Thefive kings ofWa(Oa の năm vương,Wa no go ō)[1]were kings of ancientJapanwho sent envoys toChinaduring the 5th century to strengthen the legitimacy of their claims to power by gaining the recognition of aChinese emperorduring the chaotic period of theNorthern and Southern dynasties,when either dynasty was desperate to gain legitimacy over the other by trying to assert itself as the granter of official titles, through garnering as many foreign countries willing to receive titles.
Details about the five kings are unknown. According to written records in China, their names wereSan(Tán;'Laudable'),Chin(Trân;'Precious'),Sai(Tế;'Helpful'),Kō(Hưng;'Prosperous') andBu(Võ;'Martial'). But no kings with such names appear in the Japanese records, and where during this time only 3 appear instead of 5, spurring much debate of their identities.
There is also a briefly mentioned king namedDei of Wawho may have came before the five kings, but whose existence is disputed.[2]: 11
Titles for the Kings of Wa
editIn summary, the monarchs of Wa repeatedly asked for the titles:
- Oa Quốc vương(King of Wa Country)
- Sử cầm tiết(Highest Rank Military Commander)
- An đông đại tướng quân(Grand Peacekeeper-General of the East)
- Đô đốc -region- chư quân sự(Commander of All Military Affairs of listed regions)
The Southern dynasty ofLiu Song(not to be confused with theSong), with the most interaction with the 5 Kings of Wa, readily granted the title of King of Wa on request, but repeatedly refused them the nhị phẩm Class 2, 6th rankAn đông đại tướng quân(Grand Peacekeeper-General of the East), and bestowed them the tam phẩm Class 3, 3rd rankAn đông tướng quân(Peacekeeper-General of the East) instead until their final year of reign when their waning power rendered them desperate for allies.
Peacekeeper-General of the East
editIn the Liu Song, the highest rank of military commanders were all in Class 2 of theNine-Rank Systembased on the system used in theJin Dynasty(Liang DynastyandChen Dynastyused the quan võ 24 ban 24-Class Martial Occupation system instead). These were also bestowed to the rulers of the subject state (located in the East of China) who sent envoy to the emperor of the Dynasty. The highest general title wasChinh đông đại tướng quân(Grand General conquering the East). The next highest title wasTrấn Đông đại tướng quân(Grand Suppressor-General of the East). The third highest and the lowest among three wasAn đông đại tướng quân(Grand Peacekeeper-General of the East).
In theSongdynasty, the emperors bestowed 3 eastern monarchies ( di ):
- 413 -Chinh đông đại tướng quân(Grand Conqueror-General of the East) to the King ofGoguryeo.Class 2, 4th rank.
- 463 - promoted 2 ranks to xe kỵ đại tướng quân (Grand Chariot-General). Class 2, 2nd rank.
- 416 -Trấn Đông tướng quân(Suppressor-General of the East) to the King ofBaekje.Class 3, 2nd rank.
- 420 - promoted toTrấn Đông đại tướng quân(Grand Suppressor-General of the East). Class 2, 5th rank.
- 421 -An đông tướng quân(Peacekeeper-General of the East) to the King of Wa. Class 3, 3rd rank.
- 478 - promoted toAn đông đại tướng quân(Grand Peacekeeper-General of the East) to the King of Wa on the last year of the Liu Song dynasty. Class 2, 6th rank.
Of these 3 eastern countries, only the Wa were recorded to have visited Song already with tự xưng (self-proclaimed) titles.
