Tsukushi reported to the Empress that Buddhist priests from Pèkché, named To-heun and Hyé-mi,[1] at the head of ten others and seventy-five laymen, had anchored in the harbour of Ashigita in the province of Higo. Then Tokomaro, Naniha no Kishi, and Tatsu, Funa no Fumibito, were sent to ask them why they came. They answered and said:—"The (XXII. 22.) King of Pèkché commanded us to go on a mission to the Land of Wu.[2] In that country, however, there is civil war. We were not allowed to enter it, and were returning to our own land again when we suddenly met with a storm, and were tossed about upon the sea, until most fortunately we anchored on the Imperial coast. At this we were greatly rejoiced."
5th month, 16th day. Tokomaro and his companion returned, and made their report to the Empress. Tokomaro and Tatsu were straightway sent back to accompany the men of Pèkché, and to escort them to their own country. When they arrived at Tsushima, the ten priests all expressed a wish to remain (in Japan), and the matter having been laid before the Government, they were permitted to do so. Accordingly, they were caused to dwell in the Temple of Gangōji.
Autumn, 9th month. Imoko, Wono no Omi, came back from the Land of Great Thang. Only the Interpreter Fukuri did not return.
A.D. 610. 18th year, Spring, 3rd month. The King of Koryö sent tribute of Buddhist priests named Tam-chhi and Pöp-chöng. Tam-chhi knew the five (Chinese) classics.[3] He was moreover skilled in preparing painters' colours, paper, and ink. He also made mills. This was apparently the first time that mills were made.[4]
Autumn, 7th month. An Envoy from Silla named Chuk-
- ↑ In Japanese Dōkin and Emi.
- ↑ Wu is of course here a mere geographical term. The Honan country is intended.
- ↑ Vide "Mayers' Chinese Manual," p. 315.
- ↑ It is not quite clear what sort of mills is intended. Probably hand-mills.
of Ito are mentioned in the Chinese annals as ruling in the north of Kiushiu under the sovereign of Yamato in the 3rd century. The Interlinear Kana gives Oho-mikoto-mochi, Great-august-thing-holder, as the Japanese equivalent for Dazai. But I am disposed to think that this is a mere translation, like many of the Kana renderings of Chinese titles, and that this word was not a real title of the viceroy.
