The Chronicle of Kamatari

UPPER PART OF the House History by the Great Master

Kamatari, the Inner Palace Minister who was also called ‘Chūrō,’ was a man of the Takechi district of Yamato Province. His forebears descended from Ame no Koyane no Mikoto; for generations they had administered the rites for Heaven and Earth, harmonizing the space between men and the gods. Therefore it was ordered their clan was to be called Ōnakatomi.

Kamatari was the eldest son of the official Mikeko and his mother was called Lady Ōtomo. The Great Minister was born in the mansion of the wisteria fields in the first month of the thirty-fourth year of Heavenly Sovereign Toyomi Kekashiki. Even while still inside Lady Ōtomo's womb, his cries could be heard from the outside. He was born after twelve months. Lady Ōtomo's mother spoke: “The number of months that you carried the child is different from what ordinary people experience. He will be an extraordinary child and certainly possess divine virtues.” In her heart, Lady Ōtomo knew that this pregnancy had been different. Labour had been painless and without even realizing it she had given birth.

The Great Minister's character was benevolent and filial, his wisdom sharp and his knowledge of the arcane profound. From a young age he liked studying and he became highly versed in historical writings. He often read Tai Gong's Six Secret Teachings, and there wasn't a single verse he could not repeat and recite. His disposition was admirable and elegant and his posture was particularly noteworthy. When seen from the front, he appeared to be looking up; when seen from behind he appeared to be bowing. The Great Minister heard someone say, “Two valiant strong men follow him wherever he goes,” and he became secretly embarrassed about himself. Those who are wise touch the heart and their fame steadily increases.

The sovereign's close advisor Soga no Kuratsukuri had increased his own fortune and his power now permeated the court. When Kuratsukuri scolded and issued orders there was no one who didn't bend. However, when confronted with the Great Minister, he remained silent as he always considered him mysterious.