The Relationships Between Kentoshi And Science Technology In Japan

Tang Dynasty was in its period of prosperity. Its culture and economic were highly developed, it has powerful military and stable politics. The profound culture had attracted many countries around it. Due to the open and friendly foreign policy of its government, international communication had an amicable environment. Therefore, a plenty of countries wanted to learn in China. Japan was one of them. Japan which was eager to learn Tang culture had sent ambassadors to China many times, those ambassadors who was send to tang are called Kentoshi. The grand and long-time activities were rare to see in the history of Sino-Japan communication. Kentoshi had intense and crazy passion towards Tang culture. On the one hand, they studied very hard in Tang; on the other hand, by the means of buying, giving and copying, they took many goods and books to Japan. Hence, the science and technology of Tang Dynasty was also spread to Japan and played an important role in development of Japanese science and technology.For years, scholars from China and Japan have studies a lot about those Kentoshi. They write many books and papers about those people. However, the research which is specific about science and technology is scarce, and has no overall and particular discussion in regard to the contribution of Kentoshi towards science and technology. This paper makes a comparison between historical background of China and Japan, such as politics, economic and culture; states the constitution of Kentoshi’s membership; explores the purpose and route of Kentoshi; researches the goods and books which they have brought from China from the perspective of Kentoshi. And then, makes a comparison about various data and books according to existing ancient documents. On the basis of former research, the paper identifies the contribution and influence of Kentoshi towards aspects of Japanese agriculture, handicraft, architecture, medicine, Astronomical calendar and so on.From the perspective of Kentoshi, this paper catalogs the contribution and influence of Kentoshi in every aspect. At the same time, it will provide ideas for studies later, and hopes it can make a little contribution to the history of Sino-Japan communication.