552 – King of Paekche, in Korea, sends a bronze image of Buddha and Buddhist scriptures to the Emperor in the hope of obtaining Japanese help to defend his territory against the Silla Kingdom. Thus, Buddhism is introduced into Japan. (Even though most books use this date, evidences prove that 538 is a more accurate date.)
562 – The Silla Kingdom occupies and annexes Mimana. The Japanese forces are driven out of Korea.
572-585 – Reign of Emperor Bidatsu.
585-587 – Reign of Emperor Yomei. He is the first emperor to adhere to Buddhism. He takes up the faith when he becames critically ill and has a large image of Yakushi made in the hope that it would help his recovery. He died before it was finished and when it was, it was housed in the Horyuji temple.
587 – In the violent struggle for succession at Yomei’s death, the Soga house (supporters of Buddhism and of the importation of Chinese culture) defeats the Mononobe and Nakatomi houses (opponents of Buddhism and of the importation of the Chinese culture) in the Battle of Shigisen, thus assuring the acceptance of Buddhism and making the Sogas the leading house in Japan. Soga Umako succeeded Soga Iname as Grand Minister and he put Sushun on the throne until 592.
592 – Soga Umako arranges the assassination of the chief (his nephew) in the Yamato Plain and replaces him with his niece, Suiko. Suiko’s nephew (the ex-emperor Yomei’s second son, later known as Shotoku Taishi) is named Heir Apparent and Regent. He actively begins importing Chinese civilisation and culture and establishing Buddhism as a state religion.
593-628 – The reign of Empress Suiko.
595 – Shotoku Taishi sends an unsuccessful military expedition to Korea to regain Mimana.
602 – Shotoku Taishi plans another military expedition to Korea to regain Mimana but the expedition is cancelled when its leader suddenly dies.
604 – Shotoku Taishi issues the “Constitution of Seventeen Articles” – “Jushichijo no Kempo” (a code of moral and political principles in seventeen articles). This attempts to centralise the government and change the bureaucracy system from heredity to one based on merit. (Nowadays scholars think it was written long after Shotoku Taishi’s death.)
607 – The first “official” messanger is sent to China as representative of a unified Japan. Horyuji temple is founded near what will become Nara.
621 – Shotoku Taishi dies.
622 – Soga Umako dies. Soga Yemishi becomes Grand Minister.
628 – Empress Suiko dies. The Yamato Kingdom is in a state of political rivalry while the successor is chosen.
629 – Jomei (Bidatsu’s grandson) is appointed by Soga Yemishi as Emperor.
641 – Emperor Jomei dies.
642-645 – Kogyoku (Bidatsu’s granddaughter, and therefore a Soga) becomes Empress.
644 – Taika Coup d’Etat. Naka no Oe (an Imperial prince and future Emperor Tenji) arranges the assassination of Soga leaders and eliminates Soga influence.
645 – Empress Kogyoku abdicates and Kotoku (an Imperial prince) becomes Emperor until 654. The Taika reform is introduced. The Fujiwara era starts.
646 – The Taika Reform reorganises the political and administrative system following Chinese models. Among the many changes some can be mentioned: the establishment of a permanent imperial capital, the whole land is declared to belong to the Sovereign, families were allotted parcels of land according to the number of people in the household. In addition, a national army is to be formed. All males between 20 and 60 years of age are required to serve if called on to do so by the state – with the option to buy the way out of service. (This plan ultimately proves unworkable and fails.)
646 – The Imperial capital is set up in Naniwa. The name of a new era, Taika, is announced.
649 – Eight departments of a new central administration are created and the official bureaucracy to staff them.
652 – The first large-scale land distribution takes place in the capital city area.
655-661 – The second reign of Empress Kogyoku (she takes the name Saimei)
661 – Prince Naka no Oe ascends to the throne as Emperor Tenji.
662 – A large Japanese military force is sent to help Paekche Kingdom to defend itself against the Chinese but the Chinese Navy destroys this force.
669 – Great Minister Kamatari (Nakatomi Kamako) dies and is given the surname Fujiwara. His son has four sons – each of them becoming the head of the four branches of the powerful Fujiwara clan. He also begins the process of marrying Fujiwara daughters with members of the royal family, a process which will continue for centuries.
672 – Emperor Tenji dies. The succession dispute breaks out as a civil war, known as “Jinshin disturbance”. His son, Kobun, succeeds him, but is later killed in battle.
672 – Temmu (a younger brother of Tenji) becomes Emperor.
682 – An Imperial edict is issued stating that in selecting men for political office, the considerations are to be first birth, then character and lastly ability.
685 – An order is issued stating that all official residences in every province should contain a small Buddhist shrine with a Buddhist image and scriptures.
686 – Emperor Temmu dies. Jito becomes Empress.
689 – A new administrative code is issued, dealing with the functions of ministries and the duties of officials; the code is distributed to the government offices.
697 – Empress Jito dies. Mommu becomes Emperor until 707.
701 – The possession of weapons by private persons is prohibited.
702 – The central government is divided into two parts: the Department of State (Dajokan) and the Department of Worship (Jingikan). The country is divided into 66 provinces and these into 592 districts.
707 – Gemmei becomes Empress until 715.
708 – The construction of a new capital city in Nara (Heijokyo) starts.
To be continued: Nara (Tempyo) Period
