Japanese History Digest

Kofun period

Kofun period

The Kofun period is a time in Japan from around 250 to 600 AD, during which many burial mounds, mainly of the keyhole-shaped variety, were constructed throughout the Japanese archipelago. The similar shape of these burial mounds suggests that a political alliance under the Yamato government was formed during this period.
In the late 3rd to 4th centuries, the Yamato government established the system of clans and the system of division of people into social classes, and laid the foundation for these systems. By the 5th century, the Yamato government had reached the height of its power, and a hereditary system by male succession was established (San, Chin, Sei, Kou, and Bu).
However, in the 6th century, the power of local clans grew enormously, leading to events such as the The Iwai Rebellion in ’Chikushi Province and the Soga-Mononobe Conflict over the adoption of Buddhism. The latter conflict arose from the opposing views of Soga no Umako, who supported Buddhism, and Mononobe no Moriya, who favored the indigenous religion of Shinto. Eventually, this conflict escalated into a dispute over the succession to the throne after Emperor Yomei's death, and was resolved in 587 when Soga no Umako defeated Mononobe no Moriya (Prince Shotoku sided with the Soga clan). As a result, Soga no Umako supported the ascension of Emperor Sushun to the throne.

 

Timeline of the Kofun period

313 AD	Goguryeo annexed Lelang Commandery.
391 AD	Wa (Japan) engaged in battles with Goguryeo.
478 AD	The King of Wa, Bu, submitted a memorial to the Emperor Jun.
512 AD	Ohtomo no Kanamura ceded four counties of Kara to Baekje.
527 AD	The Iwai Rebellion occurred in Tsukushi Province.
538 AD or 552 AD	Buddhism was introduced to Japan and there are two theories regarding the year it was introduced.
562 AD	Kara ceased to exist.
587 AD	Mononobe clan ceased to exist.
589 AD	Sui Dynasty unified the Northern and Southern Dynasties.
592 AD	Emperor Sushun was assassinated.

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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