y History of Nara z

Colorful trees in the background of Kasuga Grand Shrine

Nara is a lovely place. The greatness of its art was produced throughout Nara's noble ages which extended from the late 6th century to the first half of the 14th century. This long history of glory produced great beauty, which exemplifies a unique sense of harmony between nature and the handiwork of man.

The importation of Buddhist culture from China made this area the center of development for the ancient culture of Japan.

Nara is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and also the oldest cities , like Athens and Rome. Eastern and Western cultures have crossed each other in this ancient city.

Since 5th century, Nara has been the center of Japanese culture. The introduction of Buddhism into Japan is traditionally assigned a date in the middle of the 6th century. And at the same time, Buddhist images along with volumes of sutras, banners and other regalia were dispatched from the southwest region of the Korean Peninsula. That is why many Buddhist images and ruins of old tombs are connected to ancient Korea, China and India.

The introduction of Buddhism into Japan meant the importation of a faith and culture which was quite different from the indigenous paradigm. Therefore, the possibilities of its success in Japan seemed very dim at first.

Hard conflicts broke out and were repeated among those who intended to introduce new faith and culture and those who had upheld native deities.

The Soga and Mononobe clans clashed again and again during the 6th century over the sensitive Buddhist question. The Sogas favored accepting Buddhist teaching, but the more conservative Mononobes demanded Buddhism's exclusion because it undermined Shinto. Thus Japan entered the Asuka Period.



Nara Map