Emperor Tenmu, Part Two天武天皇下

In spring, the first month, the first day being a jeonghae day, on the gyesa day wine was set out and a feast was given to the assembled ministers.

In the second month, the first day being a jeongsa day, on the gyemi day the emperor commanded the officials to set up an altar ground, and he ascended the throne of emperor at the Kiyomihara Palace of Asuka. He set up his chief consort as empress. The empress bore Prince Kusakabe no Mikoto.

Before this he had taken the empress's elder sister, Princess Ōta, as a consort. She bore Princess Ōku and Prince Ōtsu.

The next consort, Princess Ōe, bore Prince Naga and Prince Yuge. The next consort, Princess Niitabe, bore Prince Toneri.

Again, the lady Hikami no Iratsume, daughter of the minister Fujiwara, bore Princess Tajima. The next lady, Iohe no Iratsume, younger sister of Hikami no Iratsume, bore Prince Niitabe.

The next lady, Ōnu no Iratsume, daughter of the minister Soga no Akae, bore one son and two daughters. The first was Prince Hozumi. The second was Princess Ki. The third was Princess Tagata.

The emperor had first married Princess Nukata, daughter of Kagami no Ōkimi, and she bore Princess Tōchi.

Next he took Amako no Iratsume, daughter of Munakata no Kimi Tokuzen, and she bore Prince Takechi no Mikoto.

Next, Kajihime no Iratsume, daughter of Shishihito no Omi Ōmaro, bore two sons and two daughters. The first was Prince Osakabe. The second was Prince Shiki. The third was Princess Hatsusebe. The fourth was Princess Taki.

On the eulyu day ranks were given to those who had merit, each according to his degree.

In the third month, the first day being a byeongsul day, on the imin day the Kuni no Tsukasa of Bingo got a white pheasant in the district of Kameshi and presented it. Thereupon the taxes and labor of that district were all remitted, and a great amnesty was granted to the realm.

In this month scribes were gathered, and the whole of the scriptures was copied for the first time at Kawaradera.

In summer, the fourth month, the first day being a byeongjin day, on the gisa day, wishing to send Princess Ōku to serve at the shrine of Amaterasu Ōmikami, she was made to live in the palace of purification at Hatsuse. This was to cleanse her body first, so that she might draw near to the god by degrees.

In the fifth month, the first day being an eulyu day, a decree was given to the nobles and great officers and to the Omi, the Muraji and the Tomo no Miyatsuko.

"Let all who first enter service serve as Ōtoneri. After that, choose them by their ability and fill the fitting offices with them. As for women, ask not whether they have husbands or none, nor whether they are old or young. Let those who wish to come forward and serve be heard. Their rating and their choosing shall follow the rule for officials."

On the gyechuk day Sakamoto no Takara no Omi, of the rank of daikinjō, died. For his labor in the year of imsin he was given the rank of shōshi.

In the intercalary sixth month, the first day being an eulyu day, on the gyeongin day Sataek Somyeong (沙宅昭明) of Baekje, of the rank of daikinge, died. He was clever and wise by nature, and in his time was called a man of rare talent. At this the emperor was startled, and out of favor gave him the rank of gaishōshi, and further gave him the rank of daejwapyeong of his own country.

On the imjin day Tamna sent Prince Gumagi (久麻藝) and Dora (都羅) and Uma (宇麻) and the rest, and they offered tribute.

On the gihae day Silla sent Kim Seungwon (金承元) of the rank of hanachan, Kim Gisan (金祇山) of the rank of achan, and Sangseol (霜雪) of the rank of daesa, and the rest, to give greeting on his ascending the throne. They sent also Kim Saryu (金薩儒) of the rank of ilgilchan and Kim Jisan (金池山) of the rank of hanamal, and the rest, to mourn the death of the former emperor. Their escorting envoys Gwigan (貴干) and Bojinmo (寶真毛) brought Seungwon and Saryu as far as Tsukushi.

On the musin day Gwigan and Bo and the rest were entertained at Tsukushi, and gifts were given to each according to his degree. Then they went back to their country from Tsukushi.

In autumn, the eighth month, the first day being a gapsin day, on the imjin day a decree was made known to Ki no Omi Ahemaro and the rest, who were in the land of Iga, telling of their labor and merit in the year of imsin, and showing them favor and reward.

On the gyemyo day Goryeo sent Gamja (邯子), a widuedaehyeong of the upper division, and Seokgan (碩干), a daehyeong of the front division, and the rest, and they offered tribute. Silla then sent Kim Iik (金利益) of the rank of hanamal to bring the envoys of Goryeo as far as Tsukushi.

On the musin day twenty-seven men, those of middle rank and above among Kim Seungwon and his company who had come to give greeting on his ascending the throne, were called to the capital.

Thereupon the Ōmikotomochi was commanded to give this decree to the envoys of Tamna. "The emperor has newly brought peace to the realm, and has only now ascended the throne. For this reason none are called but the envoys who come to give greeting. This you have seen for yourselves. The season too is cold and the waves are rough, and a long stay here will only become a grief to you. Therefore you should return with speed."

Then the king of that country and the envoys Gumagi and the rest were given ranks for the first time. The rank was daiotsujō, and it was adorned besides with brocade and embroidery. It answers to the rank of jwapyeong of that country. So they went back from Tsukushi.

In the ninth month, the first day being a gyechuk day, on the gyeongjin day Kim Seungwon and his company were entertained at Naniwa, and music of many kinds was played. Gifts were given to each according to his degree.

In winter, the eleventh month, the first day being an imja day, Kim Seungwon took his leave and went home.

On the imsin day Gamja of Goryeo and Saryu of Silla and the rest were entertained at the Ōkōri of Tsukushi, and gifts were given to each according to his degree.

In the twelfth month, the first day being an imo day, on the byeongsul day gifts were given to all the Nakatomi and the Imbe and the officials of the gods who had served at the great tasting, and to the Kōri no Tsukasa of the two lands of Harima and Taniwa, and to the workmen under them as well. Thereupon each of the Kōri no Tsukasa was given one grade of rank.

On the musul day Mino no Ōkimi, of the rank of shōshi, and Ki no Omi Katamaro, of the rank of shōkinge, were appointed to the office that was to build the great temple of Takechi. At that time the priest Fukurin, who had charge of the work, pleaded his age and asked to be released from it, but he was not heard.

On the musin day the priest Gijō was made lesser bishop. On this day two more priests were added as assistants. The having of four assistants began at this time.

This year was the year taese gyeyu.

In spring, the first month, the first day being a sinhae day, on the gyeongsin day Changseong (昌成), king of Baekje, died. He was given the rank of shōshi.

In the second month, the first day being a sinsa day, on the musin day Ki no Omi Ahemaro died. The emperor grieved greatly for him, and for his labor in the war of the year of imsin gave him the rank of daishi.

In the third month, the first day being a gyeongsul day, on the byeongjin day Oshinumi no Miyatsuko Ōkuni, the governor of Tsushima, said: "Silver has come forth in this land for the first time. I present it herewith."

For this Ōkuni was given the rank of shōkinge. The having of silver in Yamato at all began at this time. Therefore it was all offered to the several gods, and given out as well to the great officers of the rank of shōkin and above.

In autumn, the eighth month, the first day being a muin day, on the gyeongjin day Prince Osakabe was sent to the shrine of Isonokami to have the sacred treasures polished with oil. On that same day a command was given: "Let the treasures that the several houses stored of old in the god's storehouse now all be given back to their children and grandchildren."

In winter, the tenth month, the first day being a jeongchuk day, on the eulyu day Princess Ōku went from the palace of purification at Hatsuse toward the shrine of Ise.

In spring, the first month, the first day being a byeongo day, the students of the Bureau of Learning, and the Bureau of Yin and Yang and the Outer Bureau of Medicine, and the women of Sawi (舍衛) and the women of Tara (墮羅), and Seon-gwang, king of Baekje, and the serving men of Silla, presented medicines and rare things.

On the jeongmi day the princes and all the officials below them did homage at court.

On the musin day all the officials of the initial rank (shoi) and upward presented firewood.

On the gyeongsul day a terrace for watching the stars was raised for the first time.

On the imja day a feast was given to the assembled ministers in the court.

On the imsul day the nobles and great officers and all the officials of the initial rank and upward shot with the bow in the court of the western gate. On this day also the land of Yamato presented an auspicious fowl, the eastern lands presented a white hawk, and the land of Ōmi presented a white kite.

On the mujin day offerings were made to the several shrines.

In the second month, the first day being an eulhae day, on the gyemi day a command was given to the lands of Yamato, Kawachi, Settsu, Yamashiro, Harima, Awaji, Taniwa, Tajima, Ōmi, Wakasa, Ise, Mino and Owari. "Choose out from the people of your districts the men and women who sing well, and the dwarfs, and the players, and send them up."

On the jeonghae day Princess Tōchi and Princess Ahe went to the shrine of Ise.

On the gichuk day a decree was given. "The serfs granted to the several clans in the year of gapja are abolished from this time on. The mountains and marshes, the islands and shores, the woods and moors, the banks and ponds granted to the royal princes, to the several princes and ministers, and to the several temples, are likewise all taken back, those granted before and those granted after."

On the gyesa day a decree was given. "Let the ministers, all the officials, and the people of the realm do no evil deeds. If any transgress, they shall be punished as the case requires."

On the jeongyu day the emperor went to the castle of Takayasu.

In this month Silla sent Prince Chungwon (忠元), Kim Biso (金比蘇) of the rank of geupchan, a daegam, Kim Cheonchung (金天沖) of the rank of namal, a daegam, Bak Muma (朴武麻) of the rank of daema, a jegam, and Kim Naksu (金洛水) of the rank of daesa, a jegam, and the rest, and they offered tribute. Their escorting envoys Kim Pungna (金風那) of the rank of namal and Kim Hyobok (金孝福) of the rank of namal brought Prince Chungwon as far as Tsukushi.

In the third month, the first day being an eulsa day, on the byeongo day the great god of Tosa presented one sacred sword to the emperor.

On the muo day Kim Pungna and his company were entertained at Tsukushi. Then they went back from Tsukushi.

On the gyeongsin day Kurikuma no Ōkimi, of the fourth rank among the princes, was made head of the Board of War, and Ōtomo no Muraji Miyuki, of the rank of shōkinjō, was made his chief assistant.

In this month Goryeo sent Bugan (富干), a daehyeong, and Damu (多武), a daehyeong, and the rest, and they offered tribute. Silla sent Bak Geunsu (朴勤修) of the rank of geupchan and Kim Miha (金美賀) of the rank of daenamal, and they offered tribute.

In summer, the fourth month, the first day being a gapsul day, on the muin day more than two thousand four hundred priests and nuns were invited, and a great fast was set out.

On the sinsa day a command was given. "Let Tagima no Kimi Hiromaro, of the rank of shōkinjō, and Kunu no Omi Maro, of the rank of shōkinge, these two men, not come to court."

On the imo day a decree was given. "In the lending of rice in the several lands, from this time on look clearly at the people, learn first who is rich and who is poor, and sort them into three grades. Then the middle households and those below them are the ones to whom it should be lent."

On the gyemi day Mino no Ōkimi, of the rank of shōshi, and Saeki no Muraji Hirotari, of the rank of shōkinge, were sent to worship the god of the wind at Tachino in Tatsuta. Hashihito no Muraji Ōfuta, of the rank of shōkinchū, and Sone no Muraji Karainu, of the rank of daisenchū, were sent to worship the god Ōimi at the bend of the river at Hirose.

On the jeonghae day Kunu no Omi Maro, of the rank of shōkinge, was charged with having turned back the messenger who carried a decree, and all his offices and ranks were taken from him.

