古事記を英語で説明・紹介するための基本情報と、英会話に役立つ表現をシンプルでわかりやすい英語で紹介します。
英会話ダイアローグ・関連情報・10の質問を通して、古事記に関する英語表現を学びます。
英語
英会話ダイアローグを読む前に知っておくと良い前提知識と情報です。
- 古事記とは
- 712年に完成した日本最古の歴史書
- 稗田阿礼が口伝で覚えていたものを、太安万侶が文字に書き起こした
- 主要な登場人物
- イザナギとイザナミ：日本の国土を創造した神々
- アマテラス：太陽の女神、天皇家の祖先
- スサノオ：アマテラスの弟、嵐の神
- 重要な神話
- 国生み神話：日本列島の創造を説明する物語
- 天岩戸（アマノイワト）：アマテラスが岩戸に隠れる話
- ヤマタノオロチ退治：スサノオが八岐大蛇を退治する物語
- 関連する場所
- 伊勢神宮：アマテラスを祀る重要な神社
2人が古事記について話しています。
712年に完成した日本最古の歴史書の古事記の成り立ち、編纂者、文化的影響などを話題にしています。
国生み神話やアマテラスの岩戸隠れの逸話、スサノオの八岐大蛇退治など、有名な物語にも触れています。
会話 / dialogue
Hey Key, I’ve been really interested in Kojiki lately. I know it’s one of Japan’s oldest texts, but I want to learn more about it. Do you know much?
Yeah, the Kojiki is Japan’s oldest historical record, completed in 712. It’s a mix of myths, legends, and some historical accounts. What got you interested?
I’ve always loved ancient stories, especially myths. I heard the Kojiki includes the story of how Japan was created. Is that right?
Yes! That’s the Kuni-umi myth. The gods Izanagi and Izanami created Japan by stirring the ocean with a spear, and the drops that fell formed the islands. It’s one of the most famous stories in Kojiki.
That sounds fascinating. But who actually wrote these stories down? I know it’s really old.
Good question! The stories were actually passed down orally by a person named Hieda no Are, who memorized them. Then, a man named Ō no Yasumaro compiled them into the Kojiki. It’s thanks to him that we have the text today.
So, it was originally an oral tradition? That makes it even more impressive that it was all remembered and then written down!
Exactly. It was a huge task, but it preserved the myths for future generations. And those myths aren’t just about creation—there’s also the story of Amaterasu, the sun goddess, hiding in a cave, which explains why the world went dark.
I’ve heard of that story! Amaterasu hides because of her brother Susanoo, right?
Yep! Susanoo caused so much trouble that she hid in a cave. The other gods had to come up with a plan to bring her out, so they threw a big party outside the cave. When she peeked out, the light returned to the world.
I love how the gods’ actions affect nature so directly in these myths. Are there other famous stories in Kojiki?
Definitely. There’s the story of Susanoo and the eight-headed serpent, Yamata no Orochi. Susanoo gets the serpent drunk on sake and then slays it, saving a young girl and later marrying her.
That one sounds like a real adventure! But the Kojiki isn’t just about myths, right? There’s some history in it too?
Yes, after the myths, the Kojiki records the lineage of the early emperors. It links the imperial family to the gods, particularly Amaterasu, which gave the emperors divine authority.
That’s really interesting. It’s like the myths were used to strengthen the emperor’s power. I didn’t realize the Kojiki had such an influence on politics and religion.
Exactly. It’s not just about storytelling—it shaped Japanese society and the role of the emperor. That’s one of the reasons why the Kojiki is so important.
I see. It must also have a big cultural impact, even today.
It does. Festivals, rituals, and even modern art forms like manga still draw inspiration from Kojiki stories. Plus, many Shinto shrines are connected to the gods mentioned in the text, like Ise Grand Shrine, which is dedicated to Amaterasu.
I’ve always wanted to visit Ise Grand Shrine. I feel like visiting places tied to these myths would help me understand Kojiki even better.
That’s a great idea. Seeing those places in person can give you a deeper connection to the stories. You’ll really feel the cultural and spiritual significance.
Yeah, I can’t wait to explore more. Thanks for the insight, Key. Learning about how the stories were passed down by Hieda no Are and compiled by Ō no Yasumaro adds so much depth to the Kojiki.
Glad to help! It’s an incredible piece of history. If you ever want to dive into more stories, let me know—there’s always something new to discover in the Kojiki.
I definitely will! It’s such a rich source of knowledge and culture.
関連情報 / related information
「古事記」について、理解を深めるための「英語での関連情報」です。
古事記
What is the Kojiki?
