Geography, Part 3

The smaller states within this region are called the state of Jienu, the state of Duisu, the state of Sunu, the state of Huyi, the state of Huanusunuo, the state of Gui, the state of Weiwu, the state of Guinu, the state of Yama, the state of Gongchen, the state of Bali, the state of Zhiwei, and the state of Wunu. All of these border the territory of the Wa Wa (倭): The ancient Chinese name for the people of Japan.. The smaller of these states measure one hundred li li (里): A traditional unit of distance, roughly 500 meters. across, while the larger ones do not exceed five hundred li.

Since the time Emperor Wu of the Han dynasty destroyed Gojoseon original: 朝鮮. Referring to the ancient Korean kingdom conquered by the Han in 108 BCE., approximately thirty of these states have maintained communication with the Han through official relays, and their leaders all title themselves as kings. The Great King of the Wa resides in the kingdom of Yamatai original: 邪馬臺. A famous and debated location in early Japanese history, home to Queen Himiko., which is also known as Yamawi.

In the first year of the Zhongyuan era of the Emperor Guangwu 56 CE., they first arrived to present tribute to the court. Later, the country fell into a state of great disorder, and the people established a woman named Himiko original: 卑彌呼. A shaman-queen mentioned in the "Records of the Three Kingdoms." as their ruler. When Himiko passed away, a girl of her own lineage named Iyo original: 壹女. Also read as Ichiyo or Toyo; she succeeded Himiko to restore order. followed her as ruler. Afterward, male kings were established once more. All these rulers received their titles and noble ranks through the mandates of the Chinese court.

Throughout the Wei, Jin, Sui, and Tang dynasties, they consistently arrived to offer tribute. Over time, they gradually became accustomed to the "Xia" sounds original: 夏音. Referring to the elegant or standard Chinese pronunciation and language.. At the beginning of the Xianheng era of the Tang Circa 670 CE., they grew to dislike the name "Wa" and changed their title to "Japan" original: 日本. Nippon/Nihon.. They themselves claim that the name was chosen because their country is located close to where the sun rises.

After the Yongxi era of the Song dynasty 984–987 CE., they came repeatedly to the imperial court to offer tribute. At the beginning of the Zhiyuan era of the Yuan dynasty 1264–1294 CE, under Kublai Khan., the Emperor sent envoys to summon them and instruct them to submit, but—