Japan-Centrism Discourse and the Research on Chinese Mythology: A Study on the Views of Kokugaku on Mythology in Edo Period

Title

Japan-Centrism Discourse and the Research on Chinese Mythology: A Study on the Views of Kokugaku on Mythology in Edo Period

Author

Wei GAO

Page

1-42

DOI

10.6163/TJEAS.201812_15(2).0001

Abstract

In Edo period, scholars of Japanese National Learning (Kokugaku, originating from Japanese classical studies) examined thoroughly and elaborated Chinese mythology in the making of Japan-centrism discourse. Such attention to Chinese mythology began with Motoori Norinaga. He claimed Japanese mythology as orthodox and Chinese mythology as the “false version” of it. Hirata Atutane, a disciple of Motoori Norinaga, based on Motoori’s idea, collected various kinds of Taoist myths in order to compile a reasonable narrative of Japanese mythology. His interpretations of Chinese ancient emperors, Ten Continents and Three islands, and the creation of civilization strengthened the faith that Japan was the center of the world. Hirata’s research on Chinese mythology had a significant influence on the worldview of the succeeding scholars of Japanese National Learning. Take Ookuni Takamasa as an example. Ookuni also treated Chinese mythology as important materials that could be used to emphasize the holiness of Japan when he confronted the military and cultural invasion from the West at the end of Edo period. Chinese mythology, which took its shape based on Chinese civilization, was converted into narrative materials to support Kokugaku scholars’ Japan-centrism discourse.

Keyword

Japanese National Learning, Kokugaku, Chinese Mythology, Japan-Centrism, Motoori Norinaga, Hirata Atutane, Ookuni Takamasa

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