The Kojiki is the oldest historical record in Japan, completed in 712. It contains a collection of myths, legends, and early history. The Kojiki explains how Japan was created and includes stories about the gods and the first emperors of Japan. It is one of the most important texts in Japanese culture and religion.
Who Made the Kojiki?
The stories in the Kojiki were first passed down orally by a person named Hieda no Are. Then, a man named Ō no Yasumaro wrote them down. Thanks to them, we have the Kojiki today. It preserves many important Japanese myths that were part of the oral tradition.
Famous Myths in the Kojiki
The Kojiki includes famous myths like the creation of Japan, where the gods Izanagi and Izanami stir the ocean to create the islands. Another well-known story is about the sun goddess Amaterasu, who hides in a cave, causing the world to go dark. There is also the story of Susanoo and his battle with the eight-headed serpent, Yamata no Orochi.
Why is the Kojiki Important?
The Kojiki is important because it helps people understand Japanese culture, religion, and history. It connects the Japanese imperial family to the gods, giving them divine authority. The stories in the Kojiki are still celebrated in festivals and rituals today.
10の質問 / 10 questions
「古事記」について、理解を深めるための「英語での10の質問」です。
1: What is the *Kojiki*?
The Kojiki is the oldest historical record in Japan, completed in 712. It contains myths, legends, and early history about Japan’s gods and emperors.
2: Who compiled the *Kojiki*?
The Kojiki was compiled by Ō no Yasumaro, who wrote down the stories that were passed down orally by Hieda no Are.
3: What is the Kuni-umi myth?
The Kuni-umi myth is the story of how the gods Izanagi and Izanami created Japan by stirring the ocean with a spear, forming the islands.
4: Who are Izanagi and Izanami?
Izanagi and Izanami are gods in the Kojiki who are responsible for the creation of Japan and many other gods.
5: What is the story of Amaterasu hiding in the cave?
Amaterasu, the sun goddess, hid in a cave after being upset by her brother Susanoo. This caused the world to go dark until the other gods lured her out.
6: Who is Susanoo?
Susanoo is the storm god and Amaterasu’s brother. He is known for causing trouble, but he also defeats the eight-headed serpent, Yamata no Orochi.
7: What is the significance of the *Kojiki* to the Japanese imperial family?
The Kojiki links the imperial family to the gods, especially Amaterasu, giving them divine authority and legitimacy.
8: Why is the *Kojiki* important today?
The Kojiki is important because it preserves Japan’s myths and early history, which continue to influence Japanese culture, religion, and festivals.
9: What is the Yamata no Orochi story?
The Yamata no Orochi story is about Susanoo defeating an eight-headed serpent by getting it drunk on sake and saving a young girl.
10: How does the *Kojiki* influence modern Japan?
The Kojiki influences modern Japan through festivals, rituals, and even art forms like manga, which often reference its stories and characters.
和訳付
会話 / dialogue
Hey Key, I’ve been really interested in Kojiki lately. I know it’s one of Japan’s oldest texts, but I want to learn more about it. Do you know much?
ねえ、キー、最近『古事記』にすごく興味があるんだ。日本の最古の書物の一つだって聞いているけど、もっと詳しく知りたいんだ。君は詳しい？
Yeah, the Kojiki is Japan’s oldest historical record, completed in 712. It’s a mix of myths, legends, and some historical accounts. What got you interested?
そうだね、『古事記』は日本最古の歴史書で、712年に完成したんだ。神話や伝説、そしていくつかの歴史的な話が混ざっているよ。どうして興味を持ったの？
I’ve always loved ancient stories, especially myths. I heard the Kojiki includes the story of how Japan was created. Is that right?
昔から古代の物語が好きなんだ、特に神話がね。『古事記』には日本がどう作られたかの話が含まれているって聞いたんだけど、それって本当？
Yes! That’s the Kuni-umi myth. The gods Izanagi and Izanami created Japan by stirring the ocean with a spear, and the drops that fell formed the islands. It’s one of the most famous stories in Kojiki.
そうそう、それが「国産み神話」だよ。神々のイザナギとイザナミが槍で海をかき混ぜて、その滴が落ちて島々ができたんだ。それは『古事記』の中でも特に有名な話の一つだね。
That sounds fascinating. But who actually wrote these stories down? I know it’s really old.
それは面白そうだね。でも、誰が実際にこの物語を書き記したんだろう？すごく古いものだよね。
Good question! The stories were actually passed down orally by a person named Hieda no Are, who memorized them. Then, a man named Ō no Yasumaro compiled them into the Kojiki. It’s thanks to him that we have the text today.
