The Clans of Yamato

Season 3, Episode 7: The Clans of Yamato
A Map of Japan with the Yamato Region highlighted in red. While it may appear to be a perfect, almost central location, keep in mind that this map does not display the topography, which would complicate things for future rulers. Source: Ash_Crow / CC BY-SA (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)
Here is a topographical map of the Nara Basin itself. The mountains around it could make for decent defensive positions if need be, and the broad plain between them was fertile and remains some of the best rice land in Japan. Public Domain.
Mononobe no Okoshi, who served as Omuraji and whose clan served as primarily a military clan. This image of him was painted by Kikuchi Yosai, a famous painter who did many such historical portraits in the 1800s.
Otomo no Kanamura, who served alongside Mononobe no Okoshi at the Yamato Court. It was Otomo no Kanamura who far too often or perhaps too forcefully advocated for an invasion of Silla and was removed from his position at the court when Okoshi refused to support his endeavors. This image was also painted by Kikuchi Yosai in the 1800s. Public Domain.