📖 Prince Shōtoku

When talking about the most famous figures in Japanese history, one cannot overlook 聖德太子 (Shōtoku Taishi), a name known by almost everyone in Japan. Shōtoku Taishi was a prominent member of the Japanese imperial family, a politician, and a promoter of Buddhism during the Asuka period (592-710). He dedicated his life to establishing a centralized government system centered around the emperor. Shōtoku Taishi is renowned for his numerous achievements in various fields such as politics, diplomacy, and the promotion of Buddhism (including the construction of temples), and many anecdotes and mysteries surrounding him have continued to be popular topics of discussion. This article will explore his extraordinary contributions to the establishment and development of Japanese culture, Buddhism, and political systems by tracing the trajectory of Shōtoku Taishi's life, as well as the charisma that has made him a lasting figure in history.

A royal politician who had a significant impact on the civilization and enlightenment of ancient Japan during the Asuka period. His life is filled with mysteries and interesting anecdotes. He implemented a series of policies aimed at establishing a ritsuryō state centered around the emperor, including the creation of the Twelve Levels of Court Rank (冠位十二階) and the promulgation of the Seventeen Article Constitution (憲法十七条). He actively introduced Chinese culture by sending envoys to the Sui Dynasty (隋朝).