This book is the first official history of Japan and the first type of official "History of the Six Kingdoms". It describes Japanese mythology and history from the Mythical Age to the abdication of Emperor Chitō (697). It is the most important work on Japanese mythology and early history.
The book was compiled and edited under the order of Emperor Tenmu (reigned 673-686) after his victory in the Imshin Rebellion and his accession to the throne. It was completed and submitted in 720.
The book consists of thirty volumes, written in Chinese classical Chinese, and is somewhat similar to the official history of ancient China: The Chronicle of the Emperors. This book sorts out Japan's complicated mythology into a system, highlighting the divinely-ordained lineage of the emperors. In addition to the political, economic, and religious activities of each generation of emperors, it also extensively touches on the diplomatic relations with China and North Korea, which is extremely valuable.
In Japan, this book and the "Kojiki" are collectively known as the "Chronicles" and are regularly read and studied by the imperial court. It is one of the basic works for understanding Japanese culture and history.
