They were independent of each other, but at that time Japan admired Chinese culture very much and sent many envoys to the Tang Dynasty to learn about China's advanced culture, management system, science and technology, agriculture and other aspects of knowledge, which had a profound impact on Japan's subsequent development. At present, Japanese culture can still see the shadow of Chinese Tang culture.
For about 264 years from the beginning of the seventh century to the end of the ninth century, Japan sent more than a dozen missions to the Tang Dynasty in order to learn Chinese culture. The number, scale, duration, and rich content of the second exhibition can be described as an unprecedented event in the history of Sino-Japanese cultural exchanges. The envoys sent to Tang Dynasty made great contributions to promoting the development of Japanese society and promoting friendly exchanges between China and Japan.
Extended information:
In ancient times, Japan had a political system that combined politics and religion. In order to change the backward status quo and make itself stronger, it must learn from the advanced politics and economy of the Tang Dynasty. and cultural system, so the Japanese government made up its mind to send its own envoys to the Tang Dynasty.
The purpose of sending envoys to the Tang Dynasty was to learn from China and absorb the culture of the Tang Dynasty, so they attached great importance to the selection of mission personnel, especially ambassadors, deputy envoys, judges, recorders and other officials. A father and son from two families were appointed as envoys one after another, also because of their education and experience, which was conducive to learning from the Tang Dynasty.
Physicians, musicians, painters, and craftsmen in various industries who entered the Tang Dynasty also had roots in their own industries, and were highly respected by the Tang people. At the same time, they also benefited from the Tang people. Envoys sent to the Tang Dynasty imported a large number of various classics of Chinese classics and history. Chinese culture became popular among the upper class of Japanese feudal society and penetrated into all aspects of thought, literature, art, customs and habits.
In order to promote the civilization of Japan and better control the social order of Japan, Buddhism, as the foundation and spiritual weapon of Japanese politics, has multiple purposes of promoting Japanese politics, economy and culture. For countries around the world at that time, the control of Buddhism could free them from the shackles of the old traditional political system, make domestic subjects obedient, respect the will of the ruling class, and then join the ranks of advanced countries.
Reference materials:
Baidu Encyclopedia-Tang Dynasty
Baidu Encyclopedia-Japan
Baidu Encyclopedia-Sending Envoys to the Tang Dynasty