Japan had a diplomatic relationship with the Tang Dynasty (China of the time) during the beginning years of the Heian Period, but the relationship was severed around the 10th century. This separation led to Japan creating its own unique culture that departed from Chinese influence. A good exampl...
This study of the Nara-period Emperor Shomu's Todaiji (Great Eastern Temple) is also an inquiry into the nature of the early Japanese imperial institution. The author describes how Chinese-style codes, majestic capitals, and civil and sacral rituals universalized Yamato kingship at the eighth-...
This three part article covers the history of Japan from its earliest days to now, told through photos and links to relevant articles. This first article deals with the Paleolithic to the Nara era.
From the Taika Era Reforms to the Nara Period,influenced by the Chinese civilization and following the system in the Tang Dynasty,Japan has set up its own educational system.Its curriculum and teaching content are basically the same as that in the Tang Dynasty,not only focusing on Confucius cul...
Feudal landownership in Japan in the Tokugawa period was characterized on the whole by a large number of small peasant farms, which performed feudal duties for the daimyo. At the same time, an intermediate stratum—the “new” landowners, who came from among the merchants, moneylenders, ...
Furoshiki originated in Japan around 710 B.C. during the Nara period. During this time, cloth that an object was wrapped in was referred to astsutsumi, meaning “package” or “present.” It was primarily used to wrap important goods and treasures found in Japanese temples. During the Heian...
NARA--A special two-part exhibition is being held at the Nara National Museum here that traces the 1,400-year history of Buddhist art in Japan through 246 artworks, of which 13 are national treasures. The items, which are all from the museum's collection, include the "Golden Light of ...
This myth is written in the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters) and the Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan), which were made in the Nara period. Among the many myths with a universal scope and unbelievable contents, this story of the Kuniyuzuri myth (transfer of the land) has a flavor...
The discovery ofKoji mould during the Nara period(710-794 AD) totally transformed the brewing process. Koji now took the place of salivary enzymes, and this aspect of the brewing process has remained until today. Long ago, sake was made purely as a libation for the Gods, and shrines were...
Of all the natural beauty and wonder that Japan has to offer international visitors, cherry blossom season is one of the most famous, economically important, and culturally significant attractions. Viewing the sakura dates back many centuries and is thought to have begun during theNara Period(710-...