Question

Prince Shotoku believed that both blank and blank could unify Japan.

Answer 1

Prince Shotoku believed that both Buddhism and Confucianism could unify Japan. Shotoku undertook the task of uniting Japan under a strong central government (by reducing the power of clan leaders). To unite Japan under one central government, he encouraged the spread of Buddhism (became a strong supporter). He hoped that as Buddhism spread, it would help the Japanese fell like a single group of people (united in one faith). Shotoku studied the writings of Confucius. He also believed Confucianism could help unify his country. Because the religion was appealing to people and he believed that he could unite people under one thing that they liked.

Prince Shotoku gave Japan its first Constitution (of Seventeen Articles). The general principals of the Constitution were based on Buddhist and Confucian thought.