Shomu (reigned 724-749) was a Japanese emperor who ruled at the
height of the Nara Era in Japanese History. A great patron of
Buddhism, Emperor Shomu had a temple built in every province.
The greatest of these was the magnificent Todaiji Temple in Nara
- its grand opening celebration was attended by over 10,000
priests and dignitaries from all over Asia, including China,
India, Thailand, and Afghanistan. Artifacts from this remarkable
event are preserved in the Shosoin Museum. Shomu abdicated in
749 in favor of his daughter, the empress Koken, to pursue a
meditative life as a Buddhist monk. << Empress Gensho - Emperors
of Japan - Empress Koken >>