Age of Reform

Question 1

When was the Age of Reform?

Answer 1

552-710

Question 2

Whydoes the Age of Reform begin?

Answer 2

It begins with the arrival of Buddhism in Japan from Paekche

Question 3

What Uji clan was at the center of the Age of Reform?

Answer 3

The Yamato Clan, as all the reforms were aimed at consolidating their political power

Question 4

What were the most famous reforms ?

Answer 4

Taika (lit. Great Change) Reform of 645 and the Taihō (lit. Great Treasure) reforms of 702

Question 5

What was the Taika Reform?

Answer 5

It was land reform, stating all land belonged to the clan. This would eventually lead to Private estates

Question 6

What was the Taiho reform?

Answer 6

It was mostly bureaucratic and legislative, and would regulate religion

Question 7

They tried to follow the Confucian system, why did it fail?

Answer 7

Because of the Uji system as hereditary was more important than merit

Question 8

What Taiho reforms say in regard to religion?

Answer 8

Only those approved by the state could practice Buddhism

You couldn’t become a private monk/nun

You couldn’t encourage others to be monks unless you were in a powerful faction

Question 9

Why was there a conflict in regard to Buddhism?

Answer 9

It was a native vs foreign issue

Question 10

How was buddhism regarded as a technology?

Answer 10

It was adapted as a means of control and growth on a empire

Question 11

Who was Prince Shotoku?

Answer 11

Legendary Prince who (supposedly) composed Japan’s first constitution. He defines the Yamato state as an ethical government. He uses Buddhist and Confucian Rhetoric as basis

Question 12

Why did the Saga clan back Buddhism?

Answer 12

Buddhism gave immediate benefits as it was a means on control and could strengthen autocratic rule

Question 13

Explain the fighting between the Soga Clan and the Other Two clans and how it helped the Soga clan

Answer 13

Buddhism vs Anti-Buddhism, (587) Soga victory over Anti-Buddhist factions, they started intermingling with Yamato clan and putting members in position of power through marriage, (592) Assassination of Emperor Sushun, Enthronement of Empress Suiko (pro-soga/593)

Question 14

What was the Seventh Article Constitution?

Answer 14

Purportedly 602 CE. (According to the Nihon Shoki), Kind kind of not says that they should respect local gods
But on other hand but the emperor is like Buddha, he rules over everyone

Question 15

Define what Mahayana is

Answer 15

The Great Vehicle, all living things have the potential for Buddhism and Buddha is not mortal to them

Question 16

Define what Hinayana is

Answer 16

The Lesser Vehicle, urged people to devote themselves solely to attainment of their own enlightenments

Question 17

Which form of Buddhism was state sponsored?

Answer 17

Hinayana

Question 18

What is Rituryo

Answer 18

Established during the Taiho reforms, it was a legal/political system mirrored Tang legislation/Confucianism and was Ideally a meritocratic system but became hereditary (Uji clan based)