← Explore on the interactive map

Spread of Buddhism in the Asuka Period

Type Event Region Japan Time 593–710

During the Asuka period from the late 6th to early 8th century, Buddhism entered Japan via the Korean peninsula and, promoted by the Soga clan, Princ…

Timeline

  1. 593–596Asuka capital · Nara PrefectureSoga no Iname and others championed Buddhism; fierce debate raged at court over whether to accept 'the gods of a foreign land,' ultimately establishing political space for Buddhism's spread in Japan.
  2. 607–622Ikaruga · Nara PrefecturePrince Shōtoku governed on the basis of scriptures such as the Lotus Sutra and the Srimala Sutra, founded temples including Hōryū-ji, and helped Buddhism's architecture, statuary, and monastic rules take root in Japan.
  3. 645–710Japanese archipelago · JapanAfter the Taika Reforms, the court used state power to build temples and establish the Office of Monastic Affairs; Buddhism became a key source of political legitimacy for the imperial house and aristocracy and spread to the provinces along with the ritsuryō system.

Sources