Chapter 9 Japan: The Nara Period

Learning Target 7.29 I can trace the emergence of the Japanese nation during the Nara and Heian periods.

What was it like in the Nara Time Period? Nara was the capital city. Buddhism was the main religion. Artists made Buddhist sculptures and built temples. Many roads connected Nara to other places.

Nara Government The capital used to move when a new leader started. Nara was supposed to be the permanent capital. However, the capital moved again because Buddhist leaders kept interfering with the government.

People, Land and Taxes Life was hard for common people. Peasants did not have enough money to pay taxes or buy land. Rich people could not find enough workers for all the land they owned.

Rise of the Samurai Japan faced no powerful nomadic armies because it was an island. Japan drafted about one-third of its army. They got the idea from China. It was not very successful.

Rise of the Samurai Later the court decided to recruit local, mounted warriors instead. In return for military service, they did not have to pay taxes. “Samurai” means “those who serve.”

Nara Religion Prince Shotoku encouraged Buddhism and it grew more after he died. Buddhist temples were built in every province; the main one was Todai-ji temple in Nara. Buddhist scriptures came from China. Many Buddhists statues were made.

The Great Buddha Daibutsu Todaiji Temple, Nara, Japan

Education in Nara Most books and papers were written in Chinese because the Japanese did not have an alphabet.

Prince Shotoku (pp. 222-223) Explain the significance of Prince Shotoku. (Who was he and why is he important in Japanese history? What are some of his contributions to Japanese culture, religion, and government?) Find at least three important things.