📖 Nara period

There are two interpretations regarding the time division of the Nara period. One view is that it lasted for 74 years from 710 to 784; the other view is that it spanned 84 years from 710 to 794. This article will introduce various aspects of the Nara period based on the latter interpretation, from the year 710 when Emperor Monmu moved the capital to Heijō-kyō, to 794 when Emperor Kammu moved the capital to Nagaoka-kyō. In Japanese, the reading of the number "710" sounds similar to expressions of amazement like "how many" or "how wonderful," leading to a memorable pun in Japan: "What a beautiful Heijō-kyō!" However, in reality, the Nara period was filled with turmoil and cannot be considered a perfect era. The formal implementation of new systems was also one of the reasons for social instability.

The centralized political system centered around the Emperor officially began. Japan's first government based on the ritsuryō system started to operate. The Fujiwara clan rapidly rose to power amidst intense internal power struggles within the court. Buddhism was highly promoted, and national temples began to be constructed throughout Japan. The aristocratic-centered culture of the Nara period flourished.