Buddhism Introduced to Japan

Timeline

1. 538Court of the Wa kingdom · JapanKing Seong of Baekje sent envoys to Wa bearing gilt-bronze Buddha statues, sutras, canopies, and other goods, claiming that Buddhism could protect the nation's peace; Buddhism was thus first formally introduced to Japan.
2. 538–587Asuka · JapanSoga no Umako advocated embracing Buddhism, while Mononobe no Moriya opposed it on grounds of 'divine wrath' and destroyed Buddha images. The two factions struggled politically for years until the Soga clan prevailed in the Battle of the Hinoto of 587, and Buddhism gained royal patronage.