Kokubun-ji (国分寺) were Buddhist temples established in each of the provinces of Japan by Emperor Shōmu during the Nara period (710 – 794).[1]

Mutsu Kokubunji —Yakushido

History

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Shōmu (701 – 756?) decreed both a kokubun-ji for monks and a kokubunni-ji (国分尼寺) for nuns to be established in each province. Tōdai-ji, the provincial temple of Yamato Province, served as the head of all kokubun-ji, and Hokke-ji held that duty for the kokubunni-ji.

Modern place names

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Modern place names based on this etymology include:

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Kokubunji". Encyclopedia of Japan. Tokyo: Shogakukan. 2012. Archived from the original on 2007-08-25. Retrieved 2012-05-04.