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The Taika Reform and Emperor Tenji — From the Isshi Incident to the Birth of Japan's Legal State

In 645, Prince Naka no Oe and Nakatomi no Kamatari assassinated the powerful Soga no Iruka at court (the Isshi Incident), triggering the Taika Reform. This revolutionary movement introduced Japan's first era name, public land ownership, and the foundation of a律令 legal state. Emperor Tenji's legacy lives on at Omi Jingu, Tanzan Shrine, and Isonokami Jingu.

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In 645, Prince Naka no Oe (later Emperor Tenji) and Nakatomi no Kamatari assassinated the powerful Soga no Iruka at court — the Isshi Incident. This triggered the Taika Reform, which established Japan’s first era name, the public land system, and the foundations of a legal state. After ruling from Otsu-kyo and defeating the Soga, Tenji faced defeat at the Battle of Baekgang (663) but strengthened national defenses. Visit Tanzan Shrine, Omi Jingu, and Isonokami Jingu to trace his legacy.

Emperor Tenji (by Kano Tan'yu) — the 38th emperor who carried out the Taika Reform and laid the foundations of Japan's legal state

Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain

Tanzan Shrine — the shrine on Mt. Tonomine where Prince Naka no Oe and Nakatomi no Kamatari pledged the Taika Reform at a kemari gathering

Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

Fujiwara no Kamatari — co-conspirator of the Taika Reform and ancestor of the Fujiwara clan, granted the surname just before his death

Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain

Asukadera Temple — Japan's first full-scale Buddhist temple, built by Soga no Umako and a symbol of the Soga clan's power

Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

Isonokami Jingu — one of Japan's oldest shrines, housing the Seven-Branched Sword brought from Baekje, a testament to ancient international exchange

Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

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