Kentōshi

Definition

Kentōshi refers to the official missions sent by the Japanese imperial court to Tang China during the 7th to 9th centuries. These envoys were pivotal in establishing diplomatic relations, cultural exchange, and the importation of ideas, technologies, and practices from China, significantly influencing Japan's development during the Nara period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Kentōshi missions were first officially recognized in 630 AD, marking the beginning of formal diplomatic relations with Tang China.
2. The envoys typically consisted of scholars, artisans, and monks who brought back knowledge in areas such as governance, art, literature, and technology.
3. Kentōshi contributed to the adoption of the Chinese writing system in Japan, which played a crucial role in the development of Japanese literature and administration.
4. These missions helped establish Buddhism as a major religion in Japan, as many monks who accompanied the envoys disseminated Buddhist teachings.
5. The last recorded kentōshi mission took place in 894 AD, after which Japan shifted towards a more insular policy.

Review Questions

• How did kentōshi missions influence Japan's cultural development during the Nara period?
  • Kentōshi missions played a significant role in shaping Japan's cultural landscape during the Nara period by facilitating the exchange of ideas and practices with Tang China. The envoys brought back not only administrative techniques and legal codes but also artistic styles and religious practices that influenced Japanese culture. This exchange allowed for the introduction of Buddhism as a prominent religion and led to significant advancements in literature and governance that helped define Japanese identity.
• Evaluate the significance of the kentōshi missions in establishing Japan's diplomatic relations with Tang China.
  • The kentōshi missions were crucial for establishing formal diplomatic relations between Japan and Tang China, reflecting Japan's desire to learn from one of the most advanced civilizations of the time. By sending these envoys, Japan aimed to enhance its own political structure and cultural richness. The diplomatic ties fostered through these missions led to increased trade, cultural exchange, and a deeper understanding of Chinese governance, which greatly influenced Japan’s own political evolution during the Nara period.
• Assess the long-term impacts of kentōshi missions on Japanese society and governance up to modern times.
  • The long-term impacts of kentōshi missions on Japanese society and governance can be seen in various aspects that have endured throughout history. These missions not only introduced Chinese writing and legal systems but also established frameworks for centralized governance that influenced subsequent dynasties. The cultural exchanges initiated by kentōshi laid foundations for a rich literary tradition and continued interactions with foreign ideas that shaped Japan's modernization efforts in the late 19th century. The legacy of these early diplomatic efforts is evident in Japan’s ongoing engagement with global cultures while maintaining its unique identity.

Related terms

Nara Period:

The Nara Period (710-794) is characterized by the establishment of a centralized government in Japan and the flourishing of culture, heavily influenced by Chinese civilization.

Taika Reforms:

A set of political and social changes initiated in 645 AD aimed at consolidating imperial power and enhancing bureaucratic governance in Japan, inspired by Chinese models.

Buddhism:

A religion that was introduced to Japan from Korea and China during the Nara period, significantly shaping Japanese culture and society through kentōshi missions.