On the gyeongin day a decree was given to the several lands. "From this time on set bounds to all who fish and hunt. Let them not make pens and pitfalls, nor set spring-spears and the like. Nor let them set himasakiri weirs after the first day of the fourth month and before the thirtieth day of the ninth month. Let them not eat the flesh of oxen, horses, dogs, monkeys or fowls. Beyond these the prohibition does not reach. If any transgress, they shall be punished."

On the sinmyo day Omi no Ōkimi, of the third rank, was found guilty and banished to Inaba. One son was banished to the island of Izu, and one son to the island of Chika.

On the byeongsin day men of the several arts were chosen out and given gifts, each according to his degree.

In this month Prince Chungwon of Silla came to Naniwa.

In the sixth month, the first day being a gyeyu day, on the eulmi day Ōkida no Kimi Esaka fell sick and was near death. The emperor was greatly startled, and gave a decree. "You, Esaka, turned your back on your own gain and faced toward the state, and did not spare your body or your life. You carried out the purpose of a brave man, and toiled in a great task. I have always wished to cherish you. Therefore, though you be dead, your children and grandchildren shall be richly rewarded."

Thereupon he was raised to the rank of gaishōshi. Before a few days had passed he died in his own house.

In autumn, the seventh month, the first day being a gyemyo day, on the giyu day Ōtomo no Muraji Kunimaro, of the rank of shōkinjō, was made chief envoy, and Miyake no Kishi Irishi, of the rank of shōkinge, was made second envoy, and they were sent to Silla.

In the eighth month, the first day being an imsin day, Prince Gumagi, the tribute envoy of Tamna, put in at Tsukushi.

On the gyesa day a great wind blew, the sand flew, and houses were broken.

On the byeongsin day Chungwon, having finished the ceremonies, set sail from Naniwa to go home.

On the gihae day the tribute envoys of the two countries of Silla and Goryeo were entertained at Tsukushi, and gifts were given according to their degrees.

In the ninth month, the first day being an imin day, on the mujin day Goyeo (姑如), king of Tamna, came to Naniwa.

In winter, the tenth month, the first day being a sinmi day, on the gyeyu day messengers were sent to the four quarters to seek out the whole of the scriptures.

On the gyeongjin day wine was set out and a feast was given to the assembled ministers.

On the byeongsul day thirty men of Tang were presented from Tsukushi. They were sent to the land of Tōtōmi and settled there.

On the gyeongin day a decree was given. "Let every man, from the several princes down to those of the initial rank, provide himself with arms."

On this day the land of Sagamu said: "A woman of the district of Takakura has borne three sons."

In the eleventh month, the first day being a sinchuk day, on the gyemyo day a man climbed the hill east of the palace, spoke wild words, and cut his own throat and died. All who were on watch that night were given one grade of rank.

In this month the earth shook greatly.

In spring, the first month, the first day being a gyeongja day, the ministers and all the officials did homage at court.

On the gyemyo day robes, trousers, pleated skirts, waistbands, leg bands, tables and staves were given to the great officers from Prince Takechi down to those of the rank of shōkin and above. Only to the three grades of shōkin no tables were given.

On the byeongo day gifts were given to the great officers of the rank of shōkin and above, each according to his degree.

On the gapin day all the officials of the initial rank and upward presented firewood. On that same day they were all gathered in the court and a feast was given them.

On the eulmyo day prizes were set out and they shot with the bow in the court of the western gate. Those who hit the mark were given prizes according to their degrees. On this day the emperor went to the Shima Palace and feasted there.

On the gapja day a decree was given. "In appointing the Kuni no Tsukasa, save for the home provinces and the lands of Mutsu and Nagato, let all the rest be filled with men of the rank of daisen and below."

In the second month, the first day being a gyeongo day, on the gyesa day one ship was given to the guests from Tamna.

In this month Ōtomo no Muraji Kunimaro and his company came back from Silla.

In summer, the fourth month, the first day being a musul day, on the sinchuk day the wind god at Tatsuta and the god Ōimi at Hirose were worshipped.

Wanizumi no Yoshikoto of the district of Sōnoshimo in the land of Yamato presented an auspicious fowl. Its comb was like a camellia flower.

On this day the district of Akunami in the land of Yamato said: "A hen has turned into a cock."

On the sinhae day a command was given. "As for the taxes of the fiefs granted to the several princes and ministers, leave out the western lands and change them about, granting the eastern lands instead. And among men of the outer lands who wish to come forward and serve, let the sons of the Omi, the Muraji and the Tomo no Miyatsuko, and the sons of the Kuni no Miyatsuko, be heard. Yet even a common man below these, if his ability is outstanding, let him also be heard."

On the gimi day a decree was given to the Kuni no Tsukasa of Mino. "Move the son of Ki no Omi Asamaro, who is in the district of Toki, to the eastern lands, and make him one of the people of that land."

In the fifth month, the first day being a mujin day, on the gyeongo day the offenses of the Kuni no Tsukasa who were late past the term in sending up tribute were set forth, and so on.

On the gapsul day the Kuni no Tsukasa of Shimotsuke reported: "The people of my district have met with a bad year, and being hungry they wish to sell their children." But the court did not allow it.

In this month a command was given. "The mountains of Minabuchi and Hosokawa are closed. Let none cut fodder or firewood on them. And on the mountains and moors of the home provinces that were closed from of old, let none burn or break them at will."

In the sixth month Kurikuma no Ōkimi, of the fourth rank, fell sick and died. Mononobe no Okimi no Muraji suddenly fell sick and died. The emperor heard of it and was greatly startled. Because in that year of imsin he had followed the imperial carriage into the eastern lands and had great merit, favor was shown him and he was given the rank of naidaishi. Thereupon the headship of his clan was granted him.

That summer there was a great drought. Messengers were sent to the four quarters to bear offerings and pray to the several gods. Priests and nuns too were invited to pray to the Three Treasures. Yet it did not rain. Because of this the five grains did not ripen, and the people were hungry.

In autumn, the seventh month, the first day being a jeongmyo day, on the mujin day the nobles and great officers and all the officials were raised in rank, each according to his degree.

On the gapsul day the guests from Tamna went back to their country.

On the imo day the wind god at Tatsuta and the god Ōimi at Hirose were worshipped.

In this month Murakuni no Muraji Oyori died. For his merit in the year of imsin he was given the rank of gaishōshi.

A star came out in the east, seven or eight feet long. By the ninth month it stretched across the sky.

In the eighth month, the first day being a byeongsin day, on the jeongyu day food-fiefs were given to the royal princes and below, to the great officers of the rank of shōkin and above, to the princesses, to the Himemiko and to the ladies of the inner palace, each according to her degree.

On the sinhae day a decree was given. "Let a great purification be made in the four quarters. The things used for it shall be sent in by the Kuni no Miyatsuko of each land. The pillars of the purification shall be one horse and one jō of cloth. Besides these, each of the Kōri no Tsukasa shall give one sword, one deerskin, one mattock, one small knife, one sickle, one set of arrows and one sheaf of rice. And from every household, one strand of hemp."

On the imja day a decree was given. "Death, enslavement to the state, and the three degrees of banishment are all lowered by one grade. For penal servitude and below, whether already found out or not yet found out, all are pardoned. Only those already banished are not within the pardon."

On this day a decree was given to the several lands to set living creatures free.

In this month Ōmiwa no Makamita no Kohito no Kimi died. The emperor heard of it and grieved greatly. For his merit in the year of imsin he was given the rank of naishōshi. His posthumous name was then made Ōmiwa no Makamita no Mukahe no Kimi.

In the ninth month, the first day being a byeongin day, it rained, and the first of the month was not proclaimed.

On the eulhae day princes and nobles were sent to the capital and the home provinces to look over the arms of every man.

On the jeongchuk day Yagaki no Ōkimi, of the third rank, the Ōmikotomochi of Tsukushi, was found guilty and banished to Tosa.

On the muin day gifts were given to all the officials and to the men of the several foreign countries, each according to his degree.

On the byeongsul day the office of the gods reported: "We have divined the lands and districts for the rite of the new harvest. The yuki (齋忌) is the district of Yamada in the land of Owari. The next, the suki (次), is the district of Kasa in the land of Taniwa. Both came out in the divination."

In this month Sakata no Kimi Ikazuchi died. For his merit in the year of imsin he was given the rank of daishi.

In winter, the tenth month, the first day being an eulmi day, wine was set out and a feast was given to the assembled ministers.

On the jeongyu day offerings were made to the several gods who share in the rite of the new harvest.

On the gapjin day Mononobe no Muraji Maro, of the rank of daiotsujō, was made chief envoy, and Yamashiro no Atai Momotari, of the rank of daiotsuchū, was made lesser envoy, and they were sent to Silla.

In the eleventh month, the first day being an eulchuk day, because of the rite of the new harvest the first of the month was not proclaimed.

On the jeongmyo day Silla sent Kim Cheongpyeong (金清平) of the rank of sachan to ask about affairs of state, and sent besides Kim Hoyu (金好儒) of the rank of geupchan and Kim Heumgil (金欽吉) of the rank of daesa, a jegam, and the rest, and they offered tribute. Their escorting envoy Pijinna (被珍那) of the rank of namal and the second envoy Hobok (好福) of the rank of namal brought Cheongpyeong and his company as far as Tsukushi.

In this month seven Mishihase came with Cheongpyeong and his company.

On the gyemi day a decree was given to the several lands near the capital to set living creatures free.

On the gapsin day messengers were sent to the lands of the four quarters to expound the Golden Light Sutra and the Sutra of Benevolent Kings.

On the jeonghae day Goryeo sent as chief envoy Au (阿于), a jubak of the rear division, and as second envoy Deokbu (德富), a daehyeong of the front division, and they offered tribute. Silla then sent Kim Yangwon (金楊原) of the rank of daenamal to bring the envoys of Goryeo as far as Tsukushi.

In this year it was meant to make the capital at the new castle. But the fields and gardens within its bounds, whether of the state or of private men, were all left untilled and all ran wild. Yet in the end the capital was not made there.

In spring, the first month, the first day being a gapja day, on the gyeongjin day they shot with the bow at the southern gate.

In the second month, the first day being a gyesa day, Mononobe no Muraji Maro came back from Silla.

In this month the men of the island of Tane were entertained under the zelkova tree west of Asukadera.

In the third month, the first day being a gyehae day, on the sinsa day Cheongpyeong, the envoy of Silla, and thirteen guests below him were called to the capital.

In summer, the fourth month, the first day being an imjin day, on the imin day Kuita no Tsukai Nakura was charged with speaking ill of the emperor, and banished to the island of Izu.

On the eulsa day the escorting envoy Jinna and his company were entertained at Tsukushi. Then they went back from Tsukushi.

In the fifth month, the first day being an imsul day, the first of the month was not proclaimed.

On the gapja day a command was given to Solmo (率母), a man of Baekje and a great doctor of learning, and the rank of daisenge was given him. Thirty households were granted him with it.

On this day Otokashi, a painter of Yamato, was given the rank of shōsenge. Twenty households were granted him.

On the mujin day Bak Japa (朴刺破) of the rank of achan, a man of Silla, with three attendants and three priests, drifted ashore at the island of Chika.

On the gichuk day a command was given. "Let the taxes of the gods, of the shrines of heaven and the shrines of earth, be divided in three. One part shall be set aside as an offering to the god, and two parts shall be given to the priest of the shrine."

In this month there was a drought. Rain was prayed for in the capital and the home provinces.

In the sixth month, the first day being an imjin day, on the eulsa day there was a great shaking of the earth.

In this month a decree was given to the Yamato no Aya no Atai and the rest.

"Your kindred have from the beginning committed seven things that are not to be borne. For this reason, from the time of Oharida down to the court of Ōmi, plotting against you has always been made a business. Now, in my own reign, I would rebuke you for the wrong you have done and match the punishment to the offense. Yet I do not wish all at once to cut off the clan of the Aya no Atai. Therefore I show you great favor and let you go. From this time on, if any transgress, he shall surely fall within the rule that grants no pardon."

