The Heian Period

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The Heian Period from about 794-1185 A.D. was an impressive era in Japanese history. Considered Japan’s Classical Age, it was a period of wealth and sophistication. Peace and prosperity, high culture, powerful clans, new ideas and relative independence of foreign influence marked this time.

The move to the capital of Heian-kyō (modern day Kyoto) was motivated in large part on a desire by Emperor Kammu to reduce the substantial influence exercised by the monasteries in Heijō-kyō (modern day Nara). Nara was patterned after the capital city of Tang, China, and its religion was based on their brand of Buddhism. Earlier Imperial sponsorship of Buddhism had politicized the clergy, resulting in power and corruption within their leadership.

However, following Emperor Kammu and his successor Daigo, the church wasn’t the main influence on rule during the Heian period. The Fujiwara Clan came into power after these emperors and dominated Japanese government between 794 and 1160. Their increasing influence was due to their continual intermarrying of female clan members with emperors. They would then rule for the offspring of these unions when they assumed the throne. The Fujiwara manipulated rulers and were the real decision makers.

With all the power resting with the Fujiwara clans, the Heian was a period of relative peace. Birth, rank, and breeding counted for everything, and riches and power were passed from generation to generation.

In addition to controlling politics, the rich Fujiwaras greatly influenced Japanese culture with their love of style. Fashionable attire at this time consisted of layer upon layer of expensive silks, with women sometimes wearing as many as 40 layers of clothing. Multiple layering of expensive fabrics ma...

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...hese teachings being passed on only in oral form from teacher to student, this form of Buddhism became very popular and a vital force in Japanese culture.

It must be stated, however, that in spite of the culture, peace and prosperity of the Heian capital and its immediate area, surrounding areas were not as wealthy or fortunate. The ruling aristocracy was a small minority; the majority of Japanese inhabitants were largely illiterate and impoverished, vulnerable to crime and droughts. They were in large part ignored except for taxation purposes.

The Heian Period and its powerful ruling parties brought about a new level of heightened culture and literacy not seen in Japan prior. It showed the beginnings of a Japanese identity that would become unique. However, it was also an age of indulgence and in many cases selfish pride.

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