--- title: Asuka Period author: Mark Cartwright source: https://www.worldhistory.org/Asuka_Period/ format: machine-readable-alternate license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/) updated: 2022-09-18 --- # Asuka Period _Authored by [Mark Cartwright](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/markzcartwright/)_ The Asuka Period (*Asuka Jidai*) of [ancient Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ancient_Japan/) covers the period from 538 CE to 710 CE and, following on from the [Kofun Period](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kofun_Period/) (c. 250-538 CE), so constitutes the latter part of the Yamato Period (c. 250-710 CE). For some scholars the period begins in 593 CE, and for art historians the end of the Asuka Period is dated to 645 CE. The period saw an increase in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/)'s contact with other regional powers, the rule of such famous figures as [Prince Shotoku](https://www.worldhistory.org/Prince_Shotoku/), the establishment of the powerful [Fujiwara clan](https://www.worldhistory.org/Fujiwara_Clan/), and the adoption of [Buddhism](https://www.worldhistory.org/buddhism/). It was followed by the [Nara Period](https://www.worldhistory.org/Nara_Period/) (710-794 CE). ### Historical Overview The Asuka Period name derives from the capital at that time, Asuka, located in the northern [Nara](https://www.worldhistory.org/Nara/) prefecture. In 645 CE the capital was moved to Naniwa, and between 694 and 710 CE it was at Fujiwarakyo. At the end of the period, in 710 CE, the capital moved yet again, this time to Heijokyo (aka Nara). The period sees the first firmly established historical emperor (as opposed to legendary or mythical rulers), Emperor Kimmei, who was 29th in the imperial line and reigned from 531 or 539 CE to 571 CE. The most significant rulers of the period, though, were Empress Suiko and her regent Prince Shotoku. The prince was the second son of Emperor Yomei (r. 585-587 CE), and he ruled on behalf of Suiko from 594 CE until his [death](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Death/) in 622 CE. Shotoku, also known as Umayado no Miko, is credited with reforming government, rooting out corruption, and diminishing the system of officials gaining office simply through inheritance, and encouraging greater ties with [China](https://www.worldhistory.org/china/). According to the *[Nihon Shoki](https://www.worldhistory.org/Nihon_Shoki/)* ('Chronicle of Japan' and also known as the *Nihongi*), written in 720 CE, the people of Japan were distraught at the death of the good prince: > The sun and moon have lost their brightness; heaven and earth have crumbled to ruin: henceforward, in whom shall we put our trust? (Mason, 40) The next major political event of the Asuka period occurred in 645 CE when the founder of the [Fujiwara](https://www.worldhistory.org/Fujiwara_Clan/) clan (*Fujiwara-Shi*), Fujiwara no Kamatari (then known as Nakatomi), staged a coup which took over power from the then dominant Soga clan (*Soga-Shi*). The Soga had Korean origins and they had held sway over government since 587 CE. The new government was then remodelled along Chinese lines in a series of reforms known as the Taika Reforms (*Taika no Kaishin*) in which land was nationalised, taxes were to be paid in kind instead of labour, social ranks were recategorised, civil service entrance examinations were introduced, [law](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/law/) codes were written, and the absolute authority of the emperor established. Prince Naka no Oe became Emperor [Tenjin](https://www.worldhistory.org/Tenjin/), and Kamatari was made his senior minister and given the surname Fujiwara. This was the beginning of one of Japan's most powerful clans who would monopolise government during the [Heian Period](https://www.worldhistory.org/Heian_Period/) (794-1185 CE). [ ![Prince Shotoku Statue](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/500x600/6409.jpg?v=1701051243) Prince Shotoku Statue PHGCOM (CC BY-SA) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/6409/prince-shotoku-statue/ "Prince Shotoku Statue")The Jinshin Incident of 671-672 CE was a short but bloody internal dispute amongst the ruling classes which disputed the successor following Emperor Tenji's death. In the aftermath, the new emperor Temmu (r. 672-686 CE) took the opportunity to prune the extended royal family so that only his descendants and those of his wife Jito (r. 686-697 CE) could claim any right to the imperial throne. In 685 CE, Temmu also appointed his own followers in key positions within the state bureaucracy, created a conscript army, and prohibited any other citizens from carrying arms. Fujiwarakyo was selected as the first proper Japanese capital which had a [palace](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/palace/) in the Chinese-style and streets laid out in a regular grid pattern. The very end of the period saw the introduction of Japan's first [coinage](https://www.worldhistory.org/coinage/), the *Wado kaiho*, in 708 CE. ### Relations with China & Korea During the Asuka period significant cultural relations were maintained with the Baekje ([Paekche](https://www.worldhistory.org/Baekje/)) kingdom of Korea, contact having already been established with the Korean peninsula from the 4th century CE, especially from the [Gaya](https://www.worldhistory.org/Gaya/) confederation of Korea. The advanced Baekje culture was exported via teachers, scholars, and artists travelling to Japan, and with them came elements of Chinese culture such as classic Confucian texts but also elements of Korean culture, for example, as seen in the wooden buildings constructed there by Korean