Recent years have seen a drastic decrease in the opportunity to write Kanji characters due to the prevalence of computers and smartphones. This has led to an increase in the inability to write certain Kanji characters, even though they can be read. Reading and writing Kanji while learning their meanings can help maintain and improve Kanji proficiency. The origin of the Kanji character “入” is discussed, along with the historical significance of certain characters such as “イルカネ” and “イルナイ.” Additionally, the life of Fujiwara no Akiko and her support for her brother, Fujiwara no Michinaga, in achieving power is highlighted, showcasing the importance of understanding historical context.
In recent years, with the prevalence of computers and smartphones, the opportunity to write Kanji by hand has drastically decreased. This may lead to an increase in Kanji that can be read but not written. There are times when I feel like my writing skills have deteriorated even though I used to be able to write more fluently.
You can train your brain by reading and writing Kanji while reading articles. Through this article, you can learn about the reading, writing, and meanings of Kanji, which can help you maintain your Kanji proficiency.
The 196th edition of “Kanji to Train Your Brain” introduces the character “入” (iru) which you may have heard often in mascot dramas, for instance. Enhance your understanding of Kanji by actually reading and writing it.
What does “イルカネ” mean?
Do you know how to pronounce “イルナイ”? It’s not “にゅない” but…
The correct answer is…
“朱代” (shudai).
In the “Shogakukan Digital Survey Line”, it is explained as “the hierarchy of the court, from outer to inner layers, for instance, from gosshiwa-no-nai to juwashiwa-no-nai”. This is in line with current marital life.
In the early Heian period, Tai-ko, the daughter of Fujiwara no Basho, was a noble figure who was given the gift of becoming a consort of the Emperor and eventually rose to the position of Empress. Thus, the female imperial entry became a grand wedding ceremony (the imperial wedding) and lavish ceremonies began.
What is the origin of the Kanji “入”?
“入内” literally means “to enter the imperial palace”. Also, while “入内” can be read as “にゅうない”, the more common reading is “じゅうだい”.
The Lifetime of Fujiwara no Akiko
It is known that the shrine rites of Onnai-in started in the early Heian period. The Heian period corresponds to the era currently depicted in the NHK Taiga drama “To Hikaru-kun”. It is said that Fujiwara no Michinaga, who stood at the top of noble society, could exercise power thanks to the support of his younger sister Akiko.
Akiko, the daughter of Fujiwara no Kaneie, entered as a consorts to Emperor En’yū in 978. She was later named Yasuhito-no-miya and safely ascended to the throne as Empress Ichijō. As a result, Akiko’s father Kaneie was able to wield power as her maternal grandfather, and Akiko herself was able to acquire the prestigious status of Empress Dowager.
Akiko was very fond of Emperor Ichijō and also of her brother Michitaka. Even after the death of Michitaka’s eldest son Michitaka and the subsequent inheritance dispute, Akiko supported Michitaka until the end. It is also believed that Akiko conspired to install Akiko, Ichijō’s daughter by Michinaga, as Empress (almost equivalent to Empress) of Emperor Ichijō.
At that time, Emperor Ichijō already had Chūko (Michitaka’s daughter) as Chūgu, but Akiko decided to keep Chūko as Chūgu to prosper Michitaka’s family and also bring in Akiko.
Michitaka’s strategy was successful and he became the grandfather of three emperors and flourished greatly. It is recorded in Michinaga’s diary, “Godo Gashiroki”, that Michinaga gratefully offered same heartfelt prayers to Akiko as he did to both parents.
Also, in the early Kamakura period history book “Kokkan-shō”, it is written, “It was thanks to Shōko’s intervention that the family of Fujiwara prospered secretly. Akiko may have been the one who supported the prosperity of the Fujiwara family behind the scenes.” Do you agree?
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How was it? Did the introduction of “にうち” help broaden your knowledge of Kanji? Fujiwara no Michinaga is a representative noble figure of the Heian period. It can be said that without the support of Akiko, his second son Yoshimitsu would not have achieved such great success.
Wouldn’t history be even more interesting when you know the background?
Text / Maho Toyota (Kyoto Media Line)
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