Accession of Emperor Suinin
Emperor Ikumeiribikoisachi [Suinin] was the third child of Emperor Mimakiiribikoinie [Sujin]. His mother was Empress Mimakihime, the daughter of Ohiko no Mikoto.
In the 29th year of Emperor Mimaki, 50th year of the cycle, spring, first month, first day, the Emperor was born in Mizukaki Palace. From his birth he had a distinguished appearance. When he matured, he excelled all by a wide margin, his character was one to entrust judgement to truth, and he was never deceived. The Emperor loved him and set him at his side. When he was 24 years old, because of the sign in his dream, he became Crown Prince.
68th year, Winter, 12th month, Emperor Mimakiiribikoinie died.
First year, Spring, first month. On the second day, the Crown Prince became Emperor.
Winter, 10th month. On the 11th day, Emperor Mimaki was buried at Yamahenomichinoue Tomb.
11th month, second month. On the second day, the Empress was proclaimed Empress Dowager. This occurred in the year 27 B.C.
Second year, spring, second month. On the ninth day, Mihobime was made Empress. The Empress gave birth to Homutsuwake no Mikoto. The Emperor loved the child, and set him at his side. Even when the child matured, he could not speak.
Winter, 10th month. The capital was moved to Makimuku, to Tamaki Palace.
Visitor from Gaya
In this year, Sonakashira from Gaya said he wanted to go home. Probably he had not been home since he came to court in the reign of the previous Emperor. Therefore Sonakashira was granted a hefty reward, and in addition given 100 bolts of red silk to present to the Kokishi [King] of Gaya. However, the Sillans blocked the road and stole it. The resentment between the two countries first arose at this time.
By one account, during the reign of Emperor Mimaki [Sujin], a man with a horn on his forehead rode one ship and stayed in the country of Koshi in Kehi no Ura. Therefore that place was called Tsunuga.
He was asked, "What country are you from," and he replied,
"I am the Prince of Okara [Korea], called Tsunuga Arashito, or also Ushikiarishi Chikanki. I heard there was a sage king in the land of Yamato, and I have come to offer my allegiance to him. When I arrived in Anato, there was one man, called Itsutsuhiko, and he said, ‘I am this country’s king. There is no king besides me, so do not go elsewhere.’ However I examined and observed this man, and knew he was certainly no king, and left him. I did not know the way, so I bounced between island and port, and on my own passed through the North Sea, through Izumo, and now arrived here."
By chance that was the time when the Emperor passed away, and by the time he reached Emperor Ikume [Suinin] three years had passed. The Emperor asked Tsunuga Arashito, "Do you wish to return to your country?"
He replied, "It is my wish."
The Emperor then proclaimed to Arashito, "If you had not lost your way and come more quickly, you could have met the previous Emperor and attended upon him. Therefore, change your country’s real name to bear that of Emperor Mimaka, make that its name." Then he gave Arashito a bolt of red silk, and returned him to his homeland. This is the reason that that country is called Mimana.
Then, Arashito was granted the silk, and hid it in his country’s village storehouse. The Sillans heard this, and raised soldiers and went there, and took all the red silk, therefore the two countries began to hate each other.
By one account, when Tsunuga Arashito was still in his own land, he had loaded farming tools onto a yellow ox, and he went to the countryside. The yellow ox went missing, so he followed its footsteps to search for it, and the footsteps stopped in the middle of a village. At that time there was an old man who said, "The ox that you are searching for came into this village. However the village chief said, ‘If this ox has been loaded up to drive these things, and certainly it was meant to be killed and eaten. If the owner comes looking for it, I’ll pay him compensation accordingly.’ Then he killed and ate it. If asked ‘What do you want in return for the ox?’, don’t ask for treasure. Instead say, ‘I want the god venerated in this village.’"
Soon the village chiefs came and asked, "What do you want for the ox?" and he replied as the old man had instructed him. The venerated god was a white stone. He received this white stone in place of the ox. He placed the rock in his bed chamber, and this divine stone changed into a beautiful girl. In this Arashito was greatly pleased and wanted to sleep with her.
However during a time that Arashito had gone out, the girl suddenly vanished. Arashito was greatly shocked, and returned, asking his wife, "Where did the girl go?"
