ushi-kahi, Tsunu no Ason, and their people arrived back from Silla. Along with them arrived the student priests Kwanjō and Unkwan. The King of Silla sent presents of two horses, three dogs, two parrots, two magpies, and a variety of valuable objects.

6th month, 20th day. Eleven houses were granted the title of Imiki, viz. Yamato no Muraji, Katsuraki no Muraji, Ofushi-kahachi no Muraji, Yamashiro no Muraji, Naniha no Muraji, Ki no Sakabito no Muraji, Higashi Aya no Muraji, Nishi Aya no Muraji, Hada no Muraji, Ohosumi no Atahe, and Fumi no Muraji.

Autumn, 7th month, 21st day. Worship was paid to the Deities of Hirose and Tatsuta.

26th day. The colours of the Court costumes for persons of the rank of Myō-i down to that of Shin-i were now settled for the first time. All persons of the rank of Jō-i and above wore red, those of Shō-i rank deep purple, those of Jiki-i rank light purple, those of Gon-i rank dark green, those of Mu-i rank light green, those of Tsui-i rank deep grape-colour, and those of Shin-i rank light grape-colour.

27th day. The Emperor made a decree, saying:—"All persons of rank in the provinces of the Tō-san-dō from Mino eastwards, and of the Tō-kai-dō from Ise eastwards, are absolved from rendering forced labour."

8th month, 12th day. The Emperor visited the Temple of Jōdoji.

13th day. The Emperor visited the Temple of Kahara, and gave alms of rice to the company of priests.

20th day. The Envoys sent to Tamna returned.

9th month, 9th day. The Emperor gave a banquet in the Court of the Audience Hall of the old Palace.

On this day presents of cloth of various values were given to everyone from the Prince Imperial down to the Imperial Prince Osakabe.

11th day. Prince Miyatoko, Prince Hirose, Prince Naniha, Prince Takeda, and Prince Mino were sent to the capital and to the Home provinces, each to hold an examination of the arms of the militia.

15th day. Ushikahi, Tsunu no Ason, of Jiki-kwō-shi rank, was appointed Commissioner for the Tōkaido, Mushina, Ishikaha no Ason, of Jiki-kwō-shi rank, Commissioner for the Tō-san-do, Sukunamaro, Sami no Ason, of Jiki-kwō-shi rank, Commissioner for the Sanyō-do, Ahaji, Kose no Ason, of Jiki-kwō-shi rank, Commissioner for the San-in-do, Tomi, Michi no Mabito, of Jiki-kwō-san rank, Commissioner for the Nan-kai-do , and Hirotari, Saheki no Sukune, of Jiki-kwō-shi rank, Commissioner for Tsukushi. Each took with him one Hangwan and one secretary, and made a tour to inspect the governors of provinces and of districts and the condition of the people.

On this day the Emperor made a decree, saying:—"Let all singers, whether male or female, and all flute-players, transmit their art to their descendants, and make them practise singing and the flute."

28th day. The Emperor took his place in the Great Hall of Audience, summoned to him the Princes and Ministers before the Hall, and made them gamble.

On this day the Emperor made presents of the Imperial upper garments and trousers to Prince Miyatoko, Prince Naniha, Prince Takeda, Tomotari, Mikuni no Mabito, Ohotomo, Agata no Inukahi no Sukune, Miyuki, Ohotomo no Sukune, Ihashiki, Sakahibe no Sukune, Homuchi, Oho no Ason, Tsukura, Uneme no Ason, and Ohoshima, Fujihara no Ason, ten persons in all.

19th day. The Emperor gave presents of Polar bear-skins and of skins of the mountain-goat to forty-eight Princes and Ministers from the Prince Imperial downwards, of varying value in each case.

20th day. The Envoys sent to the Land of Koryö returned.

24th day. On account of the Emperor being unwell, Buddhist scriptures were read for three days in the Great Temple of the Great Palace, and in the Temples of Kahara and Asuka. Rice was accordingly given to these three temples, in amounts varying in each case.

