ABSTRACT
This chapter analyzes the Japanese term mahito, rendered variously as realized one, authentic man, true man or perfected immortal, in the very specific context of the Sino-Japanese cultural exchange in the late seventh and early eighth centuries. This chapter investigates the political career of Awata no Ason Mahito, couching his experiences in a wider East Asian cultural and religious framework. Awata no Ason Mahitos visit marked the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Japan after more than three decades. There are indications that the female sovereign W Zho, in the years leading up to Awatas mission, sought to cultivate positive and constructive relations with the coalescing Japanese state. The state religious ceremonial prayers, offerings, rites to properly revere kami, and purification rites was promulgated in the Taih Code, compiled by Awata and others, and combined Confucian, Buddhist, Daoist and proto-Shint elements.
