tsu-michi.[1] Next he took the district of Kamu-tsu-michi and granted it to the middle son, Nakatsuhiko.[2] He was the first ancestor of the Omi of Kamu-tsu-michi and of the Omi of Kaya. Next he took the district of Mino and granted it to Otohiko.[3] He was the first ancestor of the Omi of Mino. Afterwards he took the district of Hakuke and granted it to Ahiru wake, the younger brother of Mitomo wake. He was the first ancestor of (X. 17.) the Omi of Kasa. Accordingly he took the district of Sono and granted it to his elder brother, Urakori wake. He was the first ancestor of the Atahe of Sono. And taking the district of Hatori-be,[4] he granted it to Yehime. Wherefore his descendants dwell to this day in the Land of Kibi. This is the reason of it.[5]
A.D. 294. 25th year. King Työn-chi of Pèkché died.[6] Accordingly his son Ku-ni-sin became King. The King was a child. Therefore Mong-man-chi of Yamato[7] took the administration of the State. He had an intrigue with the King's mother, and his conduct was in many ways improper. The Emperor hearing this, sent for him.
The Pèkché record says:—"Mong-man-chi was the son of Mong-na Keunchă,[8] born to him of a Silla woman
- ↑ Shimo-tsu-michi means the lower road, i.e. the part of the province furthest from the capital. Kamu-tsu-michi, on the other hand, is the higher road—the part nearest the capital.
- ↑ Middle prince.
- ↑ Younger prince.
- ↑ Weavers.
- ↑ If we take a broad view of Japanese History we shall recognize in it a constant oscillation between two forms of government. At one time there is a strong central authority with local governors removable at pleasure or at short intervals. By degrees the latter offices become hereditary and more independent of the throne, so that eventually a sort of feudal system is the result. Then the pendulum swings back again, and under a strong ruler the old centralized government is restored, while the local nobles, deprived of effective authority, retain their titles only.
Notwithstanding the numerous imperfections of the record, it is clear that in Ôjin's reign the feudal system prevailed. Towards the end of the seventh century, again, we find a much more centralized form of government. The Revolution of 1868 is a remarkable example of a rapid change from a feudal system to a strong central government. The converse process is always far more gradual.
- ↑ The "Tongkam" gives A.D. 420 as the year of Työn-chi's death. The usual difference of 120 years is therefore not exactly realized in this case.
- ↑ Or Great Wa. 大倭.
- ↑ See above, p. 249. This does not look like a Japanese name.
