Japanese missions to Sui China represent a lens for examining and evaluating the relationship between the Sui dynasty and Japan in the 7th century.
The nature of these bilateral contacts evolved gradually from political and ceremonial acknowledgment to cultural exchanges; and the process accompanied the growing commercial ties which developed over time.
For example: Priests studied Chinese Buddhism.
Doctors studied Chinese medicine.
Approximately one third of those who embarked from Japan did not survive to return home.