Shotoku Taishi
574–622 · Japanese (Asuka Period) · Asuka Period, Ancient Japan
Known for: Introduced Buddhism and Chinese political systems to Japan—created the first Japanese constitution
Prince Shotoku was regent to Empress Suiko and the most influential figure in early Japanese history. He introduced Buddhism as a state religion, established diplomatic relations with China, and wrote the Seventeen-Article Constitution—Japan's first written law code emphasizing harmony, Buddhism, and Confucian ethics.
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