Emperor Tenmu was the 40th emperor of Japan, reigning from 673 to 686 AD. He is known for his efforts to strengthen the imperial authority and centralize the government. His reign marked a significant period in the development of the Japanese state, as he implemented various reforms, including the establishment of a more structured bureaucracy. Tenmu was also a patron of Buddhism and supported its growth in Japan. He is credited with promoting the Nara period culture and fostering the arts. His legacy includes the Chronicles of Japan, which documented the history and mythology of the nation.