Taika Reform
In the narrower sense, "Fudoki" refer to the oldest records written in the Nara period, later called (Old-Fudoki). Compilation of "Kofudoki" began in 713 and was completed over a 20-year period. Following the Taika Reform in 646 and the Code of Taihō enacted in 701, there was need to centralize and solidify the power of the imperial court. This included accounting for lands under its control. According to the "Shoku Nihongi", Empress Genmei issued a decree in 713 ordering each to collect and report the following information: