Japanese missions to Tang China

The Japanese missions to Tang China (遣唐使, kentōshi) were Japanese efforts to learn Chinese culture and civilization from Tang China, in the 7th, 8th and 9th centuries.

The nature of those contacts evolved gradually from political and ceremonial change into cultural exchanges, and the process accompanied growing commercial ties which developed over time.

For each expedition, knowledge and learning were the principal objectives.

Priests from Japan studied Chinese Buddhism, officials from Japan studied Chinese government, doctors from Japan studied Chinese medicine, and painters from Japan studied Chinese painting.

Approximately one third of those who embarked from Japan did not survive to return home.