The "Chronicles of Japan," known as Nihon Shoki, is one of the oldest historical texts in Japan, completed in 720 AD. It was commissioned by the imperial court to provide a comprehensive account of Japan's history, mythology, and the lineage of its emperors. The work is written in classical Chinese and consists of 30 volumes, detailing events from the creation of the world to the early 8th century. The text includes various legends, such as the stories of the first emperor, Jimmu, and the divine origins of the Japanese imperial family. It serves as a crucial source for understanding early Japanese culture, politics, and religion, particularly the influence of Shinto beliefs.