"Kojiki" was written in 712 AD. It is Japan's oldest history book and the first official history book compiled by the Japanese emperor to trace the roots of the nation. The whole book is divided into three volumes: Volume One, Volume Two, and Volume Two. The first volume records myths and legends, recording the origins of Japanese gods, while the middle and second volumes record the stories of the thirty-three generations of Japanese emperors from Emperor Jimmu to Emperor Suiko.
This book combines historical facts and fiction, covering creation myths, primitive ballads, heroic legends, folk tales, etc. It is a historical classic for one-step understanding of Japan's origins. It is also an excellent literary work and a must-read classic for understanding Japan's unique spiritual temperament and national characteristics. From the ancient division of heaven and earth to the establishment of the inheritance of the emperor's divine line, this book understands Japan's magnificent history from the creation of the world to the era of the ancient emperors.
This version refers to the Japanese original version and other versions as well as the Japanese official website information to check for errors, and adopts Zhou Zuoren's classic translation. Zhou Zuoren has studied Japanese culture for more than fifty years and is deeply familiar with Japanese culture and people's unique mental state. Zhou's profound translation provides a solid and detailed background supplement for the text.
Using Satan-kun's newly drawn full-color illustrations, it covers six of Japan's most classic mythological characters and stories.
Reader comments
I remembered listening to my grandfather telling stories when I was a child. The myths and legends in the book gave me a deeper understanding of Japanese culture. Moreover, Zhou Zuoren's translation is exquisite, as friendly as chatting with a friend. The full-color illustrations of Satan-kun are also exquisite, which made me feel the charm of Japanese mythology more intuitively. Recommended to friends who are interested in Japanese culture!
I remembered listening to my grandfather telling stories when I was a child. The myths and legends in the book gave me a deeper understanding of Japanese culture. Moreover, Zhou Zuoren's translation is exquisite, as friendly as chatting with a friend. The full-color illustrations of Satan-kun are also exquisite, which made me feel the charm of Japanese mythology more intuitively. Recommended to friends who are interested in Japanese culture!