ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the history of research on genealogy and legend in modern times. It categorizes it into three stages. In the first stage, social interest in genealogy and legend increased. In the second stage, the case studies of genealogy and legend accumulated. In the third stage, studies on genealogy and legend were systematized. The purpose of these genealogies and legends was to declare the clan's political position and assert the legitimacy of their official duty to the emperor of ancient Japan, and, thus, these genealogies and legends served very practical purposes. Mutsuko Mizoguchi stated that the basic system of the genealogical relationship of clans was formed before the Taika Reforms simultaneously with the establishment of the Yamato Kingdom. In addition, she estimated that the powerful clans started to create genealogies from the late fifth century, during the era of Emperor Yūryaku.