She said, "To the east." So he went searching after her.
Then he floated far on the sea, and came to Japan, and found the girl he was searching for had gone to Naniwa, and was made the goddess of Himegisonoyashiro, or else she had gone to Kunitama in Hi, and had been made into the goddess Himegisonoyashiro, and she is worshiped in both those places.
Visitor from Silla
Third year, spring, third month. The Prince of Silla Ame no Hihoko came. The things he brought with him were one Hafuto jewel, one Ashitaka jewel, one Ukaka red stone jewel, one Izushi short sword, one Izushi halbred, one Sun-mirror, and one bear-god fence: all together seven things. He had gotten them in the country of Tajima and for a long time they were objects of the gods.
By one account, at first Ame no Hihoko rode a boat and stayed in Harima, in the village of Shisawa. At that time the Emperor dispatched the ancestor of the Kimi of Miwa Otomonushi and the ancestor of the Yamato Atai Nagaochi to Harima to ask Ame no Hihoko, "Who are you? Where are you from?"
Ame no Hihoko answered, "I am the Prince of Silla. However I heard that in Japan there was a sage king, so I came to establish my own country as a little brother to it and make allegiance." Then he presented the items, a Hahoso pearl, an Ashitaka pearl, an Ukaka red stone pearl, an Izushi sword, an Izushi spear, a sun-mirror, a bear-god hedge, and a Isasa long sword, in all eight things.
Then it was proclaimed to Ame no Hihoko, "The village of Shisawa in Harima, and the village of Idesa on Awaji, these two villages are entrusted to you and you may live there."
Then Ame no Hihoko said, "As for the place that I am to live, if I can have the blessing of the Emperor, and can I have a place of my choosing, then I will go around the many countries, and find a place that my heart desires." This was accepted.
Then Ame no Hihoko went up the Uji river, to the north of Omi, to the village of Ana, and dwelt there briefly. Then he passed through Omi by himself to the country of Wakasa, and went west to Tajima, and established his residence. Then the Suebito of Hasama of the village of Kagami became his retainers. Therefore Ame no Hihoko married Matao, the daughter of Futomimi of Izushi. She gave birth to Tajima Morosuku. Morosuku gave birth to Tajima Hinaraki. Hinaraki gave birth to Kiyohiko. Kiyohiko gave birth to Tajimamori.
Treason of Prince Sahobiko
Fourth year, Autumn, ninth month. On the 23rd day, the Empress’ older brother Imperial Prince Sahobiko plotted treason, as he wanted to endanger the realm.
Therefore he waited on the Empress, who was relaxing, and told her, "Do you love your brother or your husband more?" At this, the Empress did not know the real reason he was asking, and carelessly said, "I love my brother." Accordingly he tempted the Empress, saying, "If you serve your husband with beauty, when your beauty fades, so will his affection. Now there are many beautiful women in the realm, each seeks his affection, how long can you keep your beauty? I wish to ascend to the vast throne, and certainly together with you shine throughout the realm, and make a high pillow [hold the throne] forever through 100 years, is this not the best? I want you to kill the Emperor for me." Then he took a dagger, and gave it to the Empress, saying, "Wear this dagger inside your underwear, and when the Emperor is sleeping, stab him in the neck and kill him."
The Empress’ inner heart was full of dispute, and she didn’t know what to do. However she examined her brother’s wish, and therefore could not tell him not to do it. Therefore she received the dagger, and hid it in her clothing. Then she decided she should remonstrate her brother.
Discovery of the Plot
Fifth year, Winter, tenth month. On the first day, the Emperor came to Kume, and was in Taka Palace. At that time the Emperor made a pillow of the Empress’ knees and took a daytime nap. Up to now the Empress had not been able to do the deed, and she thought vacantly, "Now is the only time to go through on my brother’s plan." Then her eyes teared, and fell on the Emperor’s face. The Emperor woke up and told the Empress, "I saw a dream now, a brocaded snake wrapped itself around my throat, and then a heavy rain, like narrow grains of rice, fell and wet my face. I wonder what this portends?"
