Ancient History of Personnel Management: Ancient Japan Seen Through the Ritsuryo Official System

Standing at the Heijo Palace Site, 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 "nothing" is there. For example, the Daigokuden (Council Hall), the heart of the palace, and its vast front courtyard (Chodoin) are cases in point. This area was established as a wide-open space since the Nara period, where officials stood in order of rank before the Emperor seated in the Daigokuden, serving as a place to embody the hierarchy with the Emperor at the top. 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 allows us to see 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 through the keyword of "personnel management."

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 personal interests. While I intended to be restrained as a historian regarding aspects such as similarities with the present day, I am 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 depending on the 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), change is often emphasized, but it would be my greatest pleasure if this book serves as an opportunity to become aware not only of change but also of the continuous connection with the past.

Ancient History of Personnel Management: Ancient Japan Seen Through the Ritsuryo Official System

Yoichi Sogawa

Chikuma Shinsho

272 pages, 860 yen (excluding tax)

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