Japanese missions to Tang China
The Japanese missions to Tang China were Japanese efforts to learn Chinese culture and civilization from Tang China, in the 7th, 8th and 9th centuries. The nature of those contacts evolved gradually from political and ceremonial change into cultural exchanges, and the process accompanied growing commercial ties which developed over time.
A mission ship reconstructed for Shanghai Expo 2010 (Hakata Bay, May 14, 2010)
Kibi Makibi (695-775) in a book illustration by Kikuchi Yōsai.
Fujiwara no Umakai was a Japanese statesman, courtier, general and politician during the Nara period. The third son of Fujiwara no Fuhito, he founded the Shikike ("Ceremonials") branch of the Fujiwara clan.
Fujiwara no Umakai drawn by Kikuchi Yōsai