Empress Suiko
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Empress Suiko was the 33rd monarch of Japan, and the country's first and longest-reigning empress regnant, according to the traditional order of succession.
Memorial Shinto shrine and mausoleum honoring Empress Suiko
Prince Shōtoku
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Prince Shōtoku, also known as Prince Umayado or Prince Kamitsumiya, was a semi-legendary regent and a politician of the Asuka period in Japan who served under Empress Suiko. He was the son of Emperor
Empress Suiko
…meaning "the great Queen who rules all under heaven". Alternatively, Suiko might have been referred to as (ヤマト大王/大君) or the "Great Queen of Yamato". Prince Shōtoku was appointed regent the following year. Although political power during Suiko's reign is widely viewed as having been wielded by Prince Shōtoku and…
Prince Shōtoku depicted in the Kamakura period
Shōtoku as a Buddhist pilgrim at the age of fourteen. Colors on silk. Muromachi Period, 14th century.
Ukiyo-e by Yoshitoshi depicting Prince Shōtoku slaying Mononobe no Moriya for heresy against Buddhism
Section of the Commentary on Lotus Sutra, said to be written in Shōtoku's hand