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Emperor Jinmu's Eastern Expedition — The Founding Myth of Japan and the Story of the First Emperor

Emperor Jinmu, Japan's legendary first emperor, departed from Hyuga (Miyazaki) and unified Yamato (Nara) after many battles. This Eastern Expedition myth from the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki explains why February 11 became National Foundation Day.

A deep read

Emperor Jinmu, Japan’s legendary first emperor, departed from Hyuga (modern Miyazaki Prefecture) and unified Yamato (Nara) after many battles — a story recorded in the Kojiki (712) and Nihon Shoki (720). His enthronement at Kashihara on February 11, 660 BCE (traditional dating) is commemorated as National Foundation Day. The myth of Amaterasu hiding in the Ama-no-Iwato cave, and the founding of the imperial line, are key themes. Visit Kashihara Jingu and Miyazaki Jingu to experience these founding myths firsthand.

Kashihara Jingu — Grand shrine built in 1890 on the site of Emperor Jinmu's palace at Kashihara

Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

Miyazaki Jingu — Grand shrine on the site of Emperor Jinmu's palace, the sacred origin of Japan's founding myth

Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

Amaterasu emerging from the cave — mythological painting depicting the sun goddess being drawn out by the eight million deities

Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain

Amanoiwato Shrine — sacred site where the eight million gods gathered to plan how to draw Amaterasu from the cave

Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

Jinmuji Temple (Yakushido) — ancient temple where healing Buddha veneration and mythological tradition intertwine

Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

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