The Empress knew she could not conceal the plan and in fear lay on the earth, and told of her brother’s treason. Then she said, "I could not go go against my brother’s wishes, and I cannot betray my gratitude to the Emperor. To confess would be to kill my brother, and to not would upset the temples of grain [the realm]. At one time I was in fear, at another in sadness, whether I looked up or looked down there was wailing, whether I went forward or back there was blood and tears, the day and night were filled with shame and sadness, and I could not put that into words. Only today, the Emperor slept on my knees, and I thought, if I were a crazy wife and followed my brother’s wishes, at just this time, could I complete the task without difficulty? At the time this thought was still incomplete, my eyes spontaneously filled with tears. Then I wiped my tears with my sleeve, then the tears overflowed and dripped on your face. Therefore the dream from today certainly this is its meaning. The small brocade snake is the dagger I received, the great rain that suddenly fell are my tears."
The Emperor said to her, "This is not your sin," and immediately raised soldiers from a nearby prefecture, and ordered the distant ancestor of the Kodzuke Yatsunada to lead them and kill Sahobiko. At that time, Sahobiko, with his army, suddenly piled rice stalks and made a castle, and this fort could not be breached: this was called an Inaki [lit. rice castle].
Death of the Empress and Sahobiko
One month passed and the castle did not fall, and the Empress said with lamentation, "Although I am the Empress, since I will lose my brother, what dignity is there in the realm?" and holding the Prince Homutsuwake she went into her brother’s Inaki. The Emperor then increased his force, and surrounded the castle, and ordered those inside, saying,
"Release the Empress and the prince immediately!" However they did not come out, and so the general of the army Yatsunada set fire to the castle.
Then the Empress clutching the prince to her bosom crossed over from the castle and came out, and then said, "Originally I escaped into my brother’s castle so by me and my child my brother’s sin would be overlooked. Now it cannot be overlooked. I know my sin. Should I have my hands tied behind my back? There is nothing left for me but to strangle myself. Only if I die, I will not forget the Emperor’s kindness. I wish that the Empress’ palace, which I managed, will be given to a good partner. In Tamba, there are five women, and their intentions are all pure, the daughters of Prince Chinushi of Tamba. Prince Chinushi is the grandson of Wakayamatonekofutobibi no Sumeramikoto [dare], the son of Imperial Prince Hikoimasu. By one account, the son of Imperial Prince Hikoyumusumi. Invite them in, and fill the number of the harems." The Emperor agreed to this. Then the fire consumed the castle, and the army rushed in, and Sahobiko along with his older sister were put to death inside the castle. The Emperor praised the shogun Yatsunada’s success and pronounced him Yamatohimukatakehimukahiko Yatsunada.
Duel of Kuehaya and Nomisukune
Seventh year, autumn, seventh month. On the seventh day, the close associates of the Emperor said, "There is a brave man in the village of Tagima, called Tagima no Kuehaya. This man, with his strength he can break horns and straighten fishhooks. Constantly he says when among crowds, ‘I have searched the four directions, how can anyone match my power? Somehow I want to meet a strong person compare our strength regardless of life and death.’"
The Emperor heard this, and addressed the many officers, saying, "I heard of Tagima no Kuehaya, is there any strong warrior in the realm who can compare with him?"
One minister said, "I have heard in Izumo there is a brave man, called Nomisukune. Try inviting him, and he will want to stand up against him." That day, the ancestor of the Atai of Yamato Nagaochi was dispatched to summon Nomi no Sukune.
Then, Nomi no Sukune at last arrived from Izumo, then Tagima no Kuehaya and Nomi no Sukune were ordered to try their power. The two did sumo, and each raised their legs and kicked each other. Then Nomi no Sukune kicked Tagima no Kuehaya’s ribs and broke them, then stepped on and broke his hip and killed him. Therefore stealing Tagima no Kuehaya’s land, it was awarded to Nomi no Sukune. This village came to be called Koshioreda for this reason. Nomi no Sukune stayed and attended on the court.
Installment into the Harem
15th year, spring, second month. On the tenth day, the five maidens of Tamba were called and put in the harem. The first was called Princess Hibasu, the second Princess Nuhataniiri, the third Princess Matono, the fourth Princess Azaminiiri, and the fifth Princess Takano.
