The Constitution of the Seventeen Articles

The Constitution of the Seventeen Articles, written in 604 AD, is an early Japanese document that outlines the principles of governance and morality based on Chinese Confucian ideas. It emphasizes harmony between the ruler and ministers, ethical behavior, and the importance of proper conduct in government. The articles serve as guidelines for leaders to maintain order, advise on loyalty, justice, and humility, and promote a unified, well-ordered society. While not a constitution in the modern sense, it functions as a founding moral and political code aimed at establishing stability and ethical governance in Japan.