ABSTRACT
An examination of the relations subsisting between Pakche and Japan will disclose the interesting fact that “the gift of the image of Shaka Butsu in gold and copper, several flags and umbrellas, and a number of volumes of Sutras,” which is regarded as the introduction of Buddhism into Japan, was merely one of a series of presents with which the Pakche King was eagerly endeavouring to conciliate the good-will of the Japanese Cdurt, in order to enlist its aid in the desperate contest then being waged by Pakche against Ko-gur-yu and Silla. The very apparent fact seems to have been grasped that unless the Imperial authority was strengthened and extended, and Kyushu thoroughly secured above all things, it was hopeless for Yamato to attempt to deal with the Korean situation. The immediate effect of the outrage, however, was not to shake but to consolidate Soga’s power.
