Omar Bennett
Prince Shotoku, also known as Umayado no Miko and Shotoku Taisha, ruled as the regent of Japan from 594 to 622 CE. He is one of the most celebrated figures in Japanese history, known for modernizing government administration, promoting Buddhism, and creating a constitution. The constitution, called the Seventeen Article Constitution or Seventeen Injunctions, was issued in 604 CE and is believed to have been inspired by Chinese Confucian concepts and Buddhist principles. While it is uncertain if Prince Shotoku wrote the constitution himself or if it was composed after his death, it had a lasting influence on Japanese politics and centralized government. Now, the question arises: How long did this constitution last, and what impact did it have on Japan's political landscape?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the Constitution | Seventeen Article Constitution or Seventeen Injunctions (Jushichijo-kenpo) |
| Year of Introduction | 604 CE |
| Author | Shotoku |
| Type of Document | An ethical code or a code of moral precepts for the ruling class |
| Number of Articles | 17 |
| Main Principles | Centralisation of government, Buddhist and Confucian principles, and the importance of harmony (wa) |
| Main Provisions | Removal of the right to impose taxes from local officials, introduction of the Chinese 'cap rank' system for state officials, emphasis on reverence of Buddhism |
| Influence | Had a lasting influence on later Japanese politics, emphasised the importance of collective decision-making |
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What You'll Learn
The constitution's influence on later Japanese politics
Prince Shotoku, also known as Umayado no Miko and Shotoku Taisha, ruled as the regent of Japan from 594 to 622 CE. He is one of the most celebrated figures in Japanese history, known for modernizing government administration and promoting Buddhism and Chinese culture. Shotoku is credited with creating the Seventeen Article Constitution or Seventeen Injunctions in 604 CE, which centralized and reformed the government.
The constitution had a lasting influence on later Japanese politics, emphasizing the importance of collective decision-making and the power and authority of the emperor. It promoted the status quo, with the emperor as the ultimate authority, whose commands should be obeyed without question. This reflected the Confucian concept of a unified state ruled by one sovereign, which was in contrast to the disunity and semi-autonomous uji units that characterized Japan at the time.
The constitution also introduced the Chinese "cap rank" system for state officials, with 12 levels indicated by the color of the official's hat. It removed the right of local officials to impose taxes, rooted out corruption, and emphasized the importance of harmony (wa). Buddhism was also encouraged, with Shotoku emphasizing the reverence of Buddhism in Article II of his constitution.
The influence of Shotoku's constitution can be seen in the subsequent Chinese-based centralized reforms that followed. It set the fundamental spirit and orientation for these reforms, which further solidified the power of the emperor and the centralized government. The constitution's emphasis on collective decision-making and harmony also influenced later political practices and the bureaucratic structure of Japan.
Additionally, Shotoku's promotion of Buddhism and the construction of temples, such as Shitennoji and Horyuji, had a lasting impact on Japanese culture and religion. A devotional cult arose around Shotoku's figure for the protection of Japan, the Imperial Family, and Buddhism. Key religious figures claimed inspiration or visions attributed to him, further spreading his influence on Japanese spiritual practices.
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Shotoku's legacy and posthumous cult status
Prince Shotoku (574-622 CE) ruled as the regent of Japan from 594 until his death in 622 CE. He is one of the most celebrated figures in Japanese history. Shotoku is known for his support of Chinese culture and Buddhism, which he spread during his reign. He encouraged closer ties with China, introduced Chinese principles of government, created a constitution, and built many temples across Japan, including famous sites like Shitennoji and Horyuji.
Shotoku's Legacy
Shotoku is credited with drawing up a new constitution, or ethical code, in 604 CE. Known as the Seventeen Article Constitution or Seventeen Injunctions (Jushichijo-kenpo), it centralised and reformed the government. The constitution emphasised the importance of harmony (wa) and Buddhist and Confucian principles. While not all of the seventeen points were realised during Shotoku's lifetime, they had a lasting influence on Japanese politics, such as emphasising collective decision-making and the importance of the emperor. Shotoku also introduced the Chinese 'cap rank' system for state officials, rooted out corruption, and diminished the system of officials gaining office through inheritance.
Posthumous Cult Status
After his death, a devotional cult arose around Prince Shotoku for the protection of Japan, the Imperial Family, and Buddhism. The cult, known as the Prince Shotoku Cult, flourished after the Hakuho period (673-686) at Horyuji, a temple founded by Shotoku. Buddhist monks of the Jodoshinshu Sect propagated the cult, creating a new vision of an ideal sovereign who possessed and ruled by the wisdom of the Buddha. Shotoku himself has been an object of worship as Salvation Kannon, and his posthumous portraits can be found at Horyuji.
Prince Shotoku's legacy is also seen in the naming of several institutions after him, such as Shotoku Gakuen University and Seitoku University. His portrait has appeared on Japanese yen bills, further testament to his enduring fame and influence in Japan.
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The constitution's authorship and authenticity
The Seventeen Article Constitution, also known as the Seventeen Injunctions (Jushichijo-kenpo), was issued in 604 CE by Prince Shōtoku Taishi, the regent of Japan. The constitution is believed to have been inspired by Chinese Confucian concepts and Buddhist principles. It emphasised the importance of a unified state ruled by a single sovereign, with officials appointed on merit rather than heredity. It also stressed the responsibilities of officials to those they ruled and the obedience of subjects to their rulers.
While Prince Shōtoku is traditionally attributed with the authorship of the constitution, some historians have questioned its authenticity. They argue that the constitution may not have been written by the Prince himself but rather inspired by him and composed as a tribute after his death. This suggestion is based on the fact that many of the constitution's provisions were not implemented until much later, and some claim that the extant form may be a later forgery.
