Japanese Buddhism and Its Role in the Reform of Prince Shoto Kutaishi

Abstract

In 603 A.D., Prince Shoto Kutaishi conducted a reform movement in Japan. Prince Shoto Kutaishi was a crucial character in this period. His reform promoted the development and localization of Buddhism in Japan. It was the golden age of Buddhism in Japan. Another crucial thing in Shoto Kutaishis reform was recovered the community between Japan and China. The purpose of community was exchanged Buddhist teachings and import mainland culture to Japan. However, in more than twenty years after the death of Prince Shotoku, Japan began the massive Taika Era Reforms. This paper sorts out the historical process of Prince Shotokus reform. This study argues that Prince Shotoku implemented the reform in order to maintain the rule of the emperor and to promote centralization of power.