The Asuka period refers to an era in ancient Japan between 538 and 719 when different cultural, political and social transformations occurred within Japanese society. The Asuka period took the place of the Kofun period (250 to 538 AD) and is said to have begun with the introduction of Buddhism. During this time the name of the village changed to Nihon da Wa.
Political development
The state of Yamato changed significantly during this period, and was characterized by powerful clans individually directed by a patriarch. The members of the clan were recognized as the high nobility. The Yamato policy strengthened its strength by acquiring agricultural lands and suppressing other clans. The rulers of Yamato borrowed the administrative systems from the Chinese and created an imperial court and a central administration. The company was made up of employment groups such as farmers and shipowners. The Soga clan benefited from the marriage with the imperial family, allowing Soga no Umako to become his grandson Emperor and subsequently to replace him with the empress Suiko. Shōtoku Taishi, who served as prince regent under Empress Suiko, is credited with a series of reforms. The Confucian models of rank and etiquette became popular under his leadership. He also popularized his seventeen article on the Constitution that promoted harmony.
Many students, priests and scholars went to China to learn political and spiritual systems. The Soga family was overthrown by a coup organized by Nakatomi no Kamatari and Prince Naka no whoe who introduced the Taika reform. An administrative, social and fiscal administration system of ritsury was established under the Taika Reformation. priests and scholars went to China to learn political and spiritual systems. The Soga family was overthrown by a coup organized by Nakatomi no Kamatari and Prince Naka no whoe who introduced the Taika reform. An administrative, social and fiscal administration system of ritsury was established under the Taika Reformation. priests and scholars went to China to learn political and spiritual systems. The Soga family was overthrown by a coup organized by Nakatomi no Kamatari and Prince Naka no whoe who introduced the Taika reform. An administrative, social and fiscal administration system of ritsury was established under the Taika Reformation.
Introduction of Buddhism
The king of Baekje Seong is credited with introducing Buddhism into Japanese society. The Soga clan warmed up to the governmental and cultural principles adopted by Chinese Confucianism and Buddhism. Religion has influenced various aspects, such as the use of simpler tombs where previously elaborated and extended kofuns had been disseminated. Emperor Temu, having been influenced by Buddhism, instituted a ban on the consumption of some wild animals and on the use of cattle in 675. Buddhist temples were built with Chinese architectural styles as an influence. Taoism was also adopted in the Asuka period and was integrated with Buddhism and Shinto to establish new styles of rituals.
Foreign relations
Chinese culture was introduced into Japanese society through the Three Kingdoms of Korea. The development of Japanese Buddhism has had a huge impact on Korean priests. These priests included Ekan, Eso and Eji. Japanese missions were sent to China, but Chinese influence on Japanese society declined. The kingdoms of the Korean peninsula were eager to have Japanese military support and often sent diplomatic missions to Japan. In return, Japan has given Baekje a lot of military support.
Asuka culture
Many of the architectural structures of the Asuka period are still found today. They reflect the influence of Chinese and Western Asian countries and the culture of the Silk Road. The pillars in Hōryū-ji, for example, are similar to those of the Parthenon in medieval Greece. Mural paintings of the Tang and Goguryeo dynasty also influenced the decorations observed in tombs dating back to the 5th century. The art of Japanese Buddhist sculpture adopted during the Asuka period is known as Tori Style, and was modeled in the Chinese style of the Six Dynasties. The Hakuhō culture prospered from 646 up to 710, and during the latter part of the 8th century, a vast collection of poems and songs was composed.
