일본고대사와 동이의 소제국론

History of ancient Japan and Small Empire of the Dongi Theory - Focusing on the Interpretation of Jil and Mimana’s Jo -

Ishimoda Sho(石母田正)’s Small Empire of the Dongi(東夷) theory is one of the most influential theories that have shaped the Japanese historical understanding of ancient Korea-Japan relations and the character of the ancient Japanese state. This paper examines these two ancient diplomatic practices to critically assess Ishimoda Sho( 石母田正)’s theory. Part of the most important supports for the theory are drawn from Jil(質) and Mimana’s Jo(任那之調). This paper also has pointed out the problems with his interpretation of Jil(質) and Mimana’s Jo. Therefore, Ishimoda’s Small Empire of the Dongi theory no longer dominates the Japanese historical field as an infallible truth and its validity and reliability have been challenged. In this light, the Japanese historiography of ancient Korea-Japan relations based on the theoretical framework provided by Ishimoda should be re-defined from the basis. It is time to rectify the misinterpretations and pursue a more accurate historiography of ancient Korea and Japan. The different interpretations on the terms such as Jil(質) and Jo(調) are also a cause to breach the historical understandings of the two nations. The interpretation Jil is a typical example. Japanese historians tend to interpret Baekje(百濟)’s Jil sent to Wa(倭) as a symbol of subordination and desire for stronger diplomatic ties with Wa. However, the reality of Jil needs to be examined without the taint of contemporary sense of the word. Jo, including Mimana’s Jo, has been defined as tribute offered to show subordination, an abstract interpretation constrained by the sense of the Ritsuryou(律令) term. It also needs to be examined by studying actual practices and reality at that time rather than defined by the modern sense of the word.