In autumn, the seventh month, the first day being a sinyu day, on the gyehae day the wind god at Tatsuta and the god Ōimi at Hirose were worshipped.

In the eighth month, the first day being a sinmyo day, on the eulsa day a great fast was set out at Asukadera, and the whole of the scriptures was read. The emperor went to the southern gate of the temple and made obeisance to the Three Treasures.

At this time a decree was given to the royal princes, the several princes and the nobles, that each man should have one person enter the priesthood. Those who entered the priesthood, whether men or women, old or young, were all admitted as they wished. Thereupon they gathered at the great fast.

On the jeongsa day Kim Cheongpyeong went back to his country. Bak Japa and his company, who had drifted ashore, were put in Cheongpyeong's charge and sent home to their own land.

On the muo day Tamna sent Prince Dora, and he offered tribute.

In the ninth month, the first day being a gyeongsin day, on the gichuk day a decree was given. "When a wanderer has been sent back to his own land and yet comes back again, let both places alike lay labor service upon him."

In winter, the tenth month, the first day being a gyeongin day, on the gyemyo day Kawabe no Omi Momoe, of the rank of naishōkinjō, was made head of the Board of Population, and Tajihi no Kimi Maro, of the rank of naidaikinge, was made great officer of the Settsu office.

In the eleventh month, the first day being a gimi day, it rained, and the first of the month was not proclaimed.

The Ōmikotomochi of Tsukushi presented a red crow. Gifts were given to the officials of the Ōmikotomochi's office, each according to his degree. To the man who had himself caught the red crow five grades of rank were given, and the Kōri no Tsukasa of that district were raised in rank. Thereupon the people of the district were freed from labor service for one year.

On this day a great amnesty was granted to the realm.

On the gimyo day the rite of the new harvest was held. On the sinsa day food was given to all the officials who held rank. On the eulyu day gifts were given to the officials of the gods and to the Kuni no Tsukasa who had served at the rite of the new harvest.

In the twelfth month, the first day being a gichuk day, it snowed, and the first of the month was not proclaimed.

In spring, the first month, the first day being a muo day, on the gapsul day they shot with the bow at the southern gate.

On the gimyo day the men of Tamna set out for the capital.

That spring, meaning to worship the gods of heaven and the gods of earth, the whole realm was purified. A palace of purification was built on the bank of the Kurahashi river.

In summer, the fourth month, the first day being a jeonghae day, wishing to go to the palace of purification, they divined it. On the gyesa day the divination came out well.

The hour before dawn was chosen. The cry that clears the road had already sounded, all the officials were drawn up in line, and the canopy had been ordered for the carriage. But before the going forth, Princess Tōchi fell suddenly sick and died within the palace. Because of this the procession was halted and could not go on. In the end the gods were not worshipped.

On the gihae day lightning struck a pillar of the western hall of the new palace.

On the gyeongja day Princess Tōchi was buried at Ako. The emperor came there, showed her favor, and made his grief known.

In autumn, the ninth month, Oshinumi no Miyatsuko Yoshimaro presented five stalks of auspicious rice, and every stalk had a branch. Because of this all who were sentenced to penal servitude and below were pardoned.

Wakasa no Ōkimi, of the third rank, died.

In winter, the tenth month, the first day being a gapsin day, there was a thing like cotton wool that fell at Naniwa. It was five or six feet long and seven or eight inches wide, and it drifted on the wind over the pine woods and the reed fields. The men of that time said: "It is sweet dew."

On the giyu day a decree was given.

"Let the civil and military officials, within the capital and without, each year have the secretaries (史) and those above them judge whether the officials under them are fair and diligent, and rank them better or worse, and so fix what grade each should be raised to. Let this be written out in full and sent to the Board of Law before the first ten days of the first month. The Board of Law shall then compare and settle it, and report it to the Board of the Great Controllers. But as for one who, on a day when he is sent out as a messenger on public business, begs off on some slight ground and is not truly sick nor in heavy mourning, he shall not be within the rule for raising of grade."

In the twelfth month, the first day being a gyechuk day, on the gimyo day hawfinches covered the sky and flew from the southwest to the northeast.

In this month there was a great shaking of the earth in the land of Tsukushi. The earth split open two fathoms wide and more than three thousand fathoms long. In village after village many of the people's houses fell and were broken.

At this time one household of the people stood on a hill. On the evening of the shaking it was carried over to the place where the hill had fallen away. Yet the house was whole and had suffered no breaking. The people of the house did not know that the hill had fallen and that the house had moved aside. Only when day broke did they learn it, and they were greatly startled.

In this year the escorting envoys of Silla, Garang Jeongsan (加良井山) of the rank of namal and Kim Hongse (金紅世) of the rank of namal, came to Tsukushi and said:

"The king of Silla sent Kim Somul (金消勿) of the rank of geupchan and Kim Sese (金世世) of the rank of daenamal and the rest to bring up the tribute of this year. He sent your servant Jeongsan to escort Somul and his company. Together we met a fierce wind out at sea. Somul and his company were all scattered, and we do not know where they have gone. Only Jeongsan was barely able to reach the shore."

But Somul and his company never came.

In spring, the first month, the first day being an imo day, on the byeongsul day the escorting envoys of Silla, Garang Jeongsan and Kim Hongse and the rest, set out for the capital.

On the muja day a decree was given. "At the feast of the first month, let the several princes and ministers and all the officials do obeisance to none but their kin of the degree of elder brother or elder sister and above, and the head of their own clan. Let the several princes do obeisance to none, not even a mother, who is not of the royal surname. Let the several ministers likewise do no obeisance to a mother of low birth. Even when it is not the feast of the first month, let this rule be followed. If any transgress, they shall be punished as the case requires."

On the gihae day they shot with the bow at the southern gate.

In the second month, the first day being an imja day, Goryeo sent Hwanbu (桓父), a daesang of the upper division, and Sasuru (師需婁), a daesang of the lower division, and the rest, and they offered tribute. Thereupon Silla sent Gammulla (甘勿那) of the rank of namal to bring Hwanbu and his company as far as Tsukushi.

On the gapin day Ki no Omi Katamaro died. For his merit in the year of imsin he was given the rank of daikinjō.

On the eulmyo day a decree was given. "When the year of sinsa comes, the arms and horses of the royal princes, the several ministers and all the officials will be looked over and compared. Therefore have them ready beforehand."

In this month great favor was shown, and the poor and needy were relieved, and their hunger and cold were made good.

In the third month, the first day being a sinsa day, on the byeongsul day Ōkida no Kimi Wakami, a guardsman, died. In the great war of the year of imsin he led the way and broke the camp at Seta. For this merit he was given the rank of gaishōkinjō.

On the jeonghae day the emperor went to Ochi and did reverence at the tomb of Emperor Nochi no Okamoto.

On the gichuk day Ishikawa no Ōkimi, the Ōmikotomochi of Kibi, fell sick and died in Kibi. The emperor heard of it and grieved greatly, and showed him great favor, and so on. He was given the second rank among the princes.

On the imin day coarse silk, floss silk and cloth were given to poor priests and nuns.

In summer, the fourth month, the first day being a sinhae day, on the eulmyo day a decree was given. "Weigh the grounds on which the several temples hold food-fiefs. Where it is fit to add, add. Where it is fit to take away, take away."

On this day the names of the several temples were fixed.

On the gimi day the gods of Hirose and Tatsuta were worshipped.

In the fifth month, the first day being a gyeongjin day, on the gapsin day he went to the palace of Yoshino.

On the eulyu day the emperor spoke to the empress and to Prince Kusakabe no Mikoto, Prince Ōtsu, Prince Takechi, Prince Kawashima, Prince Osakabe and Prince Shiki. "Today I would swear with you in this court, so that after a thousand years there may be no trouble. What say you?"

The princes answered together: "The reason of it is plain indeed."

Then Prince Kusakabe no Mikoto came forward first and swore. "The gods of heaven and the gods of earth, and the emperor, are our witnesses. We brothers, elder and younger, more than ten princes in all, were each born of a different mother. Yet we will make no distinction between those of one womb and those of another, but will together follow the emperor's command, and support one another without strife. If from this time on we are not true to this oath, may our bodies and lives perish and our children and grandchildren be cut off. We will not forget it, we will not let it go."

The five princes swore in turn, one after another, as the first had done.

After that the emperor said: "My sons were each born of a different mother. Yet now I love them as though they had come of one mother together."

Then he opened his robe and took the six princes in his arms. And he swore, saying: "If I go against this oath, may my body perish at once."

The empress swore as the emperor had done.

On the byeongsul day the imperial carriage returned to the palace. On the gichuk day the six princes together did obeisance to the emperor before the great hall.

In the sixth month, the first day being a gyeongsul day, ice fell, as large as peaches. On the imsin day rain was prayed for. On the eulhae day Ōtomo no Kosoya no Muraji, of the rank of daikinjō, died.

In autumn, the seventh month, the first day being a gimyo day, on the gapsin day rain was prayed for. On the imjin day the gods of Hirose and Tatsuta were worshipped. On the eulmi day Kazuraki no Ōkimi, of the fourth rank, died.

In the eighth month, the first day being a giyu day, a decree was given. "Let the several clans send up women."

On the gimi day he went to Hatsuse and feasted above the pool of Todoroki.

Before this a decree had been given to the princes and nobles. "Besides your riding horses, make ready fine horses as well, and bring them out when they are called for."

So on the day he came back from Hatsuse to the palace, he saw the fine horses that the nobles had made ready at the head of the road by the post-house of Tomi, and had them all put to the gallop.

On the gyeongo day Kazura no Miyatsuko Oshikatsu presented auspicious grain. The furrows were different, but the ear was one.

On the gyeyu day Ōyake no Ōkimi died.

In the ninth month, the first day being a muin day, on the gyesa day the envoys who had been sent to Silla came back and did homage at court.

On the gyeongja day the envoys who had been sent to Goryeo and the envoys who had been sent to Tamna came back and together did homage at the court.

In winter, the tenth month, the first day being a musin day, on the giyu day a decree was given.

"I hear it said that of late there are many violent and evil men in the streets and villages. This is the fault of the princes and nobles. Some hear of a violent and evil man, and find it troublesome, and bear with it and do not deal with him. Some see an evil man, and are slack, and hide it and do not set it right. If men would look into what they see and hear and lay it bare, how should there be violence and evil? Therefore from this time on let none be troubled or slack. Let those above rebuke the faults of those below, and those below remonstrate against the violence of those above. Then the state will be well governed."

On the muo day the earth shook.

On the gyeongsin day a command was given fixing the bearing of priests and nuns, the color of their robes, and the manner in which their horses and attendants should pass through the streets and villages.

On the gapja day Silla sent Kim Hangna (金項那) of the rank of achan and Sallusaeng (薩虆生) of the rank of sachan, and they offered tribute. The things brought as tribute were gold, silver, iron, cauldrons, brocade, silk, cloth, hides, horses, dogs, mules and camels, more than ten kinds; and there were gifts besides. To the emperor, the empress and the crown prince they offered gold, silver, swords, banners and the like, each in its number.

In this month a command was given. "All priests and nuns dwell always within the temples and guard the Three Treasures. But some come to old age, and some fall sick, and those who lie long in a narrow room and suffer long from age and illness cannot easily come and go, and the clean ground is defiled besides. Therefore from this time on let each go to his kin or to some man of firm faith, and let one or two houses be built in a quiet place, so that the old may nurse their bodies and the sick may take their medicine."

In the eleventh month, the first day being a jeongchuk day, on the gyeongin day the earth shook.

On the gihae day Yamato no Umakaibe no Miyatsuko Muraji, of the rank of daiotsuge, was made chief envoy, and Kamitsuushinushi no Mitsuchika, of the rank of shōotsuge, was made lesser envoy, and they were sent to the island of Tane. One grade of rank was given them with it.

In this month barriers were set for the first time on the mountains of Tatsuta and Ōsaka. An outer wall was then built at Naniwa.

