Formation and characteristics of the New Tang Book
The New Tang Book is a Chinese history book that records the history of the Tang dynasty.
2 The biographical part was completed in 1058 during the Northern Song dynasty (1060-1060).
3 It was compiled mainly by Oyoshu, with the involvement of leading scholars of the time, including Souki and Soubinkyu.
Descriptions of Japan in the New Tang Dynasty
- geographical location and natural environment:
The New Tang Shu describes Japan as an island country located in the eastern seas of China, also called ‘Wa-koku’. Specifically, it is described as a country located to the east of Kudara (present-day south-west Korea) and comprising a group of islands separated by the sea. The climate is mentioned as warm and having four seasons, suggesting a suitable environment for agriculture.
There are also descriptions of volcanic activity and earthquakes, indicating that the geographical features of Japan were relatively accurately understood.
- changes to country names:
The New Tang Book clearly states that the country’s name was changed from ‘Wa倭’ to ‘Nihon日本’. This is said to have occurred in the second half of the 7th century (around 670), indicating that the Chinese side was officially aware of the change in the country name of Japan. The reasons for the change of country name are not discussed in detail, but it is portrayed as a voluntary decision on the part of Japan.
- political system and social structure:
The political system of Japan describes a centralised system of governance centred on the Emperor. The emperor is referred to as ‘emperor’ or ‘king’ and is portrayed as an entity with absolute power. There are also references to the existence of an aristocratic class and the bureaucratic system.
Notably, the existence of female emperors is also mentioned. Records of female rulers such as Emperors Suiko and Saimei are included, indicating that attention was paid to the nature of kingship in Japan, which differed from that of China.
- culture and religion:
The New Tang Dynasty Book contains many references to the cultural aspects of Japan, particularly its influence from China. With regard to the use of script, it is noted that at the beginning Japan did not have its own script and introduced Chinese script (Kanji).
The introduction of Buddhism and its influence is also described in detail and includes observations on the building of temples, the activities of monks and Buddhist rituals. There are also references to the reception of Confucian thought, and it is noted that the Japanese intelligentsia studied the Chinese classics.
On the other hand, there are also references to Shintoism, which is unique to Japan, and includes observations on shrines and Shinto beliefs. This captures the religious character of Japan, where foreign Buddhism and indigenous beliefs coexist.
- diplomatic relations:
Diplomatic relations with the Tang are described in detail, focusing on the dispatch of Japanese envoys to the Tang. The year of the dispatch of the envoys, the names of the envoys and the gifts they brought are recorded in detail, giving a clear picture of the actual state of diplomacy between the two countries.
There are also references to relations with Siragi (present-day Korea) and Bokkai (present-day Northeast China and the Russian Primorsky Territory), indicating that Japan occupied an important position in international relations in East Asia.
- customs and manners:
Interesting observations are also made on the daily life and customs of the Japanese people. In terms of clothing, there are detailed descriptions of silk and linen garments, hairstyles and ornaments. As for diet, rice is described as the staple food, with a large consumption of fish and seafood.
It also describes housing styles, marriage customs and funeral rites, giving an idea of how the Japanese lifestyle of the time was perceived by the Chinese.
- economic activities:
The agricultural activities depicted include production activities centred on rice cultivation. There are also references to handicrafts such as sericulture, textile production and metalworking.
With regard to trade, there are descriptions of trade with China and the Korean peninsula, where Japan exported gold, silver, copper, pearls and sulphur, and imported silk textiles and books.
- military power:
There are also descriptions of Japan’s military organisation and weapons. There are detailed descriptions of weapons such as bows and arrows, swords and armour, suggesting the high level of Japanese military technology. There are also references to cavalry tactics and naval power.
- literature and art:
The New Tang Shu also contains descriptions of Japanese literature and art. In particular, there are references to the existence of waka poetry, indicating that Japan’s unique poetic tradition was recognised. Music and dance are also mentioned, describing the performing arts at court.
- historical events:
There are also descriptions of historical events in Japan. In particular, there are references to events that had a significant impact on the Japanese political system, such as the Taika Reformation and the Jinshin Rebellion. These descriptions indicate that the Chinese side was also interested in Japan’s internal affairs.
- Local governance:
There are references not only to the centralised system of governance, but also to local governance systems. The system of national governors and the existence of local powerful clans are described, indicating that the complexity of Japan’s governance structure was recognised.
- views on nature and the world:
There are also descriptions of the Japanese view of nature and the world. For example, the notion of Japan as a ‘Shin-koku’ and the idea of nature worship are mentioned, and include observations on Japan’s unique spiritual culture.
Conclusion:
The descriptions of Japan in the New Tang Shu reflect the image of Japan held by the Chinese intelligentsia of the 11th century. Overall, they portray Japan as a highly civilised country, strongly influenced by Chinese culture, but which developed its own culture.
However, these descriptions may contain misunderstandings and exaggerations. They were written from the Chinese point of view and may have differed in some respects from the actual picture of Japan. It is also necessary to take into account the limitations of information sources and misinterpretations due to cultural differences between China and Japan.
The descriptions of Japan in the New Tang Shu are valuable sources for understanding the reality of international relations and cultural exchange in East Asia at the time, and occupy an important position in the study of Japanese history. At the same time, through these descriptions, we can glimpse the world view held by the Chinese of the time and their attitude towards understanding the ‘other’.
NB.
This text is based on asking the AI; the AI’s answers may not always be correct. Important information should be checked.
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