architects. The exact relations between Korea and Japan in this period are controversial, but it does seem that Baekje officials occupied important positions in the Yamato government and may well have mixed with the imperial line, in particular, the Soga clan. Chinese influence was also seen in the drawing up of a constitution in 604 CE, the *Seventeen Article Constitution* (*Jushichijo-kenpo*), which centralised government and emphasised both [Buddhist](https://www.worldhistory.org/buddhism/) and Confucian principles, especially the importance of harmony (*wa*). Prince Shotoku is credited with composing the constitution. Perhaps most significant of all, and certainly the most durable foreign cultural impact, was the introduction of Buddhism to Japan sometime in the 6th century CE, traditionally in 552 CE. It was officially adopted by Emperor Yomei and further encouraged by Prince Shotoku who built several temples, formed a body of artists to create Buddhist images, and who was himself a student of its teachings. Buddhism was generally welcomed by Japan's elite (excepting initial resistance from the pro-[Shinto](https://www.worldhistory.org/Shinto/) Mononobe and Nakatomi clans) as it helped raise Japan's cultural status as a developed nation in the eyes of their powerful neighbours Korea and China. Shotoku also sent official embassies to the [Sui](https://www.worldhistory.org/Sui_Dynasty/) court in China from c. 607 CE and then throughout the 7th century CE. [ ![Asuka Period Roof Tile](https://www.worldhistory.org/img/r/p/500x600/6506.jpg?v=1599455704) Asuka Period Roof Tile James Blake Wiener (CC BY-NC-SA) ](https://www.worldhistory.org/image/6506/asuka-period-roof-tile/ "Asuka Period Roof Tile")Relations with Japan's neighbours were not always amicable. The [Silla](https://www.worldhistory.org/Silla/) kingdom, a longtime rival of Baekje in the Korean peninsula, finally overran its neighbour in 660 CE with the help of a massive Chinese [Tang](https://www.worldhistory.org/Tang_Dynasty/) naval force. A rebel Baekje force persuaded Japan to send 800 ships under the command of Abe no Hirafu to aid their attempt to regain control of their kingdom, but the joint force was defeated at the [Battle](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/battle/) of Baekgang (Hakusonko) at the mouth of the Geum/Paekchon River in 663 CE. The success of the [Unified Silla Kingdom](https://www.worldhistory.org/Unified_Silla_Kingdom/) resulted in another wave of immigrants entering Japan from the collapsed Baekje and [Goguryeo](https://www.worldhistory.org/Goguryeo/) kingdoms. ### Art & [Architecture](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/architecture/) The arts flourished in the Asuka Period and have given rise to an alternative name, the Suiko Period (552-645 CE) after Empress Suiko (r. 592-628 CE). [Literature](https://www.worldhistory.org/literature/) and [music](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Music/) following Chinese models were actively promoted by the court and artists were given tax reliefs. Sculptors produced large numbers of Buddhist figures in wood and gilded [bronze](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/bronze/). Poems were composed which would find themselves in the *[Manyoshu](https://www.worldhistory.org/Manyoshu/)* or 'Collection of 10,000 Leaves,' which was compiled c. 760 CE, making it the earliest such anthology in Japanese literature. During the reign of Shotoku 46 Buddhist monasteries and temples were built, the most important of which were the Shitennoji (593 CE), Hokoji (596 CE), and [Horyuji](https://www.worldhistory.org/Horyuji/). The latter was completed in 607 CE but burnt down c. 670 CE, after which it was rebuilt; it is the only surviving monastery from the Asuka Period in its original state. The complex, consisting of 48 listed buildings including a 5-storey pagoda, has the oldest wooden buildings in Japan. This content was made possible with generous support from the [Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation](http://www.gbsf.org.uk/?utm_source=ancient.eu&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=ancient.eu). #### Editorial Review This human-authored definition has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/). ## Bibliography - [Ashkenazi, M. *Handbook of Japanese Mythology.* Oxford University Press, 2008.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0195332628/) - [Beasley, W.G. *The Japanese Experience A Short History of Japan.* University of California, 1999.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/B000ORKKBI/) - [Dougill, J. *Japan's World Heritage Sites.* Tuttle Publishing, 2014.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/4805312858/) - [Ebrey, P.B. *Pre-Modern East Asia.* Cengage Learning, 2013.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/1133606512/) - [Henshall, K. *Historical Dictionary of Japan to 1945.* Scarecrow Press, 2013.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0810878712/) - [Mason, R.H.P. *A History of Japan.* Tuttle Publishing, 1997.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/080482097X/) - [Sansom, G. *A History of Japan to 1334.* Stanford University Press, 1958.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0804705232/) - [Tsuda, N. *A History of Japanese Art.* Tuttle Publishing, 2009.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/4805310316/) - [Whitney Hall, J. *The Cambridge History of Japan, Vol. 2.