Motoori

Motoori Norinaga (本居 宣長, 1730–1801) was a prominent Japanese scholar, poet, and philosopher of the Edo period, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the development of Kokugaku, the study of native Japanese culture and language. Born in Kyoto, he came from a family of scholars and was deeply immersed in classical Japanese literature and thought from an early age.

Motoori’s most significant contribution was his reinterpretation of Shinto and Japanese mythology, particularly through his work *Kojiki-den* (古事記伝, "Explanations of the Kojiki"), completed in 1797. In this text, he argued that the *Kojiki*, Japan’s oldest historical chronicle, should be understood as a sacred text rather than a mere historical record. He emphasized the divine origins of the Japanese imperial line and the indigenous nature of Shinto, distinguishing it from imported Confucianism and Buddhism. His ideas helped shape a nationalist and cultural identity rooted in Japan’s pre-Buddhist traditions.

Beyond his scholarly work, Motoori was also a skilled poet, contributing to the *Hyakunin Isshu* (百人一首), an influential anthology of waka poetry. His poetic style reflected his deep appreciation for the emotional and philosophical depth of classical Japanese verse.

Motoori’s intellectual legacy endured long after his death, influencing later movements such as the Meiji-era revival of Shinto and the development of modern Japanese nationalism. His emphasis on the purity and uniqueness of Japanese culture made him a key figure in the intellectual history of Japan, bridging traditional scholarship with emerging nationalist thought. His works remain studied today for their insights into early Japanese thought and literature.