Fall of the royal family of Kamitsumiya as seen from East Asian political situation in the seventh century

Abstract

As well-known in 640’s, a succession of political changes had occurred in Koguryo (641), Baekje (642), Wa and Silla (647). In the case of Wa, the political change of this period is usually focused on Isshi Incident in year 645, while the primary focus is not on Kibo Incident the fall of Kamitsumiya royal family in year 643. However, the author believes that Kibo Incident was the first coup of Wa in 640’s.BR When the factor that dismantled the power of Soga no Omi family in Isshi Incident of year 645 was ‘kansei(韓政)’, the author believes the factor that strengthened the power of Soga no Omi family in Kibo Incident was also ‘kansei’. The only difference is that the former was loser and latter was winner. Kamitsumiya royal family, which was perished in Kibo Incident, had Silla-friendly attribute additionally since the days of Prince Shotoku, and that had exposed a different atmosphere from Soga no Omi family, which pursued Baekje-friendly policy. The exclusion of Kamitsumiya royal family by Soga no Omi family in the course of royal throne succession that happened after the death of Tenno Suiko in 628 and Tenno Jomei in 641 had the primary reason in the characteristics of foreign policy that had been built by Kamitsumiya royal family. That finally acted as a factor to force the collapse of Kamitsumiya royal family itsel fin 643.