Autumn, eighth month. On the first day, Princess Hibasu was made Empress, and the three younger sisters were made imperial consorts. Only Princess Takano, because she was ugly, was returned home. Therefore she was disgraced, and in Kazuno by herself she fell from her palaquin and died. Therefore this place was called Ochikuni. Now it is called Otokuni; this is a corruption.
The Empress Princess Hibasu bore three boys and two girls. The first was Inishikiiribiko no Mikoto. The second was Ohotarashihiko no Mikoto. The third was Ohonakatsuhime no Mikoto. The fourth was Yamatohime no Mikoto. The fifth was Wakakiniiribiko no Mikoto. His consort Princess Nuhataniiri gave birth to Neteshiwake no Mikoto and Ikatarashihime no Mikoto. The next consort Azaminiiribime gave birth to Ikehayawake no Mikoto and Wakaasatsuhime no Mikoto.
Cure of Prince Homutsuwake
23rd year, Autumn, ninth month. On the second day, the Emperor proclaimed to the myriad nobles, "Prince Homutsuwake is already 30 years old, and though his beard is already eight spans long, he crys like a baby, and cannot speak. Why is this? Therefore the officials will confer about it."
Winter, tenth month. On the eighth day, the Emperor stood before the great palace, and Imperial Prince Homutsuwake waited on him, at that time a white swan cried and flew in the sky.
The Imperial Prince looked up at the swan and said, "What is that?" The Emperor, upon the Imperial Prince seeing the swan and speaking, was greatly pleased, and declared to those surrounding him,
"Is there anyone that can catch that swan and offer it?"
Then, the ancestor of the Miyatsuko of Totori, Amenoyukawatana, said, "I will certainly catch it!"
Thereby the Emperor ordered Yukawatana (tana is read as such) saying, "If you offer up the bird, you will certainly be well rewarded."
At that time Yukawatana quickly looked at the direction the swan flew, and pursued it to Izumo, and captured it. It is also said he captured it in Tajima.
11th month. On the second day, Yukawatana presented the swan. Homutsuwake no Mikoto played with the swan, and subsequently was able to speak. Thereby Yukawatana was greatly rewarded, and given the title Miyatsuko of Totori. Also the Totori Be, Torikaibe, and Homutsube were established.
Goddess Amaterasu Moves to Ise
25th year, Spring, second month. On the eighth day, the Emperor proclaimed to the five ministers, the distant ancestor of the Omi of Abe Takenunakawawake, the distant ancestor of the Omi of Wani Hikokunibuku, the distant ancestor of the Muraji Nakatomi Ohokashima, the distanct ancestor of the Muraji Mononobe Toochine, and the distant ancestor of the Muraji Otomo Takehi, "Our previous Emperor Mimakiiribikoinie’s character was astute, and he was made a sage, respectful, intelligent, and accomplished, deeply modest, cherishing putting himself behind others, adjusting the machinery [of state], revered the gods of heaven and earth, attentively humbling himself, and was prudent day by day. Therefore the people were satisfied, and the realm was at great peace. Now, in our generation, in revering the gods of heaven and earth, how can we be negligent?
Third month. On the tenth day, the Great Goddess Amaterasu was separated from Toyosukuiribime no Mikoto and appointed to Yamatohime no Mikoto. Therefore Yamatohime no Mikoto sought a town in which to set the great god’s place, and went to Sasahata in Uda (sasa is read as such). Then she returned to go into the country of Omi, then went east to Mino, and finally reached the country of Ise. At that time the great goddess Amaterasu instructed Yamatohime, saying, "Ise, country of the divine wind, is one where the waves crash without change over the generations. The neighboring country is pleasant, and I want to dwell in this country." Therefore according to the teaching of the great god, her ancestral temple was set in Ise, and her celebratory palace near Isuzugawa. It was called the Palace of Iso. Then the great goddess Amaterasu herself came down from heaven to that place for the first time.
By one account, the Emperor made Yamatohime no Mikoto his Yorishiro [assistant], and ordered her to attend on the great goddess Amaterasu. Yamatohime no Mikoto set her ancestral temple in Shiki in Itsukashi. Then afterwards according to the god’s order, in the 26th year, winter, tenth month, on the 18th day, the temple was moved to Ise, to Watarai no Miya.