There are interpretations on this fact that the King of Goguryeo stood in the highest rank, and the King of Wa stood in the lowest rank, while the King of Baekje stood between Goguryeo and Wa.[3]But there are also other opinions against this interpretation. The difference of general ranks among the three states (Goguryeo, Baekje, and Wa) was due to the order which each state had first sent envoy to the dynasty, and it cannot be said that the ranks of Goguryeo and Baekje were substantially higher than that of Wa.[4]Sakamoto also points out the different view on these general titles.[5]
But these assertions are refutable; seeing that the Class 2An đông đại tướng quântitle is a specific self-proclaimed title by the Wa, not one where the Wa asked to be have any available Class 2 generalship and the Liu Song deciding to relegate them behind Baekje without Wa's consent. Furthermore, If the Wa in asking for affirmation in their self-proclaimedAn đông đại tướng quântitle were deliberately humbling themselves to be ranked behind the Goguryeo and Baekje in the Liu Song hierarchy, then Baekje would not be included in Sai's 438 self-proclaimed Command of All Military Affairs of Six Countries, nor would it be included in Bu's 477 self-proclaimed Command of All Military Affairs of Seven Countries.
Wang Jiànqún vương kiện đàn, points out that the fact Wa's frequent askance for recognition, undermines credence to their claim, on top of their self-proclaimed titles being rejected and given a lower grade title
Song is destroyed in 479, and with a shift in Chinese dynasties, a new titles were issued anew:
- 479- Without any envoys sent there, the newfoundQi dynastyvoluntarily gives out titles as a celebratory gesture and establishing itself as a granter of coveted titles. Qi bestows in 479:
- Class 2, 1st rankPhiêu Kị đại tướng quân(Grand Fast-Cavalry General) to the King ofGoguryeo,automatically promoted 1 rank from Song's khai phủ nghi cùng tam tư[a]and Class 2, 2nd rank xe kỵ đại tướng quân (Grand Chariot-General), titles for the King of Goguryeo.[6]
- Class 2, 5th RankTrấn Đông đại tướng quân(Grand Suppressor-General of the East) to the King of Wa, from Class 2, 6th rankAn đông đại tướng quân.
- The King of Baekje would receive the sameTrấn Đông đại tướng quântitle upon sending an envoy in 495.
- Class 3, 14th rankPhụ quốc tướng quân(AssistingGeneral) to theHaji of Gaya,but not automatically, it sent an envoy in 479.
- 502- Without any envoys sent there, the newfoundLiang dynastyvoluntarily gives out titles as a celebratory gesture and establishing itself as a granter of coveted titles. The Liang first used 24-Class ( ban ) system where the higher number denoted higher rank, until later adding up to 34 classes. Liang bestows in 502:
- Xe kỵ đại tướng quân (Grand Chariot-General) toMunjamyeong of Goguryeo,from Xa Kỵ tướng quân (Chariot-General). Promotion from 24th Class, 6th rank to 3rd rank.
- Chinh đông đại tướng quân (Grand Conqueror-General of the East) toDongseong of Baekje,fromTrấn Đông đại tướng quân(Grand Suppressor-General of the East). Promotion from 23rd Class, 3rd rank to 24th Class, 7th rank.
- Chinh đông đại tướng quân (Grand Conqueror-General of the East) to Bu of Wa, fromTrấn Đông đại tướng quân(Grand Suppressor-General of the East). Promotion from 23rd Class, 3rd rank to 24th Class, 7th rank.
- Trấn Tây tướng quân (Suppressor-General of the West) to King Liangmi He ofDangChang,from an tây tướng quân (Peacekeeper-General of the West) Promotion from 21st Class, 3rd rank to 22nd Class, 3rd rank.
- Chinh Tây tướng quân (Conqueror-General of the West) to King Xiuliudai ofTuyuhunfrom Trấn Tây tướng quân (Suppressor-General of the West). Promotion from 23rd Class, 3rd rank to 22nd Class, 3rd rank.
Regional Appointments
editComparing contemporary historical records of the regions in the Korean peninsula around this time, and numerous discrepancies listed below, it is obvious these claims are false. In context, exploiting China's lack of interest in eastern matters to lay false claim over neighboring territories was not a new custom in East Asia. Baekje itselfhad claimed that Silla is under its control prior;Goguryeo claimed Baekje and Silla are both under its control.