いい質問だね！実は、稗田阿礼という人が口伝で覚えていたんだ。それを太安万侶という人が編纂して『古事記』にまとめたんだよ。彼のおかげで、今日この書物が残っているんだ。
So, it was originally an oral tradition? That makes it even more impressive that it was all remembered and then written down!
じゃあ、もともとは口伝だったんだ？それが全部覚えられて、後に書き記されたなんて、さらにすごいね！
Exactly. It was a huge task, but it preserved the myths for future generations. And those myths aren’t just about creation—there’s also the story of Amaterasu, the sun goddess, hiding in a cave, which explains why the world went dark.
そうだよ。それは大変な仕事だったけど、後世に神話を伝えることができたんだ。そしてその神話は創造だけじゃなくて、太陽の女神アマテラスが洞窟に隠れて、世界が暗くなったという話も含まれているんだよ。
I’ve heard of that story! Amaterasu hides because of her brother Susanoo, right?
その話聞いたことあるよ！アマテラスは弟のスサノオのせいで隠れたんだよね？
Yep! Susanoo caused so much trouble that she hid in a cave. The other gods had to come up with a plan to bring her out, so they threw a big party outside the cave. When she peeked out, the light returned to the world.
そう！スサノオがあまりに暴れたから、アマテラスは洞窟に隠れちゃったんだ。他の神々は彼女を引き出すために、洞窟の外で大宴会を開いたんだよ。アマテラスが覗いたら、世界に光が戻ったんだ。
I love how the gods’ actions affect nature so directly in these myths. Are there other famous stories in Kojiki?
神々の行動が自然に直接影響するところが面白いね。他にも有名な話が『古事記』にあるの？
Definitely. There’s the story of Susanoo and the eight-headed serpent, Yamata no Orochi. Susanoo gets the serpent drunk on sake and then slays it, saving a young girl and later marrying her.
もちろん。スサノオが八岐大蛇を倒す話もあるよ。スサノオは酒を飲ませて大蛇を酔わせ、それを倒して、助けた娘と結婚するんだ。
That one sounds like a real adventure! But the Kojiki isn’t just about myths, right? There’s some history in it too?
それはまさに冒険物語だね！でも、『古事記』は神話だけじゃなくて、歴史も含まれているんだよね？
Yes, after the myths, the Kojiki records the lineage of the early emperors. It links the imperial family to the gods, particularly Amaterasu, which gave the emperors divine authority.
そうだよ、神話の後には初期の天皇の系譜が記されているんだ。皇室は特にアマテラスと結びつけられていて、そのおかげで天皇は神の子孫とされたんだ。
That’s really interesting. It’s like the myths were used to strengthen the emperor’s power. I didn’t realize the Kojiki had such an influence on politics and religion.
それは本当に面白いね。神話が天皇の権威を強化するために使われたみたいだね。『古事記』が政治や宗教にそんな影響を与えていたなんて知らなかったよ。
Exactly. It’s not just about storytelling—it shaped Japanese society and the role of the emperor. That’s one of the reasons why the Kojiki is so important.
そうだね。単なる物語じゃなくて、日本社会や天皇の役割を形作ったんだ。それが『古事記』の重要な理由の一つだよ。
I see. It must also have a big cultural impact, even today.
なるほど。今でも文化に大きな影響を与えているんだろうね。
It does. Festivals, rituals, and even modern art forms like manga still draw inspiration from Kojiki stories. Plus, many Shinto shrines are connected to the gods mentioned in the text, like Ise Grand Shrine, which is dedicated to Amaterasu.
そうだね。お祭りや儀式、さらには漫画のような現代の芸術にも『古事記』の神話が影響を与えているよ。それに、伊勢神宮のようなアマテラスを祀る神社も『古事記』に登場する神々とつながっているんだ。
I’ve always wanted to visit Ise Grand Shrine. I feel like visiting places tied to these myths would help me understand Kojiki even better.
いつか伊勢神宮を訪れたいと思ってたんだ。こういう神話と関わりのある場所を訪れると、『古事記』の理解がさらに深まる気がするよ。
That’s a great idea. Seeing those places in person can give you a deeper connection to the stories. You’ll really feel the cultural and spiritual significance.
それはいい考えだね。実際にその場所を訪れると、物語とのつながりが深くなるよ。文化的・精神的な重要性を感じることができるはずだよ。
Yeah, I can’t wait to explore more. Thanks for the insight, Key. Learning about how the stories were passed down by Hieda no Are and compiled by Ō no Yasumaro adds so much depth to the Kojiki.
