Yōrō Code

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Yōrō Code (養老律令, Yōrō-ritsuryō), in one of the ritsuryo, a collection of governing rules compiled in early Nara period in Classical Japan.

The Code was an update and an improvement of the earlier enacted Taihō Code. The compilation work started under Fujiwara no Fuhito, but it was stopped abruptly when Fuhito died in 720. The Code was not enacted until 757, when Fujiwara no Nakamaro promulgated it under Empress Koken.

In terms of contents, differences with the Taihō Code were limited. The Code itself, as well as the other ritsuryo codes, is now lost. However, several ulterior documents (such as the Ryo no Gige, a 9th century document explaining enacted laws) remain and allow for its reconstruction.

The Code actually remained in effect until the Meiji restauration in the 19th century, making it a millennium-lasting governing rule.

[edit] See also

• Ritsuryo
• Taihō Code
• Ōmi Code
• Asuka Kiyomihara Code