Prince Shotoku: The Architect of Early Japan
If you ask any history buff in Japan to name the most influential figure of the Asuka period, the answer is almost unanimously Prince Shotoku (Shotoku Taishi). Often compared to a Japanese Leonardo da Vinci or a saintly sage, Shotoku is a figure shrouded in a fascinating mix of hard historical fact and colorful mythology. For centuries, his face graced the most high-value Japanese banknotes, cementing his image as a symbol of wisdom, governance, and benevolence.
For travelers visiting the ancient capitals of Nara and Osaka, understanding Prince Shotoku is the key to unlocking the spiritual and architectural heritage of the region. From the world’s oldest wooden buildings to the foundations of Japanese Buddhism, his legacy is everywhere.
Origins: The Regent of the Asuka Period
Prince Shotoku was born in 574 AD, a time of immense political instability and cultural transition in Japan. Born Umayado no Toyotomimi, he was the second son of Emperor Yomei. However, his rise to prominence began when his aunt, Empress Suiko, ascended the throne. Shotoku was appointed as her Regent (Sessho) in 593 AD, effectively running the administration of the state.
His contributions to Japanese history are foundational. Before Shotoku, Japan was a loose confederation of powerful clans. He sought to create a centralized state modeled after the great dynasties of China. To achieve this, he:
- Established the Cap Rank System (冠位十二階): A meritocratic system that granted rank based on ability rather than just hereditary lineage.
- Authored the Seventeen-Article Constitution (十七条憲法): This was not a constitution in the modern legal sense, but a set of moral and ethical principles for officials. It famously begins with the line, “Harmony is to be valued” (Wa wo motte totoshi to nasu), a concept that remains central to Japanese society today.
- Promoted Buddhism: Perhaps his most lasting legacy was the enthusiastic adoption of Buddhism, which had recently arrived from the continent. He viewed it as a tool to unify the country and elevate its culture.
The Legend: Man or Myth?
While his political achievements are documented, the Prince Shotoku found in folklore is a superhuman entity. Much of what we know comes from the Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan), which was written decades after his death and sought to deify him.
The Ten Conversations
The most famous legend concerns his intelligence. It is said that Prince Shotoku could listen to ten people petitioning him simultaneously and understand every single word, giving each a perfect, distinct answer. This led to his nickname Toyosatomimi (Eight-Eared Prince).
The Flying Horse
Legends speak of Shotoku riding a black horse named Kurokoma. According to folklore, the horse possessed supernatural abilities and once flew the Prince to the top of Mount Fuji, allowing him to survey the entire realm in a single trip.
The Reincarnation
In later eras, particularly during the rise of Japanese Tendai Buddhism, Shotoku was venerated as the reincarnation of Bodhisattva Kannon (Avalokiteshvara). This elevated him from a mere statesman to a deity, leading to the formation of “Taishi-ko” (Prince Shotoku worship cults) among craftsmen and carpenters, who revered him as their patron saint due to his massive temple construction projects.
Modern Culture
Even in modern, high-tech Japan, Prince Shotoku remains a cultural touchstone.
- Currency: For a large part of the 20th century (specifically on the 10,000, 5,000, and 1,000 yen notes at various times), Prince Shotoku’s stoic face was the symbol of wealth. Older generations still sometimes refer to a 10,000 yen bill simply as a “Shotoku.”
- Manga and Anime: He is a popular character in pop culture. In the famous gag manga and anime Gag Manga Biyori, he is portrayed as a goofy, incompetent eccentric, a sharp contrast to his serious historical image. Conversely, Ryoko Yamagishi’s classic manga Hi Izuru Tokoro no Tenshi portrays him as a powerful, mystical, and psychically gifted figure.
Traveler’s Tips: Walking in the Prince’s Footsteps
If you are planning a trip to the Kansai region (Nara, Kyoto, Osaka), you can visit the actual sites built by or associated with Prince Shotoku. Here are the must-visit locations:
1. Horyu-ji Temple (Nara)
This is the big one. Founded by Prince Shotoku in 607, Horyu-ji contains the world’s oldest surviving wooden structures. It was Japan’s first UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Highlights: The Five-Story Pagoda and the Yumedono (Hall of Dreams), built on the site of Shotoku’s private palace where he supposedly meditated on sutras.
2. Shitenno-ji Temple (Osaka)
Located in the heart of Osaka, this was the first Buddhist, state-sponsored temple in Japan, established by Shotoku in 593.
- Highlights: The temple layout is geometric and distinct from later styles. Visit on the 21st of every month for a massive flea market that takes over the temple grounds, a tradition dating back centuries.
3. Asuka Village (Nara)
The Asuka region is the cradle of Japanese civilization. Renting a bicycle and riding through the rice paddies to visit the Tachibana-dera (said to be his birthplace) is a magical experience for anyone interested in ancient history.
Sources & Further Reading
For those wishing to dive deeper into the blend of history and myth surrounding the Prince, the following texts are essential:
- Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): Compiled in 720 AD, this classical text provides the primary source material for his legends and political achievements.
- The Seventeen-Article Constitution: English translations are widely available and offer a fascinating glimpse into the Confucian and Buddhist ethics of 7th-century Japan.
Prince Shotoku stands at the intersection of the human and the divine. Whether you view him as a brilliant politician or a Buddhist saint, his influence on the Japanese landscape is undeniable. When you walk through the gates of Horyu-ji, you are walking through the vision of the man who built Japan.