Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters)

The Kojiki, also known as the Records of Ancient Matters, is the oldest surviving chronicle in Japan, compiled in 712 CE by Ō no Yasumaro at the request of Empress Genmei. This seminal work is a collection of myths, legends, hymns, genealogies, and historical accounts that trace the origins of the Japanese archipelago, the kami (deities), and the imperial lineage. The Kojiki is divided into three volumes: the Kamitsumaki (upper volume), the Nakatsumaki (middle volume), and the Shimotsumaki (lower volume). The text begins with the creation myth, detailing the formation of heaven and earth and the birth of the gods. It then chronicles the divine origins of the Japanese emperors, providing a sacred foundation for the imperial family's authority. The Kojiki also includes numerous stories that illustrate the customs, beliefs, and values of ancient Japanese society. Basil Hall Chamberlain's translation, first published in 1882, remains one of the most respected English versions of the Kojiki. His work provides a comprehensive and accessible interpretation of this foundational text, making it available to a wider audience.