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354
Nihongi.

(XXIX. 36.) On this day, Nukamushi, Toneri no Miyakko, and Chitoko, Fumi no Atahe, were granted the title of Muraji.

A.D. 682. 11th year, Spring, 1st month, 9th day. Nukamushi,[1] Toneri no Miyakko, of Daisen rank, was given the rank of Lower Shōkin.

11th day. Kim Chhyung-phyöng was entertained in Tsukushi.

18th day. The Lady Higami[2] died within the Palace.

19th day. There was an earthquake.

27th day. The Lady Higami was buried at Akaho.

2nd month, 12th day. Kim Chhyung-phyöng returned to his own country.

In this month, Nukamushi, Toneri no Miyakko, of Lower Shōkin rank, died. In view of his services in the year Midzunoye Saru, he received the posthumous rank of Upper Daikin.

3rd month, 1st day. Prince Mino, of Shōshi rank, the Daibu of the Household Department and others were sent to Nihiki[3] to examine the conformation of the ground. It was accordingly resolved to have the capital there.

2nd day. Twenty-two Yemishi of the province of Michinoku were granted dignities.

7th day. There was an earthquake.

13th day. By command of the Emperor, Ihashiki, Sakahibe no Muraji, invented afresh new characters—one book in forty-four volumes.[4]

16th day. The Emperor visited Nihiki.

28th day. The Emperor issued a decree forbidding henceforward all from the Princes of the Blood down to the public functionaries to wear caps of rank, aprons, lined garments,[5] and

  1. A curious personal name. It means bran-maggot. Many of the personal names are by no means complimentary, e.g. Saru, or monkey; Kara-inu, or Corean dog; Shikowo, or ugly man. These are obviously what we should call nicknames.
  2. One of the Emperor's consorts.
  3. Nihiki means new castle.
  4. The "Shiki" says that this book was still preserved in the Imperial Library, and that the letters were very like Sanskrit characters. If this was an attempt to introduce an alphabetic script into Japan, nothing came of it. For information respecting ancient forms of writing in Japan, Hirata's "Hifumiden" may be consulted.
  5. The interlinear Kana has hira obi, i.e. broad girdles. Habaki are leggings.