(3)Main building of Soga no Umako's residence found in Nara Pref.

(3)Main building of Soga no Umako's residence found in Nara Pref.

KASHIHARA, Japan - An aerial photo taken March 11 shows the ruins of a large building believed to be the residence of Soga no Umako, a major political figure in sixth-seventh century Japan. Umako initiated diplomatic relations with China's Sui dynasty (581-618), dispatching envoys to China and promoted Buddhism.

(2)Main building of Soga no Umako's residence found in Nara Pref.

(2)Main building of Soga no Umako's residence found in Nara Pref.

KASHIHARA, Japan - Photo taken March 11 shows the ruins of a large building believed to be the residence of Soga no Umako, a major political figure in Japan's Asuka period in the sixth-seventh centuries. Based on excavated articles from the site and the architectural style of the remains of the building, the education board of Asuka in Nara Prefecture believes the structure was built between 601 and 625.

(1)Main building of Soga no Umako's residence found in Nara Pref.

(1)Main building of Soga no Umako's residence found in Nara Pref.

KASHIHARA, Japan - Photo taken March 11 shows the ruins of a large building (bottom right) believed to be the residence of Soga no Umako, a powerful minister who served four emperors in the Yamato court during the so-called Asuka period in the sixth-seventh centuries. The ruins have been found by the education board of Asuka in Nara Prefecture.

(2)Main building of Soga no Umako's residence found in Nara Pref

(2)Main building of Soga no Umako's residence found in Nara Pref

KASHIHARA, Japan - Photo taken March 11 shows the ruins of a large building believed to be the residence of Soga no Umako, a major political figure in Japan's Asuka period in the sixth-seventh centuries. Based on excavated articles from the site and the architectural style of the remains of the building, the education board of Asuka in Nara Prefecture believes the structure was built between 601 and 625. (Kyodo)

(1)Main building of Soga no Umako's residence found in Nara Pref

(1)Main building of Soga no Umako's residence found in Nara Pref

KASHIHARA, Japan - Photo taken March 11 shows the ruins of a large building (bottom right) believed to be the residence of Soga no Umako, a powerful minister who served four emperors in the Yamato court during the so-called Asuka period in the sixth-seventh centuries. The ruins have been found by the education board of Asuka in Nara Prefecture. (Kyodo)

(3)Main building of Soga no Umako's residence found in Nara Pref

(3)Main building of Soga no Umako's residence found in Nara Pref

KASHIHARA, Japan - An aerial photo taken March 11 shows the ruins of a large building believed to be the residence of Soga no Umako, a major political figure in sixth-seventh century Japan. Umako initiated diplomatic relations with China's Sui dynasty (581-618), dispatching envoys to China and promoted Buddhism. (Kyodo)