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The Seventeen-Article Constitution, traditionally attributed to Prince Shōtoku (574-622 CE), is a significant document in Japanese history, particularly regarding the development of Buddhism and governance in Japan. Its importance can be understood in several aspects.
First, the document showcases strong Buddhist influences, especially in its emphasis on harmony, morality, and the significance of the Three Treasures (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha). This reflects a crucial step in integrating Buddhist principles into Japanese governance.
Second, the constitution establishes a clear social and political hierarchy, which aligns with key Confucian principles. It stresses the importance of respecting superiors and maintaining proper relationships between rulers and subjects while emphasizing virtuous behavior among officials, consistent with Confucian ideals of moral leadership. In 603 CE, Prince Shōtoku is traditionally credited with introducing the Cap and Rank System (Kan'i jūnikai), based on the Chinese model, which used different styles of headgear to denote rank.
Third, the constitution promotes the idea of a centralized state under imperial rule, marking a departure from the clan-based system that had previously dominated Japanese society.
Additional aspects include its emphasis on ethical behavior among officials, promoting virtues such as honesty, diligence, and impartiality. The document stresses the importance of harmony (wa) in society, a concept that remains central to Japanese culture. While not a constitution in the modern sense, it provides a moral and philosophical framework for governance, influencing later Japanese legal and political thought.
However, the attribution of the Seventeen-Article Constitution to Prince Shōtoku has been questioned by modern scholars. Some argue that the document was likely compiled later, possibly in the 8th century, rather than during Shōtoku's lifetime. Others suggest it may have been the work of multiple authors over time, rather than a single document created by Shōtoku. Furthermore, its attribution to Shōtoku may be symbolic, reflecting his reputation as a wise ruler and promoter of Buddhism rather than indicating actual authorship. Some ideas in the document appear to reflect concerns and political realities of a period later than Shōtoku's time, and there is no clear evidence from his era that he authored this document.
Despite these scholarly debates, the traditional attribution to Prince Shōtoku remains significant in Japanese history and culture. He is revered as a key figure in the early promotion of Buddhism in Japan and the development of a centralized state.
Regardless of whether Prince Shōtoku personally authored the document, the Seventeen-Article Constitution remains an important early attempt to articulate principles of governance in Japan, blending Buddhist, Confucian, and native Japanese elements. It reflects the complex cultural and political changes occurring in Japan during the transition from the Asuka to the Nara period as the country moved toward a more centralized state structure and integrated Buddhist ideas into its political philosophy.