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What did Prince Shotoku want to recreate in Japan that existed in China?

User Culter
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Final answer:

Prince Shotoku aimed to recreate in Japan a model of government similar to China's centralized government system. This effort was put forth in his 'Seventeen Article Constitution'.

Step-by-step explanation:

Prince Shotoku's aimed to recreate in Japan a similar centralized government system that existed in China in around the 7th century. He was greatly intrigued by the Chinese imperial model and hence aimed to develop Japan along somewhat similar lines.

This objective of his was reflected in his 'Seventeen Article Constitution', an effort to reform the Japanese state structure.To elaborate, in 604, Prince Shotoku wrote seventeen articles of government.

Sometimes referred to as Japan's first constitution, when the state was under great stress, and was divided among several semi-autonomous clans.

The constitution emphasized the Chinese Confucian precepts of a unified state ruled by a single sovereign, the meritocratic rather than hereditary system of civil service, and the clearly outlined rights and obligations of the rulers and the ruled

In essence, he wanted to create a centralized government, a concept that was prominent in China during that period. Additionally, the Prince borrowed many institutions from China, including arts and technology, religion, a writing system, political and social thoughts.

Associated political and social institutions. All these efforts were directed towards transforming Japan into a society similar to China during the 5th Century CE, but with modifications to suit its own needs.

Learn more about Prince Shotoku's mission

User Abhishek Keshri
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