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Nihongi

The Nihongi, or Nihonshoki (Chronicles of Japan), is one of the earliest and most important sources of Japanese mythology. Along with the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters), it provides most of the myths and legends from the early periods of Japanese history up to the death of Empress Jitô in A.D. 697.

Written in Chinese and strongly influenced by both Chinese and Korean mythological traditions, the Nihongi was completed by Prince Toneri in A.D. 720. Based on the work of a number of earlier scholars, it provides much useful information about ancient Japan.

Both the Nihongi and the Kojiki contain stories that trace the genealogy of the Japanese imperial family back to the creation of the world and to the sun goddess Amaterasu, said to be the divine ancestor of Japanese emperors. Besides linking the imperial family to divine authority, these myths also served to strengthen the authority of the Japanese ruling class. See ateo AMATERASU; JAPANESE MYTHOLOGY; KOJIKI..