Tsushima Fudoki: Unveiling the Lost Chronicles of Japan
Floating in the Korea Strait, roughly halfway between the Japanese mainland and the Korean Peninsula, lies Tsushima. It is an island of steep mountains, deep forests, and a history that serves as a bridge between civilizations. For culture enthusiasts and history buffs, the island holds a specific allure tied to the Tsushima Fudoki—an ancient provincial record that, while largely lost to time, continues to whisper the secrets of early Japan through the island’s enduring traditions.
The Origins: A Decree for the Ages
To understand the Tsushima Fudoki, one must first look back to the Nara Period. In 713 AD, Empress Gemmei issued a famous imperial decree ordering the governors of every province in Japan to compile reports on their regions. These reports, known as Fudoki (records of wind and earth), were required to detail geographical names, natural resources, land fertility, and, most importantly, local oral traditions and folklore.
While the Fudoki of Izumo remains nearly complete, the Tsushima Fudoki is classified as non-extant. It exists today only in fragments (known as itsubun) quoted in later medieval texts or inferred through the rich archaeological and mythological tapestry of the island. Tsushima was a critical strategic point—a frontier zone. Consequently, the original report would have likely contained vital information regarding diplomatic relations, trade routes with the continent, and the unique defense rituals of the borderland people.
Legends of the Border Island
Although the physical scrolls of the Tsushima Fudoki have vanished, the stories that would have filled its pages are preserved in the island’s spiritual DNA and parallel texts like the Kojiki.
The Birth of the Island
According to Japanese creation mythology, Tsushima was one of the first islands born from the union of the primal deities Izanagi and Izanami. In ancient texts, it was referred to as the “Island of Two Horses,” a nod to its shape or perhaps its role as a transit hub.
The Sea God’s Domain
One of the most profound legends connected to the region is that of the Watatsumi (Sea Deities). The mythology suggests that the daughters of the Sea God, Toyotama-hime and Tamayori-hime, have deep ancestral ties here. This connects the island directly to the Imperial lineage of Japan. The local folklore describes Tsushima not just as a physical barrier against invasion, but as a spiritual gate where the boundary between the human world and the divine ocean is incredibly thin.
Modern Culture: Where Myth Meets Reality
Today, the legacy of the Tsushima Fudoki is not found in a library, but in the landscape and the lives of the locals. The island maintains a distinct cultural identity that blends Japanese Shinto traditions with mainland Asian influences.
Walking through Tsushima feels like stepping into a living museum. The island is dotted with an unusually high density of Shinto shrines—over 1,000, in fact. This high concentration of sacred sites is a testament to the ancient belief recorded in the era of the Fudoki: that the land itself is inhabited by kami (spirits) who protect the national border.
Locals still perform rituals that date back over a millennium, such as the tortoise-shell divination (kiboku), a practice that was once crucial for court decisions and agricultural planning. This survival of ancient rites offers a rare glimpse into the world that the Tsushima Fudoki would have described.
Traveler’s Tips: Exploring the Frontier
If you are inspired to walk in the footsteps of the ancients, Tsushima offers a rugged, off-the-beaten-path adventure.
- Getting There: You can access Tsushima by ferry from Hakata Port (Fukuoka) or by plane from Nagasaki and Fukuoka airports. The jetfoil is the fastest maritime option.
- Must-Visit Sites:
- Watazumi Shrine: Located in Toyotama, this shrine features five torii gates, two of which stand in the ocean. It is dedicated to the sea goddesses mentioned in ancient lore.
- Mt. Shiratake: A sacred mountain that has been worshipped for centuries. The hike offers panoramic views of the archipelago’s distinct ria coastline.
- Kaneda Castle Ruins: Built in 667 AD following a defeat by Tang and Silla forces, these ruins highlight the island’s military history.
- Culinary Delights: Don’t leave without trying Rokube, a noodle dish made from sweet potatoes, a staple crop that saved islanders from famine. Also, try Kasumaki, a sponge cake wrapped around bean paste, originally a luxury for samurai.
- Transportation: Public transport is sparse. Renting a car is highly recommended to reach the remote historical sites efficiently.
Sources & Further Reading
For those wishing to delve deeper into the historical context of the Tsushima Fudoki and the mythology of the region, the following texts are essential:
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): Translated by Basil Hall Chamberlain or Donald L. Philippi. Contains the creation myths involving Tsushima.
- The Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan): Translated by W.G. Aston. Provides the historical and chronological context of the Nara period and the imperial decrees.
- Fudoki: Translated by Michiko Y. Aoki (Records of Wind and Earth). While focusing on extant texts like Izumo, the introduction and commentaries often discuss lost texts like Tsushima’s.
- Local Gazetteers: Regional museum publications in Nagasaki Prefecture often compile the surviving fragments (itsubun) of the lost Fudoki.