Kofun Period: Hills of Resting Kings and the Birth of New Power
(1700 years ago - 1500 years ago)
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- Prologue: Dreams Resting on the Hills
The land of Yamato, established by the legendary Emperor Jimmu, flourished as the cradle of Japan’s history.
After his passing, his descendants, seeking to display their power and ensure their legacy, buried him under a grand mound.
This marked the beginning of the "kofun" (ancient burial mounds) that would spread across the Japanese archipelago.
These monumental tombs symbolized the power of the kings and the vast extent of their rule, stretching as far as the heavens. People revered these sites as hills of kings who lived alongside the gods, instilling a deep sense of awe and respect.
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- Chapter 1: The Kofun Era and the Expansion of Yamato Authority
By the mid-3rd century, the Yamato court in the Yamato region began asserting its dominance over surrounding territories. The kings further demonstrated their authority by constructing ever-larger kofun, the most famous of which is the Daisenryo Kofun (the Mausoleum of Emperor Nintoku) in Osaka.
This kofun, with its iconic keyhole shape, symbolized the king’s role as a bridge between heaven and earth, showcasing both advanced construction techniques and the unity of the people.
The Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group, constructed during the height of the Kofun Era from the late 4th to the late 5th centuries, stands as a testament to this era of monumental tomb-building. Originally comprising over 100 mounds, 44 remain today.
Regional clans (kuni no miyatsuko) gradually came under Yamato's influence, solidifying the court’s power over the archipelago. Supporting this centralization of power were priestesses who inherited the teachings of Himiko, maintaining a spiritual connection to the divine.
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- Chapter 2: Conflict and the Evolution of Power
However, not everything was peaceful within the Yamato court. Internal disputes over succession and conflicts with rival clans threatened the stability of their rule. Some regional leaders sought to establish their own independent domains, challenging the authority of Yamato.
In response, Yamato rulers began developing a new system of governance, "ritsuryō" (legal codes), which centralized power and streamlined the administration of regional clans under the court’s control.
This period also saw increased interaction with China and the Korean Peninsula, leading to the introduction of new technologies and ideas, such as iron tools, Buddhism, and Chinese characters. These innovations strengthened the Yamato court’s ability to govern effectively and adapt to changing times.
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- Chapter 3: The Arrival of Buddhism and New Ideals
By the 6th century, Buddhism was introduced to Japan from Baekje, a kingdom on the Korean Peninsula. This new religion profoundly influenced ancient Japanese society.
As a land of the gods, Japan faced an ideological challenge with the introduction of Buddhist teachings. Intense debates arose within the Yamato court over whether to embrace this new faith.
Eventually, the court adopted Buddhism as a means to further consolidate its authority. By aligning themselves with this new spiritual and cultural framework, Yamato rulers sought to strengthen their legitimacy as leaders of a rapidly evolving society.
However, the adoption of Buddhism also led to political conflicts, particularly among powerful clans like the Soga and Mononobe families, as they vied for control over this new ideological tool. Through these struggles, the foundation for the next era of governance was gradually formed.
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- Epilogue: The Gateway to the Asuka Period
By the late 6th century, the Yamato court began transitioning from the "Era of Power," symbolized by the construction of massive kofun, to an "Era of Knowledge," characterized by the adoption of Buddhism and the ritsuryō system.
At the heart of this transformation was the Asuka region in Yamato. Here, Buddhist temples were built, and the area flourished as a hub of culture and politics.
Figures like the Soga clan and Prince Shōtoku emerged, heralding a new chapter in Japan’s history. The construction of monumental kofun quietly marked the end of one era, as they became the foundation upon which new rulers built their legacies.
With the close of the Kofun Era, the **Asuka Period**—an age of cultural and political innovation—began to take shape.
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- Next: The Asuka Period – Prince Shōtoku and the Blossoming of Buddhism in Nation-Building