- 438- Chin petitions official appointment of the self-proclaimed title, Commander of All Military Affairs of: Oa trăm tế tân la nhậm kia Tần Hàn mộ Hàn lục quốc
- 6 Countries of Wa - Baekje - Silla - Imna - Jinhan - Mohan (Mahan)
- Of note are Jinhan and Mohan, countries that have already ceased to exist centuries ago. This already undermines his claim in both that they do not exist, or would be redundant locales as they are now part of other countries:
- Countries of theJinhan Confederacywere one by one annexed into Silla around 1st to 3rd century.
- Countries of theMohan (Mahan) Confederacywere one by one annexed into Baekje by the 4th century.
- 451- Liu Song entitles Sai to Commander of All Military Affairs of: Oa tân la nhậm kia thêm la Tần Hàn mộ Hàn lục quốc
- 6 Countries of Wa - Silla - Imna - Gaya - Jinhan - Mohan (Mahan)
- Liu Song did not approve of the Wa laying claim to Baekje and removed it from their entitlement.[7]This is becauseJeonji of Baekjealready contacted Liu Song and was recognized asTrấn Đông tướng quân(Suppressor-General of the East) in 416, andTrấn Đông đại tướng quân(Grand Suppressor-General of the East) in 420. The other countries were not in contact with Song.
- Instead, without Sai requesting it, Liu Song appointed Sai to theGaya Confederacy,which was interchangeable with the region of Imna. This sloppy redundancy is an important evidence that shows Liu Song's own half-hearted attitude.
- 477- Bu petitions official appointment of self-proclaimed title, Commander of All Military Affairs of: Oa trăm tế tân la nhậm kia thêm la Tần Hàn mộ Hàn bảy quốc
- 7 Countries of Wa - Baekje - Silla - Imna - Gaya - Jinhan - Mohan (Mahan)
- Of note is Bu going along with Liu Song's sloppy mistake of adding in Gaya, showing he too knows as little as the Liu Song of the lands he claims to rule over, undermining the claim's credence even further.
- Bu requests reaffirmation of being appointed to what Sai was appointed to, in addition to reattempting to be appointed to Baekje.
- 478- Liu Song entitles Bu to Commander of All Military Affairs of: Oa tân la nhậm kia thêm la Tần Hàn mộ Hàn lục quốc
- 6 Countries of Wa - Silla - Imna - Gaya - Jinhan - Mohan (Mahan)
- Liu Song once again ignores Wa's request to add in Baekje, and only reaffirms what Sai was appointed to in 451.
Also, a few entries prior to the Kings of Wa, the Book of Song in introducing the Baekje, described that Baekje rules theLiaoxiregion while Goguryeo rules theLiaodongregion.[8]This blatant inaccuracy is also evidence that Liu Song was rather uninformed or uninterested in keeping accurate knowledge of geopolitical situations out east.
Chinese records
edit| Gregorian date(CE) | Dynasty | Chinese calendar | Original Chinese source | King of Wa | Short summary[b] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 413 | 9th year of Yìxī ( nghĩa hi chín năm ) | Unknown[c]
|
The king of Wa sent tribute. | ||
| 421 | 2nd year of Yǒngchū ( vĩnh sơ hai năm ) | King San sent tribute to Jin.Emperor Wu of Songbestowed the title,An đông tướng quân(Peacekeeper-General of the East) andOa Quốc vương(King of Wa), on San. | |||
| 425 | Song
|
2nd year of Yuánjiā ( nguyên gia hai năm ) | Book of Song
|
San
|
King San sent Shiba Sōtatsu (Tư Mã tào đạt)[d]as an envoy and madeEmperor Wen of Songa present. |
| 430 | Song
|
7th year of Yuánjiā ( nguyên gia bảy năm ) | Book of Song
|
Unknown[e]
|
In January, the king of Wa sent tribute. |
| 438 | Song
|
15th year of Yuánjiā ( nguyên gia mười lăm năm ) | Book of Song
|
