Ancient Japan Reform: Changes in Asuka and Nara Periods - Term Paper Example

Changes in Asuka and Nara periods Changes in Asuka and Nara Periods After the demise of Soga no Emishi, the administrators and rulers in Asuka implemented reforms and changes that gave birth to the Ritsuryo state. This state adopted Chinese characteristics. Afterwards, various significant reforms and changes were advanced by subsequent emperors and powerful houses. The Yamato state underwent significant changes and reforms during the Asuka era. Most of these reforms were a reflection of china’s social and political organization. They were mostly meant to strengthen and legitimize the imperial family’s rule (Batten 214). However, the reforms had a far more reaching effect apart from strengthening the imperial family. They also created a good system. Although some people argue that these changes were ineffective, I think they rather led to the creation of a more efficient and refined system. As such, I will support this argument/stand from facts drawn from class reading and other sources. Ritsuryo is basically a historical system in japan founded on Chinese legalism and Confucianism philosophies (de Bary 22). Ritsuryō-sei is a term often used to refer to the system (political) in accordance to the Ritsuryo. Another significant term often used in this period or analysis is the kyaku, whuch refers to the Ritsuryo amendments whereas enactments were termed as shiki. Most of Japan’s reforms commenced during thhe Asuka period and extended into the nara period. The capital of japan was moved to Asuka in this period (538-710). Asuka was located on plains and it bordered nara. This period is mostly known and remembered for its vital social, political and artistic transformations. These transformations had their roots in the kofun era. The Yamato nation changed considerably during this era, adopting social and political systems from china. Their primary goal was to make the imperial family stronger and legitimate. Shotoku Taishi in 603 implemented a Confucian organization made up of 12 court ranks. Subsequently, he established the seventeen article constitution in 604, which explicitly highlighted the rights and duties of government ministers, people and the ruler. Taika reform preceded these transformations. The Taika reform took place between 645 to 649 and led to the creation of the Ritsuryo. The Ritsuryo was an organization and system comprised of fiscal, administrative and social institutions in japan commencing from the 7th to 10th century. During the Asuka era, Daoism and Buddhism were introduced into japan. Consequently, these religions eventually were syncretized with the Shinto native beliefs. Japanese people from Korea and china brought new cultural and artistic influences to japan. These changes brought about during this period created an efficient system via its achievements in government and administration, centralization of power/authority, introduction of the criminal code, castes, handen shuju and adoption of a court rank. These achievements will be discussed herein. A kokugunri system was introduced in japan in the seventh century. This system divided japan into several manageable administrative regions. These were provinces made up of many districts, districts made up of a minimum of 2 and maximum of 20 neighborhoods and neighborhoods made up of about 50 homes (Batten 207). However, gori system was adopted in 715 CE. This new system was made up of provinces composed of many districts, districts made up of 2 to 20 townships, townships made up of a maximum of 50 homes and lastly 10 to 25 homes made a neighborhood (Batten 203). Sadly, this system was discarded in 740 CE. These reforms made it easier for the imperial family to rule the kingdom efficiently ((de Bary 801). Additionally, splitting the kingdom into manageable groups made it easier for the imperial family to appoint rulers to these regions. The system (Ritsuryo) adopted and implemented a central government. The emperor headed this administrative government. To increase efficiency, two departments were created: the daijo kan and jingi kan. The jingi kan represented the worship department (in charge of the clergy and worship) while on the other hand daijo kan was the state department which was subdivided into 8 ministries. Additionally, public department posts were divided into ranks: kami, suke, jo and sakan. This pattern would be consistently replicated in japan, even amongst people of the court who normally had nothing to do with it. For example, court musicians were ranked using this system. Even court pharmacists were not left out. A ranking for all public posts was adopted and implemented. It had more than 30 ranks. This ranking determined who could access some posts and who could not. Under this system, ranking was primarily merit based. However, children of high public officials were awarded low ranks. The first rank was the highest ranking in the system moving downwards up to the 8th rank which was the lowest with minima access to posts. The lowest rank was held by the menial people at court. Moreover, a yearly tax book was established which was consequently updated after every six years (Batten 207). Also, citizens in japan were registered. Registration of citizens and the introduction of the tax book were both necessary transformations. No state can run without revenue, and it’s obvious that taxation is the major source of government revenue worldwide. Revenue generated from taxation enables the government to offer services back to the people. For example, building of roads and schools. This change led to a more efficient and better system. To deal with how punishment was administered in japan during this era, a criminal code was established. It was characterized by 5 levels of retribution. These were caning, public caning, exile and death. These forms of punishments were entirely dependent on the severity and type of crime committed. Furthermore, the code listed ten abominations which were exempt from forgiveness or amnesty. The introduction of the handen shuju or land reforms was quite essential. Like china, japan made all land to be public property. This code primarily controlled land ownership. According to the code, each and every Japanese above the age of six was entitled to be given land. In contrast, temple and shrine was not taxed. Other critical transformations and changes were adopted with time. For example, in 723, a law was passed with the sole aim of encouraging cultivation. The law stated that three generations would be able to hold new arable lands. This was repealed to be without limits in 743. From these observations, economic development greatly increased during his period ((de Bary 900). Also, cultural developments and development of Buddhism too root. These changes during the Asuka and Nara periods created more efficient systems and hence made the Japanese nation to prosper. Although they might not seem to be the best changes now, they had a great positive impact during the seventh century. The Ritsuryo state is basically a reflection of ritsu (Chinese style penal) and ryo (administrative) codes. The creation of the state was as a result of the Taika reform after the assassination of Soga no Iruka (Batten 208). Therefore, these changes created a more efficient system. References Batten, B. L. (1986). Foreign Threat and Domestic Reform: The Emergence of the Ritsuryō State. Monumenta Nipponica, 199-219. de Bary, W. T. (2008). Sources of east Asian tradition. Vol. 1. Read More