I asked AI about the descriptions of Japan in the Song Shi, a Chinese history book written in the 14th century.

Introduction.

　The “History of the Song Dynasty” is a Chinese history book compiled by the Yuan Dynasty in the 14th century, describing the history of the Northern and Southern Song dynasties.

1. Overview of the “History of the Sung Dynasty” and the position of the descriptions related to Japan:

　The “History of the Sung Dynasty” is an authentic history compiled by the Yuan Dynasty historian Tokuto and others between 1343 and 1345. It consists of 496 volumes and records the history of the Song dynasty (960-1279).

　The descriptions of Japan are mainly included in the “Biographies of Foreign Countries,” and are described in detail in the section on “Japan” in volume 491.

2. detailed geographical information:.

　The “Song Shi” describes Japan as a country located “in the East Sea. Specifically, it states that “Japan is located to the east of Wa-koku and across the sea to the southeast of Korai.　It also mentions that Japan is a country made up of many islands, with fertile land and a mild climate.

　In addition, the names of major places known at the time (e.g., Dazaifu, Heian-kyo, etc.) are also mentioned.

3. details of the tribute relationship:.

　The tribute relationship between the Song dynasty and Japan is documented with specific dates. For example, the first tribute is dated to the 2nd year of King Taizu of the Song dynasty (961), and it is noted that tribute was paid periodically thereafter.

　Of particular note is the record of an envoy sent by Fujiwara no Yorimichi, son of Fujiwara no Michinaga, in the first year of the reign of King Injong of the Song dynasty (1034). This is an important account of foreign relations at the height of Japan’s regal government.

4. details of cultural exchange

　With regard to cultural exchange, the emphasis is on intellectual exchange, particularly in the areas of Buddhism and Confucianism.

　For example, it is noted that Japanese monks traveled to the Song Dynasty to study Buddhist scriptures and practices, and upon their return, contributed to the development of Buddhism in Japan.

　In particular, the activities of Zen monks such as Eisai and Dogen are noted.　With regard to Confucianism, the introduction of Sung (Zhu Zi) studies to Japan and its influence is also mentioned.

5. depiction of the political system:.

　The Japanese political system is depicted as a ruling structure centered on the emperor. However, the process by which actual political power shifted to the regents and warrior clans is also accurately portrayed to some extent.

　For example, it describes the establishment of the regal government by the Fujiwara clan, the seizure of power by the Taira clan, and the establishment of the Kamakura shogunate.

　These descriptions are valuable sources for understanding how Song dynasty intellectuals understood Japan’s political transition.

6. Observation of manners and customs:.

　Detailed descriptions of the lifestyle and cultural characteristics of the Japanese people are also included.

　For example, in terms of clothing, it is noted that men wore hakama and women wore long robes.

　Regarding food habits, it is mentioned that rice is the staple food and that fish and vegetables are eaten in abundance.

　It also mentions the cleanliness of the Japanese people and their bathing habits.　Furthermore, the use of characters (kanji and kana), the structure of houses, and marriage customs are also recorded, revealing the characteristics of Japanese culture as seen through the eyes of the Chinese of the time.

7. Trade Details: Trade between the Song Dynasty and Japan 　

The trade between the Song dynasty (960-1279) and Japan is described, including the main items traded and the form of trade. The main exports from Japan to the Song were gold, mercury, sulfur, swords, fans, and lacquerware, while imports from the Song to Japan included silk textiles, ceramics, books, and medicinal materials.

　The text also describes both official trade, mainly by envoys, and private trade by private merchants as forms of trade.　In particular, it mentions that overseas trade flourished during the Song dynasty (960-1279), and that port cities such as Mingzhou (present-day Ningbo) and Quanzhou flourished as bases for trade with Japan.

8. record of historical events:.

　The Sung Shi also contains descriptions of important historical events related to Japan. Of particular note are the records of the activities of the Japanese pirates and the Mongolian Empire’s expedition to Japan.

　The Japanese pirates are described as pirates who ravaged the coastal areas of the Song Dynasty, indicating that their activities were a serious problem for the Chinese side.

　However, considering the compilation period of the “History of the Sung Dynasty,” it is highly likely that the description of Japanese pirates here, mainly refers to activities after the 13th century.

　As for the Yuan pirates, due to the special circumstances that “Song Shi” was compiled during the Yuan dynasty, the Mongolian Empire’s expeditions to Japan (in 1274 and 1281) are also mentioned, even though it is a history book of the Song dynasty. The failure of these expeditions and the enormous human and material losses that accompanied them are also recorded, providing important information for understanding international relations in East Asia at that time.

9. Reliability and Limitations of the Description:.

　Although the descriptions of Japan in the Song Shi are valuable sources that reflect the Chinese perception of Japan at the time, there are some limitations and problems. 　First, the accuracy of the information is based on hearsay and old records rather than direct observation, and thus may contain errors or exaggerations.

　In addition, because the descriptions are based on a China-centric worldview, some parts do not accurately reflect actual relationships, such as the treatment of Japan as a “tributary nation.

　Furthermore, due to the fact that the “Song Shi” was compiled during the Yuan dynasty, it is not a pure record of the Song dynasty, and may have been mixed with the viewpoints and knowledge of the Yuan dynasty.

　In particular, the descriptions of events after the Song dynasty (e.g., the Yuan pirates) are strictly beyond the original scope of the “History of the Song Dynasty.

10. significance of the Japan-related descriptions in the Sung Shi

Despite these limitations, the Japan-related descriptions in the Song Shi are extremely important sources for research on Sino-Japanese relations and cultural exchanges during the Middle Ages.

　In particular, they provide clues to understanding how Chinese intellectuals of the time perceived and understood Japan.

　In addition, by comparing them with Japanese historical documents, it is possible to clarify the actual state of exchanges between the two countries and the gaps in their mutual perceptions.

　Furthermore, the descriptions in the “History of the Sung Dynasty” had a great impact on the perception of Japan in China in later periods.

　The image of Japan formed through this book was reflected in subsequent Chinese canonical histories, geographical books, literary works, etc., and became the basis of the Chinese view of Japan for a long period of time.

Conclusion

　The above is a detailed explanation of the descriptions of Japan in the Song Shi.

From me (regarding the Fujiwara’s dispatch of envoys)

According to the explanations by several AIs, two periods came up, but according to the AIs, only one of them is described in the “History of the Sung Dynasty”.
If I hit the original source, I would have a shot, but this was also not on the Internet, so I do not know the details. The original source is said to be in the Iwanami Bunko library.

1. 1008, Fujiwara no Michinaga’s theory

In the “History of the Sung Dynasty,” Vol. 495, Foreign Biographies, No. 42, Japan, there is the following description:

In the first year of Dazhong Xiangfu (1008), the king of that country, whose name was changed to Michitaka, sent an envoy to Japan, Gasho, and also brought tribute.

From this description, it can be confirmed that an envoy from Japan was sent to the Song Dynasty in the first year of Dazhong Xiangfu (1008).

2. 1034 (the first year of Jing Yu in the Song Dynasty) Fujiwara no Yorimichi’s theory

The description of the year 1034 (the first year of Jingyu in the Song Dynasty) in the “Japan” section of the Song Shi is understood to read as follows:

In the first year of Jing Yuan (1034), the king of Japan, Fujiwara no Yorimichi, sent an envoy to Japan.

This means, “In the first year of Jingyu, King Fujiwara Yorimichi of Japan sent an envoy to pay tribute.

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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