Prince Shotoku ~ most famous and mysterious person ~



image of Prince Shotoku
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_Sh%C5%8Dtoku

Do you know Prince Shotoku?
Maybe, most Japanese people and some non-Japanese people know about his name or picture or history. But he might not be Prince Shotoku like we know.

History  &   Contribution

Prince Shotoku (A.D. 574-622) was the son of Emperor Yomei, became prince of Emperor Suiko who is his aunt. He was appointed as regent (Sessho) in 593 by her. This later, he was an important politician of the Asuka Period in Japan who served under her by 622 when he died. In 603, he established the Twelve Level Cap and Rank System at the court. This system allowed for promotion based on merit and  individual achievement. Next year, he promulgated a Seventten-article constitution. This document focused on the morals and virtues that were to be expected of government officials and the emperor's subjects to ensure a smooth running of the state, where the emperor was to be regarded as the highest authority.
  He was also developed the a system of trade roads, sent Ono no Imoko to China as an emissary to bring in the Chinese cultures and political systems. Besides, he inspired Buddha's teaching (Bukkyo), commissioned the Shitennou-ji temple and Horyu-ji temple.
  Having established the new cap and rank system, having promulgated the first constitution in Japan, Prince Shotoku succeeded in establishing a centralized government during his reign. So in Japan, he is better known today than any other great persons.

Secrets  &  Mysteries

  Prince Shotoku often is regarded as a super star due to his contribution. However there are many secrets or mysteries about him. First of all, his name, "Prince Shotoku" is not his real name. In fact, he probably wasn't called Prince Shotoku in his lifetime. His real name is "Prince Umayato". This name was inspired because it was said that his mother gave birth to him in front of a stable door. "Umayato" is quite different from "Shotoku" because Shotoku consists of "sho" which means a man as saint and "toku" which means having virtue.
  He also was the first man who established a Japanese embassy in China, which allowed for harmony between the countries. He aimed to make Japan strong and be on equal terms with Emperor of China.
  However, some scholars suggest that Prince Shotoku (Prince Umayato) was not a real person, but a fabulous person. Evidence indicates that the primary source of the life and accomplishments of him came from the Nihon Shoki which  is the second oldest book of classical Japanese history written by Prince Toneri 100 years later from his death, and that its auther was likely to alter the history and to invent Prince Shotoku's life.
  If you become interested in Prince Shotoku, please  investigate his secrets or mysteries.