(b Asuka, AD 574; d Asuka, 622). Japanese crown prince (taishi), statesman, patron of Buddhism and the arts and calligrapher. He was known during his lifetime by various nicknames reflecting the circumstances of his birth and his personal attributes. Although historical evidence has been obscured by legend, the Nihon shoki (‘Chronicle of Japan’; 720) suggests that Shotoku wielded political power by serving as regent for his aunt, Empress Suiko (reg 593–628), after an intense six-year power struggle over the imperial succession. He is said to have instituted reforms of the court rank system, initiated diplomatic relations with China and helped frame the Seventeen-Article Constitution ( Jushichijo no kenpo; 604), an early statement of Japanese universalist philosophy, consisting of moral injunctions for government officials. More significantly, he was a fervent patron of Buddhism who helped foster closer religious and cultural ties with the continent. He is believed to have lectured on three Buddhist sutras, the Saddharmapundarika (Lotus), Vimalakirti-nirdesa and Srimaladevi-simhanada, and the Sangyo gisho; commentaries on these works (respectively Hokke gisho, Yuimagyo gisho and Shomangyo gisho) are usually attributed to him. The commentary on the Hokke gisho, written in clerical–cursive script (Jap. reisho, gyosho), is thought to be the earliest extant handwritten text by a Japanese (see also JAPAN, §VII, 1(i) and 2(i)).

• Shotoku, Prince
  • Japan, §I, 2(iii)(a): History: Age of Aristocratic Houses: Asuka-Hakuho periods
  • Japan, §V, 1(i): Sculpture: Historical overview
  • Japan, §VI, 2(i): Protohistoric painting: Introduction
  • architecture
    • Asuka–Hakuho period
    • Buddhism, §III, 10: Japan
    • Horyuji, §1: Introduction
    • Horyuji, §2(i): Historical development, before 794
    • Kyoto, §IV, 1: Koryuji
    • Osaka, §II, 1(i): Shitennoji: History
  • attributions
    • Japan, §VII, 1(iii)(a): Calligraphy, before AD 794
  • dress
    • Japan, §XVI, 7(ii)(a): Dress, before AD 794
  • manuscripts
    • Japan, §VII, 2(i)(a): Calligraphy: Buddhist scriptures, before A 794
    • Japan, §XVI, 18: Paper
  • textiles
    • Japan, §XI, 2(ii): Textiles: Asuka–Hakuho and Nara periods