Tag: Soga

The Rise and Fall of the Soga Clan

November 5, 2020 justin-david-hebert Asuka, Season 3, Yamato Comments Off on The Rise and Fall of the Soga Clan
Season 3, Episode 14: The Rise and Fall of the Soga Clan
A graphic depiction of the Isshi Incident by Gukei Sumiyoshi, in which High Prince Naka decapitates Soga no Iruka as Nakatomi no Kamako (holding the bow) looks on. Source: Public Domain.

Buddhism Comes to Japan

October 19, 2020 justin-david-hebert Asuka, Season 3, Yamato Comments Off on Buddhism Comes to Japan
Season 3, Episode 9: Buddhism Comes to Japan
The front of Asuka-dera temple’s main hall. Though originally built in Asuka, it was later moved to Heijo-kyo (Nara City), where it stands today. It is believed to be one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan, possibly the oldest. Source: 663highland / CC BY-SA (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)
The Daibutsu (large Buddha) statue which resides in Asuka-dera. Made in 609 CE by Kuratsukuri no Tori, the son of a Korean immigrant. Source: Chris 73 / Wikimedia Commons
The Pagoda of Shitenno-ji temple in modern-day Osaka. This temple, dedicated to the Four Heavenly Kings or Four Guardians, was built in 593 CE under the alleged patronage of Crown Prince Shotoku. Source: Chris Gladis from Kyoto, Japan / CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)
The Main Hall of Shitenno-ji, with the pagoda visible behind it. Source: 663highland / CC BY-SA (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)

The Clans of Yamato

October 12, 2020 justin-david-hebert Kofun, Season 3, Yamato Comments Off on 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.