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Nihongi.
Nigi-Yemishi.[1] These now here are Nigi-Yemishi—they bring tribute yearly to our country's Court." The Emperor inquired of them, saying:—"In their country are there the five kinds of grain?" The Envoys answered respectfully, saying:—"No, they sustain life by eating flesh?" The Emperor inquired of them, saying:—"Have they houses in their country?" The Envoys answered respectfully, saying:—"No, they have their dwelling under trees in the recesses of the mountains." The Emperor went on to say:—"When We look at the unusual bodily appearance of these Yemishi, it is strange in the extreme. You Envoys must have suffered greatly on your long voyage hither. Now retire and abide in your official residence. We shall meet again." On the 1st day of the 11th month the festival of the Winter Solstice was celebrated at Court. On the festival day, they again saw the Emperor. Amongst the various frontier states who attended the Court, the Japanese[2] visitors were the most distinguished. Thereafter, by reason of the confusion caused by a conflagration, the matter was neglected and not further attended to. On the 3rd day of the 12th month, Kahachi no Aya no Ohomaro, a servant of Han Chi-hung, slandered our visitors, who were found guilty by the Court of Thang, and were already condemned to banishment. Previously Chi-hung was banished to a distance of 3000 li. Among the visitors was one, Hakatoko, Yuki no Muraji, who made representations to the Emperor in consequence of which their punishment was remitted. When everything was concluded, the Emperor decreed as follows:—"This Government has determined next year to take administrative measures in regard to the lands east of the sea,[3] and you, the visitors from Wa, may not return to the east." In the end they (XXVI. 15.) were detained in the Western capital.[4] They were placed
- ↑ Ara and Nigi mean respectively rough and soft or gentle. The reference is to their greater or less degree of civilization. The Yezo Ainos are not mentioned.
- ↑ The character used is 倭, i.e. Wa, but possibly the writer meant it to be read Yamato.
- ↑ The campaign against Pèkché is no doubt meant.
- ↑ Fēng-hsiang, in the province of Shensi.
