Exchanges between Chinese Dynasties and Wa

Exchanges between Chinese Dynasties and Wakoku

During the Yayoi period, Japan (Wakoku) actively engaged in exchanges with Chinese dynasties. Nearly all the clues we have about Japanese history at that time come from Chinese historical records. Let us take a closer look.

Basic Knowledge

Fragmentary records about Japan during the Yayoi period remain in Chinese historical works. These are called "China's official dynastic histories" and are valuable primary sources for Japanese history.
Major records:
・The "Hanshu", Treatise on Geography (1st century BCE): "The people of Wa are divided into more than one hundred states and regularly send envoys to Lelang Commandery"
・The "Hou Hanshu", Accounts of the Eastern Barbarians (compiled in the 5th century): In 57, the king ofNakokuin Wa sent an envoy to the Later Han and received the gold seal inscribed "King of Nakoku in Wa under Han." In 107, Suishō, king of Wakoku, presented 160 seikō to the dynasty
・The "Gishi Wajinden" (part of the "Sangokushi", late 3rd century): A detailed account of Yamataikoku and Himiko
These records show that Japan at the time was incorporated into the Chinese dynasties'tributary investiture system(a system in which rulers strengthened their position by drawing on the authority of the Chinese emperor).

In Depth (Background and Impact)

The gold seal inscribed "King of Nakoku in Wa under Han"was discovered by chance in 1784 (during the Edo period) onShikanoshimain Fukuoka Prefecture. Made of pure gold and measuring 2.3cm on each side, it is now designated a National Treasure. This seal is believed to be the very gold seal recorded in the "Hou Hanshu" as "the gold seal granted by the Later Han to the king of Nakoku in Wa in 57," making it the oldest physical evidence of Japan's foreign diplomacy.
At the time, the international order in East Asia centered on Chinese dynasties and was known as thetributary investiture system. Rulers of surrounding countries paid tribute (presented gifts) to the Chinese emperor and, in return, received titles and seals that increased their authority within their own countries. The rulers of Wakoku also used this system.
Himiko is also believed to have sent an envoy to Wei because she sought to draw on the authority of the Chinese emperor in order to oppose rival states (such as Kunukoku). The100 bronze mirrorsshe received are thought to have been distributed among powerful leaders in different regions to demonstrate Himiko's authority within the country.
These exchanges with China brought writing, calendars, ideas, technology, and many other forms of culture to Japan, laying the foundation for developments during the later Kofun and Asuka periods.

Cautions (Commonly Confused Points)

① The gold seal inscribed "King of Nakoku in Wa under Han" (Later Han・57・Nakoku) and the gold seal inscribed "Queen of Wa, Friend of Wei" (Wei・239・Yamataikoku) are different objects. Do not confuse their dates, dynasties, or the states on the Wa side. ② The generally accepted reading of "King of Nakoku in Wa under Han" is "Kan no Wa no Na no Kokuō". "Nakoku" = "Na State" (around Hakata in Fukuoka Prefecture). ③ Source names: Memorize the three works "Hanshu," "Hou Hanshu," and "Gishi Wajinden." Also match each work with its contents. ④ Although "Chinese characters" had reached Japan during the Yayoi period, Japanese people did not begin writing them until the Kofun period or later. ⑤ The actual gold seal inscribed "Queen of Wa, Friend of Wei" has not been found. The seal inscribed "King of Nakoku in Wa under Han" still exists (National Treasure).

Practice

1. State where and in what year the gold seal inscribed "King of Nakoku in Wa under Han" was discovered.
2. State the name of the Chinese historical work that describes Yamataikoku.
3. Explain how the tributary investiture system worked.