Page:A handbook of modern Japan (IA handbookofmodern01clem).pdf/138

96 the rulers of the empire, she is considered a great heroine, and is especially famous for her successful invasion of Korea, assigned to about 200 A. d. And it is her son, Ōjin, who, deified as Hachiman, is still "worshipped" as god of war; while Take-no-uchi is renowned for having served as Prime Minister to five Emperors and one Empress (Jingu). It was during this period that the Chinese language and literature, together with the art of writing, were introduced into Japan through Korea.

The continental influences form an important factor in the equation of Japanese civilization. The Japanese "have been from the beginning of their history a receptive people," and are indebted to Korea and China for the beginnings of language, literature, education, art, mental and moral philosophy (Confucianism), religion (Buddhism), and many social ideas. The conversion of the nation to Buddhism took place in the sixth and seventh centuries, and was largely due to the powerful influence of the Prime Minister of the Empress Suiko. He is best known by his posthumous title of Shōtoku Taishi, and is also famous for having compiled "the first written law[s] in Japan."

For a long period, on account of superstitions, the capital was frequently removed, so that Japan is said to have had "no less than sixty capitals." But during most of the eighth century the court was located