However, others defend the traditional view, citing the significant influence of Prince Shōtoku on the development of Japanese politics and the spread of Buddhism. The constitution is seen as a reflection of his values and beliefs, even if the specific wording or structure may have been influenced by others. The debate surrounding the authorship and authenticity of the Seventeen Article Constitution highlights the complex nature of historical interpretation and the potential gaps or uncertainties that can arise, even for well-known figures like Prince Shōtoku.
Overall, while the exact details of the constitution's creation remain unclear, it is undeniable that Prince Shōtoku played a pivotal role in shaping Japan's political and religious landscape during his reign as regent from 594 to 622 CE. His legacy continues to be celebrated in Japan, with his image appearing on various denominations of yen banknotes.
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The constitution's content and key principles
Prince Shotoku (574–622 CE) was the regent of Japan from 594 until his death in 622 CE. He is remembered as one of the most influential figures in Japanese history, largely due to his creation of a constitution, the principles of which guided Japan for centuries. Shotoku's constitution, also known as the Seventeen Article Constitution or Seventeen Injunctions (Jushichijo-kenpo), was established in 604 CE. It is believed that the document may have been written after his death, inspired by his ideas and intended as a tribute to him.
The constitution was designed to centralise power and emphasise the authority of the emperor. Shotoku believed that the emperor's power was akin to the laws of nature and therefore unchallengeable. This is reflected in the following excerpt:
> "When you receive the Imperial commands, fail not to obey them scrupulously. The lord is Heaven, the vassal is Earth. Heaven overspreads, and Earth bears up. When this is so, the four seasons follow their due course, and the powers of Nature obtain their efficacy. If the Earth attempted to overspread, Heaven would simply fall in ruin. Therefore when the lord speaks, the vassal listens; when the superior acts, the inferior complies."
The document also introduced a Chinese-style bureaucratic system, with 12 levels of rank for state officials, each indicated by the colour of the official's hat. Shotoku's constitution further emphasised the importance of harmony ('wa') and collective decision-making, reflecting Buddhist and Confucian principles. Article II of the constitution, for example, stressed the reverence of Buddhism.
Additionally, Shotoku's constitution sought to eliminate corruption and end the practice of officials inheriting their positions. It also reserved the right to impose taxes solely for the emperor, further consolidating imperial power. While not all of the constitution's principles were fully realised during Shotoku's lifetime, they had a lasting impact on Japanese politics and governance.
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Shotoku's other achievements and impact on Japan
Prince Shotoku (574-622 CE) ruled as regent of Japan from 594 to 622 CE and is one of the most celebrated figures in Japanese history. Shotoku is known for his cultural contributions and the spread of Buddhism in Japan. He is also credited with establishing a court system with twelve grades of court rank based on merit and achievement.
Shotoku was a great supporter of Chinese culture and Buddhism, introducing principles of Chinese government and building many temples across Japan, including famous sites like Shitennoji and Horyuji. He is also known for his patronage of Buddhist temples, which brought about a flowering of Buddhist arts and culture. When Empress Suiko declared her acceptance of Buddhism in 593, Shotoku ordered the construction of the Shitennoji Temple in present-day Osaka. During his reign, 46 Buddhist monasteries and temples were built, including the Hokoji in 596 CE and the completion of the Horyuji in 607 CE.
Shotoku introduced the Chinese 'cap rank' system for state officials, with 12 levels each indicated by the colour of the official's hat. He removed the right to impose taxes from anyone other than the emperor, rooted out corruption, and diminished the system of officials gaining office through inheritance. He introduced a Chinese-style calendar and sent official embassies to the Sui court from around 607 CE and throughout the 7th century CE, encouraging greater ties with China.
As a devout Buddhist, Shotoku gave lectures and wrote commentaries on the Lotus Sutra and other texts such as the Vimalakirti Sutra and the Srimaladevi Simhanada Sutra. He formed a body of artists to create Buddhist images and was himself a student of its teachings. Shotoku's support of Buddhism helped raise Japan's cultural status in the eyes of its powerful neighbours, Korea and China, and legitimised the emperor as the centre of the Japanese political and religious spheres.
Shotoku is also known for his contributions to Japanese history and politics. He collaborated with the senior statesman Soga no Umako in compiling histories of Japan and initiated the movement towards a centralised state in the second half of the seventh century. Shotoku's Seventeen-Article Constitution, or Seventeen Injunctions (Jushichijo-kenpo), is believed to have been written by him in 604 CE. It emphasised the importance of harmony (wa) and the absolute authority of the emperor. While not all of the seventeen points were realised during his lifetime, they had a lasting influence on later Japanese politics, including the emphasis on collective decision-making.
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Frequently asked questions
The Seventeen Article Constitution, or Seventeen Injunctions, was introduced in 604 CE and had a lasting influence on Japanese politics, especially in the promotion of Buddhism and the centralisation of government.
Prince Shotoku, also known as Umayado no Miko and Shotoku Taisha, ruled as the regent of Japan from 594 to 622 CE. He was a great supporter of Buddhism and Chinese culture.
The Seventeen Article Constitution was a set of moral precepts for the ruling class, emphasising the importance of harmony and obedience to the emperor. It also introduced a Chinese-style calendar and ranking system for officials.
It is unclear if Prince Shotoku wrote the constitution himself. Some historians believe it may have been composed after his death, inspired by his teachings.
Prince Shotoku is known for his efforts to modernise Japan's government administration and promote Buddhism. He also had a devotional cult arise around him for the protection of Japan and the Imperial Family.
