Creating a Strong Government
Prince Shotoku is known for creating a strong government. After Empress Suiko rose to power in 593 as Japan’s first female monarch, Shotoku accepted the lead of political power as her regent. As author of Japan’s first constitution, the document he wrote provided the governing principles of Japanese society. He also created twelve official ranks at court in 603. As Prince Shotoku said "Let us control and not be resentful when others disagree with us, for all men have a hearts and each heart has its own learnings." Shotoku created the basics of government, people still use today.