Shōtoku Taishi

Prince Shōtoku was a influential Japanese noble and regent in the early 7th century, famed for promoting Buddhism and strengthening the centralized government. He authored foundational texts like the Seventeen-Article Constitution, emphasizing moral conduct and governance based on Buddhist principles. Shōtoku worked to unify Japan culturally and politically, fostering alliances and developing a court culture that integrated Chinese and Korean influences. His efforts laid the groundwork for the widespread adoption of Buddhism in Japan and contributed to shaping the country's early political and religious institutions, earning him a revered status in Japanese history.