Emperor Shōmu established provincial temples (国分寺: kokubunji for monks; 国分尼寺:kokubun niji for nuns)in each province of Japan. Todaiji, the provincial temple of Yamato Province, served as the head of all these kokubunji and Hokkeji held that duty for the kokubun niji.

The words "kokubunji" and "kokubun niji" gave rise to many place names that continue to today.