Nara period

Gokishichido

Daigoku-den at Heijō Palace under repair 2010

Shoso-in

Yakushiji-1999-1

Seated Yakushi Nyorai (Bhaisajyaguru) Nara Period, 8th century.tiff

Nara period (AD 710–794) marks a significant era in the history of Japan, characterized by the establishment of a centralized government under the Rikken Seiji system and the cultural flowering influenced by China. This period is named after the Nara city, which was the capital of Japan during this era, known as Heijō-kyō. The Nara period is distinguished by the introduction of Buddhism to Japan, which played a crucial role in shaping Japanese culture, politics, and society.

History

The Nara period began in 710 when the Empress Genmei established the capital in Nara, a move influenced by the Chinese Tang dynasty's model of a centralized capital. This era witnessed the codification of laws, such as the Taihō Code in 702, which laid the foundation for the centralized government system and the Ritsuryō legal system. The Nara period is also notable for the compilation of the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, Japan's first written histories, which were completed in 712 and 720 respectively. These texts are crucial for understanding early Japanese history and mythology.

Culture

The introduction and promotion of Buddhism were among the most significant cultural developments of the Nara period. Major Buddhist temples, such as Tōdai-ji, which houses the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), were constructed during this time. These temples not only served religious purposes but also acted as centers of political power and cultural development. The Nara period also saw the flourishing of arts and literature, influenced heavily by Chinese culture. The creation of the Manyōshū, the oldest collection of Japanese poetry, dates back to this era.

Economy

The Nara period's economy was based on the Ritsuryō system, which included a land redistribution policy and a taxation system that was heavily influenced by Chinese administrative practices. The government controlled rice fields, which were allocated to citizens in exchange for tax in kind, primarily rice, and labor for public works.

End of the Nara Period

The Nara period ended in 794 when Emperor Kammu moved the capital to Heian-kyō (present-day Kyoto), marking the beginning of the Heian period. This move was partly due to the desire to escape the power and influence of the Buddhist monasteries located in Nara and to establish a new capital free from the past's political entanglements.

Legacy

The Nara period is remembered for its significant contributions to Japanese culture, law, and government. The artifacts, temples, and texts from this era provide valuable insights into early Japanese society and its development. The historical and cultural sites of Nara remain popular tourist destinations, reflecting the lasting impact of this period on Japanese heritage.