King San died, his younger brother Chin succeeded the throne. Chin sent tribute and self-proclaimed the title ofSử cầm tiết đô đốc Oa trăm tế tân la nhậm kia Tần Hàn mộ Hàn lục quốc chư quân sự an đông đại tướng quân Oa Quốc vương. In April, Emperor Wen appointed Chin to the title ofAn đông tướng quân(Peacekeeper-General of the East) andOa Quốc vương(King of Wa). The emperor also appointed Wa Zui (Oa Tùy) and other 13 subordinates of Chin to the titles ofBình tây chinh lỗ quán quân phụ quốc tướng quân. | |
| 443 | Song
|
20th year of Yuánjiā ( nguyên gia 20 năm ) | Book of Song
|
Sai sent tribute and was appointed to the title of andAn đông tướng quân(Peacekeeper-General of the East) andOa Quốc vương(King of Wa). | |
| 451 | Song
|
28th year of Yuánjiā ( nguyên gia 28 năm ) | Book of Song
|
Sai
|
In July, King Sai was appointed to the title ofSử cầm tiết đô đốc Oa tân la nhậm kia thêm la Tần Hàn mộ Hàn lục quốc chư quân sựandAn đông tướng quân(Peacekeeper-General of the East) andOa Quốc vương(King of Wa). 23 subordinates were also promoted. |
| 460 | Song
|
4th year of Dàmíng ( đại minh bốn năm ) | Unknown[f]
|
In December, the king of Wa sent a tribute. | |
| 462 | Song
|
6th year of Dàmíng ( đại minh 6 năm ) | Book of Song
|
In March,Emperor Xiaowu of Songappointed Kō, a crown prince of Sai, to the title ofAn đông tướng quân(Peacekeeper-General of the East) andOa Quốc vương(King of Wa). | |
| 477 | Song
|
1st year of Shēngmíng ( thăng Minh Nguyên năm ) | Book of Song
|
In November, the king of Wa sent a tribute. King Kō died, his younger brother Bu succeeded to the throne. Bu self-proclaimed the title ofSử cầm tiết đô đốc Oa trăm tế tân la nhậm kia thêm la Tần Hàn mộ Hàn bảy quốc chư quân sựandAn đông đại tướng quân(GrandPeacekeeper-General of the East) andOa Quốc vương(King of Wa). | |
| 478 | Song
|
2nd year of Shēngmíng ( thăng minh hai năm ) | Book of Song
|
Bu
|
Bu self-proclaimed the title of khai phủ nghi cùng tam tư and petitioned the official appointment.Emperor Shun of Songappointed Bu to the title ofSử cầm tiết đô đốc Oa tân la nhậm kia thêm la Tần Hàn mộ Hàn lục quốc chư quân sựandAn đông đại tướng quân(GrandPeacekeeper-General of the East) andOa vương. |
| 479 | 1st year of Jiànyuán ( kiến nguyên nguyên niên ) | Bu
|
Without being requested,Emperor Gaoof the newly founded ofQi dynastypromoted numerous foreign monarchs as a celebratory gesture, such as Bu to the title ofTrấn Đông đại tướng quân(Grand Suppressor-General of the East.[g] | ||
| 502 | 1st year of Tiānjiān ( thiên giam nguyên niên ) | Bu (Deceased)
|
Without being requested,Emperor Wuof the newly founded ofLiang dynastypromoted numerous foreign monarchs as a celebratory gesture, such as Bu, to the title ofChinh đông đại tướng quân(Grand General conquering the East).[g]Bu was already deceased, however. |
Comparison with the Nihon Shoki
editThis articleneeds additional citations forverification.(June 2007) |
| Book of Song | Book of Liang | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Genealogy of Emperors inNihon Shoki
(Numbers in parentheses are Japanese epithets) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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As the name of kings recorded inChinese historyare very different from the names of Emperors in theNihon Shoki,the specification of which emperor was the one recorded is the subject of numerous disputes which have endured for centuries. Most contemporary historians assign the five Japanese kings to the following emperors (two possibilities are identified for the Kings San and Chin), mostly based on the individual features of their genealogies reported in the Chinese sources.
