Jimmu's Eastern Expedition: The Unity of Knowledge and Action

Throughout the long lineage of the Japanese Imperial house, Jimmu Tenno stands as the first to ascend the throne, the primordial force who laid the foundation of Japan itself. Traditionally, the figure of the first Emperor has been discussed through the various lenses of legend, fantasy, or historical fact; yet, the wisdom inherent in the myth remains largely untouched by these perspectives.

To me, Jimmu Tenno is a figure of profound personal significance. My own journey toward a multifaceted understanding of Japan—spanning history, mythology, culture, and ancient eras such as the Jomon, Yayoi, and Kofun, as well as the history of religion, faith, and folklore—found its first catalyst in the pursuit of Jimmu Tenno. In the summer of 2018, I entered Kyushu, the renowned stage of Japanese mythology, and from there began a vast, life-long journey.