そうだね、もっと色々探求するのが待ちきれないよ。教えてくれてありがとう、キー。稗田阿礼が物語を口伝して、太安万侶が編纂したという話を知ると、『古事記』が一層深いものに感じるよ。
Glad to help! It’s an incredible piece of history. If you ever want to dive into more stories, let me know—there’s always something new to discover in the Kojiki.
力になれてよかったよ！『古事記』は本当にすごい歴史の一部だよ。もっと物語を深掘りしたくなったらいつでも言ってね。『古事記』にはまだまだ新しい発見があるからね。
I definitely will! It’s such a rich source of knowledge and culture.
絶対にそうするよ！『古事記』は本当に豊かな知識と文化の宝庫だね。
関連情報 / related information
古事記
What is the Kojiki?
The Kojiki is the oldest historical record in Japan, completed in 712. It contains a collection of myths, legends, and early history. The Kojiki explains how Japan was created and includes stories about the gods and the first emperors of Japan. It is one of the most important texts in Japanese culture and religion.
『古事記』は、日本最古の歴史書で、712年に完成しました。神話、伝説、初期の歴史が収録されています。『古事記』は日本がどのように作られたか、そして神々や初期の天皇に関する話が含まれています。日本の文化や宗教において、最も重要な書物の一つです。
Who Made the Kojiki?
The stories in the Kojiki were first passed down orally by a person named Hieda no Are. Then, a man named Ō no Yasumaro wrote them down. Thanks to them, we have the Kojiki today. It preserves many important Japanese myths that were part of the oral tradition.
『古事記』の物語は、最初は稗田阿礼という人によって口伝で伝えられていました。その後、太安万侶という人がそれを書き残しました。彼らのおかげで、私たちは今日『古事記』を読むことができます。口伝の重要な日本の神話が多く残されています。
Famous Myths in the Kojiki
The Kojiki includes famous myths like the creation of Japan, where the gods Izanagi and Izanami stir the ocean to create the islands. Another well-known story is about the sun goddess Amaterasu, who hides in a cave, causing the world to go dark. There is also the story of Susanoo and his battle with the eight-headed serpent, Yamata no Orochi.
『古事記』には、日本の創造神話などの有名な話が含まれています。ここでは、イザナギとイザナミが海をかき混ぜて島々を作ります。また、太陽の女神アマテラスが洞窟に隠れ、世界が暗くなるという有名な話もあります。さらに、スサノオと八岐大蛇との戦いの物語もあります。
Why is the Kojiki Important?
The Kojiki is important because it helps people understand Japanese culture, religion, and history. It connects the Japanese imperial family to the gods, giving them divine authority. The stories in the Kojiki are still celebrated in festivals and rituals today.
『古事記』は、日本の文化、宗教、歴史を理解する上で重要です。日本の皇室を神々と結びつけ、神聖な権威を与えています。『古事記』の物語は、今でもお祭りや儀式で祝われています。
10の質問 / 10 questions
1: What is the *Kojiki*?
*古事記*とは何ですか？
The Kojiki is the oldest historical record in Japan, completed in 712. It contains myths, legends, and early history about Japan’s gods and emperors.
古事記は日本最古の歴史書で、712年に完成しました。日本の神々や天皇に関する神話、伝説、初期の歴史が記されています。
2: Who compiled the *Kojiki*?
*古事記*は誰が編纂しましたか？
The Kojiki was compiled by Ō no Yasumaro, who wrote down the stories that were passed down orally by Hieda no Are.
古事記は、稗田阿礼が口伝で伝えた物語を太安万侶が書き記して編纂しました。
3: What is the Kuni-umi myth?
国産み神話とは何ですか？
The Kuni-umi myth is the story of how the gods Izanagi and Izanami created Japan by stirring the ocean with a spear, forming the islands.
国産み神話は、神々のイザナギとイザナミが槍で海をかき混ぜ、日本の島々を作ったという物語です。
4: Who are Izanagi and Izanami?
イザナギとイザナミは誰ですか？
Izanagi and Izanami are gods in the Kojiki who are responsible for the creation of Japan and many other gods.
イザナギとイザナミは古事記に登場する神々で、日本や他の多くの神々を創造した神です。
5: What is the story of Amaterasu hiding in the cave?
天岩戸神話とは何ですか？
Amaterasu, the sun goddess, hid in a cave after being upset by her brother Susanoo. This caused the world to go dark until the other gods lured her out.
