Gods Roam (On Japan's "Kojiki")

Author: Ibaraki Takeshi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-05-01
Features: This book is one of the earliest and most representative theories by the author on ancient Japanese studies. The Kojiki is an extremely important work for studying the formation and development of political, historical, religious, literary, and mythological aspects of ancient Japan. It was long kept secret within the imperial family and only revealed to the public in later generations, so there are many mysteries about this book that remain unsolved to this day. The author analyzes The Kojiki against the backdrop of the politics, ideology, and religion of the 8th and 7th centuries when it was formed. Through extensive existing historical records and field investigations, the author deduces that the main author of The Kojiki, Taro no Arisue, was the most powerful political figure of the time, Fujiwara no Fuhitoki, and has found a key to solving the mysteries of The Kojiki. This reveals the true motives and intentions of the imperial court and its favored officials in compiling The Kojiki, as well as how they utilized historical records and legends scattered among the imperial family and various clans to serve the establishment of a centralized imperial system and the long-term dominant rule of the Fujiwara clan.