The Xu Fu Legend: An Ancient Quest for Immortality in Japan
In the tapestry of East Asian history, few tales blend myth and reality as seamlessly as the legend of Xu Fu. Known in Japan as Jofuku, this ancient Chinese sorcerer and court navigator is celebrated not as a conqueror, but as a cultural bearer who arrived on Japanese shores over 2,000 years ago. His story is one of mystery, adventure, and the universal human fear of death—a journey that purportedly brought agriculture and civilization to the Japanese archipelago.
The Origins: A Tyrant’s Fear
The story begins in China during the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC). The First Emperor, Qin Shi Huang, famous for his Terracotta Army, was obsessed with achieving immortality. He feared death above all else and sought a way to bypass the natural order.
Enter Xu Fu, a court sorcerer and alchemist. In 219 BC, Xu Fu petitioned the emperor, claiming that the “Elixir of Life” existed on three divine mountains in the Eastern Seas: Penglai, Fangzhang, and Yingzhou. He convinced the emperor that immortals lived there and that he could retrieve the potion if provided with the right resources.
Desperate, Qin Shi Huang granted Xu Fu a massive fleet. The expedition included 60 ships, 3,000 virgin boys and girls, and a vast array of artisans, seeds, and tools. This was not merely a voyage; it was a migration.
The Legend: Arrival in the Land of Wa
According to the Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), Xu Fu set sail but never returned to China. The legend posits that he found a land comprising “flat plains and wide swamps”—a description that many historians believe refers to ancient Japan, specifically the islands of Kyushu or Honshu.
Once Xu Fu arrived, he realized that the elixir of immortality was elusive (or perhaps a metaphor for nature itself). However, he found the land hospitable and the local people peaceful. Fearing the emperor’s wrath for failing his mission—execution was the standard punishment—Xu Fu decided to stay. He proclaimed himself king of this new land and never sailed back to China.
The Cultural Catalyst
Many historians and folklorists suggest that Xu Fu’s arrival coincides with the end of Japan’s Jomon period and the beginning of the Yayoi period. The legend credits Xu Fu with introducing:
- Wet-rice cultivation: A staple that transformed Japanese society.
- Metallurgy: The knowledge of iron and bronze casting.
- Medicine: Advanced herbal knowledge from the mainland.
- Sericulture: The farming of silkworms and weaving.
In this narrative, Xu Fu is the civilizing hero who brought the advanced technology of the Qin Dynasty to the indigenous people of Japan.
Modern Culture: The Legacy of Jofuku
Today, Xu Fu is revered as a deity of farming, medicine, and sericulture in various parts of Japan. The legend is so potent that over 20 different locations across the country claim to be his landing site.
In modern Japanese culture, the “Elixir of Life” he sought is often reinterpreted. Some legends claim he found a medicinal plant called Tendaichiyaku (Japanese Bay tree), which grows wild in the Kumano region. Locals brew this into a tea believed to promote longevity, keeping the spirit of his quest alive.
Furthermore, the legend of Xu Fu is a testament to the deep historical ties between China and Japan. He serves as a bridge, a symbol of shared heritage that predates modern political boundaries.
Traveler’s Tips: Following Xu Fu’s Footsteps
For travelers interested in folklore and history, tracing the path of Jofuku offers a unique itinerary off the beaten path.
1. Xu Fu Park (Shingu City, Wakayama)
This is perhaps the most famous site associated with the legend. Located near Shingu Station, the park features a vibrant Chinese-style gate and a tomb ascribed to Xu Fu. The park sells “Jofuku Tea,” made from the local medicinal plants he allegedly discovered. Every August, the city hosts the Jofuku Festival, featuring a dramatic procession honoring his arrival.
2. Saga Prefecture (Kyushu)
In Saga, the legend is deeply ingrained. You can visit the Jofuku Long Life Center, which details the medicinal herbs he sought. There is also a “Jofuku Cycle Road,” a path that allows you to cycle through the countryside while visiting various shrines and monuments dedicated to his memory.
3. Mount Fuji (Yamanashi/Shizuoka)
Some variations of the legend claim that the “Mount Penglai” Xu Fu sought was actually Mount Fuji. While there are fewer specific monuments here compared to Wakayama or Saga, viewing the mountain through the lens of this ancient quest adds a mystical layer to the experience.
Sources & Further Reading
- Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji): Written by Sima Qian, this Chinese text is the primary historical source documenting Xu Fu’s departure.
- Kojiki and Nihon Shoki: While these ancient Japanese texts focus on Shinto creation myths, the transition to the Yayoi period described therein aligns with the influx of continental technology attributed to figures like Xu Fu.
- History of Japan (Kenneth G. Henshall): For context on the Jomon-Yayoi transition.