The kanji is usually pronounced "Shiragi" but in this case is closer to the original "Silra" or "Silla". By the way, "shiragi" is known to signify Shiragi castle.

As you may know, the word "shirajirashii" is not used in a positive sense. It rather has a nuance of an insult or contempt. This is because ancient Japan was an overt supporter of Kudara (Paekche). There even was a tendency to regard things that were not of Paekche as worthless. The ancient chronicle "Kojiki" clearly states Silla as an enemy. In this situation, Silla immigrants probably experienced rumormongering even in Japan.

But on second thought, such hostile attitude against Silla seems odd. I must not be the only one to suspect that in spite of their open admiration for Paekche, they were really quite fond of Silla.

The subject in question is the Hata-clan. They formed the largest group of immigrants, erecting many temples and shrines, and were so as powerful as to build the capital city of Heian-kyo. While managing all festive rituals held by the Imperial family, as the ancient history researcher Iwao Yamato pointed out, they participated in editing of the "Kojiki". The Hatas, being immigrants from Silla, must have written harshly of Silla in order to conceal their own roots.

In fact, the Hata clan lied about their roots and pretended to be of Paekche origin. But to the real Packche immigrants, it was obvious that the Hatas were fabricating stories. While they claimed to be from Paekche, the tiles used in the temples and shrines they erected were of genuine Silla design.

The Hatas, however, continued to claim to be Paekchen immigrants. They were nothing but a bunch of "being like silla" people, a bunch of "shirajirashii" (telling an obvious lie) immigrants, don't you agree?

Translated by Rie Ishida