Prince Shotoku聖徳太子alternative words: Prince Shotokutaishi, Shotokutaishi, Shotoku taishi, Shoutokutaishi, Shoutoku taishi, Umayadonooji, Umayado no oji keywords: china , famous person , statesman related topics: Asuka period , Buddhism , Empress Suiko , 17 article constitution related web sites: http://www4.justnet.ne.jp/~takeuchi_toshinori/tv_taisi.htm , http://www.tk.airnet.ne.jp/ponta/history/hist03.html , http://www.hikyaku.com/gallery/english/horyuji.htm explanation: Born as a son of Emperor Yomei in 574, Prince Shotoku, sometimes called also Prince Umayado is the main politician of Asuka era. Once became the crown prince, he carried out a policy based upon Buddhism as the regent of Empress Suiko. In 604, he legislated the Constitution with 17 articles, the oldest written law of Japan. In 607 he sent a Japanese delegation headed by Ono no Imoko to China. He died in 622. His effigy appeared on the old bank notes of 10,000 yens and 5,000 yens. | |