太陽神アマテラスは、弟スサノオに怒って洞窟に隠れました。これにより世界が暗くなり、他の神々がアマテラスを引き出すまで続きました。
6: Who is Susanoo?
スサノオとは誰ですか？
Susanoo is the storm god and Amaterasu’s brother. He is known for causing trouble, but he also defeats the eight-headed serpent, Yamata no Orochi.
スサノオは嵐の神で、アマテラスの弟です。彼は問題を起こすことで知られていますが、八岐大蛇を倒すことでも有名です。
7: What is the significance of the *Kojiki* to the Japanese imperial family?
*古事記*は日本の皇室にとってどのような意味がありますか？
The Kojiki links the imperial family to the gods, especially Amaterasu, giving them divine authority and legitimacy.
古事記は皇室を神々、特にアマテラスと結びつけ、神聖な権威と正統性を与えています。
8: Why is the *Kojiki* important today?
*古事記*は今日なぜ重要なのですか？
The Kojiki is important because it preserves Japan’s myths and early history, which continue to influence Japanese culture, religion, and festivals.
古事記は日本の神話や初期の歴史を保存しており、それが今も日本の文化や宗教、祭りに影響を与えているため重要です。
9: What is the Yamata no Orochi story?
八岐大蛇の物語とは何ですか？
The Yamata no Orochi story is about Susanoo defeating an eight-headed serpent by getting it drunk on sake and saving a young girl.
八岐大蛇の物語は、スサノオが酒を使って八つの頭を持つ大蛇を酔わせ、若い娘を救う話です。
10: How does the *Kojiki* influence modern Japan?
*古事記*は現代の日本にどのように影響していますか？
The Kojiki influences modern Japan through festivals, rituals, and even art forms like manga, which often reference its stories and characters.
古事記は、祭りや儀式、さらには漫画のような芸術にも影響を与え、その物語や登場人物がよく引用されています。
words & phrases
英会話ダイアローグと関連情報に出てきた単語・フレーズです（例文は各３つ）。
pass down : 動詞句
意味: 受け継ぐ、伝える。To give or transmit something from one generation to the next.
（口伝で物語が世代を超えて伝えられたことを指す）
例文：
- The stories were passed down through generations.
「その物語は世代を超えて受け継がれてきました。」 - Family traditions are often passed down from parents to children.
「家族の伝統はしばしば親から子へと受け継がれます。」 - These ancient techniques have been passed down for centuries.
「これらの古代技術は何世紀にもわたって伝えられてきました。」
account : 名詞
意味: 説明、報告、物語。A description or report of events or situations.
（古事記の神話や歴史的な出来事の記録を指す）
例文：
- The Kojiki gives an account of Japan’s early history.
「古事記は日本の初期の歴史を記録しています。」 - His account of the event was different from what others said.
「彼の出来事の説明は他の人の話とは異なっていました。」 - She gave a detailed account of what happened that night.
「彼女はその夜に起きたことを詳しく説明しました。」
serpent : 名詞
意味: 大蛇、ヘビ。A large snake, often used in mythology to represent danger or evil.
（スサノオが退治した八岐大蛇を指す）
例文：
- Susanoo fought and killed the eight-headed serpent.
「スサノオは八つの頭を持つ大蛇と戦い、倒しました。」 - In many myths, a serpent represents danger or evil.
「多くの神話では、大蛇は危険や悪を象徴します。」 - The ancient story tells of a hero who defeated a giant serpent.
「古代の物語では、英雄が巨大な大蛇を倒したことが語られています。」
lineage : 名詞
意味: 系譜、家系。The direct descent from an ancestor; family line.
（天皇の系譜を指し、神々と結びついていることを説明）
例文：
- The Kojiki records the imperial family’s divine lineage.
「古事記は皇室の神聖な系譜を記録しています。」 - They are proud of their royal lineage.
「彼らは自分たちの王家の系譜を誇りに思っています。」 - His lineage can be traced back to the 12th century.
「彼の家系は12世紀まで遡ることができます。」
peek : 動詞
意味: ちらりと見る。To look quickly or secretly at something.
（アマテラスが洞窟から外を覗いたとき、世界に光が戻った場面を表す）
例文：
- Amaterasu peeked out of the cave, and the world became bright again.
「アマテラスが洞窟から外をちらりと覗き、再び世界が明るくなりました。」 - She peeked through the window to see what was happening.
「彼女は何が起こっているのかを窓からちらりと覗きました。」 - The children peeked into the room to see their presents.
「子供たちはプレゼントを見るために部屋をちらりと覗きました。」