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Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan)
Prince Toneri and O no Yasumaro
The second-oldest book of classical Japanese history, providing alternative versions of myths found in the Kojiki and additional material.
Notable Academic Translations
W.G. Aston (1896)
Recommended Reading Order
Read the opening cosmogony of Book I alongside Book II's account of the Tenson Korin (Divine Descent), the core mythological narrative of Japanese history.
Canonical Figures in this Text
Key heroes and divinities who feature prominently across the chapters of this work
Deities & Immortals
Amaterasu
Supreme solar ruler whose divine decree commands her grandson Ninigi to govern the terrestrial realm
Age of the Gods, Books I-II
Susanoo
Storm brother whose pact with Amaterasu produces divine offspring and whose trials shape ritual kingship
Age of the Gods, Book I
Izanagi
Primordial male deity whose ritual dialogues established ancient customs of marriage and purification
Age of the Gods, Book I
Izanami
Primordial female deity whose binding covenant created mortal life cycles
Age of the Gods, Book IKey Dramatic Scenes
Pivotal passages and mythological turning points recorded in this canon
- I
The Primordial Separation of Heaven and Earth
(Book I)The chronicle begins in stately classical prose: 'Of old, Heaven and Earth were not yet separated... forming a chaotic mass like an egg, wherein the clear and pure formed Heaven while the heavy and gross settled as Earth.'
- II
The Descent of the Heavenly Grandson (Tenson Korin)
(Book II)Amaterasu entrusts Ninigi-no-Mikoto with the Three Sacred Treasures (Mirror, Jewel, Sword), saying: 'The Reed-Plain-1500-Autumn-Fair-Rice-Ear Land is the realm which my descendants shall govern.'
Stories Sourced from this Work
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.