In the twelfth month, the first day being a jeongmi day, on the musin day, because of the auspicious grain, gifts were given to the royal princes, the several princes and ministers, and all the officials, each according to his degree. All who were sentenced to death and below were pardoned.

In this year the district of Ito in the land of Kii presented an auspicious herb. Its shape was like a mushroom. Its stalk was a foot long, and its cap two arm-spans round. The land of Inaba also presented auspicious rice. Every stalk had a branch.

In spring, the first month, the first day being a jeongchuk day, on the gapsin day the emperor went to the Mukai no Odono and feasted the princes and nobles in the court of the great hall.

On this day the surname Muraji was given to Imbe no Obito Obito. He and his younger brother Shikobuchi rejoiced together and did obeisance.

On the gyesa day, from the royal princes down to those of the rank of shōken, they shot with the bow at the southern gate.

On the byeongsin day the land of Settsu said: "The peaches and plums of the village of Ikuta have borne fruit."

In the second month, the first day being a byeongo day, on the gyehae day a sound like a drum was heard in the east.

On the sinmi day a man said: "I got a deer's horn on Mount Kazuraki. The horn has two branches at the base, and at the tip they join and there is flesh. On the flesh there is hair, and the hair is an inch long. It is strange, and so I present it." Perhaps it was the horn of a qilin.

On the imsin day eight serving men of Silla went home to their own land. Favor was shown them and gifts were given according to their degrees.

In the third month, the first day being a byeongja day, on the eulyu day the land of Settsu presented a white shitoto. On the musul day he went to Aki in Uda.

In summer, the fourth month, the first day being an eulsa day, on the gapin day the gods of Hirose and Tatsuta were worshipped.

On the eulmyo day fire broke out in the nuns' quarters of Tachibanadera and burned ten rooms.

On the gisa day Hangna and his company, the envoys of Silla, were entertained at Tsukushi, and gifts were given to each according to his degree.

In this month a command was given.

"As for the several temples, from this time on, save for two or three great temples that are for the state, let no office govern the rest. Only where there are food-fiefs, the term shall be thirty years, counting before and after. When the years come to thirty, they shall be taken away. And I hold that Asukadera ought not to be bound to the governing of an office. Yet it was a great temple from the first, and an office has always governed it, and it has had its merits besides. Therefore it is still placed within the rule of governing by an office."

In the fifth month, the first day being an eulhae day, a command was given. "Let coarse silk, floss silk, thread and cloth be given to the twenty-four temples within the capital, each according to its degree."

On this day the Golden Light Sutra was expounded for the first time within the palace and in the several temples.

On the jeonghae day Goryeo sent as chief envoy Myomun (卯問) of the southern division and Jundeok (俊德), a daehyeong of the western division, and the rest, and they offered tribute. Silla then sent Gona (考那) of the rank of daenamal to bring Myomun and the other envoys of Goryeo as far as Tsukushi.

On the eulmi day Hata no Miyatsuko Tsunate, of the rank of shōkinge, died. For his merit in the year of imsin he was given the rank of daikinjō.

On the sinchuk day Hoshikawa no Omi Maro, of the rank of shōkinchū, died. For his merit in the year of imsin he was given the rank of daishi.

In the sixth month, the first day being a gapjin day, on the musin day Hangna and the other guests from Silla went back to their country. On the sinhae day ashes fell. On the jeongsa day there was violent thunder and lightning.

In autumn, the seventh month, the first day being a gapsul day, a branch of the zelkova tree west of Asukadera broke of itself and fell.

On the muin day the emperor went to the house of Inukai no Muraji Ōtomo and looked upon him in his sickness. He showed him great favor, and so on. On this day rain was prayed for.

On the sinsa day the gods of Hirose and Tatsuta were worshipped. On the gyemi day a red sparrow was at the southern gate.

On the gyeongin day Enoi no Muraji Komaro was given the rank of shōkinge.

On the gyesa day the priest Kōsō of Asukadera died. Prince Ōtsu and Prince Takechi were sent to mourn him.

On the byeongsin day Miyake no Muraji Iwatoko, of the rank of shōkinge, died. For his merit in the year of imsin he was given the rank of daikinge.

On the musul day Toneri no Ōkimi, of the fifth rank, Nagon and head of the Board of the Imperial Household, fell sick and was near death. Prince Takechi was sent to ask after him. The next day he died. The emperor was greatly startled, and sent Prince Takechi and Prince Kawashima, and came himself to the mourning hall and wept there. All the officials followed and made their grief known.

In the eighth month, the first day being a gyemyo day, on the jeongmi day a man of the Board of Law presented auspicious grain. From this day for three days it rained and there were great floods. On the byeongjin day a great wind broke the trees and wrecked the houses.

In the ninth month, the first day being a gyeyu day, on the sinsa day he went to Azuma. There he looked at the horses of those of the rank of daisen and below at the shrine of Nagara, and had them shoot at marks from horseback.

On the eulmi day the earth shook. On the gihae day Kuwanouchi no Ōkimi died in his own house.

In winter, the tenth month, the first day being an imin day, on the eulsa day the poor priests and nuns of the several temples within the capital, and the common people, were pitied and given relief. To each priest and nun four bolts of coarse silk, four bundles of floss silk and six ends of cloth; to the novices and those in white, two bolts of coarse silk, two bundles of floss silk and four ends of cloth each.

In the eleventh month, the first day being an imsin day, the sun was eclipsed.

On the gapsul day, from the hour of the dog to the hour of the rat, the eastern sky was bright.

On the eulhae day nineteen men of Goryeo went home to their own land. These were men who had come as envoys of condolence at the death of Emperor Nochi no Okamoto, and had stayed on and had not yet gone back.

On the muin day a decree was given to all the officials. "If any man has a way to profit the state and ease the people, let him come to the palace and speak of it himself. If his words agree with reason, they shall be set up as law."

On the sinsa day it thundered in the west.

On the gyemi day the empress was unwell in body. A vow was made for the empress, and Yakushiji was begun. A hundred priests were ordained with it. Because of this she came to peace. On this day offenses were pardoned.

On the jeonghae day the moon was eclipsed. Prince Kusakabe was sent to ask after the sickness of the priest Emyō. The next day the priest Emyō died. Three princes were then sent to mourn him.

On the eulmi day Silla sent Kim Yakpil (金若弼) of the rank of sachan and Kim Wonseung (金原升) of the rank of daenamal, and they offered tribute. Three men who were learning the language came with Yakpil.

On the jeongyu day the emperor fell sick. Because of it a hundred priests were ordained, and before long he was well.

On the sinchuk day hawfinches covered the sky, flying from the southeast and crossing to the northwest.

In spring, the first month, the first day being a sinmi day, on the imsin day offerings were shared out among the several gods.

On the gyeyu day all the officials did obeisance in the court.

On the jeongchuk day the emperor went to the Mukai no Odono and feasted there. On this day the royal princes and the several princes were led into the inner hall of rest, and all the ministers were made to attend in the outer hall of rest, and wine was set out for them together and music was given them. Then Kusakabe no Kishi Ōkata, of the rank of daisenjō, was given the rank of shōkin, and the surname Naniwa no Muraji was granted him with it.

On the sinsa day a command was given to Sakaibe no Muraji Iwatsumi granting him sixty households, and with it thirty bolts of coarse silk, a hundred and fifty geun of floss silk, a hundred and fifty ends of cloth and a hundred mattocks.

On the jeonghae day, from the royal princes down to those of the rank of shōken and above, they shot with the bow in the court.

On the gichuk day a decree was given to the home provinces and the several lands to repair the shrines of the gods of heaven and the gods of earth.

In the second month, the first day being a gyeongja day, on the gapja day the emperor and the empress were together in the Great Hall of State, and they called the royal princes, the several princes and the ministers, and gave this decree. "I would now once more fix the laws and ordinances, and change the forms of rule. Therefore work at this together. Yet if you turn to this task alone, the business of the state will be neglected. Divide your men, and let it be carried out so."

On this day Prince Kusakabe no Mikoto was set up as crown prince. With it he was given charge of all affairs of state.

On the mujin day the lady Ahe died. On the gisa day Tagima no Kimi Toyohama, of the rank of shōshi, died.

In the third month, the first day being a gyeongo day, on the gyeyu day the lady Ahe was buried.

On the byeongsul day the emperor went to the Great Hall of State and gave a decree to Prince Kawashima, Prince Osakabe, Hirose no Ōkimi, Takeda no Ōkimi, Kuwata no Ōkimi, Mino no Ōkimi, Kamitsukeno no Kimi Michi of the rank of daikinge, Imbe no Muraji Obito of the rank of shōkinchū, Azumi no Muraji Inashiki of the rank of shōkinge, Naniwa no Muraji Ōkata, Nakatomi no Muraji Ōshima of the rank of daisenjō, and Heguri no Omi Kōbito of the rank of daisenge, bidding them write down and settle the Imperial Chronicle (帝紀) and the several matters of ancient times. Ōshima and Kōbito took the brush in their own hands and wrote it.

On the gyeongin day the earth shook.

On the gapo day the emperor was above the well of the new palace, and had the sound of drums and flutes tried out. Then he had them tuned and practiced.

In summer, the fourth month, the first day being a gihae day, on the gyeongja day the gods of Hirose and Tatsuta were worshipped.

On the sinchuk day ninety-two articles of prohibition were set up. With them this decree was given. "From the royal princes down to the common people, in all that is worn and used — gold, silver, pearls and jade, purple, brocade, embroidery, figured silk, felt rugs and mattresses, caps and belts, and colors of every kind — what may be worn and used differs with each degree." The words of it are set out in full in the written decree.

On the gyeongsul day the surname Muraji was granted to fourteen men: Nishigori no Miyatsuko Owake, Tai no Atai Yoshimaro, Sukita no Kurahito Mukutari and Iwakatsu, Kawachi no Atai Agata, Oshinumi no Miyatsuko Kagami and Arata and Yoshimaro, Ōkoma no Miyatsuko Momoeda and Ashitsuki, Yamato no Atai Tatsumaro, Kadobe no Atai Ōshima, Shishihito no Miyatsuko Oyu, and Yamashiro no Koma no Ikamaro.

On the eulmyo day Myomun and the other guests from Goryeo were entertained at Tsukushi, and gifts were given according to their degrees.

In the fifth month, the first day being a gisa day, on the gimyo day the august spirits of the imperial ancestors were worshipped.

On this day a decree was given. "All the officials honor the palace ladies to excess. Some go to their gates and plead their own suits there. Some bring gifts and fawn upon their houses. From this time on, if any do such things, both parties shall be punished as the case requires."

On the gapo day Myomun of Goryeo went home.

In the sixth month, the first day being a gihae day, on the gyemyo day Yakpil, the guest from Silla, was entertained at Tsukushi, and gifts were given to each according to his degree. On the eulmyo day rain was prayed for. On the imsul day the earth shook.

In autumn, the seventh month, the first day being a mujin day, a red sparrow was seen.

On the sinmi day Uneme no Omi Tsukura, of the rank of shōkinge, was made chief envoy, and Tagima no Kimi Tate lesser envoy, and they were sent to the country of Silla. On this day Saeki no Muraji Hirotari, of the rank of shōkinge, was made chief envoy, and Oharida no Omi Maro lesser envoy, and they were sent to the country of Goryeo.

On the jeongchuk day the gods of Hirose and Tatsuta were worshipped.

On the jeongyu day an order was given to the realm that a great purification should be made everywhere. At this time each of the Kuni no Miyatsuko gave one manservant or maidservant as a pillar of the purification, and so made the purification.

In the intercalary seventh month, the first day being a musul day, on the imja day, at the great fast the empress had vowed, the sutras were expounded in the several temples within the capital.

In the eighth month, the first day being a jeongmyo day, on the jeongchuk day Kamitsukeno no Kimi Michi, of the rank of daikinge, died.

