THE ADMINISTRATIVE-TERRITORIAL REFORM OF YAMATO RULER – EMPEROR HOMUDA IN KIBI REGION

Abstract

The current paper features the reasons and the content of the administrative-territorial reform introduced by Yamato ruler – emperor Homuda (Ōjin, 390 – late 414 / early 415 AD [of the corrected chronology]) in 411 AD [of the corrected chronology] in Kibi area (in western Honshu). The article contains the data obtained about the administrative-territorial units he organized and the local governors he appointed. It has been revealed that the elderly emperor delegated the rule to his three sons and retreated to Kibi area, which was the homeland of his younger wife E-hime. Upon his arrival, emperor Homuda undertook an administrative-territorial reform for the benefit of the hereditary owners of these lands, i.e. the Mitomo-wake clan. He established districts (Jap. agata) and appointed the “lords of districts” (Jap. agata-nushi). Besides, he appointed the “rulers of regions” (Jap. kuni-no miyatsuko) in the regions (Jap. kuni) of Bizen and Bicchū (in Near and Central Kibi). This reform resulted in the fact that emperor’s cousins-in-laws from his younger wife’s side rose to power in the regions (Jap. kuni) and in the newly- created districts (Jap. agata) of Near and Central Kibi.