Japanese Textbooks Revise Portrayal of Prince Shotoku Amid New Historical Research

Japanese school textbooks are undergoing significant revisions regarding the historical figure of Prince Shotoku, reflecting new research that questions the extent of his achievements and even his traditional portrayal. Historical writer and professor at Tama University, Atsushi Kawai, highlighted that the famous portrait of Shotoku, which appeared on Japanese banknotes seven times, was likely created over a century after his death and may not accurately depict him. As a result, high school history textbooks have largely removed the image, while elementary and junior high school books now label it as "Tradition of Prince Shotoku" rather than a definitive likeness.

The revision extends to Shotoku's official titles and biographical details. Modern textbooks describe him simply as the "nephew of the emperor," omitting previous references to him as regent or crown prince. According to Kawai, the positions of regent and crown prince were not formally established during Shotoku's era, making such descriptions historically inaccurate. Furthermore, his name is now often presented as "Umayado no O (Prince Shotoku)," with "Shotoku Taishi" being a posthumous honorific.

Scholars are re-evaluating key achievements traditionally attributed to Shotoku, such as the Seventeen-Article Constitution and the Twelve-Level Cap and Rank System. Kawai suggested that the Nihon Shoki, Japan's oldest official history, may have been edited to exaggerate Shotoku's role, elevating him as a hero to serve the political purposes of later rulers like Fujiwara no Fuhito. Consequently, current textbooks do not explicitly claim these policies were Shotoku's accomplishments, instead noting that the true power in Empress Suiko's court likely rested with Suiko herself and Soga no Umako.

The dispatch of envoys to Sui China, long associated with Shotoku, is also being reconsidered. Chinese historical records indicate an earlier mission in 600 CE, which the Nihon Shoki omits, possibly because it was seen as dishonorable. High school textbooks now cite 600 CE for the first envoy rather than 607 CE, without attributing the initiative to Shotoku.

Despite these critical revisions, Kawai noted that recent studies are also emerging that could rehabilitate Shotoku's reputation. New research points to his construction of Horyu-ji Temple and the strategically located Ikaruga Palace, suggesting he may have wielded significant political influence. Experts caution that the historical understanding of Prince Shotoku remains fluid and may continue to evolve with future discoveries.