The Legendary First Emperor - The Story of Emperor Jinmu
Emperor Jinmu is regarded as the first emperor of Japan and a mythical figure who serves as the founder of the Japanese Imperial Family.
His story is recorded in the Nihon Shoki and Kojiki and forms the core of Japan's foundation myth.
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- Background of Emperor Jimmu
- Lineage: A direct descendant of Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess, and the great-grandchild of Ninigi-no-Mikoto, who descended to Earth in the *Tenson Kōrin* myth.
- Name: "Kamuyamato Iwarebiko no Mikoto."
- Birthplace: Takachiho in present-day Miyazaki Prefecture.
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- The Eastern Expedition of Emperor Jimmu
The central theme of Emperor Jinmu's story is his journey, known as the "Eastern Expedition," from Kyushu to the Yamato region (present-day Nara Prefecture).
Purpose of the Journey
- To leave Kyushu and establish Yamato, a more prosperous land, as the new center of governance.
1. Departure from Hyuga
- Emperor Jinmu and his kin led a fleet eastward from Hyuga in Kyushu.
2. Trials in the Kumano Region
- Upon reaching the Kumano Peninsula, they faced resistance from local natural and human forces, encountering great difficulties.
- In Kumano, the divine *Yatagarasu* (a three-legged crow) guided them, helping them overcome these challenges.
3. Battle with Nagasunehiko
- In the Yamato region, they engaged in fierce battles against Nagasunehiko, the local ruler.
- With the aid of the gods, Emperor Jinmu defeated Nagasunehiko and secured control over Yamato.
4. Enthronement at Kashihara Palace
- In 660 BCE, Emperor Jinmu established his capital in Kashihara (present-day Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture) and ascended to the throne as emperor.
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- The Significance of Emperor Jinmu
Emperor Jinmu represents the origins of the Imperial Family and serves as a symbolic starting point for the Japanese nation.
- Imperial Legitimacy
- By tracing his lineage to Amaterasu, Emperor Jinmu emphasized the "sacred" and "legitimate" nature of the emperor's existence.
- Symbol of Nationhood
- The date of Emperor Jinmu's enthronement is celebrated as Japan's National Foundation Day (February 11).
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- Mythical Elements
- Yatagarasu: A divine three-legged crow that guided Emperor Jinmu in the Kumano region. It is also the symbol of the Japan Football Association.
- Tenson Kōrin: The descent of Ninigi-no-Mikoto to Earth by the command of Amaterasu, marking the link between the heavens and the human world.
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- Shrines Dedicated to Emperor Jinmu
Emperor Jinmu is venerated at various shrines across Japan. The most notable include:
- Kashihara Shrine (Nara Prefecture): Built on the site where Emperor Jinmu ascended to the throne.
- Miyazaki Shrine (Miyazaki Prefecture): Dedicated to Emperor Jinmu's birthplace.
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- Debate on Historical Existence
While Emperor Jinmu's story is a significant part of Japan's founding myth, there is no historical evidence to confirm his existence.
Scholars widely regard it as a mythological narrative, but for the Japanese, it remains a unique intersection of history and mythology.
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- Conclusion
Emperor Jinmu is a pivotal figure in Japanese mythology, symbolizing the beginning of Japan as a nation.
Through his story, one can explore the origins of Japanese culture and history, while gaining insight into the background of the Imperial Family and Japanese mythology.