This document summarizes the emergence of civilization in Japan from the Asuka period to Nara period. The Asuka period saw the growth of fine arts and architecture under Chinese and Buddhist influences. Shotoku Taishi established a 17-article constitution promoting harmony, heaven, and morals. The Taika reforms introduced taxation, land distribution, and a provincial system run by officials reporting to the emperor. The new capital of Nara, built in 710, was a holy place with many temples, shrines, and gardens, marking Japan's rise as an important Asian civilization.

1. An Emerging CivilizationNadira Aisha Mulyandari

2. Asuka Period538 to 710A period of fine-arts and architectureBuddhism, Shotoku Taishi and Chinese influence

3. Shotoku’s ConstitutionSeventeen-article constitution‘Buddhist document’Adopted in the reign of Empress SuikoHarmony, Heaven and Morals

4. Taika“Great Change”Introduced taxation and land distributionSplit country into provinces and districtsRun by people who later reported to the emperorEstablished by Emperor Kotoku after Prince Shotoku’s death

5. NaraBuilt in 710, it was the capital cityA holy and spiritual placeScared, includes many temples, shrines and gardensBuddhist templesThe creation of Nara was the first step for Japan as an important Asian civilizationPagoda

6. Resourceshttp://www.fascinating-travel-destinations.com/ancient-nara.htmlhttp://afe.easia.columbia.edu/japan/japanworkbook/traditional/shotoku.htmGlobal Insights, copyright 1994 by the Glencoe Division of Macmillan/McGraw-Hill School Publishing Company, ISBN 0-02-822690-9 (Teacher’s Edition), Chapter 16, Traditional Japan. Page 255, section 1, Emerging Civilizationhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asuka_period