午夜剧场

Standing on the site of the Heijo Palace, the center of the capital of Nara, one can see Mount Wakakusa to the east, Mount Ikoma to the west, and the Narayama hills to the north. This is where the people of the capital lived during the Nara period. However, when I mention the Heijo Palace site to relatives living in Osaka, they often respond with, "There's nothing there," which I have found disappointing.

It is true that the original buildings are gone, and it may be difficult to recall the past with only a few reconstructed buildings and foundation stones. However, there is actually meaning in the fact that there is "nothing" there. For example, the Daigokuden (the central palace building) and its vast front courtyard (Chodoin) are cases in point. This area was established as a wide-open space since the Nara period; it was a place where officials stood in order of rank before the Emperor seated in the Daigokuden, embodying a hierarchy with the Emperor at the apex. On the other hand, it has also been revealed that gardens and ponds were established in the northwestern and eastern ends of the palace, serving as venues for banquets held by the Emperor with the aristocracy.

In this way, the structure of the Heijo Palace reveals the coexistence of the principles of a bureaucracy based on the Ritsuryo system inherited from China and the private relationships centered on the Emperor. The ancient Japanese state constructed a ruling system that skillfully interwove these two elements. This book attempts to organize that state of affairs using "personnel management" as a keyword.

The term "personnel management" (jinji) is likely something that many people feel personally connected to. Looking at the comments and reviews from those who have picked up this book, it seems many have read it by drawing parallels to modern society or their own immediate interests. As a humble historian, I intended to be restrained regarding aspects such as similarities with the present day, but I am nonetheless grateful that readers have found it relatable.

The Ritsuryo official system developed in ancient times was a sophisticated personnel system involving a meticulous evaluation process, and at first glance, it appears complex. However, while the way it was accepted and handled varied by era and situation, I believe it is a culture that permeated and became familiar to people throughout Japanese history. Recently, with the change of the era name (Gengo), there are many instances where change is emphasized. However, it would be my greatest pleasure if this book serves as an opportunity for people to become aware not only of change, but also of the continuous connection with the past.

Yoichi Sogawa

Chikuma Shinsho

272 pages, 860 yen (excluding tax)

*Affiliations and titles are as of the time of publication.