“I looked into the Chronicles of Empress Jingu in the Nihon Shoki because it contains descriptions from the Gishi Wajinden.”

From Me

　I’ve heard the theory that the Queen of Wa, “Himiko,” mentioned in Gishi Wajinden is the same person as “Empress Jingu” from Nihon Shoki. This made me curious about how Nihon Shoki describes this, so I decided to investigate. This time, I did not use AI.

The Description of “Himiko” in Gishi Wajinden

　Based on my research, there are five references to “Himiko” in Gishi Wajinden.

1　The Wa country was in a state of war, so they made a woman named “Himiko” their queen. She was very old, and her younger brother helped her govern the country. The date is not specified.

2　June, 239 AD. The “Queen of Wa” sent an envoy to Wei (it does not explicitly state that this was Himiko).

　In December of the same year, Wei issued an imperial edict. This edict referred to her as “Queen of Wa, Himiko, Friendly to Wei,” and stated that they bestowed a gold seal and purple ribbon upon her.

The following year, 240 AD, these items were presented to the Queen of Wa.

3　In 247 AD, the Queen of Wa, “Himiko,” explained that they were at war with the state of Kunukoku. This description is not found in Nihon Shoki.

In Nihon Shoki, it only mentions that Baekje and Silla paid tribute to Wa that year.

4　Himiko passed away. The date is not mentioned.

5　A woman named “Iyo,” a relative of Himiko and the next in line to the throne, was made queen. The date is not specified.

There is no mention of “Himiko” in Nihon Shoki.

　Nihon Shoki includes descriptions of “Empress Jingu,” but there is no mention of the name “Himiko.”

　Although there are references in Nihon Shoki to Gishi Wajinden, none of them include the name “Himiko.”

Description from the 39th year of Empress Jingu’s reign in Nihon Shoki

　”Year 39, this year was the year of the Earth-Sheep in the Sexagenary Cycle. According to Gishi: ‘In June of the 3rd year of Jingchu, the Queen of Wa sent an envoy named Nashime and others to visit the prefecture, requesting an audience with the emperor. Governor Deng Xia of Daifang Prefecture sent an official to accompany them to the capital.'”

Modern Translation

　In the 39th year of Empress Jingu’s reign, the position of Jupiter (known as “Taisai” or “Grand Year”) was in the location of “Kibi” (Earth-Sheep in the Sexagenary Cycle). According to Gishi, in June of the 3rd year of the reign of Emperor Ming of Wei, the Queen of Wa sent an envoy named “Nashime” (possibly Nanto Mai, a person’s name) and others to visit the prefecture, requesting an audience with the emperor. Governor Deng Xia of Daifang Prefecture sent officials to accompany them to the capital, which was Luoyang.

Explanation
　The mention of Jupiter’s position was likely added in both Nihon Shoki and Gishi to synchronize the dates.

　Year 39 of Empress Jingu’s reign = 3rd year of the Jingchu era of Emperor Ming of Wei = 239 AD

Description from the 40th year of Empress Jingu’s reign in Nihon Shoki

　”In the 40th year, according to Gishi: ‘In the 1st year of the Zhengshi era, Wei sent a military officer named Dikei, who held the rank of Jianzhong Xiaowei, to present an imperial edict and a seal ribbon to the Wa kingdom.'”

Modern Translation

　In the 40th year of Empress Jingu’s reign. According to Gishi, “In the 1st year of the Zhengshi era, Wei sent a military officer named Dikei, who held the rank of Jianzhong Xiaowei, to present an imperial edict and a seal ribbon to the Wa kingdom.”

Explanation
　Year 40 of Empress Jingu’s reign = 1st year of the Zhengshi era = 240 AD

Description from the 43rd year of Empress Jingu’s reign in Nihon Shoki

　”In the 43rd year, according to Gishi: ‘In the 4th year of the Zhengshi era, the Wa king sent another envoy, including the senior official Iseisha and seven others, to offer tribute.'”

Modern Translation

　In the 43rd year of Empress Jingu’s reign. According to Gishi, “In the 4th year of the Zhengshi era, the Wa king sent another envoy, including the senior official Iseisha, Yakuyaku, and seven others, to offer tribute.”

Explanation
　Year 43 of Empress Jingu’s reign = 4th year of the Zhengshi era = 243 AD

Description from the 66th year of Empress Jingu’s reign in Nihon Shoki

　”In the 66th year, this was the 2nd year of the Taishi era of Emperor Wu of Jin. According to the Qiju Zhu: ‘In the 2nd year of the Taishi era in October, the Queen of Wa sent many interpreters to offer tribute.'”

Modern Translation

　In the 66th year of Empress Jingu’s reign, this was the 2nd year of the Taishi era of Emperor Wu of Jin.

　In the Qiju Zhu, a Chinese historical record, it states that in October of the 2nd year of the Taishi era, the Queen of Wa sent multiple interpreters to offer tribute.

Explanation
　”Taishi” should actually be “Taishi.”

　Year 66 of Empress Jingu’s reign = 2nd year of the Taishi era = 266 AD

　Although this is not from Gishi, the Chinese historical record mentions the “Queen of Wa.”

Description from the 69th year of Empress Jingu’s reign in Nihon Shoki

　”In the 69th year, in summer, on April 17th, the Empress Dowager passed away at Wakazakura Palace. She was 100 years old.”

Modern Translation

　In the 69th year of Empress Jingu’s reign, in the summer, on April 17th, the Empress Dowager passed away at Wakazakura Palace. She was 100 years old.

Explanation
　There are no quotes from Gishi or other Chinese historical records here.

　Since the Qiju Zhu mentions the “Queen of Wa” in 266 AD, it was necessary for “Queen of Wa = Empress Jingu” to have passed away after that date.

　In Gishi Wajinden, after Himiko’s death, it is mentioned that a new queen, Iyo, was established. Himiko → Iyo.

　In Nihon Shoki, the successor to Empress Jingu is “Emperor Ojin,” the 15th Emperor. Since he ascended the throne the following year, his accession would be in 270 AD. Empress Jingu → Emperor Ojin.

In Conclusion

　There is no direct mention that “Empress Jingu” is “Himiko,” but Nihon Shoki does link “Empress Jingu” with the “Queen of Wa.”

　What is the correct truth? I cannot say for certain. However, if they were completely unrelated, there would be no need to reference Gishi, and yet, we cannot definitively say they are the same person either.

Gishi Wajinden Wa Queen = Himiko,
Nihon Shoki Empress Jingu = Queen of Wa,
However, Empress Jingu ≠ Himiko, this seems to be the picture.

　History and archaeology are different fields, but if new discoveries in archaeology arise in the future, the truth may come to light.

Note

This article is based on my own research. My findings may not necessarily be accurate. Please verify important information as needed.

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