Instructions from the God Yamato
At that time the great god Yamato instructed the distant ancestor of the Omi of Hozumi Omikuchi no Sukune, "In the beginning of the world, they pledged, ‘The great goddess Amaterasu will completely govern the heavenly plain, and Sumemima no Mikoto [the Emperor] will govern the 80 gods of the central reed plain, and I [the great god Yamato] govern the Otsuchitsukasa [the gods of the country].’ What was pledged is finished. However though the previous Emperor Mimaki revered the gods of heaven and earth, he did not seek out the root of the minute details, he stopped at the stem and branches, therefore that Emperor’s life was short. Now you, the heavenly descendent, show remorse over the previous Emperor, should cautiously revere the gods, then your lifespan will lengthen, and the realm will be greatly pacified."
At that time the Emperor heard these words, and therefore ordered the distant ancestor of the Nakatomi Muraji Kukanushi to divine who should be ordered to worship the great god Oyamato. Thereby Nunakiwakahime no Mikoto was divined as right for this charge. Therefore Nunakiwakahime no Mikoto was ordered to be established as this person, and she set the god’s place in the village of Anashi, and the ancestral temple in Ochi Nagaoka no Saki. However Nunakiwakahime no Mikoto was from before of a weak and emaciated body, and could not perform the worship. Therefore the Emperor made the ancestor of the Atai of Yamato, Nagaochi no Sukune, perform the worship.
Death of the Emperor's Uncle
26th year, Autumn, eighth month. On the third day, the Emperor ordered Senior General Mononobe no Toochine, saying, "Frequently messengers are dispatched to Izumo, and even if they check on the divine jewel of the country, none of them will report clearly about it. You go to Izumo and check on it properly!" Then Senior General Toochine inspected the jewel and reported on it clearly. Then he was ordered to manage the jewel.
27th year, Autumn, eighth month. On the seventh day, the shrine authority was ordered to perform divination by making weapons into offerings, and the result was favorable. Therefore bows, arrows, and swords were supplied to many shrines. Furthermore, the places and doors of gods were and worshiped in their times. Probably this was the first time that weapons were used in worshiping the gods. In this year, the village of Kume was made a miyake (miyake is read mi-ya-ke, 弥夜気).
28th year, winter, tenth month. On the fifth day, the Emperor’s mother’s brother Yamatohiko no Mikoto died.
11th month. On the second day, they buried Yamatohiko no Mikoto in Musa in Tsukisaka. At that time they collected his attendants and buried them alive around the tomb. For several days they did not die, and cried day and night. When at last they died they rotted and stank, and dogs and birds assembled and gnawed them. When the Emperor heard these crying and wailing voices, his heard was deeply saddened, and he proclaimed to the myriad ministers, "When one is caused to die because the man one loved when alive dies, this is terribly injurious. Although this custom is old, is it not wrong to continue following it? I say from now on, take conference and stop martyrdom."
Decision of the Heir
30th year, spring, first month. On the sixth day, the Emperor proclaimed to Inishiki no Mikoto and Otarashihiko no Mikoto, "You two tell me respectively what you want."
The older said, "I want to get a bow and arrow." The younger said, "I want to become Emperor."
Then the Emperor said to them, "Each should go along with their feeling." Then he gave a bow and arrow to Inishiki no Mikoto, and said to Otarashihiko no Mikoto, "You must succeed me."
Beginning of Haniwa
32nd year, Autumn, seventh month. On the sixth day, the Empress Hibasuhime no Mikoto (by one version Hibasune no Mikoto) died. Drawing near to the funeral day, the Emperor said to the myriad officials, "The way of following someone in death is known to be no good from the previous time. This time, how should we do it?" Then Nomi no Sukune suggested, "In the tomb of a ruler, burying living people is not good; how then can we transmit this afterwards? I wish now to take conference on this matter and report on it."
Therefore he dispatched messengers to Izumo, to the 100 men of the Haji Be, and ordered them on his own to take red clay and make the form of people, horses, and all manners of shapes, and presented them to the emperor, saying, "From now on, let these earthen things be in place of living men, and place them around the tomb, make this the method from now on."
