Attempted Overthrow by Monk Dōkyō

In 770, Ancient Japan experienced a political crisis centered on the Buddhist monk Dōkyō, whose influence at the imperial court reached an unprecedented level during the late Nara period. Dōkyō had risen to prominence under Empress Shōtoku, becoming a close advisor and holding powerful positions within the government. According to historical records, an oracle from the Usa Hachiman Shrine in Kyushu reportedly declared that Dōkyō should become emperor, a claim that brought the question of imperial succession into dispute. The court responded by dispatching the official Wake no Kiyomaro to verify the oracle. His report contradicted the earlier claim, stating that only members of the imperial lineage should ascend the throne. This response played a decisive role in preventing Dōkyō’s accession. Shortly after Empress Shōtoku’s death in 770, Dōkyō lost his political support and was exiled to Shimotsuke Province. The episode exposed the extent of Buddhist clergy involvement in state affairs and prompted a reassessment of the relationship between religion and political authority. Following these events, measures were taken to limit the direct political influence of Buddhist institutions in the imperial court. The capital was later moved from Nara to Nagaoka-kyō in 784, partly to reduce the power of major temples. The Usa Hachiman Oracle Incident remains a documented example of tensions between religious authority and imperial governance in early Japanese history.