What is hirata atsutane?

Hirata Atsutane (1776-1843) was a Japanese scholar and folklorist of the late Edo period. He is best known for his work on Japanese mythology and folklore, particularly his compilation of the Koshiki (Records of Ancient Matters), an early collection of Japanese myths and legends.

Atsutane was born to a samurai family in the Fukushima domain and was trained in Chinese classics and Confucianism. However, he also had a deep interest in Japanese history and mythology and began to study and collect traditional stories and legends from around Japan.

He completed his major work, the Koshiki, in 1820. In this work, he collected various myths and legends from different regions of Japan and attempted to create a coherent narrative of Japanese mythology and history.

Atsutane was also interested in the study of Shinto, Japan's indigenous religion, and was a proponent of restoring its ancient practices. He believed that through the restoration of Shinto, Japan could regain its national identity and spirit.

Atsutane's work on folklore and mythology had a significant impact on Japanese culture and contributed to a renewed interest in traditional stories and legends. His ideas on the restoration of Shinto also influenced the Meiji Restoration and the development of modern Japanese nationalism.