Nihon Shoki
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The Nihon Shoki is an 8th-century historical chronicle that records the early history of Japan, serving as one of the oldest written accounts of the Japanese islands and their rulers. It remains an important source for understanding ancient Japanese civilization and continues to influence how Japan's foundational period is understood today.
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Page from a copy of the Nihon Shoki, early Heian period (c. 9th century)
The Nihon Shoki (日本書紀) or Nihongi (日本紀), sometimes translated as The Chronicles of Japan, is the second-oldest book of classical Japanese history. It is more elaborate and detailed than the Kojiki, the oldest, and has proven to be an important tool for historians and archaeologists as it includes the most complete extant historical record of ancient Japan. The Nihon Shoki was finished in 720 under the editorial supervision of Prince Toneri with the assistance of Ō no Yasumaro and presented to Empress Genshō. The book is also a reflection of Chinese influence on Japanese civilization. In Japan, the Sinicized court wanted written history that could be compared with the annals of the Chinese.