1. Shotoku and Reform

2. Prince Shotuko
About 600 C.E. (Common Era) Shotoku took control in Japan
He wanted to create a strong government
He looked to China as an example

3. Prince Shotoku’s Reforms
Shotoku created a Constitution:
A constitution is a plan for government
Constitution gave all the power to the emperor.
The Emperor will appoint officials.
The Constitution listed rules for working in the government.
The rules were based on Confucius

4. Prince Shotoku’s Reforms
Shotoku sent officials and students to China
Here they learned about:
Art
Medicine
Philosophy
Buddhism

5. Prince Shotoku’s Reforms
Shotoku ordered the building of Buddhist temples and monasteries
Horyuji: the oldest Buddhist Temple in Japan

6. Yamato Take Over
In 646 C.E. the Yamato began the “Taika” or Great Change.
They divided Japan into provinces, or regional districts.
These provinces were run by officials who reported to the emperor.
All land in Japan came under the emperor’s control.

7. New Government
Clan leaders could direct the farmers working the land but couldn’t collect taxes anymore
Government officials now collected a part of the farmer’s harvest in taxes for the emperor
With Shotoku’s reforms and this new system, they created Japan’s first strong central government