The Chronicles of Japan

This book is the foremost work of Japan's official histories and the first of the "Six National Histories" compiled by the court. It recounts Japanese mythology and history from the age of the gods to the abdication of Empress Jito in 697, and is the most important work on Japanese mythology and early history.

Emperor Tenmu ordered its compilation after taking the throne following his victory in the Jinshin War. It was completed and presented in 720.

The book consists of 30 volumes, written in classical Chinese and modeled loosely on the imperial annals of China's ancient official histories. It organizes Japan's diverse myths into a system and emphasizes the divine lineage of the emperors. In addition to the political, economic, and religious activities of successive emperors, it also covers Japan's diplomatic relations with China and Korea in considerable detail, making it exceptionally valuable.

In Japan, this book and the Kojiki are collectively known as the Kiki. The court has long held regular recitations and studies of the texts, which are among the essential works for understanding Japanese culture and history.