What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to clarify the identity of tree species 'X' found in the Sakuteiki and its implications for understanding Japanese garden aesthetics.

February 26, 2026Open Access

A Study of the Unidentified Tree Species "X" in the "Sakuteiki".

Key Points

This research aims to clarify the identity of tree species 'X' found in the Sakuteiki and its implications for understanding Japanese garden aesthetics.
Conducted a comparative analysis of various Sakuteiki manuscripts.
Examined Chinese texts including Zhai Jing and Qimin Yaoshu for contextual insights.
Analyzed the written form and associations of the character 'X' with other tree species.
Investigated historical uses and meanings of nire within geomantic practices.
Identified that the character 'X' most likely represents nire based on textual evidence.
Found strong associations of nire with the principles of northern planting in cultural practices.
Revealed that the Sakuteiki reflects a synthesis of Japanese and Chinese landscape traditions.

Abstract

This paper examines the unidentified tree species "X" mentioned in the Sakuteiki, the oldest known Japanese garden treatise, compiled in the late Heian to early Kamakura period. The character "X" appears in a passage that describes the ideal placement of trees to create a "Shijin Sōō" (four guardian spirits) landscape composition, specifically recommending three plantings to the north of a residence when a hill is absent. Traditionally, "X" has been interpreted as hinoki (Japanese cypress), natsume (jujube), or nire (elm), but no consensus has been reached. Through a comparative analysis of various Sakuteiki manuscripts and reference to Chinese texts such as the Zhai Jing (宅経) and Qimin Yaoshu (齊民要術), this study finds that the character most plausibly represents nire. The manuscript evidence shows that the written form of "X" closely resembles the character for nire or possibly natsume, while literary sources consistently associate nire with northern planting in geomantic practices. These findings suggest that the Sakuteiki’s description of "X" reflects not merely textual borrowing, but also a deeper alignment with continental landscape thought. This study contributes to our understanding of plant symbolism and Chinese influence in early Japanese garden design.

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