or Takeshiuchi no Sukune was a legendary hero and statesman of the 1st century (mid-Yayoi period, Japan). He was enshrined as a kami (divine figure). He is recorded in Japan's earliest literary texts, the Kojiki (ca. 712) and the Nihon Shoki (720).
Takenouchi no Sukune was supposedly the son of Princess Kagehime, and is said to be grandson to . Descended from Emperor Kà Âgen, Takenouchi no Sukune served under five legendary emperors, Emperor Keikà Â, Emperor Seimu, Emperor Chà «ai, Emperor à Âjin, and Emperor Nintoku, but was perhaps best known for his service as Grand Minister (à Âomi) to the Regent Empress Jingà «, with whom he supposedly invaded Korea. While Jingu was regent to her son, Ojin, Takenouchi was accused of treason. He underwent the "ordeal of boiling water" as a way to prove his innocence.
In addition to his martial services to these emperors, he was reputedly also a saniwa, or spirit medium.
He is said to have been the grandson of HIkofutsuoshinomakoto in the Nihon Shoki, where as the Kojiki states that he was the son of Hikofutsuoshinomakoto.
Japanese historians have theorized a possible inference to Takenouchi no Sukune found in ancient Korea's Samguk sagi where a name called "Udojugun (äºÂéÂÂæ±åÂÂ; ì°ëÂÂ주군)" is mentioned. In the book, it states that during the time a Japanese envoy "Kalnago[?] (èÂÂé£å¤; ê°ÂëÂÂê³ )" stayed in Silla, a royal named "Seok Uro (æÂÂäºÂèÂÂ; ìÂÂì°ë¡Â)" of the Gyeongju Seok clan also a descendant of Talhae of Silla from Japan, accompanied him. However after a while, the two started to banter where Seok Uro threatened to "make the emperor of Japan a salt making slave and his wife who cooks rice" as a heavy joke. After relaying the message to the emperor himself (not specified, only referred to as Okimi), a general named Udojugun was sent to the Korean peninsula and declared war against Silla.
According to scholars, Udojugun and Takenouchi no Sukune might have been the same individual as Takenouchi no Sukune's pronunciation would have been closer to "Utusukune (å 宿禰)" in Old Japanese. In addition, Wakan Sansai Zue also mentions Takenouchi no Sukune's accomplishments during the SillaâÂÂWa War (part of the series of wars within the SillaâÂÂGoguryeo and PaekcheâÂÂKayaâÂÂWa War) further adding credence to his involvement during the Silla period. As a similar sounding name appears in Korean records while also having historical documents that support his authenticity to an extent, scholars deduced that though not completely accurate, Takenouchi no Sukune can be considered an individual who had truly existed.
According to world-renowned linguist and Japanese language expert Alexander Vovin, due to Amenohiboko being of Korean origin, Empress Jingà « and her son and successor, Emperor à Âjin might have been native speakers of the Korean language. Vovin states that since Takenouchi no Sukune was able to interact with Korean kingdoms during their rule, he stated that Takenouchi no Sukune may also have been of foreign origin as not only did he have jurisdiction over JapanâÂÂKorean affairs, but was also the father of many clan founders that have heavy connections with Korea.
Twenty-eight Japanese clans are said to be descended from Takenouchi no Sukune, including Takeuchi and Soga. He is a legendary figure, and is said to have drunk daily from a sacred well, which helped him live to be 280 years old. He is enshrined at Ube Shrine in the Iwami district, Tottori and at Hachiman shrines.
His portrait has appeared on the Japanese yen, and dolls of him are popular Children's Day gifts.