Xu Fu is a figure who left a mysterious imprint in Chinese history. Legends and stories about him have always perplexed historians and archaeologists. Among them, the most talked-about topic is whether he really sailed to Japan. This article will take you to unravel the mystery of Xu Fu's eastward voyage.

I. Historical Background of Xu Fu

Xu Fu, styled Junfang, was a famous fangshi (wizard) during the Warring States period in China. According to the "Records of the Grand Historian," during the reign of Qin Shi Huang, Xu Fu petitioned the emperor, claiming that there were three sacred mountains beyond the East China Sea, where immortals resided and the elixir of immortality could be found. Upon hearing this, Qin Shi Huang sent Xu Fu to lead three thousand boys and girls, carrying seeds of various grains, to search for the elixir of immortality in the East China Sea. However, after Xu Fu and his group sailed away, they never returned. This is the legend of Xu Fu's eastward voyage.

II. Authenticity of Xu Fu's Eastward Voyage

There are different views on the authenticity of Xu Fu's eastward voyage in history. Some believe that Xu Fu and his group did indeed arrive in Japan and became part of Japan's ancient history. Others believe that they did not reach Japan but disappeared along the coastal areas of China. So, did Xu Fu really sail to Japan?

1. Views Supporting Xu Fu's Eastward Voyage

Those who support Xu Fu's eastward voyage believe that after sailing away, Xu Fu and his group may have encountered natural disasters such as storms and were forced to land in the Kyushu region of Japan. They settled there and gradually formed ancient tribes in Japan. Additionally, there are some ancient Japanese relics and legends related to Xu Fu, such as the legends of Mount Fuji and Kumano. These evidences suggest that Xu Fu may have indeed sailed to Japan.

2. Views Opposing Xu Fu's Eastward Voyage

Those who oppose Xu Fu's eastward voyage believe that Xu Fu and his group did not reach Japan but disappeared along the coastal areas of China. This view is mainly based on two points: first, the "Records of the Grand Historian" does not explicitly record Xu Fu's arrival in Japan; second, there is no conclusive evidence to prove that Xu Fu and his group reached Japan. Therefore, they argue that Xu Fu's eastward voyage is just a legend.

III. Conclusion

The mystery of Xu Fu's eastward voyage remains unresolved to this day. Although there is some evidence that seems to support the view that Xu Fu sailed to Japan, these evidences are not sufficient to fully confirm this claim. Therefore, we cannot determine whether Xu Fu really sailed to Japan. Nevertheless, regardless of whether Xu Fu sailed to Japan or not, his legends and stories are part of Chinese history and deserve our understanding and research.

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