<u>Prince Shotoku believed that both </u><u>Buddhism</u><u> and </u><u>Confucianism</u><u> could unify Japan</u>. 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 <u>Buddhism</u> (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 <u>Confucianism</u> 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.
<em>Prince Shotoku gave Japan its first Constitution (of Seventeen Articles). The general principals of the Constitution were based on </em><u><em>Buddhist and Confucian</em></u><em> thought.</em>
