Asuka period

Wakoku (until 701)
Nippon (from 701)
Wa () to Nippon (日本)
538–710
Yamato Kingship in Japan
CapitalAsuka (until 694)
Fujiwara-kyō (694–710)
Common languagesOld Japanese
Middle Chinese
Religion
Shinto
Buddhism
GovernmentFeudal monarchy
Okimi (Emperor) 
• 539/540–571
Kinmei
• 707–710
Genmei
Ōomi (Soga Clan) 
• 538/552–570
Soga no Iname
• 626–645
Soga no Emishi
History 
538
607
10 July 645
645
672
• Asuka Kiyomihara Code proclaimed
689
• Taihō Code enacted
701–718
710
CurrencyFuhonsen
Preceded by
Succeeded by
Kofun period
Nara Period

The Asuka period (飛鳥時代, Asuka jidai) was a period in the history of Japan lasting from 538 to 710, although its beginning could be said to overlap with the preceding Kofun period. The Yamato polity evolved greatly during the Asuka period, which is named after the Asuka region, about 25 km (16 mi) south of the modern city of Nara.

The Asuka period is characterized by its significant artistic, social, and political transformations, having their origins in the late Kofun period. The introduction of Buddhism marked a change in Japanese society. The Asuka period is also distinguished by the change in the name of the country from Wa () to Nippon (日本).