Prince Shotoku
Prince Shotoku was such a remarkable leader because his actions for keeping such close contact to China and Korea shaped Japan for the whole and rest of its existence. Setting up an embassy in China kept the two empires in good terms, and the Prince took many ideas of religion, philosophy, architecture, art, culture, literature, science, maths, and agriculture. And most importantly: government.
The 17-Point Constitution, invented by Shotoku, was made in 604. This was, essentially, the moral standard that were to guide the future Japanese rulers. The Confucian ideals influenced this constitution--especially in the sense of ranks falling into varying levels of obedience. They stressed the idea of duty and honor for the family and country also played a major role.
But in 622, Shotoku died, and Japan was stumbling about like a beheaded chicken. There was much fighting among the many different clans of the land; each of them battled to gain influence over the lesser emperors. But in 645, the Fujiwara clan seized power, and they took the liberty of performing many changes in the Japanese government, all to give it more power (and more importantly, its rivals less). They established a new tax system, took a census, owned all the land (no private ownership), and gave more power to the central government.
The 17-Point Constitution, invented by Shotoku, was made in 604. This was, essentially, the moral standard that were to guide the future Japanese rulers. The Confucian ideals influenced this constitution--especially in the sense of ranks falling into varying levels of obedience. They stressed the idea of duty and honor for the family and country also played a major role.
But in 622, Shotoku died, and Japan was stumbling about like a beheaded chicken. There was much fighting among the many different clans of the land; each of them battled to gain influence over the lesser emperors. But in 645, the Fujiwara clan seized power, and they took the liberty of performing many changes in the Japanese government, all to give it more power (and more importantly, its rivals less). They established a new tax system, took a census, owned all the land (no private ownership), and gave more power to the central government.
"I do hope that Japan will be loyal to me as much as it would for the heir. He is but a child, and I'd hate for our country to be in his hands."
"This monstrous country to the west... They are ever so successful and rich. Why should I do anything so different from it?"
"Confucianism's ideals are so honorable and strong; it would be perfect to put into my government."
"Buddhism's beliefs are also extremely beautiful and humbling. I'd like to bring them here for my people."
" Finally, it is done! A document for all of Japan's future leaders--all their moral standards and etiquette outlined in one paper. These rules will keep my empire mighty."
"
"This monstrous country to the west... They are ever so successful and rich. Why should I do anything so different from it?"
"Confucianism's ideals are so honorable and strong; it would be perfect to put into my government."
"Buddhism's beliefs are also extremely beautiful and humbling. I'd like to bring them here for my people."
" Finally, it is done! A document for all of Japan's future leaders--all their moral standards and etiquette outlined in one paper. These rules will keep my empire mighty."
"