Ritsuryo was the penal and administrative laws of Early Japan that was modeled off the Chinese form of government and law structure of the T'ang dynasty, first implemented by Emeperor Temmu who took the throne after his brother Emperor Tenji died in 671. (Apparently a Civil war took place after Tenji's death due to a bitter dispute, of which Temmu emerged victorious - The Jinshin no Ran)

The Ritsuryo system slowly began replacing the former system of government, Ujikabane seido (Clan-title system) and chipping away at Clan independence.

There's a heck of a lot more on this but I really really need to go finish up some tasks now, as I leave in 2 days for the Philippines. Wait, if I'm going to the Philippines, why am I putting something up on Japan? Two reasons really.

1) I am obsessed with Japan and it's language and culture from the distant past to the present to future developments. :) I really enjoy it as my hobby although Ancient cultures and histories in general fascinate me, Japan is one of my focuses

2) Trying to find 'stuff' on ancient Philippine history over the net or while I'm still here in California is nearly impossible, so I'm hoping while I'm there to find more. Problem is a) the Spaniards when the took over destroyed a lot to do with the native culture as they had done with a lot of other places, so finding things Pre-hispanic is a bit tough and b) A lot of the materials that the native culture used (aside from an odd piece of metal here and there) was of biodegradable organic material, so over time, the country's climate makes such items deteriorate. *sigh* I'm crossing my fingers on this anyway and hoping for the best.

See y'all in a month! ^.^V

And after this trip I really hope to reinstate some of my patron personnas again.

http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~dee/ANCJAPAN/CONTENTS.HTM

http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~dee/ANCJAPAN/ANJAPAN1.HTM