The Yamato court, which had been concentrated in Asuka, near modern Nara, by the fifth century, exercises power over clans in Kyushu and Honshu, bestowing titles, some hereditary, on clan chieftains.

The Yamato name becomes synonymous with all of Japan as the Yamato rulers suppress the clans and acquire agricultural lands.

Based on Chinese models (including the adoption of the Chinese written language), they develop a central administration and an imperial court attended by subordinate clan chieftains but with no permanent capital.

By the mid-seventh century, the agricultural lands have grown to a substantial public domain, subject to central policy.

The basic administrative unit is the county, and society is organized into occupation groups.

Most people are farmers; other are fishers, weavers, potters, artisans, armorers, and ritual specialists.