also: こくぶん
noun
written report to the gods; imperial edict; written appeal to a superior
Historical term for a formal written communication directed to deities, the emperor, or a higher authority. Not used in modern everyday Japanese.
神前に告文を奉る。
Offer a written report to the gods.
天皇の告文が諸国に伝えられた。
The imperial edict was conveyed to the provinces.
Compound of 告 (announce, inform) and 文 (writing, document). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word appears in classical and religious contexts.