Japanese History Digest

Kofun period

Kofun period

The Kofun period, following the Yayoi period, saw the active construction of large kofun tombs known as keyhole-shaped tumuli throughout the Japanese archipelago. The Hashihaka Tomb, constructed in the mid-3rd century, is considered the beginning of the Kofun period, and is generally considered to have continued until the early 7th century. Around this time, large kofun tombs were built in the Kinai region, centered around Nara Prefecture, and this culture spread throughout the country. The size and shape of kofun tombs indicate the status and power of the person buried there, with examples such as the Daisen Tomb (also known as the Mausoleum of Emperor Nintoku) and the Hashihaka Tomb. However, the name of the person buried there has not been confirmed.

During this period, a political entity known as the Yamato government (or Yamato kingship) was formed. In its early days, the Yamato government was a political community formed by a coalition of powerful clans, sustained by cooperation between regional powers. Eventually, a central leader came to be called "Okimi" (Great King), and while maintaining its character as a confederation of powerful clans, it gradually developed into a royal authority. During this process, social institutions such as the clan and surname system and the bemin system were established, and the relationship between the central government and local governments was systematically reorganized.

Many immigrants also came to Japan from the Korean Peninsula, and various technologies, such as ironworking, horse breeding, metalworking, and pottery making, were developed collaboratively with local communities. The increased use of iron led to advances in agriculture and weaponry, furthering social change. Mirrors, weapons, ornaments, and other grave goods have been excavated from kofun tombs, indicating the international exchange and increasingly complex social structure of the time.

During the early Kofun period, Wa (Japan) is thought to have had exchanges with the Korean Peninsula, sometimes engaging in military relations. The records on the Gwanggaeto Stele record conflicts between Wa and Goguryeo, but there are various interpretations of their content. Between the end of the 4th century and the beginning of the 5th century, the power dynamics surrounding Baekje and Silla became increasingly complex.

In the first half of the 6th century, the Iwai Rebellion broke out in Tsukushi Province (around present-day Dazaifu, Fukuoka Prefecture). In 527, Tsukushi no Kimi Iwai rebelled in opposition to the Yamato government's military expedition to the Korean Peninsula. The following year, it was suppressed by Yamato government forces. This event demonstrates the continued strength of local clans and the fact that the Yamato government was steadily establishing nationwide control.

During the late Kofun period, Buddhism was introduced to Japan. The Jogū Shōtoku Hōō Tei-setsu records it as 538, while the Nihon Shoki records it as 552. While academics are divided on the year of its introduction, the current theory is that 538 is the most widely accepted. It is believed to have been triggered by King Seongmyeong of Baekje presenting Emperor Kinmei with a Buddhist statue and sutras. A dispute arose between the Soga and Mononobe clans over the acceptance of Buddhism, with Soga no Umako ultimately winning and allowing Buddhism to take root. Toward the end of the period, conflict within the government intensified, and in 592 Emperor Sushun was assassinated by Soga no Umako. This is the only case of an emperor assassination confirmed by historical documents, and is an event symbolizing the Soga clan's growing power and the destabilization of political affairs.

Towards the end of the Kofun period, the construction of large kofun tombs gradually decreased, and smaller cluster tombs were built in various places. This is thought to be a move by local clans to demonstrate their authority in their respective regions. In the 7th century, Buddhist culture began to spread, and the development of the Ritsuryo system began. Accordingly, the construction of kofun tombs came to an end, marking the end of the Kofun period and the transition to the Asuka period.

 

Timeline of the Kofun period

313	Goryeo annexed Lelang County
399	Wa engaged in war with Goguryeo (Inscription on the Goguryeo King Gwanggaeto Stele)
478	King Bu of Wa sends a memorial to Emperor Shun of Song
512	Otomo no Kanamura cedes four prefectures of Gaya to Baekje
527-528	Ban'ei Rebellion in Tsukushi Province
538 (552)	Buddhism is introduced. (Note: The Jōgū Shōtoku Hōō Tei-setsu states this as 538, while the Nihon Shoki states it as 552. The 538 date is currently the commonly accepted interpretation.)
562	Gaya is destroyed by Silla
587	The Tei-bi Rebellion (the destruction of the Mononobe clan).
589	The Sui Dynasty unifies the entire region
592	Emperor Sushun is assassinated by Soga no Umako.

Facilities where you can learn about the Kofun period

The Tomb of Emperor Nintoku
https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/spot/detail/126

Inariyama Kofun
http://www.sakitama-muse.spec.ed.jp/?page_id=158

Isonokami Jingu
https://www.isonokami.jp/

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