The Japanese Historical Text Initiative (JHTI) is a rapidly expanding database made up of historical texts dating back more than 1200 years. The original version of every paragraph in every text is cross-tagged with its English translation, making it possible for any researcher to see, on the same screen, both the original and English translation of any word or phrase appearing in any JHTI text. The texts now included are of the following types:
Ancient chronicles. These were compiled by officials of the Imperial Court in compliance with edicts handed down by occupants of the throne. The three oldest chronicles have been placed on JHTI: (1) the Kojiki (completed in 712 CE) and cross-tagged with its English translation by Donald L. Philippi, (2) the Nihon Shoki (completed in 720) with its translation by W. G. Aston, (3) the Shoku Nihongi (covering 697 to 791) with its translation by J. B. Snellen, and (4) the Kogoshûi(completed in 807) with its translation by Genchi Katō and Hikoshirō Hoshino.
Ancient gazetteers. These texts were submitted by provincial officials in compliance with an Imperial edict handed down during the first half of the 8th century. Only a few remain. We are inserting on JHTI the original of the most complete extant gazetteer, the Izumo no Kuni Fudoki (submitted in 733), and linking it with Michiko Aoki’s translation. Remaining portions of other gazetteers will be added and linked to translations by Professor Aoki.
Ancient religio-civil code. In 927, at the close of the Great Reform period that began in 645, a comprehensive compilation of religious and civil law (the Engi Shiki) was submitted to the Imperial court. The first 10 books are made up of religious (Kami) law. All other books are devoted to civil law. The originals of the 10 Kami books have been placed on JHTI and cross-tagged with Felicia Gressitt Bock’s translation.
Medieval stories. After the Great Reform period, and during early years of the emerging feudal age, the most valuable historical texts were stories written about what was said and done by powerful leaders of aristocratic and military clans. Three are being placed on JHTI: (1) the Ôkagami (covering the years 866 to 1027) with the translation by Helen Craig McCullough; (2) the Eiga Monogatari (covering the years 794 to 1185) with the translation by William H. & Helen Craig McCullough; and (3) the Taiheiki (completed around 1371) with the Helen Craig McCullough translation. Other translated texts of this type will be added later.
Medieval and early-modern interpretive histories. Between 1219 and 1712, three great interpretive histories were written, mirroring the religious and political interests of their authors. The originals and translations of two are being placed on JHTI: (1) the Gukanshô (completed in 1219) has been linked with the Delmer M. Brown and Ichiro Ishida translation, and (2) the Jinnô Shôtôki (completed in 1339) with the H. Paul Varley translation. The third history of this type, the Tokushi Yoron (completed in 1712), will soon be cross-tagged and inserted with the Joyce Ackroyd translation.
The Japanese state and Imperial Shinto. After the Meiji Restoration of 1868, and in response to increasing pressure from Western powers, the Japanese state adopted reforms in all areas of public life, including religious life. After World War II the government collected and published important religious orders issued between 1868 and 1945. This is entitled Meiji Ikô Jinja Kankei Hôrei Shiryô (Governmental Orders Concerning Shinto Shrines After the First Year of Meiji) and it is being placed on JHTI, and is being linked with translations by Brown and Okubo. In 1937, the Japanese government published and distributed its official interpretation of Imperial Shinto. Entitled Kokutai no Hongi (Principles of Nation-Body) this has been placed on JHTI and cross-tagged with the English translation by John Owen Gauntlett.
Scriptures of Japan’s New Religions. After Japan was forced to adopt a constitution that freed religion from state control, numerous New Religions emerged and flourished. The strongest two have amassed 10 million or more members. Their teachings are rooted in the Lotus Sutra (Kegon-kyô) and this Sutra, thought to be the earliest of the Mahayana scriptures, will be placed on JHTI and cross-tagged with the English translation by Banno Kato et al and revised by W. L. Soothill and William Schiffer et al. The Ofudesaki written by the founder of Tenri-kyô will also be added, and linked with the translation by Iwao P. Hino.
We will continue inserting more texts of the above types, as well as more texts of other types. The highest priority, however, will be for those currently used for research by historians in the English-speaking world.
The following research-aid pages can be entered from JHTI’s Home Page:
Research Aids. This now includes Basic Terms of Shinto, a dictionary published by the Institute for Japanese Culture and Classics of Kokugakuin University, and Shinto Shrine Atlas, a search engine for Shikinai-sha.
Electronic Publications. This contains two illustrated articles on Shinto ritual written by James W. Boyd and Ron G. Williams of Colorado State University in Ft. Collins.
Linked Electronic Publications. This contains four books on Japanese religion published by the Institute for Japanese Culture and Classics at Kokugakuin University.
Linked Sites. This enables a person to contact eight institutions active in electronic research and publication in the field of Japanese history, religion, and literature.
We are always happy to hear from our users. Please feel free to contact us at jhti@berkeley.edu with any comments or suggestions you may have.