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Born in 574 as Prince Umayado, son of Emperor Yomei. As regent for his aunt Empress Suiko, he spearheaded Japan's first centralized state. In 603, he established the Twelve-Level Cap Rank system, promoting talent over hereditary privilege. In 604, he promulgated the Seventeen-Article Constitution, declaring "Harmony is to be treasured." He dispatched Ono no Imoko to Sui China in 607, asserting equal-footing diplomacy. He authored the Sangyo Gisho commentaries on three Buddhist sutras, demonstrating deep doctrinal learning. He founded Shitennoji and Horyuji temples, greatly advancing Buddhist culture. He died in 622, aged 49. Though his family was later destroyed by Soga no Iruka, his ideals and institutions shaped the Japanese state for centuries.

Legendarily wise—said to have listened to ten petitioners at once. Deeply devoted to Buddhism, he authored commentaries on three sutras. An ideal ruler combining innovative governance with profound learning.

Laid the foundations of Japan's ritsuryō state system. Known from the former 10,000-yen bill, he is one of Japan's most beloved historical figures. Horyuji is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as the world's oldest wooden structure.