Prince Shotoku

聖徳太子 (厩戸皇子)

["Imperial Regent", "Buddhist Statesman", "Author of Seventeen-Article Constitution"]

Born Feb 07, 0574

Tachibana (Yamato Province), Asuka Japan

Passed Away Apr 08, 0622 Ikaruga Palace (Nara), Asuka Japan

Lifespan 48 years old

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Notice / Correction

"Harmony is to be valued, and an avoidance of wanton opposition is to be honored (Wa o motte toutoshi to nasu)."

Archival Overview

Semi-legendary regent and political reformer of Asuka-period Japan who drafted the Seventeen-Article Constitution, established the Twelve Level Cap and Rank System, and built Horyu-ji temple.

Biographical Record

Prince Shotoku (574–622 CE), born Prince Umayado, served as regent under his aunt Empress Suiko. He integrated Buddhism, Confucianism, and Shinto into a unified state philosophy, drafting in 604 the 'Seventeen-Article Constitution', which emphasized harmony (wa), ethical civil service, and obedience to the rule of law.

Shotoku established diplomatic parity with Sui Dynasty China, famously writing to Emperor Yang: 'From the sovereign of the land where the sun rises, to the sovereign of the land where the sun sets.' He founded Horyu-ji in Nara (housing the world's oldest surviving wooden structures) and Shitenno-ji in Osaka.

Key Life Milestones

0604

The Seventeen-Article Constitution

Promulgated the foundational moral and political charter of the Japanese state emphasizing harmony and law.

0607

Founding of Horyu-ji Temple

Constructed the monumental Buddhist temple complex in Nara, the oldest surviving wooden architecture on Earth.

Memorial Guestbook & Tributes

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Eifuku-ji Temple (Shinryobyokofun)
Taishi (Osaka), Japan

                         GPS: 34.5217, 135.6417                    

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