Asuka period

Wakoku (until 701) Nippon (from 701) Wa (倭) to Nippon (日本)
538–710
Capital	Asuka (until 694) Fujiwara-kyō (694–710)
Common languages	Old Japanese Middle Chinese
Religion	Buddhism
Government	Feudal monarchy
Okimi (Emperor)
• 539/540–571	Kinmei
• 707–710	Genmei
History
• Introduction of Buddhism	538
• Embassy to China	607
• Isshi incident	10 July 645
• Taika Reform	645
• Jinshin War	672
• Asuka Kiyomihara Code proclaimed	689
• Taihō Code enacted	701–718
• Capital moved to Nara	710
Currency	Fuhonsen
Preceded by Succeeded by Kofun period Nara Period

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The Asuka period (飛鳥時代, Asuka jidai) was a period in the history of Japan lasting from 538 to 710, although its beginning could be said to overlap with the preceding Kofun period. The Yamato polity evolved greatly during the Asuka period, which is named after the Asuka region, about 25 km (16 mi) south of the modern city of Nara.

The Asuka period is characterized by its significant artistic, social, and political transformations, having their origins in the late Kofun period. The introduction of Buddhism marked a change in Japanese society. The Asuka period is also distinguished by the change in the name of the country from Wa (倭) to Nippon (日本).