Japanese History: The Heian Period - Part 1

Introduction to the Heian Period

• Curses, evil spirits, and political turmoil characterize ancient Japan.
• Focus on the creation of Kyoto, the reign of Emperor Kammu, and the rise of significant Buddhist figures.

Overview of Japanese History, the Textbook

• Historical sources used are basic and aimed at domestic learners.
• Acknowledgment of new subscribers to the channel.

Recap of the Nara Period

• Last episode focused on Emperor Shomu:
  • Promoted Buddhism and built temples across Japan.
  • His death led to a power struggle among successors: Empress Shōtoku and Emperor Junnin.
  • Empress Shōtoku dies without a clear heir.
• Prince Shirakabe becomes Emperor Konin, the first ruler from the Tenji line in nearly 100 years.

Emperor Kammu and the Early Heian Period

• Kammu's reign defined the early Heian period.
• Moved capital from Nara to Nagaoka-kyo in 784 due to political instability and Buddhist influence.
• Nagaoka-kyo's geographic advantages: proximity to Lake Biwa and trade routes.
• Construction overseen by Fujiwara no Tane-tsugu, who was later assassinated.

The Cursed City of Nagaoka-kyo

• Emperor Kammu believed Nagaoka-kyo was cursed after a series of unfortunate events.
• In 794, the capital moved again to Heian-kyo (Kyoto).
• Heian means "peace"; Kammu desired stability after prior chaos.

Geographic and Structural Features of Heian-kyo

• Location chosen based on feng shui principles.
• City was smaller than Nara but better planned and centered around the imperial palace (Daidairi).
• Population estimated at 120,000 - 130,000.

Reforms of Emperor Kammu

The Ritsuryo System

• The Ritsuryo system was collapsing due to corruption and heavy taxation.
• Kammu created new offices called Ryōgen no kan to address issues.
• Notable offices:
  • Kageyushi: Ensured proper governance and tax collection in provinces.
  • Seitai Shogun: A military position to subdue the northern Emishi people.

Tax and Military Reforms

• Established konde-no-sei militia system, reducing peasant conscription.
• Relaxed tax burdens:
  • Reduced Zōyō labor tax from 60 to 30 days.
  • Lowered kusuiko loan interest from 50% to 30%.
  • Lengthened farmland reassignment from 6 to 12 years.

Emperor Kammu’s Challenges

• Despite reforms, finances remained strained.
• Called advisors for debate on whether to continue military campaigns and construction efforts.
• Decision made to halt building of Heian-kyo, leaving it incomplete.

Development of New Buddhist Schools

• Kammu's distrust led to the rise of new Buddhist schools:
  • Saicho: Founder of Tendai Buddhism.
  • Kūkai: Founder of Shingon Buddhism, emphasizing rituals and practical benefits.

Saicho and Kūkai's Contributions

• Saicho established Enyakuji Temple and promoted the idea of universal Buddhahood.
• Kūkai established Kongō-buji Temple and was noted for public works and popularizing noodles, notably Sanuki Udon.
• Both figures contributed significantly to Japanese Buddhism and culture.

Transition of Power

• Emperor Kammu died in 806, succeeded by Emperor Heizei, who faced political challenges.
• The Fujiwara no Kusuko Incident occurred, leading to political turmoil between Fujiwara factions.
• Emperor Saga emerged as a strong ruler, creating new offices like the Kurododoku for confidential correspondence.
• Saga established the Imperial Police Organization (Kebiishi) and compiled the Kōnin Kyakushiki to clarify laws.

Conclusion

• Emperor Junna continued strong rule, with the Fujiwara clan gaining power.
• Next episode will cover the Golden Age of the Fujiwara and the peak of Heian aristocratic life.