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Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters)
O no Yasumaro
The oldest surviving chronicle of Japan, containing myths of creation, the divine couple Izanagi and Izanami, and the sun goddess Amaterasu.
Notable Academic Translations
Basil Hall Chamberlain (1882)Donald L. Philippi (1968)Gustav Heldt (2014)
Recommended Reading Order
Begin with Chapter 17 (the Heavenly Rock Cave) and Chapter 19 (the slaying of Yamata-no-Orochi), then read Chapters 3-10 for the island creation and Izanagi's eerie descent into Yomi.
Canonical Figures in this Text
Key heroes and divinities who feature prominently across the chapters of this work
Deities & Immortals
Amaterasu
Great August Sun Goddess born from Izanagi's left eye, sovereign ruler of Takamagahara (High Plain of Heaven)
Chapters 11-17
Susanoo
Fierce storm god born from Izanagi's nose, exiled for rebelliousness, who slays the eight-headed dragon Yamata-no-Orochi
Chapters 11-19
Izanagi
The Male-Who-Invites, creator who churned the islands of Japan and journeyed to the underworld of Yomi
Chapters 3-10
Izanami
The Female-Who-Invites, creator who died giving birth to the fire god Kagutsuchi and became ruler of Yomi
Chapters 3-9
Tsukuyomi
Radiant moon god born from Izanagi's right eye during his purifying bath, assigned dominion over the night
Chapter 11
Ame-no-Uzume
Goddess of ecstatic dance who coaxes Amaterasu out of the Heavenly Rock Cave with laughter and performance
Chapter 17
Okuninushi
Benevolent earth ruler of Izumo who survives eighty jealous brothers and heals the White Hare of Inaba
Chapters 20-27Key Dramatic Scenes
Pivotal passages and mythological turning points recorded in this canon
- I
Churning of the Primordial Island
(Chapter 3)Standing upon the Floating Bridge of Heaven, Izanagi and Izanami stir the brine with the Jeweled Spear; drops falling from its tip congeal to form Onogoro Island.
- II
The Descent into Yomi and the Great Cleansing
(Chapters 9-10)Izanagi seeks Izanami in the land of the dead, breaks his promise not to gaze upon her rotting corpse, flees from thunder demons, and cleanses himself in the river, birthing Amaterasu, Tsukuyomi, and Susanoo.
- III
The Retreat into the Heavenly Rock Cave (Ama-no-Iwato)
(Chapter 17)Grieved by Susanoo's violent rampages, Amaterasu conceals herself in the cave, plunging the world into darkness until Ame-no-Uzume's joyful dance brings laughter and coaxes her into the mirror's light.
- IV
Slaying the Yamata-no-Orochi
(Chapter 19)Susanoo intoxicates the eight-headed serpent of Koshi with refined sake, hacks it to pieces with his sword, and discovers the legendary blade Ame-no-Murakumo (Kusanagi) in its tail.
Source Passages and Editorial Notes
Direct quotations are distinguished from editorial paraphrases and records awaiting verification.
Ref: Amaterasu and Susanoo episode
Editorial paraphraseThereupon the Great August Deity Amaterasu, terrified at the sight, opened the Heavenly Rock Cave and secluded herself within. Then all the Plain of High Heaven was obscured, and the Central Land of Reed Plains was entirely enveloped in darkness, so that constant night prevailed.
Translator: Adapted translation; not verified against Chamberlain or PhilippiEditorial adaptation; Chamberlain and Philippi not checked
Featured in Amaterasu and the Heavenly Cave →Ref: Amaterasu and Susanoo episode
Editorial paraphraseThen Ame-no-Uzume bound up her sleeves with clubmoss and overturned a sounding tub before the cave door, stamping rhythmically upon it until she became divinely possessed, baring her breasts and loosening her skirt. Thereupon the High Plain of Heaven shook, and the eight million kami laughed together in joy.
Translator: Adapted translation; not verified against PhilippiEditorial adaptation; Philippi not checked
Featured in Amaterasu and the Heavenly Cave →Ref: Amaterasu and Susanoo episode
Editorial paraphraseWhen the Great August Sun Goddess Amaterasu emerged from the Heavenly Rock Cave, both the High Plain of Heaven and the Central Land of Reed Plains spontaneously shone with radiant light once more.
Translator: Adapted translation; not verified against PhilippiEditorial adaptation; Philippi not checked
Featured in Amaterasu →Stories Sourced from this Work
The Creation of Japan
The primordial gods Izanagi and Izanami create the Japanese islands and countless kami, establishing the divine origins of Japan and its imperial line.
Amaterasu and the Heavenly Cave
When Susanoo's violence drives Amaterasu into hiding in a cave, the world falls into darkness. The gods devise a plan to lure her out, restoring light to the world. Explains the importance of ritual.
Susanoo and Yamata no Orochi
Exiled storm god Susanoo encounters an eight-headed, eight-tailed dragon terrorizing a family. He slays the beast and discovers the sacred sword Kusanagi in its tail.
Izanagi's Descent to Yomi
After his wife Izanami dies giving birth to the fire god, Izanagi descends to the underworld to bring her back. But when he breaks the taboo against looking at her, he sees her rotting corpse and must flee, sealing the boundary between life and death forever.
Hoori and Toyotama-hime
After losing his brother's magical fishhook, the hunter Hoori journeys to the palace of the sea god, where he wins the heart of the dragon princess Toyotama-hime. Their love produces an heir, but forbidden knowledge destroys their union.
The Banishment of Susanoo
Storm god Susanoo rages through Amaterasu’s heavenly fields, wrecking her loom and sacred halls until the sun goddess seals herself in a cave — and Susanoo is cast from heaven.
The Trials of Okuninushi
Okuninushi endures murder by jealous brothers, underworld tests from Susanoo, and the love of Suseri-hime before becoming the great earthly kami who “makes the land.”