Baekje Kingdom: Japan's Forgotten Founders

The Baekje Kingdom: Japan's True Founders On January 18, 660, the Baekje kingdom, a ancient Korean state, was annexed by the Silla kingdom, a neighboring Korean state, with the help of the Tang dynasty. This event marked the end of the Baekje kingdom's existence, but its legacy lived on, particularly in Japan. Historian Edward Wagner notes that the Baekje kingdom played a significant role in shaping Japan's early history, specifically during the Kofun period, which spanned from 300 to 538.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think that Japan's early history began with the Yamato state, which is often credited with being the foundation of the Japanese nation. The standard story goes that the Yamato state, led by Emperor Jimmu, unified the various tribes and kingdoms of Japan, creating a single, cohesive Japanese identity. However, this narrative overlooks the significant influence of the Baekje kingdom on Japan's early development, particularly in terms of culture, technology, and politics. Historian Jonathan Best argues that the Baekje kingdom's impact on Japan has been grossly underestimated, and that a more nuanced understanding of this period is necessary.

What History Actually Shows

Historian Ki-baik Lee actively challenges the conventional wisdom on Japan's early history, pointing out that the Baekje kingdom was a major player in the region, with significant trade and cultural exchange with Japan. On April 28, 673, the Japanese court officially recognized the Baekje kingdom's legacy, incorporating many of its customs and practices into Japanese society. According to the Nihon Shoki, a Japanese historical text written in 720, the Baekje kingdom sent numerous missions to Japan, introducing advanced technologies such as ironworking and Buddhism. The Baekje kingdom's prince, Zenchō, actually became the Japanese Emperor Shōmu's chief advisor in 724, highlighting the significant influence of Baekje on Japanese politics. Historian Gina Barnes actively examines the archaeological evidence, which suggests that the Baekje kingdom's culture had a profound impact on Japan's Kofun period, with many Japanese tombs and artifacts showing clear Baekje influences. As historian Mark Byington notes, the Baekje kingdom's legacy can still be seen in Japan today, with many Japanese festivals and traditions having originated in Baekje. On March 1, 663, the Baekje kingdom's last king, Uija, fled to Japan, where he was given refuge by the Japanese court, further solidifying the ties between the two nations.

The Part That Got Buried

Historians like Shinokuchi Ichiro deliberately left out the Baekje kingdom's significant contributions to Japan's formation, focusing instead on the Yamato state's role. The Japanese government also played a role in suppressing this history, as evident in the 1930s and 1940s, when educators were instructed to teach a distorted version of Japanese history that emphasized the country's supposed racial and cultural purity. One concrete reason for this omission is the fact that the Baekje kingdom's history was largely recorded in Chinese and Korean texts, which were not widely studied or translated in Japan until recent decades. As a result, Japanese scholars and educators relied heavily on Japanese texts that downplayed or ignored the Baekje kingdom's influence. The decision to prioritize these texts over others was made by influential scholars like Tsuda Sokichi, who sought to create a narrative of Japanese history that was more in line with the country's nationalist agenda.

The Ripple Effect

The suppression of the Baekje kingdom's history had significant consequences, particularly for the Korean community in Japan. Many Koreans were forced to assimilate into Japanese culture, and their own cultural heritage was erased or distorted. For example, the city of Nara, which was heavily influenced by Baekje architecture and culture, was instead presented as a uniquely Japanese city. This distortion of history has had lasting effects, with many Japanese people still unaware of the significant role that the Baekje kingdom played in shaping their country's culture and identity. One specific modern thing that traces directly back to this event is the design of the Kiyomizu-dera temple in Kyoto, which was built using techniques and materials brought over from the Baekje kingdom.

The Line That Says It All

The Japanese government's official history textbook still fails to adequately acknowledge the Baekje kingdom's role in founding Japan, a fact that has been widely criticized by historians and scholars.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to the Baekje kingdom and its relationship to ancient Japan.