27th day. The immigrants from Koryö received presents of various amounts.

Winter, 10th month, 4th day. The Pèkché priest Syang-hwi was allowed a fief of thirty houses. This priest was a hundred years old.

8th day. Pöp-chang, a priest of Pèkché, and Gonju, Masuda no Atahe, a lay member of the Buddhist Church, were sent to Mino to make an infusion of Wokera. They were accordingly given presents of coarse silk, floss silk, and cloth.

10th day. Tarise, Karobe no Ason, Nihinomi, Takada no Obito, and Maro, Aredawo no Muraji, were sent to Shinano with instructions to prepare a temporary Palace. The intention probably was that the Emperor should visit the hot springs of Tsukama.

12th day. Prince Hatsuse of Jō-dai-shi rank, Uma-kahi, Kose no Ason, of Jiki-kwō-shi rank, with Hangwan and inferior officers to the number of twenty persons in all, were appointed to carry out the works in the Home provinces.

17th day. Prince Ise and his colleagues went again to the Eastern provinces. They accordingly received presents of upper garments and trousers.

In this month the "Kongō-hanya Sutra" was expounded in the Palace.

11th month, 2nd day, Ten thousand kin of store-iron were sent to the prefecture of Suwo. On the demand of the Viceroy of Tsukushi the following store articles were sent down to Tsukushi, viz. 100 hiki of coarse silk, 100 kin of raw silk, 300 tan of cloth, 400 pieces of tax-cloth, 10,000 kin of iron, and 2000 bundles of bamboos for making arrows.

4th day. The Emperor gave orders to the provinces in all quarters, saying:—"All such things as great and small horns, drums, fifes, flags, crossbows, and stone-throwing engines should not be kept in private houses; they should all be stored in the Government house of the district."

6th day. The Emperor visited the park of Shira-nishiki.

The priests Pöp-chang and Gonju presented to the Emperor an infusion of Wokera.

On this day the ceremony of "calling on the spirit" was performed for the Emperor's sake.

27th day. Silla sent Kim Chi-syang, of Pha-chin-son rank, and Kim Kön-hun, of Tè-ason rank, to request governance and to bring tribute.

12th month, 4th day. The frontier guards sent to Tsukushi were tossed about in mid ocean, and all lost their clothing. Accordingly 450 tan of cloth were sent to Tsukushi to make clothing for them.

10th day. There was an earthquake. It began from the West.

16th day. Alms of coarse silk, floss silk, and cloth were given to the priests of the Great Temple in the Great Palace.

19th day. The Empress-consort presented the Princes and high officials, to the number of fifty-five persons, with Court costume, one suit to each.

Shuchō, 1st year, Spring, 1st month, 2nd day. The Emperor took his place in the Great Hall of Audience and gave a banquet to the Princes and High Officials.

On this day the Emperor decreed, saying:—"We shall now propose conundrums to the Princes and High Officials, and we promise prizes to those who give the right answers."

Upon this the Imperial Prince Takechi gave the right answers to the questions and received a present of 3 suits of Imperial garments of hari-suri, 2 pairs of brocade trousers, with 20 hiki of coarse silk, 50 kin of raw silk, 100 kin of floss silk, and 100 tan of cloth. Prince Ise also gave right answers, and was presented with 3 suits of black Imperial garments, 2 pairs of purple trousers, 7 hiki of coarse silk, 20 kin of raw silk, 40 kin of floss silk, and 40 tan of cloth.

On this day Kudara no Nihiki, a man of the province of Settsu, presented to the Emperor a white agate.

9th day. An invitation was given to the three higher ecclesiastics, the Risshi, and also to the director and clerks of the Great Temple of the Great Palace, nine priests in all, and they were entertained at a lay banquet. Moreover alms were given them of coarse silk, floss silk, and cloth, varying in value in the case of each.

10th day. The Princes and High Officials received a present of upper garments and trousers, one suit each.

