Emperor Jimmu’s Eastern Expedition: The Dawn of Japan
Japan is a country where history and mythology often intertwine so tightly that it becomes difficult to see where one ends and the other begins. Nowhere is this more evident than in the story of the “Jimmu Tosei,” or Emperor Jimmu’s Eastern Expedition. This legendary campaign marks the founding moment of the Japanese nation, detailing the arduous journey of the first Emperor from the southern island of Kyushu to the Yamato plain in central Japan. For cultural travelers and history buffs, understanding this expedition unlocks the spiritual geography of the country.
The Origins of the First Emperor
Before he was Emperor Jimmu, he was known as Kamuyamato Iwarebiko. According to Japan’s oldest chronicles, he was a direct descendant of the Sun Goddess, Amaterasu, and the great-grandson of Ninigi-no-Mikoto, who descended from the heavens to mount Takachiho in Kyushu.
The story begins in the province of Hyuga (modern-day Miyazaki Prefecture). Iwarebiko, at the age of 45, gathered his siblings and advisors. He posited that while Kyushu was their ancestral home, it was too far west to effectively govern the entire country. To bring peace and order to the land, they needed to move eastward to the center of the world—a place known as Yamato (in present-day Nara Prefecture).
The Legend of the Expedition
The journey was far from a simple migration; it was a years-long military and spiritual odyssey fraught with peril. The expeditionary force set sail from Hyuga, navigating the Seto Inland Sea. The chronicles describe a slow advance, with the future Emperor stopping for years at a time in places like Okayama to gather strength and resources.
However, the arrival in the Kinki region was met with fierce resistance. The most significant obstacle was a local chieftain named Nagasunehiko. During the first battle, Iwarebiko’s brother was wounded and later died, a tragedy blamed on fighting facing the sun. Realizing they could not battle against the sun (their ancestral deity), Iwarebiko flanked the peninsula to attack from the east, with the sun at his back.
The Divine Guide: Yatagarasu
Perhaps the most enduring image of this legend is the intervention of the divine. As the army navigated the rugged mountains of Kumano, they became lost in deep forests. It was here that Amaterasu sent the Yatagarasu, a three-legged crow, to guide Iwarebiko through the treacherous terrain to Yamato.
aided by this divine guidance and the dazzling light of a golden kite (a bird of prey) that blinded his enemies, Iwarebiko eventually defeated Nagasunehiko. In 660 BCE, at the Kashihara Palace, he ascended the throne as Emperor Jimmu, establishing the Chrysanthemum Throne which continues to this day.
Modern Cultural Impact
While historians generally agree that Emperor Jimmu is a legendary figure and the 660 BCE date is mythological, the narrative of the Eastern Expedition is deeply embedded in Japanese culture.
National Foundation Day: The date of Jimmu’s enthronement, February 11th, is celebrated annually as Kenkoku Kinen no Hi (National Foundation Day). It remains a national holiday where the origins of the country are reflected upon.
Symbolism: The Yatagarasu remains a potent symbol of guidance and victory. Travelers will see the three-legged crow emblem at Shinto shrines, but most famously, it is the emblem of the Japan Football Association (JFA). The national soccer team wears the crow on their jerseys, invoking the spirit of guidance towards the goal.
Traveler’s Tips: Tracing the Path
For those wishing to walk in the footsteps of this legend, several sites offer a profound connection to the story:
- Miyazaki Jingu (Miyazaki Prefecture): Dedicated to Emperor Jimmu, this shrine marks the starting point of the expedition. It is built entirely of cedar and exudes a rustic, ancient atmosphere.
- Kumano Hongu Taisha (Wakayama Prefecture): Located in the spiritual heartland of the Kii Peninsula, this is where the Yatagarasu is said to have appeared. It is a central site for the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes. Look for the black Yatagarasu postbox here—a unique spot to mail a postcard.
- Kashihara Jingu (Nara Prefecture): This grand shrine was built on the site believed to be the location of the original Kashihara Palace, where Jimmu was crowned. The shrine grounds are expansive and lie at the foot of Mount Unebi, offering a serene escape into imperial history.
Visitor Etiquette: When visiting these sites, remember they are active religious grounds. Bow at the torii gates, cleanse your hands at the temizuya, and maintain a respectful volume.
Sources & Further Reading
To fully appreciate the depth of these legends, I recommend consulting the primary historical texts of Japan:
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): Completed in 712 CE, this is the oldest surviving book in Japan and focuses heavily on the mythology and the genealogy of the gods and early emperors.
- The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): Finished in 720 CE, this text provides a more detailed, chronological account of the Eastern Expedition and serves as the primary source for the traditional dates of the imperial line.
- Insight Guides: Japan: For modern context on the geography of the Seto Inland Sea and Nara.