Tenmu

Tenmu (天武天皇, Tenmu-tennō) was the 40th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. He ruled during the Asuka period in the late 7th century and is regarded as a central figure in the early development of a centralized Japanese state.

Reign and governance: Tenmu is associated with consolidating imperial authority through early Taika reforms and the early ritsuryō system. His administration pursued centralized administration, reorganized government offices, and promoted reforms aimed at standardizing governance across provinces. These efforts laid the groundwork for a more coherent, bureaucratic state and informed subsequent legal and fiscal frameworks.

Culture and religion: The era under Tenmu saw continued state involvement in religious practice, including Buddhist and Shinto institutions, as part of broader state-building efforts. His reign is described in classical chronicles such as the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, which place the emperor within the larger narrative of Japan’s transition toward a centralized polity.

Succession and legacy: Tenmu died in the late 7th century and was succeeded by Empress Jito, who continued reforms and state-building. His reign is widely regarded as establishing a stronger imperial foundation and contributing to the enduring structure of Japan’s centralized government, which would be developed further in the following Nara period.