The Chronicles of Japan

The Chronicles of Japan--or The Nihon Shoki--compiled in 720 CE, is the oldest official history of the Japanese state. Following a 672 coup, the state of Wa renamed itself Japan and produced this dynastic historical text, legitimizing its hegemony of the archipelago. The first volume begins with the creation of the universe and the divine genealogy that underpins imperial legitimacy. Although the text was originally produced as a record of dynastic history, it is now considered the single most valuable source of information about the life, language, culture, myths, and customs of early Japan. To this day it inspires new adaptations in film, media, and video games.

Written in Literary Sinitic with vernacular Japanese notes and songs, the text illustrates the process by which non-Chinese speaking peoples adapted Classical Chinese script and syntax to inscribe their own languages. Matthieu Felt's full English translation of this text is accompanied by explanatory notes, maps, and charts, making it valuable to any reader interested in the history of Japan, Shinto, mythology, the history of writing, Japanese literature and culture, and premodern Asian history.