* Cambridge University Press, 1999.](https://www.worldhistory.org/books/0521223539/) ## About the Author Mark is WHE’s Publishing Director and has an MA in Political Philosophy (University of York). He is a full-time researcher, writer, historian and editor. Special interests include art, architecture and discovering the ideas that all civilizations share. ## Timeline - **c. 250 CE - 710 CE**: The Yamato Period in [ancient Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ancient_Japan/), consisting of the [Kofun Period](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kofun_Period/) and [Asuka Period](https://www.worldhistory.org/Asuka_Period/). - **c. 531 CE - 571 CE**: Reign of Emperor Kimmei in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **535 CE - 539 CE**: Reign of Emperor Senka in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **538 CE**: Alternative date to 552 CE for the introduction of [Buddhism](https://www.worldhistory.org/buddhism/) to [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/) from [Korea](https://www.worldhistory.org/Korea/). - **538 CE - 710 CE**: The [Asuka Period](https://www.worldhistory.org/Asuka_Period/) in [ancient Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ancient_Japan/). - **552 CE**: Traditional date for the introduction of [Buddhism](https://www.worldhistory.org/buddhism/) to [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/) from [Korea](https://www.worldhistory.org/Korea/). - **572 CE - 585 CE**: Reign of Emperor Bidatsu in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **585 CE - 587 CE**: Reign of Emperor Yomei in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **587 CE**: The Soga clan establish control of government in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **587 CE - 592 CE**: Reign of Emperor Sushun in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **592 CE - 628 CE**: Reign of Empress Suiko, [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/)'s first empress. - **593 CE**: The Shitennoji [Buddhist](https://www.worldhistory.org/buddhism/) [temple](https://www.worldhistory.org/temple/) is built in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **594 CE - 622 CE**: Reign of [Prince Shotoku](https://www.worldhistory.org/Prince_Shotoku/) as regent for Japanese Empress Suiko. - **596 CE**: The Hokoji [Buddhist](https://www.worldhistory.org/buddhism/) [temple](https://www.worldhistory.org/temple/) is built in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **604 CE**: [Prince Shotoku](https://www.worldhistory.org/Prince_Shotoku/) draws up his Seventeen Article Constitution in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **c. 607 CE**: [Prince Shotoku](https://www.worldhistory.org/Prince_Shotoku/) of [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/) sends the first of many official embassies to [Sui](https://www.worldhistory.org/Sui_Dynasty/) [China](https://www.worldhistory.org/china/). - **607 CE**: The [Horyuji](https://www.worldhistory.org/Horyuji/) [Buddhist](https://www.worldhistory.org/buddhism/) [temple](https://www.worldhistory.org/temple/) is built in [Nara](https://www.worldhistory.org/Nara/), [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/) during the reign of Regent [Prince Shotoku](https://www.worldhistory.org/Prince_Shotoku/). - **629 CE - 641 CE**: Reign of Emperor Jomei in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **642 CE - 645 CE**: Reign of Empress Kogyoku in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **645 CE**: The Japanese capital is moved from Asuka to Naniwa. - **645 CE**: [Fujiwara](https://www.worldhistory.org/Fujiwara_Clan/) no Kamatari leads a coup d'etat in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/), removing the Soga clan from power. - **645 CE - 654 CE**: Reign of Emperor Kotoku in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **655 CE - 661 CE**: Reign of Empress Saimei in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **661 CE - 671 CE**: Reign of Emperor Tenji in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **671 CE - 672 CE**: Reign of Emperor Kobun in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **671 CE - 672 CE**: The Jinshin Incident in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/) which establishes Temmu as emperor. - **672 CE - 686 CE**: Reign of Emperor Temmu in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **686 CE - 697 CE**: Reign of Empress Jito in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **694 CE - 710 CE**: Fujiwarakyo is made the Japanese capital. - **697 CE - 707 CE**: Reign of Emperor Mommu in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **707 CE - 715 CE**: Reign of Empress Gemmei in [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/). - **708 CE**: [Japan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Japan/)'s first [coinage](https://www.worldhistory.org/coinage/), the Wado kaiho, is introduced. - **710 CE**: The Japanese capital is moved from [Fujiwara](https://www.worldhistory.org/Fujiwara_Clan/)-kyo to [Nara](https://www.worldhistory.org/Nara/) (aka Heijokyo). ## Cite This Work ### APA Cartwright, M. (2017, April 14). Asuka Period. *World History Encyclopedia*. [https://www.worldhistory.org/Asuka\_Period/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Asuka_Period/) ### Chicago Cartwright, Mark. "Asuka Period." *World History Encyclopedia*, April 14, 2017. [https://www.worldhistory.org/Asuka\_Period/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Asuka_Period/). ### MLA Cartwright, Mark. "Asuka Period." *World History Encyclopedia*, 14 Apr 2017, [https://www.worldhistory.org/Asuka\_Period/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Asuka_Period/). ## License & Copyright Submitted by [Mark Cartwright](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/markzcartwright/ "User Page: Mark Cartwright"), published on 14 April 2017. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.en). 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