The Emperor was greatly pleased at this, and proclaimed to Nomi no Sukune, saying, "Your expedient counsel truly eases my heart." Therefore these earthen things were first stood in Hibasuhime no Mikoto’s tomb. Therefore these earthen things were called Haniwa, or also Tatemono.
Then the Emperor ordered, "From this day forth, in tombs Haniwa must be stood, and no injury committed on any man."
The Emperor warmly rewared Nomi no Sukune’s endeavor, and presented him with Katashitokoro, and appointed him administrator of the Haji, and changed his name to Haji no Omi. This is the reason that the Muraji of Haji administer the Emperor’s funeral. The one called Nomi no Sukune became the first ancestor of the Muraji of Haji.
The Emperor Favors Kanihatatobe
34th year, spring, third month. On the second day, the Emperor visited Yamashiro. Then those at his side said, "This country has a beautiful person, called Kanihatatobe. Her figure is beautiful, and she is the daughter of Fuchi of Yamashiro."
The Emperor at that time while holding his halberd prayed, saying, "I must meet this beautiful person, give me a sign."
Then when he arrived at the temporary lodging for his visit, a great turtle came out of the river. The Emperor stabbed the turtle with his halberd, and it changed into a white rock. Then he proclaimed to those around him, "Judging this, there must be a miracle."
Then he invited Kanihatataobe and she was put in the harem. She gave birth to Iwatsukuwake no Mikoto, the first ancestor of the Kimi of Mio. Previosuly, Karihatatobe of Yamashiro had been made the Emperor’s consort, and she gave birth to three boys. The first was called Oojiwake no Mikoto. The second was Ikatarashihiko no Mikoto. The third was Itakeruwake no Mikoto. Ikatarashihiko no mikoto’s son was the first ancestor of the Kimi of Ishida.
Establishment of the Crown Prince
35th year, Autumn, seventh month. The Emperor dispatched Inishiki no Mikoto to Kawachi, and he built Takashi resevoir and Chinu resevoir.
Winter, tenth month. He made Yamato no Saki reservoir and Tomi reservoir. In this year, the myriad countries were ordered to open many ditches and lakes, counting 800, for the purpose of agriculture. Therefore the people were made rich, and the realm was greatly pacified.
37th year, Spring, first month. On the first day, Otarashihiko no Mikoto was made crown prince.
Inishiki Takes Charge of Weapons
39th year, winter, tenth month. Inishiki no Mikoto dwelt in Kawakami no Miya in Uto in Chinu, and made 1,000 swords. Therefore the names of these swords was made Kawakami no Tomo, also called Akahadaga Tomo (this is read Akahadagatomo). They were stored in Iso no Kami no Kamumiya. Afterwards, Inishiki no Mikoto was ordered to undertake management of the treasures of Iso no Kami no Kamumiya. By one account, Prince Inishiki lived in Kawakami in Uto in Chinu, thereby he summoned a smithy named Kamikawa, and he made 1,000 swords.
At that time, the Be of Shieldmakers, of clothmakers, of Bow-makers, of arrow-makers, of large-hole device makers, of lodging floor makers, of jewel makers, of puishers, of mirrors, of tachihaki, all together ten be, made presents to Prince Inishiki. The 1,000 swords were stored in the village of Oshisaka no heki. However, afterwards they were moved from Oshisaka to Iso no Kami no Kamumiya. At that time, the gods requested, "The clan of the Omi of Kasuga should be changed to Ichikawa." Therefore it was ordered that the name be changed, and they are the first ancestor of the Obito Mononobe.
Inishiki Passes off Guardianship
87th year, spring, second month. On the fifth day, Inishiki no Mikoto said to his younger sister Ohonakatsuhime, "I am old, and cannot manage the heavenly treasures. From now on, you must do it."
Ohonakatsuhime no Mikoto declined, saying, "I am a weak woman, how can I climb up to the storage house of heaven?" Storage house is read ho-ku-ra, 保玖羅.
Inishiki no Mikoto said, "Although the heavenly storage house is high, I will make a storage house ladder, how can you have trouble then?"
