Nihongi: Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to A.D. 697, often called the Nihonshoki, is one of Japan's great classics of literature. Regarded as one of the seminal original authorities on the mythology and ancient history of Japan, it remains as fresh today as when it was written in the eighth century. It provides a vivid picture of a nation in formation. In the Nihongi, we see the growth of national awareness following the assimilation of Buddhism and the general Chinese and Indian influence on Japanese culture. Before its history stretch the mysterious archaeological ages of Jomon and Yayoi. From the first chapter, “The Age of the Gods,” the fantastic world of ancient Japan is laid before us. Ritual myth and superstition meet with bare feet and folk custom. Strong emotions and conflict are seen surging in Japan’s antiquity. Few historical documents are as “human” as the Nihongi. For a thousand years, emperors, scholars, courtiers, and imperial historians have found in the Nihongi knowledge and guidance. It remains a key to early Japan, a gateway to the actual old Japan. The translator of the Nihongi, William George Aston, pioneered the translation of Japanese into English.

The Nihon Shoki, translated as The Chronicles of Japan, is the second oldest book of classical Japanese history. The book is also called the Nihongi (The Japanese Chronicles). It is more elaborate and detailed than the Kojiki, the oldest book, and has proven to be an important tool for historians and archaeologists as it includes the most complete historical record of ancient Japan. The Nihongi was finished in 720 AD under the editorial supervision of Prince Toneri and with the assistance of Yasumaro no O. The book begins with the Japanese creation myth, explaining the origin of the world and the first seven generations of divine beings, and continues its account through to events of the 8th century. It is believed to record accurately the latter reigns of Emperor Tenji, Emperor Temmu and Empress Jito. It describes episodes from mythological eras and diplomatic contacts with other countries. The Nihongi was written in classical Chinese, as was common for official documents at that time. Yasumaro no O (died August 15, 723) was a Japanese nobleman, bureaucrat, and chronicler. He is most famous for compiling and editing, with the assistance of Hieda no Are, the Nihongi and the Kojiki, the two oldest books on Japanese history.

Written in the early eighth century, the Kojiki is considered JapanÕs first literary and historical work. A compilation of myths, legends, songs, and genealogies, it recounts the birth of JapanÕs islands, reflecting the origins of Japanese civilization and future Shinto practice. The Kojiki provides insight into the lifestyle, religious beliefs, politics, and history of early Japan, and for centuries has shaped the nationÕs view of its past. This innovative rendition conveys the rich appeal of the Kojiki to a general readership by translating the names of characters to clarify their contribution to the narrative while also translating place names to give a vivid sense of the landscape the characters inhabit, as well as an understanding of where such places are today. Gustav HeldtÕs expert organization reflects the textÕs original sentence structure and repetitive rhythms, enhancing the readerÕs appreciation for its sophisticated style of storytelling.