Which factor contributed to the political reforms in Japan during the Taika era?

The political reforms in Japan during the Taika era were significantly influenced by the adoption of Chinese political models. This era, which began in 645 CE, was marked by a series of reforms aimed at centralizing power and modernizing the administration of the state. Inspired by the successes of the Tang dynasty in China, Japanese leaders sought to implement similar systems, such as a more bureaucratic government structure and codified laws.

The reformers aimed to strengthen the imperial authority, and they looked to China as a model for how to achieve a more effective and centralized governance system. These reforms included the creation of a tax system that was more efficient and the establishment of a merit-based bureaucracy, which reflected the Confucian ideals prevalent in Chinese society. As a result, the influence from Chinese political models was crucial in shaping the direction of Japan's political landscape during this period, leading to the emergence of a more unified and organized state.