The Nara period (710-794 AD) was a significant era in Japanese history, marked by the establishment of the first permanent capital at Nara. This period saw the development of a centralized government and the adoption of Chinese cultural influences, including writing, art, and religion. The Buddhism faith flourished, leading to the construction of important temples like Todai-ji. During the Nara period, the Nihon Shoki and Nara Ritsuryo were created, which helped codify laws and document Japan's history. The period ended with the rise of the Heian period, which shifted the capital to Kyoto and further evolved Japanese culture.