Final answer:
The oldest historical text in Japan is the 'Kojiki' or 'Records of Ancient Matters,' published in 712 C.E., essential for understanding Japan's early history and mythology.
Step-by-step explanation:
The text referred to in the question is the Kojiki, also known as the Records of Ancient Matters, which is the oldest extant historical text in Japan, published in 712 C.E. during the Nara Period. This text, along with the Nihon Shoki or Chronicles of 720 C.E., constitutes the earliest historical accounts of Japan. The Kojiki presents a collection of myths, legends, songs, and genealogies, which were compiled to trace the lineage of Japanese emperors back to the sun goddess Amaterasu, establishing an imperial cult and reinforcing the political authority of the Yamato rulers.
The Kojiki, Japan's oldest historical text from 712 C.E., stands alongside the Nihon Shoki as early accounts of the nation's history. Compiled during the Nara Period, it weaves a tapestry of myths, legends, songs, and genealogies. Its central objective is to trace the imperial lineage to the sun goddess Amaterasu, establishing an imperial cult. This not only reinforces the political authority of the Yamato rulers but also shapes a foundational narrative for Japan. The Kojiki, a crucial cultural document, blends mythology and history, providing insights into ancient Japanese beliefs, customs, and the socio-political fabric that defined the country's identity.