As with the Chinese dynasty's philosophy of Tenka, Ritusryo kokka was set in the center of "Tenka" and different ethnic groups, which correspond to "i" (barbarians) of China, were set around it within the reach of the emperor's authority.
すなわち中国王朝の天下思想と同じように「天下」の中心に律令国家の中心を設定し、天皇を主宰者とした秩序の及ぶ範囲で、周囲には「夷」に対応する異民族が配されていた。