Episode 3 - The First Capitol

This episode of the History of Japan podcast covers the Asuka period, starting around 538 AD with the introduction of Buddhism and the rise of the Soga clan. The Soga clan, particularly Soga no Iname and his son Soga no Umako, gained power through trade, diplomacy, and intermarriage with the imperial family, even introducing Buddhism to undercut Shinto priests. Despite their influence, the Soga maintained the imperial house for legitimacy. Later, a coalition led by Naka-no-Oe and Nakatomi-no-Kamatari overthrew the Soga, leading to reforms and the establishment of the Ritsuryo Laws, a Chinese-style governmental system. The episode also discusses the establishment of the first permanent capital at Fujiwara-kyo, followed by moves to Heijo-kyo (Nara) and eventually Heian-kyo (Kyoto). The podcast touches on the compilation of the Man'yoshu poetry collection and the Kojiki, Japan's first definitive collection of history and mythology, and concludes with the adoption of the title Tenno (Heavenly Ruler) and the name change from Wa to Nihon (Japan).