Ritsuryō is a historical system of governance and law that was established in Japan during the 7th century. It was influenced by Chinese legal and administrative practices and aimed to create a centralized state. The system included a set of codes that regulated various aspects of society, including government structure, taxation, and land ownership. Under Ritsuryō, the emperor held supreme authority, supported by a bureaucratic system of officials. This framework helped to organize the administration and maintain order in the growing state. Over time, however, the rigid structure of Ritsuryō began to decline, leading to the rise of more flexible governance systems in Japan.