History of Japan Episode 505 - The More Things Change...
Oct 22, 2023
Dive into Japan's Nara Period, where the establishment of a new capital sparked political turmoil. Explore the fallout from 6th and 7th-century crises, and the centralization efforts by emperors Tenmu and Jito. Discover how Buddhism was leveraged to fortify imperial power and the emergence of a new bureaucratic system. Analyze the Fujiwara clan's rise amid chaos, while a devastating smallpox epidemic reshaped society. Unravel the complexities of court politics as power struggles erupted, leading to a vibrant yet turbulent era.
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Religion As Political Legitimacy
- The imperial family's legitimacy relied on religious authority tied to Amaterasu and shrine rankings.
- State-sponsored religion became a tool to reinforce dynastic divine claims.
Ritsuryo System Institutionalized Governance
- The Ritsuryo code organized state into Council of State and ministries, shaping governance for centuries.
- It formalized provincial divisions, conscription, taxation, and central administrative structure.
Chinese City Planning Influenced Capitals
- New capitals were built on Tang Chinese models with grid layouts and symbolic palace placement.
- Fujiwara-kyo and Heijokyo (Nara) manifested imperial authority and scale comparable to Chang'an.
