The Exile of Godaigo
[Masukagami, Book XVI]
The “Masukagami”—variously translated as “Mirror of Increase” or “Mirror of Clarity”—is an historical romance based on events which took place between 1184 and 1333. It begins with the accession of the Emperor Gotoba (1180–1239) and ends with the return from exile of the Emperor Godaigo (1288–1339). These were two of the most energetic and literarily gifted of the Japanese emperors. Both attempted to assert themselves against the military class, and both were defeated and sent to exile on the remote island of Oki.
The selection given here covers Godaigo’s journey from Kyoto to Oki, and the life he led in lonely exile. Godaigo was more fortunate than Gotoba (who is the “former emperor” of the translation) in that he was able to return from exile thanks to his supporters. Once back in power, however, he continued to make the mistakes that had caused his first exile, and it was not long before his forces were driven from Kyoto again, this time to the mountains of Yoshino where for some sixty years the “Southern Court” held sway.
Neither the date nor the author of the “Masukagami” is known, but it is believed to have been written about 1370, possibly by Nijō Yoshimoto (1320–1388) the famous poet of linked-verse.
- •
The spring of 1332 had come. The beginning of the first year of the new reign was surprisingly festive. The new Emperor, being young and handsome, lent a special brilliance to everything, and the palace ceremonies were performed in exact observance of tradition. On the occasions of official functions, and even on quite ordinary days, there was so dense a press of carriages before the palace and the residences