13th day. Men of talent, scholars, professors of Philosophy, and physicians, more than twenty persons in all, were summoned to the Palace. Food was given them and presents made to them.

14th day. At the hour of the cock the Treasury Department at Naniha took fire and all the Palace was burnt. Some said that the fire broke out in the house of Kusuri, Ato no Muraji, and that it spread from there to the Palace. But the Arsenal offices were not burnt.

16th day. The Emperor invited the Princes and High Officials to a banquet in the Great Audience Hall, and made them presents of coarse silk, floss silk, and cloth, varying according to the rank of each.

On this day conundrums were put to the Ministers, and more presents of fine and coarse silk given to those who made the right answers on the spot.

17th day. A banquet was given in the hinder Palace.

18th day. There was a great revel at Court.

On this day the Emperor took his place in front of the Imperial muro building and made presents to performers, of various values. He also gave presents of clothing to singers.

9th day. There was an earthquake.

In this month Prince Kahachi, of Jō-kwō-shi rank, Yasumaro, Ohotomo no Sukune, of Jiki-kwō-san rank, Ohoshima Fujihara no Ason, of Jiki-dai-shi rank, Konoshiro, Sakahibe no Sukune, of Jiki-kwō-shi rank, and Mushimaro, Hodzumi no Ason, of Jiki-kwō-shi rank, were sent to Tsukushi to entertain Kim Chi-syang, of Silla.

2nd month, 4th day. The Emperor took his place in the Great Reception Hall and conferred the rank of Gon-i on six Ministers who attended him personally.

5th day. The Emperor commanded that nine meritorious governors of provinces should be selected and the rank of Gon-i conferred on them.

3rd month, 6th day. Yakuni, Hata no Mabito, of Jiki-dai-san rank, holding the office of Daiben, took ill. On his behalf three men entered religion as priests.

10th day. Snow.

25th day. Yakuni, Hata no Mabito, died. On account of his services in the year Midzunoye Saru, he was granted the posthumous rank of Jiki-dai-ichi.

Summer, 4th month, 8th day. The rank of Jiki-kwō-shi was bestowed on Kato, Kuhabara no Sukuri, the Emperor's body-physician. He was also granted the title of Muraji.

13th day. For the entertainment of the Silla guests, the music of the Temple of Kahara was transported to Tsukushi. Accordingly, 5000 sheaves of rice, the private property of the Empress-consort's Palace, were paid to the Temple of Kahara.

19th day. The Silla tribute was brought up from Tsukushi. It consisted of more than 100 articles, including one good horse, one mule, two dogs, vessels of chased gold as well as gold and silver, rose-tinted brocades, silk gauze, tiger and leopard skins, and drugs. Moreover Chi-syang and Kön-hun presented separately such things as gold and silver, rose-tinted brocades, silk gauze, vessels of gold, screens, saddle-skins, thin cloth stuffs, and drugs, of each more than sixty kinds. There were separate presents for the Empress-consort, the Prince Imperial, and the Princes of the Blood, a certain number of articles for each.

27th day. The Imperial Princess Taki, the Princess Yamashiro no hime, and the Lady Ishikaha were sent to the Shrine of Ise.

5th month, 9th day. The Imperial Princess Taki and her companions returned from Ise.

On this day Ök-in, a man of Pèkché, the body-physician of the Emperor, took ill. When he was on the point of death, he was granted the rank of Gon-dai-ichi and a fief of 100 houses.

14th day. By Imperial command, a fief of 700 houses was granted to the Great Temple of the Great Palace, and taxes given it to the amount of 30,000 sheaves (of rice).

17th day. Promotion in rank was granted to the officials of the Palace.

24th day. The Emperor's body was ill at ease. Accordingly the "Sutra of Yakushi" was expounded in the Temple of Kahara, and a "retreat" was held within the Palace.

29th day. Kim Chi-syang and his colleagues were entertained in Tsukushi. Each having received presents of various amounts, they took their departure from Tsukushi.

