The Legendary First Emperor - The Story of Emperor Jinmu(First half)
- Prologue
Amaterasu Omikami's grandson, Ninigi no Mikoto, descended to earth and built the foundations of Japanese rule.
(Art.Mochida daisuke)
A boy of his bloodline, Kamuyamato Iwarebiko, was born in Hyuga (present-day Miyazaki Prefecture).
With the mission of building a stronger and more prosperous country in his heart, he sets out for Yamato (present-day Nara Prefecture).
Awaiting him are a series of trials and battles.
After overcoming many hardships, he finally becomes the first emperor, Emperor Jimmu.
This eastern expedition is not a conquest, but a journey that tests the virtue and wisdom of a true king.
And it was the beginning of a grand story that built the foundations of Japan.
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- Chapter 1: The decision to set out
1. Kamuyamato Iwarebiko in his childhood
Kamuyamato Iwarebiko was born in Hyuga (Miyazaki Prefecture).
As the son of a clan descended from the heavenly grandson Ninigi-no-Mikoto, he was respected by the people from birth.
From an early age, he excelled in intelligence and bravery, excelled in swordsmanship and archery, and had the power to move people with his words.
However, he was not arrogant, and was aware of his destiny, and trained every day.
One day during a festival, while the people were celebrating a bountiful harvest, his heart was clouded, and he gazed toward the distant east.
"This land is peaceful. But can I be satisfied here?"
2. Heavenly Revelation
Hyuga was a warm and fertile land, but doubts were growing in his heart.
"Is it the gods' wish for me to stay here?"
That night, he had a dream.
(Art.Mochida daisuke)
He stood on a misty grassland, with mountains and rivers stretching out in the distance.
The sky shone brightly, and the gods of Takamagahara appeared.
And then Amaterasu Omikami spoke. "Go east. There you will find the country you will rule."
When he wakes up, he is convinced that this is a revelation.
3. Decision with his brothers
He gathers his brothers and tells them about his dream.
"I heard the voice of Amaterasu Omikami. Go east."
His brothers listen quietly and are moved by his strong determination.
They unfold a map and arrive at Yamato (Nara).
Yamato is surrounded by mountains, has rivers, is rich in land, and is home to many powerful clans.
They believed that this land of constant conflict was the perfect place to build a new country.
"Let's go east. There is the country we will rule."
Thus began the journey to carve out the future of Japan.
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- Chapter 2: The first battle and the death of his brother
In northern Kyushu, the powerful Kumaso clan, based in southern Kyushu, boasted their influence.
They would never accept invaders, and as soon as they heard that Kamuyamatoiwarebiko's army had landed, they immediately prepared to intercept them.
The fierce battle begins
Flags fly across the plains, and battle cries resound.
Kamuyamatoiwarebiko himself leads the charge, fighting bravely with his sword.
However, the Kumaso tribe fight back with ambushes and surprise attacks that make use of the mountains.
The situation becomes increasingly severe as the Kumaso tribe is at the mercy of this new tactic.
The end of his brother
As the battlefield falls into chaos, arrows rain down, and one pierces his brother, Itsuse-no-mikoto's, chest.
He falls to his knees, collapses in the mud, and quietly murmurs.
"We are the children of the sun god... this way of fighting goes against the laws of heaven..."
With those final words, he closes his eyes.
A new determination
Kamuyamatoiwarebiko keeps his brother's words in his heart.
"Instead of attacking from the west, shouldn't we advance facing the sun?"
He withdraws his army and makes a major shift in his marching direction to an eastward route.
From here, a new path opens up.
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- Chapter 3: Advance with the Sun
After his defeat against the Kumaso, Kamu Yamato Iwarebiko realizes the limitations of advancing from the west and withdraws his army and reconsiders his strategy.
"Advance with the sun, not with the sun at your back" - with the words of his brother Itsuse no Mikoto in mind, he chooses a route around the east and heads for Yamato via the Kii Peninsula.
Battles and alliances along the Seto Inland Sea coast
He encounters resistance in various places along the way.
Aki (Hiroshima Prefecture): A powerful clan attempts a surprise attack, but he blocks the mountain pass at night and defeats them.
Kibi (Okayama Prefecture): He avoids fighting a powerful clan and sends messengers to form an alliance.
This allows them to consolidate supplies and make full preparations to march towards Yamato.
Battle with Aniiso and Otoiso
The brothers Aniiso and Otoiso stand in the way at the entrance to Yamato.
The cold-hearted Aniiso focuses on defense, while the brave Otoiso repeatedly charges.
Kamuyamatoiwarebiko divides his troops to surround the area, gradually causing the defensive line to crumble.
He finally kills Otoiso, and Aniiso surrenders.
To the Land of Yamato
The fertile land of Yamato spreads out before him.
Surrounded by mountains and flowing rivers, this land was the ideal country he had been seeking.
However, up ahead was awaiting one final powerful enemy who would decide the country's future.