This is the reason for the proverb, "Ascend to heaven’s storehouse with a ladder."
However eventually Onakatsuhime no Mikoto bestowed the this task on Senior General Mononobe no Toochinu. Therefore even now the Mononobe Muraji manage Iso no Kami no Kamu’s treasures, this is the reason.
Of old in the country of Tamba in Kuwada, there was a man called Mikaso. Mikaso’s house kept a dog, called Ayuki. This dog bit a wild animal of the mountain called Mujina and killed it, therefore the wild animal’s stomach had an eight-span Magatama in it. Therefore it was presented, and the jewel is now in Iso no Kami no Kamumiya.
The Sword of Izushi
88th year, autumn, seventh month. On the tenth day, the Emperor proclaimed to the myriad ministers, "I hear the Prince of Silla, Seshimuame no Hihoko, when he first came, those treasures that he brought are now in Tajima. From before the people of that country have valued them, and they are divine treasures. I wish to see these treasures. That day he dispatched a messenger to the great grandson of Ame no Hihoko Kiyohiko and ordered they be presented. Then Kiyohiko received the order and of his own accord presented them to the Emperor. There was one Hafuto jewel, one Tarashitaka jewel, one Ukaka red jewel, one Sun-mirror, and one bear Himoroki. Only the short sword, called Izushi, Kiyohiko did no present, but hid it inside of his gown and wore it.
The Emperor did not know of the short sword’s present condition, and wanted to reward Kiyohiko and invited him and gave him alcohol in the old imperial palace. At that time the dagger accordingly fell out of his clothes and was discovered. The Emperor saw it and asked Kiyohiko nicely, "Why is there a dagger in your pants?" Kiyohiko knew that he could not cover up the dagger and said, "It is from the same group as the other heavenly treasures."
Then the Emperor said to Kiyohiko, "Why is this heavenly treasure separated from the others?" Then it was submitted to him, and all of them were placed in heavenly storage.
However afterwards he opened the door to the treasure-house and looked in, and the dagger had gone missing. Therefore he sent a messenger to Kiyohiko to ask, "The dagger that you submitted has gone missing, maybe it made its way to your place?"
Kiyohiko said, "Last night, the dagger came to my house all on its own, and in the morning was gone." The Emperor was afraid, and stopped looking for it. After this the dagger of Izushi naturally went to Awaji, and the islanders pronounced it a god, and built a shrine for it. It is still there today.
Dispatch and Return of Tajimamori, Death of the Emperor
Of old there was one man who rode a boat and stayed in Tajima. When asked "Where are you from," he replied,
"I am the Prince of Silla, called Ame no Hihoko." He stayed in Tajima, and married the daughter of that country’s Maetsumimi (by one account Maetsumi, also called Futomimi) Matanoo. She gave birth to Tajima Morosuku. This was Kiyohiko’s grandfather.
90th year, spring, second month. On the first day, the Emperor ordered Tajimamori, dispatching him to the country of Tokoyo to search for the Kakunomi of Tokijiku (kakunomi is read as such). This is called Tachibana in the present.
99th year, autumn, seventh month. On the 14th day, the Emperor died in the palace of Makimuku. He was 140 years old.
Winter, second month. On the tenth day, he was buried in Fushimi, in Sugehara.
Next year, spring, third month. On the 12th day, Tajimamori came back from the country of Toyoko. He brought back the Kakunomi of Tokijiku, eight bamboo poles with eight baskets. Tajimamori wept in sadness at the Emperor’s death and said, "I received order from the Emperor, and went to a far away country, crossed waves of 10,000 Ri, and crossed the rivers of Yowanomizu. The country called Tokoyo is hidden by the gods and sages, and normal people cannot come to it. Therefore, in the going and coming, years pased. Why, when you cross the waves alone, can you come back to your own land? However by the divine spirit of the sage Emperor, I was able to come back. Now the Emperor has passed, and I cannot make my report. What good was my life?"
Then he faced the Emperor’s tomb, uttered a loud cry, and killed himself. When the myriad ministers heard this they all cried. Tajimamori was the first ancestor of the Miyake no Muraji.