Shinkenki

The Diary of a Kofukuji Abbot in the Warring States Era

The Shinkenki (尋憲記) is the autograph diary of Jinken, abbot of the Daijoin of Kofukuji, in twelve volumes held by the National Archives of Japan in Chiyoda City, Tokyo, which in 2011 was designated an Important Cultural Property.

The Agency for Cultural Affairs records ink on paper in bound booklets, owned by the National Archives of Japan.

According to the Agency, it covers the fifteen years from 1562 to 1577.

The Diary

According to the Agency, Jinken (died 1585) was abbot of the Daijoin, and this is his daily record in his own hand. Twelve volumes survive; the first measures 26.8 by 17.1 centimetres.

The diary records in detail events in Yamato province in the Oda-Toyotomi era, including copies of letters asking Matsunaga Hisahide to mediate an inheritance dispute over the abbacy's estates, and disputes with villagers over the Kosatsuki levy.

What to Look For

The Agency values it as a diary that conveys the Warring States period, an important source for its politics, society and culture.

It can be read as the record of the head of a leading Kofukuji sub-temple dealing with warlords and villagers in wartime Yamato.

Visiting the Shinkenki

The diary is held by the National Archives of Japan; check the Archives for access and exhibition schedules.