Taika-Reform

The Taika reforms (Japanese大化 改 新, taika no Kaishin, dt " reforms of the great turning " ) were a series of laws that under the rule of Tennō Kōtoku in Japan in the year 646, a few years after the death Shōtoku Taishi and one year after the overthrow of the Soga family were adopted in the Isshi incident.

The aim of the Taika reforms was the centralization of the empire and the strengthening of the imperial power, which had become necessary to bring the numerous regional ruling princes and the lands newly acquired under the control of the imperial court. The reforms a general government, feudal system on the Chinese model of the Tang Dynasty was established, further allowed the princes within their domains, the exercise of power in any form.

At the same time, however, was determined that all land belonged to the Tennō and the princes had given for the fief, as well as all the princes of the Tennō unconditional devotion were guilty.

In order to secure the approval of the noble families of Japan, was determined that only the members of the old aristocracy would have access to high posts in the new administrative elite of the empire.

Another consequence of the Taika reforms was the abolition of serfdom in the Principalities, which thereby became direct subjects of the emperor.

The new administrative nobility derived its income now no longer own lands but as salary by the emperor, who in turn financed this by now centrally organized tax revenues of the kingdom.

The four articles of the Taika Reforms (summary)

• Reform
• Policy ( Japan)
• Historic legal source ( Japan)
• 646