Articles

The Emperor and Control over Natural Processes in Ancient Japan

Vostok/Oriens '2015, №1

 
The article deals with the problem of supreme power and nature in Japan during the eighth–tenth centuries. Basing on the official chronicles and diaries the author examines the responsibility of the Emperor regarding natural processes and ritual measures to control them. To make nature safe and abundant for the Japanese the Emperor had to have righteousness (toku) and humaneness (nin). These virtues were implemented in practical (help to victims) and ritual measures (prayers, amnesties) to please Heaven, Shinto gods and Buddhas. The ancient Japanese state was socially oriented to much degree.

Keywords: Ancient Japan, Emperor, nature, natural calamities, righteousness, humaneness

Pages: С. 14–24