On the byeongja day a decree was given to the men of Samhan (三韓). "The giving back of tribute and taxes for ten years, which was granted in former days, is now at an end. Further, the children and grandchildren of those who came together in the first year of their naturalization are all freed from labor service."

On the imo day the land of Ise presented a white grass owl.

On the byeongsul day the envoys who had been sent to the island of Tane presented a map of the country of Tane. That country is more than five thousand ri from the capital, and lies in the sea south of Tsukushi. The people cut their hair and wear skirts of grass. Their rice is always plentiful, and from one sowing they reap twice. The land yields much gardenia and sedge and sea things of every kind.

On this day Yakpil went back to his country.

In the ninth month, the first day being a jeongyu day, on the gihae day the envoys who had been sent to Goryeo and to Silla came together and did homage at court.

On the sinchuk day the land of Suō presented a red tortoise. It was set loose in the pond of the Shima Palace.

On the gapjin day a decree was given. "Where the several clans have not yet fixed the head of the clan, let each fix its head and send word of it to the office of clan affairs."

On the gyeongsul day the men of the island of Tane were entertained on the riverbank west of Asukadera, and music of many kinds was played.

On the imja day a comet was seen. On the gyechuk day Mars entered the moon.

In winter, the tenth month, the first day being a byeongin day, the sun was eclipsed. On the gyemi day the earth shook.

On the eulyu day Silla sent Kim Chungpyeong (金忠平) of the rank of ilgilchan, of Sadak, and Kim Ilse (金壹世) of the rank of daenamal, and they offered tribute. Gold, silver, copper, iron, brocade, silk, deerskin and fine cloth, each in its number. To the emperor, the empress and the crown prince they offered besides gold, silver, brocade of the colors of the sunset glow, banners and hides, each in its number.

On the gyeongin day a decree was given. "Let those from the rank of daisen down to the rank of shōken each speak out what they think."

In this month the emperor meant to hunt on the moor of Hirose. The travelling palace was finished and the array was already made ready. Yet in the end the imperial carriage did not go. Only the royal princes and the nobles were all in the market of Karu, where they looked over and compared the array and the saddles and horses. The great officers of the rank of shōkin and above all sat in rows under the trees, and those of the rank of daisen and below all rode themselves, and went together along the high road from south to north.

An envoy of Silla came and made known: "The king of our country has died."

In the eleventh month, the first day being a byeongsin day, on the jeongyu day the earth shook.

In the twelfth month, the first day being an eulchuk day, on the gapsul day Kawabe no Omi Kōbito, of the rank of shōkinge, was sent to Tsukushi to entertain Chungpyeong, the guest from Silla.

On the gyesa day ten men — Tanaka no Omi Kanuchi, Kakinomoto no Omi Saru, Tabe no Muraji Kunioshi, Takamuku no Omi Maro, Awata no Omi Mahito, Mononobe no Muraji Maro, Nakatomi no Muraji Ōshima, Sone no Muraji Karainu and Fumi no Atai Chitoko — were given the rank of shōkinge.

On this day the surname Muraji was granted to Toneri no Miyatsuko Aramushi and Fumi no Atai Chitoko.

In spring, the first month, the first day being an eulmi day, on the gyemyo day Toneri no Muraji Aramushi, of the rank of daisenjō, was given the rank of shōkinge.

On the eulsa day Kim Chungpyeong was entertained at Tsukushi.

On the imja day the lady Hikami died within the palace. On the gyechuk day the earth shook. On the sinyu day the lady Hikami was buried at Ako.

In the second month, the first day being a gapja day, on the eulhae day Kim Chungpyeong went back to his country.

In this month Toneri no Muraji Aramushi, of the rank of shōkinge, died. For his merit in the year of imsin he was given the rank of daikinjō.

In the third month, the first day being a gapo day, Mino no Ōkimi, of the rank of shōshi, and the great officers of the Board of the Imperial Household were commanded to go to the new castle and look at the lie of the land there. This was because he meant to make the capital there.

On the eulmi day twenty-two Emishi of the land of Mutsu were given rank. On the gyeongja day the earth shook.

On the byeongo day Sakaibe no Muraji Iwatsumi and the rest were commanded to make once more a set of new characters in forty-four scrolls.

On the giyu day he went to the new castle.

On the sinyu day a decree was given. "From the royal princes down to all the officials, let none from this time on wear the caps that mark rank, nor the hire, nor the pleated skirts, nor the shin-skirts. Nor let the cooks and the Uneme wear their hand-cords and shoulder-scarves."

On this day a decree was given. "The food-fiefs granted from the royal princes down to the several ministers are all stopped. They are returned to the state."

In this month Haji no Muraji Mashiki died. For his merit in the year of imsin he was given the rank of daikinjō.

In summer, the fourth month, the first day being a gyehae day, on the sinmi day the gods of Hirose and Tatsuta were worshipped.

On the gyemi day Tajihi no Mahito Shima, the Ōmikotomochi of Tsukushi, and his company presented a great bell.

On the gapsin day Itakina and the other Emishi of Koshi asked that seventy households of captive folk be made into one district. This was allowed.

On the eulyu day a decree was given. "From this time on let men and women all bind up their hair. Let the binding be done before the thirtieth day of the twelfth month. Only, for the day of the binding, wait further for the imperial word."

Women riding horses as men do began on this day.

In the fifth month, the first day being a gyesa day, on the gapjin day the surname Muraji was granted to the Yamato no Aya no Atai and the rest.

On the musin day Saeki no Muraji Hirotari, the chief envoy sent to Goryeo, and Oharida no Omi Maro, the lesser envoy, and their company, reported the purpose of their mission at the place where the emperor was.

On the gimi day the men and women of the Yamato no Aya no Atai all came forward, rejoicing at the surname granted them, and did homage at court.

In the sixth month, the first day being an imsul day, the king of Goryeo sent Joyugwaerumojeol (助有掛婁毛切) of the lower division and Daegoangga (大古昂加), and they offered the products of their land. Silla then sent Kim Seokgi (金釋起) of the rank of daenamal to bring the envoys of Goryeo as far as Tsukushi.

On the jeongmyo day the men bound up their hair for the first time. With it they wore caps of lacquered gauze (紗).

On the gyeyu day Eguri no Ōkimi, of the fifth rank, died.

In autumn, the seventh month, the first day being an imjin day, on the gapo day many Hayato came and offered the products of their land. On this day the Hayato of Ōsumi and the Hayato of Ata wrestled in the court. The Hayato of Ōsumi won.

On the gyeongja day Kashiwade no Omi Maro, of the rank of shōkinchū, fell sick. Prince Kusakabe no Mikoto and Prince Takechi were sent to ask after his sickness.

On the imin day the gods of Hirose and Tatsuta were worshipped. On the musin day the earth shook.

On the giyu day Kashiwade no Omi Maro died. The emperor was startled and grieved greatly.

On the imja day Maro no Omi was given the rank of daishi and gifts for his merit in the year of imsin. The things the empress gave him besides were of like measure with what the state gave.

On the byeongjin day gifts were given to the men of Tane, the men of Yaku and the men of Amami, each according to his degree.

On the muo day the Hayato were entertained west of Asukadera, and music of many kinds was played. Gifts were given them, each according to his degree. Priests and laymen alike all looked on.

On this day the lands of Shinano and Kibi both said: "Frost has fallen, and a great wind has blown besides. The five grains have not ripened."

In the eighth month, the first day being an imsul day, the royal princes and the several ministers were each bidden to report on matters that ought to be put into the forms of law.

On the gapja day the guests from Goryeo were entertained at Tsukushi. In the dusk of that evening a great star crossed from east to west.

On the byeongin day there was a great rainbow within the hall where the laws were being made.

On the imsin day there was a thing shaped like a banner used at the anointing rite, and it was the color of fire. It floated in the sky and drifted northward, and it was seen in every land. Someone said: "It went into the sea of Koshi."

On this day a white vapor rose from the eastern hills. It was four arm-spans round.

On the gyeyu day the earth shook greatly. On the muin day the earth shook again. At dawn on this day there was a rainbow that stood at the middle of the sky and faced the sun.

On the gapsul day the Ōmikotomochi of Tsukushi said: "There is a three-legged sparrow."

On the gyemi day a decree was made known on the manner of ceremony and of speech. And a decree was given. "Of all who come up for rating and choosing, look well into the surname of their kin and into the course they have run, and only then weigh them. Though a man's course and ability be plain, if the surname of his kin is not settled he shall not be within the class for rating and choosing."

On the gichuk day a command was given. "For the sickness of Princess Hidaka, a hundred and ninety-eight men and women sentenced to death and below are all pardoned."

On the gyeongin day more than a hundred and forty persons entered the priesthood at the Daikan Daiji.

In the ninth month, the first day being a sinchuk day, on the imjin day a command was given. "From this time on, obeisance made kneeling and obeisance made crawling on the ground are both stopped. Use instead the standing obeisance of the court of Naniwa."

On the gyeongja day, at midday, several hundred cranes came over the great palace and flew high in the sky. After four marks of time they all scattered.

In winter, the tenth month, the first day being a sinyu day, on the mujin day a great feast was held.

In the eleventh month, the first day being a gyeongin day, on the eulsa day a decree was given.

"Royal princes, several princes, ministers, and the common people down to the last, hear this. In calling to account those who break the law, whether within the palace or within the court, at the very place where the fault comes to light, according to what is seen and what is heard, hide nothing and call them to account. Of these, where a man has committed a heavy offense, ask leave where leave should be asked, and seize him where he should be seized. If he resists and will not be taken, raise the soldiers of that place and take him. Where the beating is due, beat him a hundred strokes or fewer, graded by degree. And where the offense is plain, if a man lies and says he is guiltless, and will not submit to judgment but contends and brings suit, let his first offense be doubled upon him."

In the twelfth month, the first day being a gyeongsin day, on the imsul day a decree was given. "Let the men of the several clans each fix upon one fit to be head of the clan, and send word of it. Where the kindred are many, let them divide and each fix a head of the clan, and send word of them all to the office. After that their case will be weighed and judgment given. Abide by the judgment of the office. Only, on some slight ground, do not lightly attach to yourselves a man who is not of your own kin."

In spring, the first month, the first day being a gichuk day, on the gyeongin day all the officials did obeisance in the court. Tajihi no Mahito Shima, the Ōmikotomochi of Tsukushi, and his company presented the three-legged sparrow.

On the eulmi day the royal princes and the nobles were called before the Great Hall of State and feasted. The three-legged sparrow was then shown to the ministers.

On the byeongo day a decree was given.

"This is the command of the Emperor Yamatoneko, who rules the Great Eight Islands as a manifest god. Kuni no Tsukasa, Kuni no Miyatsuko, Kōri no Tsukasa and people, hear it all. Since I first came up to this great place, the signs of heaven have been not one or two but many. I have heard it said that the signs of heaven answer when the reason by which government is carried on agrees with the way of heaven. Now, in my own reign, they come again year after year. In one way I fear it, in another I rejoice at it. Therefore let the royal princes, the several princes, the nobles, all the officials, and the common people of the realm rejoice together."

Then gifts were given to those of the rank of shōken and above, each according to his degree. With it all who were sentenced to death and below were pardoned. The tribute and labor service of the people were remitted as well.

On this day the dance of Oharida, and the music of the three countries of Goryeo, Baekje and Silla, were played in the court.

In the second month, the first day being a gimi day, Prince Ōtsu heard the affairs of the court for the first time.

In the third month, the first day being a muja day, on the gichuk day a chief bishop, a bishop and a master of discipline were appointed. With it a command was given. "Govern the priests and nuns according to the law." And so on.

On the byeongo day the envoys who had been sent to Tane came back.

In summer, the fourth month, the first day being a muo day, on the imsin day a decree was given. "From this time on, copper coin must be used. Do not use silver coin."

On the eulhae day a decree was given. "Do not stop the use of silver."

