The near-mythical Shotoku acts as regent to his aunt, the empress Suiko, and completely refashions the government, marking him as perhaps Japan's first statesman.

Shotoku dispatches the first official embassy to China.

The Asuka Period.

The Taika (Great Change) reform occurs: imperial prince Naka-no-Ôe (the emperor Tenchi) and Nakatomi Kamatari sieze control of the government from the Soga and begin a sweeping reorganization.

Emperor Tenchi establishes his court at Otsu (Ômi province).

The Kofukuji is founded.

A succession dispute follows the death of the Emperor Tenchi. The Nihongi (Chronicles of Japan) mention the use of mounted archers, a possible early model for the future samurai. Prince Oama (Temmu) defeats his brother Prince Otomo for the throne. Emperor Temmu moves the Imperial capital from Otsu back to the Asuka region (Yamato).

Emperor Temmu dies.

The town of Fujiwara is established and acts as the Imperial capital until 710.

During the 700’s the Yamato people gradually expand northward at the expense of the so-called emishi. The need for men willing and able to fight and settle the remote lands they conquered led to the establishment of houses with a military tradition-the roots of the later samurai.

The Imperial court compiles the Taiho administrative and penal code.

The first copper coins are minted.

The Imperial court moves from Fujiwara to Nara (Heijo); the Nara Period begins.

The Kojiki is compiled; Emperor Temmu had ordered the preparation of the text partially to support his own Imperial legitimacy.

The ‘Yoro’ revision to the Taiho Code is completed.

Emperor Shomu dedicates the Todaiji, which houses the ‘Great Buddha’.

The Buddhist priest Dokyo attempts to seize the throne but fails by 770.

Kammu ascends to the imperial throne.