The Asuka Period (Asuka Jidai) of ancient Japan covers the period from 538 CE to 710 CE and, following on from the Kofun Period (c. 250-538 CE), so constitutes the latter part of the Yamato Period (c. 250-710 CE). For some scholars the period begins in 593 CE, and for art historians the end of the Asuka Period is dated to 645 CE. The period saw an increase in Japan's contact with other regional powers, the rule of such famous figures as Prince Shotoku, the establishment of the powerful Fujiwara clan, and the adoption of Buddhism. It was followed by the Nara Period (710-794 CE).
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Definition
Timeline
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c. 250 CE - 710 CEThe Yamato Period in ancient Japan, consisting of the Kofun Period and Asuka Period.
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c. 531 CE - 571 CEReign of Emperor Kimmei in Japan.
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535 CE - 539 CEReign of Emperor Senka in Japan.
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538 CE - 710 CEThe Asuka Period in ancient Japan.
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538 CEAlternative date to 552 CE for the introduction of Buddhism to Japan from Korea.
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552 CETraditional date for the introduction of Buddhism to Japan from Korea.
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572 CE - 585 CEReign of Emperor Bidatsu in Japan.
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585 CE - 587 CEReign of Emperor Yomei in Japan.
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587 CE - 592 CEReign of Emperor Sushun in Japan.
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587 CEThe Soga clan establish control of government in Japan.
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592 CE - 628 CEReign of Empress Suiko, Japan's first empress.
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593 CEThe Shitennoji Buddhist temple is built in Japan.
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594 CE - 622 CEReign of Prince Shotoku as regent for Japanese Empress Suiko.
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596 CEThe Hokoji Buddhist temple is built in Japan.
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604 CEPrince Shotoku draws up his Seventeen Article Constitution in Japan.
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c. 607 CEPrince Shotoku of Japan sends the first of many official embassies to Sui China.
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607 CEThe Horyuji Buddhist temple is built in Nara, Japan during the reign of Regent Prince Shotoku.
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629 CE - 641 CEReign of Emperor Jomei in Japan.
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642 CE - 645 CEReign of Empress Kogyoku in Japan.
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645 CE - 654 CEReign of Emperor Kotoku in Japan.
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645 CEThe Japanese capital is moved from Asuka to Naniwa.
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645 CEFujiwara no Kamatari leads a coup d'etat in Japan, removing the Soga clan from power.
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655 CE - 661 CEReign of Empress Saimei in Japan.
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661 CE - 671 CEReign of Emperor Tenji in Japan.
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671 CE - 672 CEReign of Emperor Kobun in Japan.
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671 CE - 672 CEThe Jinshin Incident in Japan which establishes Temmu as emperor.
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672 CE - 686 CEReign of Emperor Temmu in Japan.
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686 CE - 697 CEReign of Empress Jito in Japan.
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694 CE - 710 CEFujiwarakyo is made the Japanese capital.
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697 CE - 707 CEReign of Emperor Mommu in Japan.
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707 CE - 715 CEReign of Empress Gemmei in Japan.
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708 CEJapan's first coinage, the Wado kaiho, is introduced.
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710 CEThe Japanese capital is moved from Fujiwara-kyo to Nara (aka Heijokyo).