Japanese missions to Sui China

Japanese missions to Sui China represent a lens for examining and evaluating the relationship between the Sui dynasty and Japan in the 7th century. The nature of these bilateral contacts evolved gradually from political and ceremonial acknowledgment to cultural exchanges; and the process accompanied the growing commercial ties which developed over time.Fogel, Joshua A. (2009). Articulating the Sinosphere: Sino-Japanese Relations in Space and Time, pp. 102-107.

Between 607 and 839, Japan sent 19 missions to Sui and Tang Empires of China (a mission planned for 894 was cancelled). Knowledge was the principal objective of each expedition. For example: Priests studied Chinese Buddhism. Officials studied Chinese government. Doctors studied Chinese medicine. Painters studied Chinese painting. Approximately one third of those who embarked from Japan did not survive to return home.Hoffman, Michael. "Cultures Combined in the Mists of Time: Origins of the China-Japan relationship," Asia Pacific Journal: Japan Focus. February 3, 2006; reprinting article in Japan Times, January 29, 2006.

Year Sender Japanese envoys Chinese monarch Comments 607 Suiko Ono no ImokoNussbaum, Louis-Frédéric. (2005). "Ono no Imoko" in ; n.b., Louis-Frédéric is pseudonym of Louis-Frédéric Nussbaum, see Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Authority File . Yang Imoko's title was kenzuishiNussbaum, "Kentōshi" at 608 Suiko Ono no Imoko Yang Takamuko no Kuromaro (no Genri)Nussbaum, "Takamuko no Kuromaro (No Genri)" at and Minabuchi no Shōan,Nussbaum, "Minabuchi no Shōan" at along with the Buddhist monk Sōmin Nussbaum, "Sōmin" at remained in China for 32 years before returning to Japan. Like Imoko, the titles of Kuromaro and Shoan were kenzuishi614SuikoInugami no MitasukiYangYatabe Zo traveled along with Mitasuki.

See also Sinocentrism Japanese missions to Tang China Japanese missions to Ming China Japanese missions to Joseon

Notes

References Fogel, Joshua A. (2009). Articulating the Sinosphere: Sino-Japanese Relations in Space and Time. Cambridge: Harvard University Press. ; Nussbaum, Louis Frédéric and Käthe Roth. (2005). Japan Encyclopedia. Cambridge: Harvard University Press. ;