8세기 일본의 외교와 교역

A study of Japanese diplomacy and trade : in the eighth century with its focus on the Shila-Japan realation

The diplomatic and trade relationships between Shilla and Japan in the eighth century can be summarized as follows : First, the then Japanese ruling class, conscious of more advanced Shilla maintained a very principle-oriented diplomacy. Starring from such a perception of Shilla, it may be said that the Japanese Ruling class viewed themselves as a little China. Second, although Shilla’s ruling class viewed Japan as a barbarous country, it followed more realistic and beneficial diplomacy than Japan has. As may be seen in trades, Heijokyo’s 「Jesasoonbae」, etc., Shilla seems to have put benefits ahead of principle for actions. Third, it cannot be overlooked that the confrontational relationship between the two countries after Kim Tae-gyun’s visit to Japan in 752 ironically gave reason for the formation of local powers in Tazaifu. Consequently, the diplmatic relation between Shilla and the Japanese ruling class, which stuck with the justifiable reason for actions, cooled off gradually, and Shilla’s trading partnership gradually shifted to officials and powerful clans in Tazaifu. Fourth, trades and diplomacy should not be considered separately, but examined as a set. Only the men in charge shifted from officials in the eighth century to merchants in the ninth century(they called themselves Shilla officials in formality). Fifth. based on the formation of distribution system in Tazaifu, frequent visits to Japan by Shilla’s merchants, and people from Shilla living in Tazaifu. the foundation of a great trade area called 「The Circum-China Sea Trade Area」was established, where Jangbogo had a leading role in the ninth century, Thus 「the Circum-China Sea Trade Area」 was formed at the end of the eighth century and men like Jangbogo appeared in the first part of the ninth century.