Asuka period facts for kids

History of Japan

Paleolithic 35000–10000 BCE Jōmon period 10000–300 BCE Yayoi period 300 BCE–250 CE Kofun period 250–538 Asuka period 538–710 Nara period 710–794 Heian period 794–1185 Kamakura period 1185–1333 Kemmu restoration 1333–1336 Muromachi period 1333–1573 Nanboku-chō period 1336–1392 Sengoku period Azuchi-Momoyama period 1568–1603 Nanban trade Edo period 1603–1868 Late Tokugawa shogunate Meiji period 1868–1912 Meiji Restoration Taishō period 1912–1926 Japan in WWI Shōwa period 1926–1989 Japanese expansionism Occupied Japan Post-Occupation Japan Heisei period 1989-present

The Asuka period (飛鳥時代, Asuka jidai) was an important time in the history of Japan. It lasted from about 538 AD to 710 AD. This period is sometimes called Suikochō-jidai, which means "period of the Suiko court."

The Asuka period gets its name from the Asuka region. This area is about 25 kilometers south of the modern city of Nara. The Asuka period connects the earlier Kofun period with the later Nara period.

Key Events of the Asuka Period

This timeline shows some of the most important things that happened during the Asuka period.

Important Dates

• 538: Buddhism arrived in Japan. It came from China through the Korean peninsula.
• 593: Prince Shōtoku became a regent for Empress Suiko. A regent is someone who rules for a king or queen who is too young or unable to rule.
• 600: The Yamato state sent its first official group of people to China. This was a diplomatic mission to build connections.
• 607: Prince Shōtoku built the famous Buddhist temple Hōryūji in a place called Ikaruga.
• 645 (Taika 1): Emperor Kōtoku moved the capital city. It moved from Asuka to Naniwa, which is near the Bay of Osaka.
• 645 (Taika 1): The Taika Reform began. This was a big change in how Japan was governed. It led to the creation of provinces across the country.
• 672: Prince Ōama, who later became Emperor Temmu, took the throne. He won a civil war called the Jinshin no Ran against Emperor Kōbun.
• 701 (Taihō 1): The Code of Taihō was announced. This was a set of laws that helped organize the government.
• 708 (Keiun 5): A place to make coins was set up in Ōmi. These coins were the first official Japanese money.
• 710 (Wadō 3, 3rd month): Empress Gemmei created a new capital city. This new capital was in Nara, and it was known as Heijō-kyō.

Gallery

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  Wadōkaichin coin, made starting in 708. This was one of Japan's first coins.

See Also

• List of Japanese eras

• Metropolitan Museum of Art, Asuka and Nara Periods
• Japan-guide.com, Early Japan

Images for kids

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  The Daibutsu (Great Buddha) at the Asuka-dera temple in Asuka. This is the oldest known Buddha statue in Japan with a clear date of when it was made (609 AD). It was created by Kuratsukuri-no-Tori.

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  A stone foundation from the Mount Shioji Ōnojō Castle Ruins. Building started here in 665.

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  A wall painting showing ladies, found on the west wall of the Takamatsuzuka Tomb. This artwork is from the late 7th century, during the Asuka period.

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  A pitcher shaped like a dragon's head, with a Pegasus design. It is made of gilded bronze with silver. This piece is from the Asuka period (7th century) and was once a treasure of the Horyu-ji Temple. It is now at the Tokyo National Museum.

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  A bronze plaque showing Shaka giving a sermon. It is dated 698 AD and is from the Hase-dera Temple in Sakurai, Nara.

See also

In Spanish: Período Asuka para niños