Background
Awata Mahito was born in Japan.
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Awata no Mahito
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Career
In 681, Mahito was conferred the rank of shōkin-ge, corresponding to the lower junior fifth rank under the Ritsuryō court rank system. With the establishment of the yakusa no kabane system in 684, he gained the title of Ason. In 689, he became vice-director of the dazaifu. He developed experience entertaining guests of honor from other countries.
Chinese evaluated Mahito as a poised and elegant man, well-read and learned in the Chinese classics, and he received a temporary position in the government from the Empress.
In 704, the mission returned to Japan, along with some Japanese who had been captives since the Battle of Baekgang. Mahito was rewarded with land in Yamato Province. He was promptly promoted to chūnagon to put the knowledge he gained in China to use in the planning of the Keiun Reform (ja) of Ritsuryō.
He held further positions, including as director of the Dazaifu, before being promoted to the senior third rank in 715, and dying in 719.