On the muin day the gods of Hirose and Tatsuta were worshipped.

In the sixth month, the first day being a jeongsa day, on the gimi day Ōtomo no Muraji Mochita died. The emperor was greatly startled, and sent Hatsuse no Ōkimi to mourn him, and set forth his merit in the year of imsin and the merits his forefathers had shown in their several times, and made his favor and reward known. He was given the rank of daishi, and drums and flutes were sounded at his burial.

On the imsul day Takasaka no Ōkimi, of the third rank, died.

In autumn, the seventh month, the first day being a byeongsul day, on the gichuk day the emperor went to the house of Kagami no Himemiko and asked after her sickness. On the gyeongin day Kagami no Himemiko died.

That summer priests and nuns were invited for the first time to keep the summer retreat within the palace. Thereupon thirty men of pure conduct were chosen out and entered the priesthood.

On the gyeongja day rain was prayed for. On the gyemyo day the emperor went about the capital. On the eulsa day the gods of Hirose and Tatsuta were worshipped.

From this month until the eighth month there was a drought. Dojang (道藏), a priest of Baekje, prayed for rain, and rain was got.

In the eighth month, the first day being a byeongjin day, on the gyeongsin day a great amnesty was granted to the realm.

Ōtomo no Muraji Fukei died. For his merit in the year of imsin he was given the rank of daikinchū.

In the ninth month, the first day being an eulyu day, on the byeongsul day a great wind blew.

On the jeongmi day the surname Muraji was granted to thirty-eight clans in all: the Yamato no Atai, the Kurikuma no Obito, the Mohitori no Miyatsuko, the Yatabe no Miyatsuko, the Fujiwarabe no Miyatsuko, the Osakabe no Miyatsuko, the Fukukusabe no Miyatsuko, the Oshikōchi no Atai, the Kawachi no Aya no Atai, the Mononobe no Obito, the Yamashiro no Atai, the Kazuraki no Atai, the Tonohatori no Miyatsuko, the Kadobe no Atai, the Nishigori no Miyatsuko, the Kazura no Miyatsuko, the Totori no Miyatsuko, the Kume no Toneri no Miyatsuko, the Hinokuma no Toneri no Miyatsuko, the Ōkoma no Miyatsuko, the Hata no Miyatsuko, the Kawase no Toneri no Miyatsuko, the Yamato no Umakai no Miyatsuko, the Kawachi no Umakai no Miyatsuko, the Kibumi no Miyatsuko, the Mushirotsume no Miyatsuko, the Magari no Hakotsukuri no Miyatsuko, the Isonokamibe no Miyatsuko, the Takara no Himatsuri no Miyatsuko, the Hajibe no Miyatsuko, the Anahobe no Miyatsuko, the Shirakabe no Miyatsuko, the Oshinumi no Miyatsuko, the Hazukashi no Miyatsuko, the Fumi no Obito, the Ohatsuse no Miyatsuko, the Kudara no Miyatsuko, and the Katari no Miyatsuko.

In winter, the tenth month, the first day being an eulmyo day, on the gimi day the surname Muraji was granted to fourteen clans in all: the Miyake no Kishi, the Kusakabe no Kishi, the Hōki no Miyatsuko, the Fune no Fubito, the Iki no Fubito, the Sarara no Umakai no Miyatsuko, the Uno no Umakai no Miyatsuko, the Yoshino no Obito, the Ki no Sakabito no Atai, the Uneme no Miyatsuko, the Achiki no Tsukai, the Takechi no Agatanushi, the Shiki no Agatanushi, and the Kagamitsukuri no Miyatsuko.

On the jeongmyo day the emperor hunted at Kurahashi.

In the eleventh month, the first day being a gapsin day, on the jeonghae day a decree was given to the several lands to practice the arts of battle array.

On the byeongsin day Silla sent Kim Jusan (金主山) of the rank of sachan and Kim Jangji (金長志) of the rank of daenamal, and they offered tribute.

In the twelfth month, the first day being a gapin day, on the byeongin day Ise no Ōkimi, of the fifth rank among the princes, Hata no Kimi Yakuni of the rank of daikinge, Ō no Omi Honji of the rank of shōkinge, and Nakatomi no Muraji Ōshima of the rank of shōkinge, together with judges, recorders and craftsmen, were sent to go about the realm and divide and fix the bounds of the several lands. But in this year they could not accomplish the dividing.

On the gyeongo day a decree was given. "Let the civil and military officials, and those who hold rank in the home provinces, come to court without fail in the first month of each of the four seasons. If a man is sick unto death and cannot attend, let the office he belongs to write it out in full and send word of it to the Board of Law."

And a decree was given. "Capitals and palaces should not be in one place only. Two or three must be built. Therefore I would first make a capital at Naniwa. Let all the officials go there, each of them, and ask for ground for a house."

In spring, the first month, the first day being a gapsin day, on the gyeongja day the surname Muraji was granted to two clans, the Mino no Agatanushi and the Uchi no Kura no Kinunui no Miyatsuko.

On the byeongo day the emperor went to the eastern court, and the nobles attended him. Then he called those who shot well, and the dwarfs, and the Toneri of the left and right, and had them shoot.

In the second month, the first day being a gyechuk day, on the byeongja day Kim Jusan was entertained at Tsukushi.

On the gyeongjin day Hirose no Ōkimi, of the rank of jōkōshi, and Ōtomo no Muraji Yasumaro, of the rank of shōkinchū, with judges, recorders, diviners of yin and yang, and craftsmen, were sent into the home provinces to divine and look at ground fit for a capital.

On this day Mino no Ōkimi and Uneme no Omi Tsukura, of the rank of shōkinge, and their company were sent to Shinano to look at the lie of the land. Perhaps he meant to make the capital in that land.

In the third month, the first day being a gyemi day, on the gyeongin day Uhe no Atai Yumi, a man of Yoshino, presented a white camellia.

On the sinmyo day the emperor went about the capital and fixed the ground for the palace.

On the eulsa day Kim Jusan went back to his country.

In summer, the fourth month, the first day being an imja day, on the byeongjin day all who were sentenced to penal servitude and below were released.

On the gapja day the god Ōimi at Hirose and the wind god at Tatsuta were worshipped.

On the sinmi day Takamuku no Omi Maro, of the rank of shōkinge, was made chief envoy, and Tsunu no Omi Ushikai, of the rank of shōsenge, lesser envoy, and they were sent to Silla.

In the intercalary fourth month, the first day being an imo day, on the byeongsul day a decree was given. "In the ninth month of next year there shall be a review without fail. Therefore teach all the officials how to come forward and to withdraw, and how to bear themselves."

And a decree was given.

"The heart of government is arms. Therefore let the civil and military officials, every one of them, work at the use of arms and at riding horses. Let them work to have horses and weapons in plenty, and the gear for their own persons as well. He who has a horse shall be a horseman, and he who has none a foot soldier. Let them be tested and trained together, so that nothing hinders them at the muster. If any go against the purpose of this decree, and their horses and weapons are not fit, or anything is lacking in their gear, they shall be punished, from the royal princes down to the several ministers. Those of the rank of daisen and below shall be punished where punishment is due and beaten where beating is due. But he who works at it and comes to master the craft, though his offense be a capital one, shall have it lowered by two degrees. Only he who trusts in his own skill and offends on purpose shall not be within the rule of pardon."

And a decree was given. "For men and women alike, as to clothing, let them wear as they please, whether with a skirted hem or without, and with tied cords or long cords. On the days when they gather, let them wear a skirted robe and long cords. Only, the men shall wear a cap shaped like a scepter and breeches tied at the bottom. Women of forty years and above may bind up their hair or not, and may ride a horse astride or sideways, as they please. Shamans and those who offer prayers stand apart, and are not within the rule for binding up the hair."

On the imjin day Mino no Ōkimi and his company presented the map of the land of Shinano.

On the jeongyu day a fast was set out within the palace. Thereupon the Toneri who had offended were pardoned.

On the eulsa day Fukuyō, a priest of Asukadera, and those below him were put in prison. On the gyeongsul day the priest Fukuyō stabbed himself in the neck and died.

In the fifth month, the first day being a sinhae day, on the gapja day twenty-three priests and nuns of Baekje and laymen, men and women, who had come to settle, were all placed in the land of Musashi.

On the muin day Miwa no Hikita no Kimi Naniwamaro was made chief envoy, and Kuwabara no Muraji Hitotari lesser envoy, and they were sent to Goryeo.

In the sixth month, the first day being a sinsa day, on the gapsin day rain was prayed for.

In autumn, the seventh month, the first day being a gyeongsul day, on the gyechuk day he went to Hirose. On the muo day the gods of Hirose and Tatsuta were worshipped.

On the imsin day a comet came out in the northwest, more than a fathom long.

In winter, the tenth month, the first day being a gimyo day, a decree was given. "The kindreds and surnames of the several clans are changed once more, and surnames of eight kinds are made, to bring together all the surnames of the realm. The first is Mahito. The second is Asomi. The third is Sukune. The fourth is Imiki. The fifth is Michinoshi. The sixth is Omi. The seventh is Muraji. The eighth is Inagi."

On this day the surname Mahito was granted to thirteen clans: the Moriyama no Kimi, the Michi no Kimi, the Takahashi no Kimi, the Mikuni no Kimi, the Tagima no Kimi, the Ubaraki no Kimi, the Tajihi no Kimi, the Ina no Kimi, the Sakata no Kimi, the Hata no Kimi, the Okinaga no Kimi, the Sakahito no Kimi, and the Yamaji no Kimi.

On the sinsa day Ise no Ōkimi and his company were sent to fix the bounds of the several lands. On this day Agata no Inukai no Muraji Tasuki was made chief envoy, and Kawara no Muraji Kani lesser envoy, and they were sent to Tamna.

On the imjin day, at the hour when men go to sleep, there was a great shaking of the earth. Men and women throughout the land cried and shouted, and did not know east from west. The mountains fell and the rivers rose. The public buildings of the several lands and districts, the storehouses and dwellings of the people, the temples and pagodas and the shrines that were broken and thrown down could not be counted.

Because of this many of the people and of the six kinds of livestock were killed and hurt. At that time the hot spring of Iyo was swallowed up and did not flow. More than five hundred thousand plots of field and garden in the land of Tosa were swallowed up and became sea.

An old man said: "Such a shaking of the earth has never been before."

That evening there was a sound, like a drum, heard in the east. Someone said: "The west and north sides of the island of Izu have grown of themselves more than three hundred fathoms, and have become one more island. The sound like a drum is the noise of the god making that island."

On the gapo day gifts were given to the several princes and nobles.

In the eleventh month, the first day being a musin day, the surname Asomi was granted to fifty-two clans in all: the Ōmiwa no Kimi, the Ōkasuga no Omi, the Abe no Omi, the Kose no Omi, the Kashiwade no Omi, the Ki no Omi, the Hata no Omi, the Mononobe no Muraji, the Heguri no Omi, the Sazakibe no Omi, the Nakatomi no Muraji, the Ōyake no Omi, the Awata no Omi, the Ishikawa no Omi, the Sakurai no Omi, the Uneme no Omi, the Tanaka no Omi, the Oharida no Omi, the Hozumi no Omi, the Yamashiro no Omi, the Kamo no Kimi, the Ono no Omi, the Kawabe no Omi, the Ichii no Omi, the Kakinomoto no Omi, the Karube no Omi, the Wakasakurabe no Omi, the Kishida no Omi, the Takamuku no Omi, the Shishihito no Omi, the Kume no Omi, the Inukami no Kimi, the Kamitsukeno no Kimi, the Tsunu no Omi, the Hoshikawa no Omi, the Ō no Omi, the Munakata no Kimi, the Kurumamochi no Kimi, the Aya no Kimi, the Shimotsumichi no Omi, the Iga no Omi, the Ahe no Omi, the Hayashi no Omi, the Hami no Omi, the Shimotsukeno no Kimi, the Sami no Kimi, the Michinomori no Omi, the Ōno no Kimi, the Sakamoto no Omi, the Ikeda no Kimi, the Tamate no Omi, and the Kasa no Omi.

On the gyeongsul day the Kuni no Tsukasa of Tosa said: "A great tide rose high and the sea water tossed about. Because of it many ships carrying tribute were swept away and lost."

On the mujin day, at dusk, seven stars flowed together to the northeast and fell.

On the gyeongo day, at sunset, a star fell in the east, as large as a jar. By the hour of the dog the patterns of the sky were all in disorder, and the stars fell like rain.

In this month there was a star that showed as a comet in the middle of the sky. It went paired with the Pleiades, and when the month was out it was gone.

In the twelfth month, the first day being a muin day, on the gimyo day the surname Sukune was granted to fifty clans: the Ōtomo no Muraji, the Saeki no Muraji, the Azumi no Muraji, the Imbe no Muraji, the Owari no Muraji, the Kura no Muraji, the Nakatomi no Sakahito no Muraji, the Haji no Muraji, the Kanimori no Muraji, the Sakaibe no Muraji, the Sakurai no Tabe no Muraji, the Ifukibe no Muraji, the Kanagibe no Muraji, the Osakabe no Muraji, the Kusakabe no Muraji, the Miyake no Muraji, the Kobe no Muraji, the Tasuki no Tajihi no Muraji, the Yuki no Tajihi no Muraji, the Nuribe no Muraji, the Ōyue no Muraji, the Wakayue no Muraji, the Yuge no Muraji, the Kamuhatoribe no Muraji, the Nukatabe no Muraji, the Tsumori no Muraji, the Agata no Inukai no Muraji, the Wakainukai no Muraji, the Tamanoya no Muraji, the Niitabe no Muraji, the Shitori no Muraji, the Hi no Muraji, the Oshiama no Muraji, the Yamabe no Muraji, the Yazume no Muraji, the Sai no Muraji, the Tsumatakumi no Muraji, the Ato no Muraji, the Manda no Muraji, the Tame no Muraji, the Chiisakobe no Muraji, the Uji no Muraji, the Oharida no Muraji, the Inotsukai no Muraji, the Umi no Inukai no Muraji, the Hashihito no Muraji, the Tsukishine no Muraji, the Mino no Yazume no Muraji, the Moroai no Omi, and the Furu no Muraji.

On the gyemi day Haji no Sukune Oi and Shirai no Fubito Hōnen, students in great Tang, and Inotsukai no Muraji Kōbito and Tsukushi no Miyake no Muraji Tokuko, who had been taken in great Tang at the time of the war of Baekje, came by way of Silla. Silla then sent Kim Muryu (金物儒) of the rank of daenamal to bring Oi and his company as far as Tsukushi.

On the gyeongin day all offenders save those sentenced to death were pardoned.

In this year a decree was given. "In the four lands of Iga, Ise, Mino and Owari, from this time on, in the year they pay tribute they are freed from labor service, and in the year they do labor service they are freed from tribute."

The district of Kazuraki no Shimo in Yamato said: "There is a four-legged fowl." And the district of Hikami in the land of Taniwa said: "There is a calf with twelve horns."

In spring, the first month, the first day being a jeongmi day, on the musin day all the officials did obeisance in the court.

On the jeongmyo day the names of the ranks were changed once more, and the grades were increased. Two grades of myō rank and four grades of jō rank, and each grade having a dai and a kō, make twelve grades in all. These are the ranks for the several princes and above. Four grades of shō rank, four of jiki rank, four of gon rank, four of mu rank, four of tsui rank and four of shin rank, each grade having a dai and a kō, make forty-eight grades in all. These are the ranks for the several ministers.

On this day Prince Kusakabe no Mikoto was given the rank of jōkōichi, Prince Ōtsu the rank of jōdaini, Prince Takechi the rank of jōkōni, and Prince Kawashima and Prince Osakabe the rank of jōdaisan. Below these the several princes and ministers were raised in rank, each according to his degree.

In the second month, the first day being a jeongchuk day, on the gyeongjin day rank was given to a hundred and forty-seven men of great Tang, of Baekje and of Goryeo.

In the third month, the first day being a byeongo day, on the gimi day Kim Muryu was entertained at Tsukushi. Then he went back from Tsukushi. Seven men of Silla who had drifted ashore were put in Muryu's charge and sent home.

On the sinyu day Kose no Asomi Karatanu, great officer of the Capital Office, of the rank of jikidaisan, died.

On the imsin day a decree was given. "Let every house in the several lands build a chapel, and set a Buddha image and the sutras in it, and there do reverence and make offerings."

In this month ashes fell in the land of Shinano, and the grass and trees all withered.

In summer, the fourth month, the first day being a byeongja day, on the gimyo day the Kuni no Tsukasa of Kii said: "The hot spring of Muro is swallowed up and does not flow."

On the jeonghae day the gods of Hirose and Tatsuta were worshipped.

On the imjin day Kim Jusan, the man of Silla, went home.

On the gyeongin day priests and nuns were invited for the first time to keep the summer retreat within the palace.

In the fifth month, the first day being a byeongo day, on the gyeongsul day they shot with the bow at the southern gate. The emperor went to Asukadera, offered rare treasures to the Buddha, and did reverence to him.

On the gapja day Awata no Asomi Mahito, of the rank of jikidaishi, yielded his rank to his father. But by command it was not allowed.

On this day Tagima no Mahito Hiromaro, of the rank of jikidaisan, died. For his merit in the year of imsin he was given the rank of jikidaiichi.

On the sinmi day Takamuku no Asomi Maro and Tsunu no Asomi Ushikai and their company came back from Silla. The student priests Kanjō and Ryōkan came with them. The things the king of Silla offered were two horses, three dogs, two parrots, two magpies, and things of many kinds.

In the sixth month, the first day being an eulhae day, on the gapo day the surname Imiki was granted to eleven clans in all: the Yamato no Muraji, the Kazuraki no Muraji, the Oshikōchi no Muraji, the Yamashiro no Muraji, the Naniwa no Muraji, the Ki no Sakahito no Muraji, the Yamato no Aya no Muraji, the Kawachi no Aya no Muraji, the Hata no Muraji, the Ōsumi no Atai, and the Fumi no Muraji.

In autumn, the seventh month, the first day being an eulsa day, on the eulchuk day the gods of Hirose and Tatsuta were worshipped.

On the gyeongo day a command was given fixing the colors of the court robes from the myō rank down to the shin rank. Those of jō rank and above all wear safflower red. The shō ranks wear deep purple, the jiki ranks light purple, the gon ranks deep green, the mu ranks light green, the tsui ranks deep grape, and the shin ranks light grape.

On the sinmi day a decree was given. "Those who hold rank in the lands east of Mino on the Tōsan road, and east of Ise on the Tōkai road, are all freed from labor service."

In the eighth month, the first day being a gapsul day, on the eulyu day the emperor went to Jōdoji. On the byeongsul day he went to Kawaradera. He gave rice to the body of priests.

On the gyesa day the envoys who had been sent to Tamna came back.

In the ninth month, the first day being a gapjin day, on the imja day the emperor feasted in the court of the hall of rest at the old palace. On this day cloth was given to all from the crown prince down to Prince Osakabe, each according to his degree.

On the gapin day Miyakoro no Ōkimi, Hirose no Ōkimi, Naniwa no Ōkimi, Takeda no Ōkimi and Minu no Ōkimi were sent to the capital and the home provinces, each to compare the arms of the workmen.

On the muo day Tsunu no Asomi Ushikai, of the rank of jikikōshi, was made messenger for the Tōkai, Ishikawa no Asomi Mushina, of the rank of jikikōshi, messenger for the Tōsan, Sami no Asomi Sukunamaro, of the rank of jikikōshi, messenger for the Sanyō, Kose no Asomi Awamochi, of the rank of jikikōshi, messenger for the San'in, Michi no Mahito Tomi, of the rank of jikikōsan, messenger for the Nankai, and Saeki no Sukune Hirotari, of the rank of jikikōshi, messenger for Tsukushi. Each was given one judge and one secretary, and they went about to look into the state of the Kuni no Tsukasa, the Kōri no Tsukasa, and the people.

On this day a decree was given. "Let all men who sing and women who sing and men who play the flute hand it down to their own children and grandchildren, and have them learn the singing and the flute."

On the sinyu day the emperor went to the great hall of rest and called the princes and nobles before the hall and had them play at games. On this day the imperial robes and trousers were given to ten men in all: Miyakoro no Ōkimi, Naniwa no Ōkimi, Takeda no Ōkimi, Mikuni no Mahito Tomotari, Agata no Inukai no Sukune Ōtomo, Ōtomo no Sukune Miyuki, Sakaibe no Sukune Iwatsumi, Ō no Asomi Honji, Uneme no Asomi Tsukura, and Fujiwara no Asomi Ōshima.

On the imsul day bearskins and goat skins were given to forty-eight men in all, from the crown prince down to the several princes and nobles, each according to his degree.

On the gyehae day the envoys who had been sent to the country of Goryeo came back.

On the jeongmyo day, the emperor being unwell in body, the sutras were recited for three days at the Daikan Daiji, at Kawaradera and at Asukadera. Rice was brought into the three temples with it, each according to its degree.

On the gyeongo day gifts were given to the men of Goryeo who had come to settle, each according to his degree.

In winter, the tenth month, the first day being a gyeyu day, on the byeongja day thirty households were granted to Jōki (常輝), a priest of Baekje. This priest was a hundred years old.

On the gyeongjin day Hōzō (法藏), a priest of Baekje, and Masuda no Atai Konshu, a lay believer, were sent to Mino to boil down white atractylodes. Coarse silk, floss silk and cloth were given them for it.

On the imo day Karube no Asomi Ase, Takata no Obito Niinomi and Aratao no Muraji Maro were sent to Shinano to build a travelling palace. Perhaps he meant to go to the hot spring of Tsukama.

On the gapsin day Hatsuse no Ōkimi, of the rank of jōdaishi, and Kose no Asomi Umakai, of the rank of jikikōshi, with judges and those below them, twenty men in all, were charged with the work in the home provinces.

On the gichuk day Ise no Ōkimi and his company also set out for the eastern lands. Robes and trousers were given them for it.

In this month the Diamond Wisdom Sutra was expounded within the palace.

In the eleventh month, the first day being a gyemyo day, on the gapjin day ten thousand geun of iron for use were sent to the office of the governor-general in Suō.

On this day the Ōmikotomochi of Tsukushi asked for things to use, and a hundred bolts of coarse silk, a hundred geun of thread, three hundred ends of cloth, four hundred jō of cloth paid in place of labor, ten thousand geun of iron and two thousand bundles of arrow bamboo were sent down to Tsukushi.

On the byeongo day a decree was given to the lands of the four quarters. "Great horns and small horns, drums and flutes, banners and flags, crossbows and stone-throwing engines and the like are not to be kept in private houses. Gather them all into the district offices."

On the musin day he went to the Shiranishiki no Misono.

On the byeongin day the priest Hōzō and Konshu presented the boiled white atractylodes. On this day the spirit was called back for the emperor.

On the gisa day Silla sent Kim Jisang (金智祥) of the rank of pajinchan and Kim Geonhun (金健勳) of the rank of daeachan to ask about affairs of state. They offered tribute with it.

In the twelfth month, the first day being an imsin day, on the eulhae day the frontier guards who had been sent to Tsukushi drifted about at sea and lost all their clothes. Four hundred and fifty ends of cloth were then sent down to Tsukushi for clothing for the frontier guards.

On the sinsa day there was a shaking of the earth that arose in the west.

On the jeonghae day coarse silk, floss silk and cloth were given to the priests of the Daikan Daiji.

On the gyeongin day, by command of the empress, one set of court robes each was given to fifty-five princes and nobles.

