The 'Nihon Shoki,' one of Japan's oldest historical texts, was completed around 703, providing a comprehensive account of Japan's history and mythology. This work was significant in shaping the national identity and cultural narrative of Japan, reflecting the influences of Chinese historiography. It was compiled in the capital, Nara, and served as a crucial source for understanding early Japanese civilization.

The 'Nihon Shoki' influenced Japanese poetry by establishing a narrative framework that poets would draw upon for centuries. Its mythological and historical themes inspired poets to explore national identity and cultural heritage, leading to a rich tradition of storytelling and poetic expression in subsequent literary works.