This episode we cover a variety of things from the reign of Woke, aka Kenzō Tennō, in the late 5th century.

Chikatsu Asuka (近津飛鳥)

Technically, there are several areas that are “Asuka”. The area in the Southeast Nara Basin seems to be where many sovereigns had their palaces, but there is also an area further to the west that might make more sense as “Near” Asuka, especially if Chikatsu Asuka was on the way between Naniwa and Isonokami. (Note that the map is approximate).

Banzai (万歳) — not bonsai

This is still used in modern Mandarin, or Putonghua, as “Wansui”. In both cases it is the same meaning, with the Japanese term originating in the Han dynasty or even earlier. It literally means “10,000 years”.

FWIW, “Bonsai” (盆栽) is something else—trees or similar plants that have been carefully trimmed and kept as a miniature version, usually very carefully and painstakingly shaped to look appropriately “natural”, sometimes specifically trained to a particular landscape. Groups will get together and often display their work to the public at castles, shrines, temples, and elsewhere.

While people may wish “banzai” to their “bonsai”, try not to confuse the two!

Kyokusui no En (曲水宴)

The “Winding Stream Poetry Banquet” is one of the hallmarks of Japanese noble poetic culture, and comes directly from the continent. Sometimes it is read as “Gokusui no En”, but it is the same idea. These parties were a big hit, and special streams were built for them.

Unfortunately, over time many of these streams have been demolished, though there is at least one remaining stream—a feeder stream for the pond at Motsuji temple in Hiraizumi, in the Tohoku region. Back in the Heian era, elites in Hiraizumi did their best to emulate the culture of the capital even out in the provinces, leaving us things like this.

Today there are various temples and shrines that hold regular “Kyokusui no En” events, with people coming out in Heian era garments and re-enacting these poetry events.

Takami Musubi

We’ve discussed Takami Musubi before. He is one of several kami using the designation of “Musubi”, including “Kammu Musubi”. Takami Musubi is said to have come around before even Izanagi and Izanami, who are otherwise seen as the “creation” kami.

Ki no Ohiha

Probably “Ki no “Opipa” back in the day, and nowadays maybe more appropriately as “Ki no Oiwa”. The Ki family is known to have been active in various campaigns on the Korean peninsula.

References

• Ō, Yasumaro, & Heldt, G. (2014). The Kojiki: An account of ancient matters. ISBN978-0-231-16389-7.

• Bentley, John. (2006). The Authenticity of Sendai Kuji Hongi: a New Examination of Texts, with a Translation and Commentary. ISBN-90-04-152253.

• Chamberlain, B. H. (1981). The Kojiki: Records of ancient matters. Rutland, Vt: C.E. Tuttle Co.  ISBN4-8053-0794-3.

• Aston, W. G. (1972). Nihongi, chronicles of Japan from the earliest times to A.D. 697. London: Allen & Unwin. ISBN0-80480984-4

• Philippi, D. L. (1968). Kojiki. Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press. ISBN4-13-087004-1