In spring, the first month, the first day being an imin day, on the gyemyo day he went to the Great Hall of State and gave a feast to the several princes and nobles. On this day a decree was given. "I will ask the princes and nobles about unexpected matters. He whose answer hits the truth shall surely be rewarded."

At this Prince Takechi was asked, and answered with the truth. He was given three imperial robes dyed hazel-color, two pairs of brocade trousers, and with them twenty bolts of coarse silk, fifty geun of thread, a hundred geun of floss silk and a hundred ends of cloth.

Ise no Ōkimi also hit the truth. He was given three black imperial robes, two pairs of purple trousers, seven bolts of coarse silk, twenty geun of thread, forty geun of floss silk and forty ends of cloth.

On this day Sinheung (新興), a man of Baekje living in the land of Settsu, presented a white agate.

On the gyeongsul day the three superintendents and the master of discipline, and those who had charge of the work at the Daikan Daiji, and the assistants, nine priests in all, were invited and entertained with the fare of laymen. Coarse silk, floss silk and cloth were given them with it, each according to his degree.

On the sinhae day one robe and one pair of trousers each were given to the several princes and nobles.

On the gapin day men of the several arts, and doctors of learning, and diviners of yin and yang, and physicians, more than twenty men in all, were called and given food and gifts.

On the eulmyo day, at the hour of the cock, fire broke out in the Great Treasury at Naniwa, and the palace buildings all burned. Someone said: "Fire broke out in the house of Ato no Muraji Kusuri and reached the palace buildings. Only the Office of the Armory did not burn."

On the jeongsa day the emperor went to the great hall of rest and called the several princes and nobles and gave them a feast. Coarse silk, floss silk and cloth were given them with it, each according to his degree.

On this day the emperor asked the ministers about unexpected matters. Those who hit the truth then were given coarse silk and floss silk once more.

On the muo day there was a feast in the inner palace. On the gimi day there was a great feast at court. On this day he went before the Mimurodono, and gifts were given to the players, each according to his degree. Robes and trousers were given to the singers as well.

On the gyeongsin day the earth shook.

In this month, to entertain Kim Jisang of Silla, Kawachi no Ōkimi of the rank of jōkōshi, Ōtomo no Sukune Yasumaro of the rank of jikikōsan, Fujiwara no Asomi Ōshima of the rank of jikidaishi, Sakaibe no Sukune Konoshiro of the rank of jikikōshi, and Hozumi no Asomi Mushimaro of the rank of jikikōshi, were sent to Tsukushi.

In the second month, the first day being a sinmi day, on the gapsul day he went to the great hall of rest. Six attendant ministers were given the gon rank.

On the eulhae day a command was given. "Choose nine of the Kuni no Tsukasa who have merit, and give them the gon rank."

In the third month, the first day being a sinchuk day, on the byeongo day Hata no Mahito Yakuni, of the Board of the Great Controllers, of the rank of jikidaisan, fell sick. Three priests were ordained for his sake.

On the gyeongsul day it snowed.

On the eulchuk day Hata no Mahito Yakuni died. For his merit in the year of imsin he was given the rank of jikidaiichi.

In summer, the fourth month, the first day being a gyeongo day, on the jeongchuk day Kuwabara no Suguri Katsu, a physician in attendance, was given the rank of jikikōshi. With it the surname Muraji was granted him.

On the imo day, to entertain the guests from Silla, the music and dance of Kawaradera were carried over to Tsukushi. Five thousand sheaves of the empress's own rice were then brought into Kawaradera.

On the muja day the tribute offered by Silla was sent up from Tsukushi. There were one fine horse, one mule, two dogs, vessels of gold worked with chasing, and gold, silver, brocade of the colors of the sunset glow, figured silk and gauze, tiger and leopard hides, and medicines, more than a hundred kinds in all. Jisang and Geonhun and the rest offered besides gold, silver, brocade of the colors of the sunset glow, figured silk and gauze, vessels of gold, folding screens, saddle leather, silk and cloth, and medicines, more than sixty kinds each. The things offered apart to the empress, the crown prince and the several royal princes were each in their number.

On the byeongsin day Princess Taki, Yamashiro no Himemiko and the lady Ishikawa were sent to the shrine of Ise.

In the fifth month, the first day being a gyeongja day, on the musin day Princess Taki and her company came back from Ise.

On this day Eogin (億仁), a man of Baekje and a physician in attendance, fell sick and was near death. He was given the rank of gondaiichi, and a hundred households were granted him with it.

On the gyechuk day a command was given. "Seven hundred households are granted to the Daikan Daiji, and three hundred thousand sheaves of rice from the taxes are brought in with them."

On the byeongjin day the palace ladies were raised in rank.

On the gyehae day the emperor first became unwell in body. Because of it the Sutra of the Healing Buddha was expounded at Kawaradera, and the summer retreat was kept within the palace.

On the mujin day Kim Jisang and his company were entertained at Tsukushi, and gifts were given to each according to his degree. Then they withdrew from Tsukushi.

In this month a command was given, and the Ōtoneri of the left and right were sent to sweep clean the halls and pagodas of the several temples. A great amnesty was then granted to the realm, and the prisons were left empty.

In the sixth month, the first day being a gisa day, the surname Muraji was granted to Tsukimoto no Suguri Katsumaro. The rank of gondaiichi was added to it, and twenty households were granted him.

On the gyeongo day rank was given to craftsmen, diviners of yin and yang, physicians in attendance, students who had been in great Tang, and one or two palace ladies, thirty-four in all.

On the eulhae day twenty-eight men of merit were chosen out from the several offices and raised in rank.

On the muin day the emperor's sickness was divined, and it was the curse of the sword Kusanagi. On that same day it was sent to the shrine of Atsuta in the land of Owari and placed there.

On the gyeongjin day rain was prayed for.

On the gapsin day Ise no Ōkimi and officials were sent to Asukadera, and this command was given to the body of priests. "Of late my body has not been well. I would have my body come to peace, leaning on the might of the Three Treasures. Therefore let the chief bishop and the bishop and the body of priests make their vows."

Rare treasures were then offered to the Three Treasures. On this day one imperial robe and one imperial coverlet each were given to the three superintendents and the master of discipline, to the abbots and those who had charge of the work at the four temples, and to the priests who then held the rank of master (師).

On the jeonghae day a command was given. "Send all the officials to Kawaradera to light the lamps and make offerings." A great fast was then held, and penance was done for their faults.

On the byeongsin day thirty households each were granted to the priest Hōnin and the priest Gishō, to nourish them in their old age.

On the gyeongin day fire broke out in the kitchen office at Nabari.

In autumn, the seventh month, the first day being a gihae day, on the gyeongja day a command was given. "Once more let the men wear shin-skirts, and the women let their hair hang down their backs, as of old."

On this day the chief bishop and the bishops came into the palace and did penance.

On the sinchuk day the several lands were called and a great purification was made.

On the imin day the tribute of the realm was halved. Labor service was wholly remitted with it.

On the gyemyo day offerings were made to the god Kunikakasu in the land of Kii, to the four shrines of Asuka, and to the great god of Suminoe.

On the byeongo day a hundred priests were invited and the Golden Light Sutra was read within the palace.

On the musin day lightning flashed in the south and there was one great peal. Then a fire from heaven fell on the building of the Board of Population where the cloth paid in place of labor was stored. Someone said: "Fire broke out in the palace of Prince Osakabe and spread, and burned the Board of Population."

On the gyechuk day a command was given. "In the affairs of the realm, great or small, report all to the empress and the crown prince." On this day a great amnesty was granted.

On the gapin day the gods of Hirose and Tatsuta were worshipped.

On the jeongsa day a decree was given. "Where the people of the realm have been poor and have borrowed rice or goods, all that was borrowed before the thirtieth day of the twelfth month of the year of eulyu, whether from the state or from private men, is remitted and forgiven."

On the muo day the era was changed and called the first year of Shuchō. The palace was then named the Kiyomihara Palace of Asuka.

On the byeongin day seventy men of pure conduct were chosen out and entered the priesthood. A fast was set out for them at the Mimuroin within the palace.

In this month the several princes and ministers made an image of Kannon for the emperor, and the Kannon Sutra was expounded at the Daikan Daiji.

In the eighth month, the first day being a gisa day, eighty priests were ordained for the emperor.

On the gyeongo day a hundred priests and nuns in all were ordained. Thereupon a hundred bodhisattvas were set up within the palace, and two hundred scrolls of the Kannon Sutra were read.

On the jeongchuk day, the emperor being unwell in body, prayer was made to the gods.

On the sinsa day Hata no Imiki Iwakatsu was sent to make offerings to the great god of Tosa.

On this day four hundred more households each were granted to the crown prince, Prince Ōtsu and Prince Takechi. A hundred more each were granted to Prince Kawashima and Prince Osakabe.

On the gyemi day two hundred more each were granted to Prince Shiki (芝基) and Prince Shiki (磯城).

On the gichuk day a hundred households each were granted to Hinokumadera, Karudera and Ōkubodera, for a term of thirty years.

On the sinmyo day two hundred households were granted to Kosedera.

In the ninth month, the first day being a musul day, on the sinchuk day all from the royal princes down to the several ministers gathered at Kawaradera and made vows for the emperor's sickness, and so on.

On the byeongo day the emperor's sickness did not mend at last, and he died in the main palace.

On the musin day the wailing began. A mourning palace was raised in the southern court.

On the sinyu day the body was laid in the southern court, and their grief was made known. At this time Prince Ōtsu plotted rebellion against the crown prince.

At dawn on the gapja day the priests and nuns wailed in the court of the mourning palace and then withdrew. On this day the offerings were presented for the first time, and the eulogies were recited. First, Ōama no Sukune Shikobu recited for the affairs of the Mibu. Next, Ise no Ōkimi, of the rank of jōdaishi, recited for the affairs of the several princes. Next, Agata no Inukai no Sukune Ōtomo, of the rank of jikidaisan, recited for all the affairs within the palace. Next, Kawachi no Ōkimi, of the rank of jōkōshi, recited for the affairs of the Ōtoneri of the left and right. Next, Tagima no Mahito Kunimi, of the rank of jikidaisan, recited for the affairs of the guards of the left and right. Next, Uneme no Asomi Tsukura, of the rank of jikidaishi, recited for the affairs of the ladies of the inner palace. Next, Ki no Asomi Mahito, of the rank of jikikōshi, recited for the affairs of the Board of the Table.

On the eulchuk day the priests and nuns again wailed in the court of the mourning palace. On this day Fuse no Asomi Minushi, of the rank of jikidaisan, recited for the affairs of the Great Council of State. Next, Isonokami no Asomi Maro, of the rank of jikikōsan, recited for the affairs of the Board of Law. Next, Ōmiwa no Asomi Takechimaro, of the rank of jikidaishi, recited for the affairs of the office of clan affairs. Next, Ōtomo no Sukune Yasumaro, of the rank of jikikōsan, recited for the affairs of the Great Treasury. Next, Fujiwara no Asomi Ōshima, of the rank of jikidaishi, recited for the affairs of the Board of War.

On the byeongin day the priests and nuns again made their grief known. On this day Ahe no Kunu no Asomi Maro, of the rank of jikikōshi, recited for the affairs of the Board of Punishments. Next, Ki no Asomi Yumihari, of the rank of jikikōshi, recited for the affairs of the Board of Population. Next, Hozumi no Asomi Mushimaro, of the rank of jikikōshi, recited for the affairs of the several Kuni no Tsukasa. Next, the Hayato of Ōsumi and of Ata, and the Umakaibe no Miyatsuko of Yamato and of Kawachi, each recited.

On the jeongmyo day the priests and nuns made their grief known. On this day Yangu (良虞), king of Baekje, recited in the place of Seon-gwang, king of Baekje. Next, as the Kuni no Miyatsuko of the several lands came up, each recited. Songs and dances of many kinds were then performed.