A Handbook of Universal Literature

HISTORY.–The earliest extant Japanese record is a work entitled Kojiki, or book of ancient traditions. It treats of the creation, the gods and goddesses of the mythological period, and gives the history of the Mikados from the accession of Jimmu, year 1 (660 B.C.), to 1288 of the Japanese year. It was supposed to date from the first half of the eighth century, and another work Nihonghi, a little later, also treats of the mythological period. It abounds in traces of Chinese influence, and in a measure supersedes the Kojiki. These are the oldest books in the language. They are the chief exponents of the Shinto faith, and form the bases of many commentaries and subsequent works.