It has been controversial since the Meiji period that whether the East Pagoda and Honzon Yakushi Sanzonzo (three statues that comprise the Yakushi Triad) in Yakushi-ji Temple in Heijo-kyo were transferred from Moto-Yakushiji Temple in Asuka, or whether they were newly produced in Heijo-kyo.
平城京の薬師寺にある東塔及び本尊薬師三尊像が飛鳥の本薬師寺から移されたものか、平城京で新たにつくられたものかについては明治時代以来論争がある。