In this month, by Imperial command, the Ohotoneri of the Right and Left were sent to cleanse the Halls and Pagodas of the Temples. Accordingly a general pardon throughout the Empire was proclaimed, and the prisons were empty.

6th month, 1st day. Kachimaro, Tsukimoto no Sukuri, was granted the title of Muraji, raised to the rank of Gon-dai-ichi, and given a fief of twenty houses.

2nd day. Official rank was bestowed on thirty-four persons, including architects, professors of philosophy, body-physicians of the Emperor, students of Great Thang, and one or two officials.

7th day. A selection was made of twenty-eight functionaries who had rendered good service, and they were promoted in rank.

10th day. It was ascertained by divination that the Emperor's disease was owing to a curse from the Kusa-nagi sword. The same day it was sent to the shrine of Atsuta, in Wohari, and deposited there.

12th day. Prayer was made for rain.

16th day. Prince Ise and a number of officials were sent to the Temple of Asuka, to communicate to the priests the Emperor's commands, as follows:—"Of late Our body is ill at ease, and We request that the dread power of the Three Precious Things may be invoked, in order to obtain repose for Our person. Let the Sōjō, the Sōdzu, and the general body of priests therefore put up prayers." Offerings of rare and valuable things were accordingly made to the Three Precious Things. On this day the three higher ecclesiastics, with the Risshi and the abbots of the four temples, the directors, and the priests of professorial rank then in residence, received each alms of one suit of Imperial garments and one Imperial coverlet.

19th day. Public functionaries were sent to the Temple of Kahara to exhibit lanterns and make offerings of food. So there was a great vegetarian feast, and repentance was made for sin.

20th day. The priests Hōjin and Gishō were granted fiefs of thirty houses each, to support them in their old age.

22nd day. The kitchen office at Nabari was burnt.

Autumn, 7th month, 2nd day. The Emperor commanded that men should again wear leggings, and that women should let down their hair on their backs, as was formerly the practice.

On this day the Sōjō and Sōdzu came into the Palace, and performed a penitential service.

3rd day. The Emperor commanded the provinces to perform the ceremony of Oho-barahi.

4th day. Half the commuted taxes were remitted throughout the Empire, and all forced labour was dispensed with.

5th day. Offerings were made to Kuni-gakari no Kami, who dwells in the province of Kiĭ, to the four shrines of Asuka, and to the Great God of Sumiyoshi.

8th day. One hundred priests were invited into the Palace, and made to read the Kon-kwō-myō Sutra.

10th day. There was lightning in the south, with a great clap of thunder. The buildings used by the Department of the Interior, for the storage of tax-cloth, met with destruction from Heaven. Some said that the fire broke out in the Palace of the Imperial Prince Osakabe, and that it spread to the Department of the Interior.

15th day. The Emperor gave orders that all matters of the Empire, without distinction of great and small, should be referred to the Empress-consort and the Prince Imperial.

On this day a general amnesty was granted.

16th day. Worship was paid to the Deities of Hirose and Tatsuta.

19th day. An Imperial edict was issued, as follows:—"Let all common people throughout the Empire who, owing to poverty, have contracted debts in rice or in valuables, whether to the State or to private persons, on or before the 30th day of the 12th month of the year Kinoto Tori (685) be absolved from payment."

22nd day. The style of the year was changed to Shuchō, 1st year. [The characters 朱鳥 are read aka-mitori, red-august-bird.] The Palace was accordingly entitled the Palace of Asuka no Kiyomibara.

28th day. Seventy persons of pure conduct were selected to retire from the world. A feast of vegetable food was provided in the Palace in front of the Emperor's muro residence.

In this month the Princes and Ministers made images of Kwannon, for the Emperor's sake. Accordingly the Kwan-ze-on Sutra was expounded in the Great Temple of the Great Palace.

8th month, 1st day. For the sake of the Emperor, eighty priests were received into religion.

2nd day. Priests and nuns, to the number of 100 in all, entered religion. Accordingly, 100 Bosatsu were set up within the Palace, and 200 volumes of the Kwannon Sutra read.

9th day. On account of the illness of the Emperor, prayer was made to the (Shintō) Gods of Heaven and Earth.

13th day. Ihakatsu, Hada no Imiki, was sent to make offerings to the Great God of Tosa.

On this day the Prince Imperial, the Imperial Prince Ohotsu, and the Imperial Prince Takechi had each 400 houses added to their fiefs. The Imperial Princes Kahashima and Osakabe had each additions of 100 houses.

15th day. The Imperial Princes Shiki and Shigi received additions of 200 houses each.

The Temples of Hinokuma, Karu, and Ohokubo were each granted fiefs of 100 houses, limited to a term of thirty years.

23rd day. A fief of 200 houses was granted to the Temple of Kose.

9th month, 4th day. All, from the Princes of the Blood down to the Ministers, assembled in the Temple of Kahara, and put up vows for the Emperor's illness, etc., etc.

9th day. The Emperor's disease having shown no sign of abatement, he died in the principal Palace.

11th day. Lament was begun for him, and a temporary burial Palace erected in the South Court.

24th day. The Emperor was temporarily interred in the South Court and mourning began.

At this time the Imperial Prince Ohotsu conspired against the Prince Imperial.

27th day. At dawn, all the priests and nuns having made lament in the Court of Temporary Interment, retired.

On this day, for the first time, offerings were made at the tomb and eulogies pronounced.

First of all, Aragama, Ohomi no Sukune, pronounced a eulogy regarding the Imperial Princes; next, Prince Ise, of Jō-dai-shi rank, pronounced a eulogy regarding the other Princes; next, Ohotomo, Agata no Mukahi no Sukune, of Jiki-dai-san rank, pronounced a eulogy regarding the officials of the Household generally; next, Prince Kahachi, of Jō-kwō-shi rank, pronounced a eulogy regarding the Ohotoneri of the right and left; next, Kunimi, Tahema no Mabito, of Jiki-dai-san rank, pronounced a eulogy regarding the Guards of the right and left; next, Tsukura, Uneme no Ason, of Jiki-dai-shi rank, pronounced a eulogy regarding the lady officials of the Palace; and next, Mabito, Ki no Ason, of Jiki-kwō-shi rank, pronounced a eulogy regarding the Stewards of the Palace.

28th day. All the priests and nuns again made lament in the Court of Temporary Interment.

On this day, Miaruji, Fuse no Ason, of Jiki-dai-shi rank, pronounced a eulogy regarding the Council of State; next, Maro, Isonokami no Ason, of Jiki-kwō-san rank, pronounced a eulogy regarding the judicial officers; next, Takechi-maro, Oho-miwa no Ason, of Jiki-dai-shi rank, pronounced a eulogy regarding the administrative officials; next, Yasumaro, Ohotomo no Sukune, of Jiki-kwō-san rank, pronounced a eulogy regarding the Treasury; and next, Ohoshima, Fujihara no Ason, of Jiki-dai-shi rank, pronounced a eulogy regarding the war officials.

29th day. The priests and nuns again raised lament.

On this day, Maro, Abe no Kunu no Ason, of Jiki-kwō-shi rank, pronounced a eulogy regarding the Board of Punishments; next, Yumibari, Ki no Ason, of Jiki-kwō-shi rank, pronounced a eulogy regarding the Department of the Interior; next, Mushi-maro, Hodzumi no Ason, of Jiki-kwō-shi rank, pronounced a eulogy regarding the Governors of Provinces; next, the Ohosumi no Ata no Hayato, and the two Muma-kahi-be no Miyakko of Yamato and Kahachi each pronounced eulogies.

30th day. The priests and nuns made lament.

On this day, the Pèkché prince Nyang-u pronounced a eulogium on behalf of his father, Prince Chön-kwang. Next, the Miyakko of the various provinces, as they came, each pronounced his eulogy. There were also performances of all manner of singing and dancing.