1.
the Kojiki; Records of Ancient Matters
Japan's oldest surviving book, completed in 712. It records the myths of the creation of Japan and its gods, followed by legends and the genealogy of the early emperors, and is a basic source for Shinto mythology.
Compiled by 太安万侶 from accounts recited by 稗田阿礼. Its homophone 乞食 (beggar) is unrelated; context always makes clear which is meant.
Common expressions
- 記紀: the Kojiki and the 日本書紀 together, the two oldest chronicles
- 古事記神話: the myths of the Kojiki
Cultural note
Many famous myths come from it: the sun goddess 天照大神 hiding in a cave, and 須佐之男 slaying the eight-headed serpent. The 日本書紀, finished eight years later, tells much the same history in classical Chinese as an official chronicle.