Rikkokushi

The Rikkokushi (Japanese六 国史), the "Six Empire stories " or "Six annals " are a collection of six of the oldest histories of Japan. As a senior applies only the more mythological- embossed Kojiki completed 712

All these works were officially commissioned by the imperial house in order and support. They will draw on similar Chinese dynastic annals (cf. 24 dynastic histories ). The resulting 700 works are under the influence of the Fujiwara clan. As an objective historical sources they are of limited use. In the exaggerated nationalistic interwar period, based on the ideology of Kokutai, it was considered lese majeste (or blasphemy ), to question the objectivity of these works. Renowned scientists were persecuted (starting with the Minobe affair).

For Rikkokushi following works are counted today among the most important primary sources of Japanese history:

Together, they cover the range from the mythical prehistory to the late 9th century.

At the official classification of all Shinto shrines in a hierarchy in 1871, the highest rank of kampeisha or Empire shrine obtained only shrines that have already been mentioned in Engishiki or Rikkokushi.