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Buddhism was introduced,
initially from Korea but primarily from China see
Culture: Religion.
The introduction led to civil war because of the perceived threat
to the national religion of Shinto. The
pro-Buddhist, Soga family were victorious
over the Shinto supporting Mononobe in
587. 
The ruling emperor was assassinated and replaced by Prince
Shotoku-taishi (574-622) a strong advocate of Buddhism, which
was declared the state religion in 594. Prince Shotoku became regent
and adopted the Chinese system of central government. The Chinese
calendar together with many Chinese cultural influences were also
adopted.
Taika no Kaishin:
645
The Soga extended their power, holding many important posts in the
government, they then began to intervene in the process of imperial
succession. They assassinated Prince Yamashiro-no-Oe
in 645. In this crisis, Prince Naka-no-Oe
(626-671) allied with another noble Nakatomi-no-Kamatari,
forced a coup-de-tat in 645. They assassinated Soga-no-Iruka,
leader of the house Soga and deported all other members of the house
Soga; this event is called 'Taika-no-Kaishin'. Prince Nakano-Oe ruled
the government from then, and became the next Emperor in 668, (posthumously
named Tenji). Natatomi-no-Kamatari renamed
himself, Fujiwara-no-Kamatari . His house,
Fujiwara gained great power to finally rule the government in the
later Heian Era.
Taika Reforms: 646
Administered by Fujiwara Kamatari. All land was declared Imperial
property and thereby controlled by the Emperor's officials. Governors
were appointed to provinces, their positions declared hereditary.
A population census was taken and a school system was introduced.
This new system of government was based on the Chinese model and formed
the basis of later feudalism.
708: First mint of copper and silver
coin. |
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