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November 1
In Japan, seventy-one Japanese books are designated as National Treasures. The term has been used in Japan to denote cultural properties since 1897, although the definition and criteria of National Treasures have changed over time. Writing was introduced from Korea to Japan around 400 AD in the form of Chinese books, with work done in Chinese by immigrant scribes from the mainland. The earliest extant large-scale works compiled in Japan are the 8th-century historical chronicles the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki (manuscript pictured). Other early Japanese works from the Nara period include biographies of Prince Shōtoku, cultural and geographical records (fudoki) and the Man'yōshū, the first anthology of Japanese poetry. More than half of the 71 designated treasures are works of poetry and prose. Another large segment consists of historical works such as manuscripts of the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki. (Full list...)