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영어

In July 8th, 1853, the 4 giant black ships appeared suddenly off the coast of Uraga(浦賀) at the entrance of Edo(江戶) Bay. American whale fishing boats, and merchant ships needed refilling water, food, supplies and needed to be refitted to continue voyage. Sometimes, unfortunate shipwrecked American vessels needed help and support. For this reason, Commodore Perry visited Japan with the letter of president Fillmore addressed to the emperor of Japan. The cabinet of the ministers reported Tennou Komei with Japanese translation. On receiving the report, Komei prayed for expelling the foreign barbarians at seven shrines and seven temples. This reaction was the totally same with that of Mongol invasion at 13th century. Tennou was the top priest to pray for the agricultural good harvest every year and the internal peace from ancient period. Facing the external crisis, people payed attention to Tennou's power, expecting his removing the foreign threats by prayer and incantation. With the upsurge of anti-sentiment, the sepulchre of Tennou Jinmu became the symbol of Zyooi-ha(攘夷派) who wanted to drive away the foreign barbarians. On the day when the tomb of Jinmu was established, Komei announced the view of subjugating the sea barbarians. After the restoration, Meiji officials decided the tombs of all emperor and royal family to justify their actions and to prove the unbroken line of emperors. But the decision of tombs was based on written materials, legends and political intention, the greater part of decisions were contradictory to archeological evidences. In addition, the emperor tombs was prohibited from investigation and entrance. As the result, the study of Kohun period(古墳時代) was restricted greatly and the mistakes of decision was not corrected until now.