Emperor Shomu's imperial visit to Inamino and the construction of Naniwa Palace

Abstract

Emperor Shomu visited Naniwa Palace in the third year of Jinki, and, there, appointed Fujiwara-no-Umakai to Chi-zou-Naniwa-no-miya-ji to set to construct Naniwa Palace. Prior to the progress to Naniwa Palace, however, Emperor Shomu,had also visited Inamino of Harima Province. The two successive imperial visits shall be viewed to have relevance. As Emperor Shomu, in the early years of his enthronement, made imperial visits with intention to demonstrate the legitimacy of his imperial throne, his visit to Inamino may also have the same connotation. Once, Prince Nakano-ohe had visited Inamino and saw the Toyohata-gumo, a good omen. As another prominent example,Prince Oh-ama had witnessed auspicious clouds in the midst of the Jinshin War in Nabari. Emperor Shomu, who must have been aware of both incidents, however, chose to visit Inamino because the region was known for producing oak leaves, which were offered up for rituals, such as Chinkonsai, Daijosai as well as some Setsujitsu. The tradition was stemmed from the relationship by marriage between the Imperial Family and powerful regional clans who had offered tribute to the Imperial Family. Therefore, Emperor Shomu chose to visit Inamino, a place, closely connected with Imperial Family, to seek a good omen, and then, set forth to Naniwa Palace in order to justify himself as a successor of Emperor Tenchi and Emperor Tenmu. He ordered to construct Naniwa Palace to symbolize the legitimacy of his imperial throne.