On the other hand, archeological evidence, such as the inscriptions on theInariyamaandEta Funayama Sword,also supports the idea that Bu is an equivalent of Emperor Yūryaku, who was calledWakatakeru Ōkimiby his contemporaries.
- SanTán:Emperor NintokuorEmperor Richū
- ChinTrân:Emperor Hanzeior Emperor Nintoku
- SaiTế:Emperor Ingyō
- KōHưng:Emperor Ankō
- BuVõ:Emperor Yūryaku
Since Bu is most likely to be Yūryaku, Kō, who is said to be Bu's older brother, is likely to be an equivalent of Ankō, who is also noted in theNihonshokias an elder brother to Yūryaku. However, theBook of Songrecords Kō as "Crown PrinceKō "; there is a possibility that he is not Ankō, but ratherPrince Kinashi no Karu,who was a crown prince of Ingyō.
See also
edit
Notes
edit- ^Khai phủ nghi cùng tam tư: Person whose Position is equivalent or corresponds to the "Three Lords" (Highest Ranking Officials in the old Imperial Chinese governments. That is, thừa tướng ( Tư Đồ ), thái úy, ngự sử đại phu ( Tư Không ).
- ^These titles for sovereignty over the states described had no bearing on reality. The appointments reflected the struggle for hegemony over the Korean Peninsula betweenGoguryeoand Wa, as depicted in theGwanggaeto Stele.[9]
- ^This is listed under "King San" in theBook of Liang
- ^In this case,Shibamight be the title of Sōtatsu, rather than his surname.[10]Sōtatsu might be a member oftoraijingroup.[7]
- ^Possibly King San
- ^Possibly King Sai
- ^abThe promotions in 479 and 502 were automatic given the establishment of new dynasties in China.
References
edit- ^http:// hongwontack.pe.kr/homepage4/data/450815.pdf[bare URL PDF]
- ^Kishimoto, Naofumi (2013-05-01). "Dual Kingship in the Kofun Period as Seen from the Keyhole Tombs".Journal of Urban Culture Research.S2CID193255655.
- ^Ishii 2005, p.169
- ^Ishii 2005, p.175
- ^(ja) bản nguyên nghĩa loại 『 Oa の năm vương 』 giáo dục xã, 1981 năm 9 nguyệt, 180 trang.ISBN4315401455.
- ^"Nam Tề thư: Cuốn 58 liệt truyện thứ 39 man Đông Nam di - Trung Quốc triết học thư điện tử hóa kế hoạch".ctext.org(in Chinese (Taiwan)).Retrieved2023-08-27.
- ^abBản nguyên nghĩa loại “Quyển đầu sử luận nghiên cứu sử cổ đại の Nhật Bản と Triều Tiên -- “Bảy chi đao” “Hảo quá vương bia” “Oa の năm vương” nghiên cứu の thành quả と đầu đề” 『 lịch sử đọc bổn 』 đệ 51 quyển đệ 3 hào, tân nhân vật lui tới xã, 2006 năm 2 nguyệt, 58-59 trang
- ^"Tống thư: Cuốn 97 liệt truyện thứ 57 di man - Trung Quốc triết học thư điện tử hóa kế hoạch".ctext.org(in Chinese (Taiwan)).Retrieved2023-08-27.
- ^Cát điền tinh,Oa vương 権 の thời đại,Tân Nhật Bản nhà xuất bản, 1998
- ^(ja)NipponicaNhật Bản đại bách khoa toàn thư ( ニッポニカ ), Oa の năm vươngBản nguyên nghĩa loại (Retrieved 2023-0209)
External links
edit- Giếng đá chính mẫn (2005 năm 6 nguyệt ). (ja)“5 thế kỷ の ngày Hàn quan hệ - Oa の năm vương と Cao Lệ ・ trăm tế -”.Ngày Hàn lịch sử cộng đồng nghiên cứu báo cáo thư ( đệ 1 kỳ )( ngày Hàn lịch sử cộng đồng nghiên cứu ).オリジナルの 2015 năm ngày 18 tháng 10 khi điểm におけるアーカイブ.