Prince Shōtoku's Seventeen-Article Constitution

Timeline

1. 604Asuka Palace · KinkiCrown Prince Umayado (Prince Shōtoku) promulgated the Seventeen-Article Constitution in the name of Empress Suiko, covering principles such as harmony being precious, reverence for the Three Treasures, obedience to edicts, loyal service to the state, impartial justice, and encouraging good and punishing evil, blending Confucian and Buddhist thought with imperial authority.
2. 603–607Asuka · KinkiPrince Shōtoku concurrently implemented the Twelve Level Cap and Rank System and compiled a calendar, and in 607 dispatched envoys such as Ono no Imoko to the Sui, studying the institutions of the Sui and Tang. The constitutional thought and these reforms together constituted a political blueprint for the transition to a ritsuryō state.