552–622 CEReputable sourceWell documented
The Arrival of Buddhism and Prince Shōtoku
On the timeline · around 552–622 CE · Classical Japan
What happened
Buddhism reached Japan from the Korean kingdom of Baekje in the mid-6th century. As regent, Prince Shōtoku embraced the new faith, promoted Chinese-style government, and is credited with the Seventeen-Article Constitution, a set of moral principles for officials. Chinese writing, art, and statecraft flowed in alongside the religion.
Why it matters
Buddhism and Chinese culture reshaped Japanese religion, art, and government, binding Japan into the wider East Asian world while it adapted these imports into something distinctly its own.
Sources
- World History Encyclopedia. Prince Shotoku · Reputable source