Clan influence in Asuka Japan: Asukadera and the Soga clan

Abstract

The Asuka Period of Japan is characterized by the introduction of Buddhism from Korea and a consolidation of power by the central government. The interplay between the Imperial Clan and the Soga Clan was integral in shaping everyday life in Asuka as the introduction of Buddhism brought the creation of permanent architecture in the shape of temples. These temples, primarily constructed by the Imperial Line and the Soga Clan, required the employment of local populations as a labor force for the construction of the various buildings within each temple complex. An examination of the assemblage of round eave-end roof tiles at the first Buddhist temple in Japan, Asukadera, examines the implications of this labor procurement. Furthermore, spatial analysis between Asukadera, T?yuradera, and Okuyamakumedera provides data for future research.