Restructuring the Order of Government Officials during the Emperor Shomu Period

The purpose of this paper is clarifying how and why the governmental order was reconstructed under the Emperor Shomu’s reign in the first half of the 8th century. Additionally, I would like to discuss the relationship between transformation of the class system and status of officials originated from the continent. The Emperor Shomu succeeded to the throne from the former Emperor Genshō in 724 attempted primarily at strengthening the Ritsuryo system by ensuring the financial system and reorganizing officials. The class system became ambiguous and necessity of making clear ranks among clans emerged in the first half of the 8th century. For ensuring unity and ranks among officials simultaneously, he introduced new class system and determined seat position of each class at the New Year's Day banquets in 728. He evaluated capabilities of those who originated from the continent on one hand, delimited possibilities they became officials on the other hand. I assume we have to interpret this posture understanding entire his image on the state.