Nara

Nara Period

The Nara Period was started with the creation of a new capital, Heijoukyou in 710 A.C. The era is regarded as the most remarkable time for Japanese Buddhism. Actually the capital was surrounded by many qualified temples. Among these temples, especially a temple called Todaiji is well-known for containing a huge symbol of the Buddha. The national trend deeply associated with Buddhism was most significant during the era of Shomu-Tenno. Another national project for the Buddhism was the creation of temples all over Japan. It was that local authorities were ordered to establish national temples (Kokubunji and Kokubunniji) divided into each region in Japan. But at same time, all these projects required numerous budgets and forced the public hard labor works. It was conducted under the supervision of the central government known as Chingokokka (ruling by region).

Under such circumstance, naturally Buddhism had tremendous impact on the basis of the Nara culture. The Nara culture, also known as Tenpyo-culture, was significantly influenced by the Tang dynasty’s culture and was able to obtain some information and goods from the Central and West Asian regions through China. Also, started as the project of the Tenmu-Tenno, the editorial process of the Japan's oldest written record, Kojiki and Nihonshoki were completed in the 8^th century. The Nara period came to the end when the capital was moved to today's Kyoto, Heiankyou. This period is followed by the Heian Period.

Ganjin	A high priest arrived from China in 754 A.D. even though he had failed 5 times to come to Japan before. He contributed to expaneion of Buddhism in Japan. He is the founder of Tosho Temple.
Kojiki	The oldest historical record in Japan, composed of 3 volumes.
Toudai Temple	The largest building made from timber. A founder of the temple is Emperor Shomu.
Nihonshoki	Mythology of Japan composed of 30 volumes
Hudoki	The first geographic record in Japan.
Manyou-shu	The first book of poetry collection.

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