This episode we start our look at the reign of Ame Kunioshi Hiraki Niha, aka Kinmei Tennō. We’ll start off with a look at his ascension to the throne and some of the politics that we can see going on in the court. We’ll also discuss some of the theories regarding this reign, particularly its chronological placement in the Chronicles, which may not be exactly as it seems. Still, we are in what many consider to be the historical period, meaning that the records the Chroniclers were working from are assumed to be more accurate—they were likely using more written material, including books we no longer have extant. However, that doesn’t mean everything is factual, and it is clear there are still some lacunae in the texts and some additional massaging by the Chroniclers themselves.

Dramatis Personae

Magari no Ohine, aka Ankan Tennō - Eldest son of their father, Wohodo no Ōkimi, aka Keitai Tennō. His rule was short, but there were still a few things to note.

Takewo Hiro Kunioshi Tate, aka Senka Tennō - Full brother to Magari no Ohine, he was their father’s second eldest, and he succeeded his brother to the throne.

Ame Kunioshi Hiraki Niha, aka Kinmei Tennō - Son of Wohodo no Ōkimi and his queen, Tashiraga—or at least that is what the Chronicles tell us. He was one of the youngest sons of Wohodo, and probably came to the throne in his 20s or 30s. He is our current sovereign this episode—and for a few episodes to come.

Kasuga no Yamada no Himemiko - Wife to Magari no Ohine, she could have possibly taken the throne, but she deferred to Ame Kunioshi—or so we are told. She appears to be part of the Kasuga family.

Ōtomo no Kanamura no Ōmuraji - Long time minister of Yamato, Kanamura has built a successful career through two dynasties, often with a focus on his exploits on the continent. However, by this reign he is old, and it is unclear that his sons will be able to maintain the family’s position of prominence.

Mononobe no Okoshi no Ōmuraji - Successor to Arakahi, the Mononobe have an illustrious history, going back to the earliest sovereigns. They are quite involved both in the archipelago and on the peninsula at this point. There are numerous individuals using the Mononobe family name on the continent who end up with Baekje titles, rather than Yamato ones.

Soga no Iname no Sukune no Ōmi - For anyone reading ahead, you know where this is going. Soga no Iname is the first Soga to achieve the rank of Ōmi. The fact that he has a personal rank of Sukune is not insignificant, either, though it is unclear when he actually achieved that—there is a tendancy in the Chronicles to use the last title a person had when talking about them. Still, there is little doubt that he will feature prominently in stories to come.

References

• Kim, P., & Shultz, E. J. (2013). The 'Silla annals' of the 'Samguk Sagi'. Gyeonggi-do: Academy of Korean Studies Press.

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

• Best, J. (2006). A History of the Early Korean Kingdom of Paekche, together with an annotated translation of The Paekche Annals of the Samguk sagi. Cambridge (Massachusetts); London: Harvard University Asia Center. doi:10.2307/j.ctt1tg5q8p

• 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