The Nara period in Japan, spanning from 710 to 794 CE,^[30] was a transformative era in the country's history. The capital was initially established in Heijō-kyō (present-day Nara) by Empress Genmei, and it remained the center of Japanese civilization until it was moved to Nagaoka-kyō in 784 and then to Heian-kyō (modern-day Kyoto) in 794. The period saw the centralization of governance and the bureaucratization of government, inspired by China's Tang dynasty.^[31] Influences from China were evident in various aspects, including writing systems, art, and religion, primarily Buddhism. Japanese society during this time was mostly agrarian, centered around village life, and largely followed Shintō.

This period saw developments in government bureaucracy, economic systems, and culture, including the compilation of seminal works like the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki. Despite efforts to strengthen central governance, the period experienced factional strife within the imperial court, and by its end, there was a notable decentralization of power. Additionally, external relations during this era included complex interactions with the Chinese Tang dynasty, a strained relationship with the Korean kingdom of Silla, and the subjugation of the Hayato people in southern Kyushu. The Nara period laid the foundation for Japanese civilization but concluded with a shift of the capital to Heian-kyō (modern-day Kyoto) in 794 CE, leading to the Heian period.

One of the key features of this period was the establishment of the Taihō Code, a legal code that led to significant reforms and the establishment of a permanent imperial capital at Nara. However, the capital was moved several times due to various factors, including rebellions and political instability, before finally settling back in Nara. The city flourished as Japan's first true urban center, with a population of 200,000 and significant economic and administrative activities.

Culturally, the Nara period was rich and formative. It saw the production of Japan's first significant literary works, such as the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki, which served political purposes by justifying and establishing the supremacy of the emperors.^[32] Poetry also began to flourish, most notably with the compilation of the Man'yōshū, the largest and longest-lasting collection of Japanese poetry.^[33]

The era also saw the establishment of Buddhism as a significant religious and cultural force. Emperor Shōmu and his consort were fervent Buddhists who actively promoted the religion, which had been previously introduced but not fully embraced. Temples were built across the provinces, and Buddhism began to wield considerable influence at court, especially under the reigns of Empress Kōken and later, Empress Shōtoku.

Despite its achievements, the Nara period was not without challenges. Factional fighting and power struggles were rampant, leading to periods of instability. Financial burdens began to weigh on the state, prompting decentralization measures. In 784, the capital was moved to Nagaoka-kyō as part of an effort to regain imperial control, and in 794, it was moved again to Heian-kyō. These moves marked the end of the Nara period and the beginning of a new chapter in Japanese history.