WRITTEN HISTORICAL SOURCES OF JAPAN

Abstract

Japan has a long history, which is reflected in written sources. This type of sources plays a key role in the study and understanding of its past for the knowledge of culture and historical background. The article analyzes the main written historical sources of Japan. These texts have not only historical, but also mythological and religious value, as they describe the origin of the world, the gods, and the imperial dynasty.The article studies the main types of Japanese written sources, their classification, chronological boundaries, and significance for historical research. Particular attention is paid to the oldest written monuments, such as the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki, which are actually the first official chronicles dating back to the eighth century. The article also examines medieval chronicles, documents of samurai culture, and official state archives of the Edo period. The Kamakura and Muromachi periods left behind numerous courtly diaries, war chronicles, and religious treatises. The Edo period is characterized by the bureaucratization of administration, so during this historical period, numerous administrative documents, correspondence, land registers, and shogunate orders have been preserved, which are important sources for the study and analysis of the social history of Japan. Of considerable interest to historians is also the epistolary heritage – private correspondence, which often preserves unique information about political, economic, and cultural processes.The specifics of the preservation, translation, and interpretation of sources are analyzed. A conclusion is drawn about the relevance of studying Japanese sources in the context of global historical science. In conclusion, the article emphasizes that the collection of these written sources forms the basis for the study of Japanese history, culture, and social life. It emphasizes the importance of their critical analysis and comparison.