The seventeen Shotoku Taishi 604 article constitution talks about Buddhism and Confucianism. Confucianism is the teachings of Confucius that stress the social order and members fulfilling their mission in society. The 17-article constitution is based on the people of Japan; however, some non-Japanese influences have been mentioned in the law code.
For instance, in article 3 of the Shotoku Taishi 604 constitution, the imperials who are non-Japanese influence the people of Japan. They are seen to issue commands, and one is expected to follow them to the letter. The power of the emperors is held similar to that of Heaven. In that, just as the Lord, who is Heaven commands its subject, should obey, the people of Japan should pay heed to their imperial powers and submit to avoid harsh consequences, which are otherwise termed as a ruin in the article. It says, “consequently when you receive the imperial commands, fail not to carry them out scrupulously…and ruin is the natural consequence.”
The article further explains that when the imperials lead and the people submit, good things flourish. It says, “Heaven overspreads, and earth upbears. When this is so, the four seasons follow their due course, and the power of nature obtain their efficacy.” Therefore, the emperors have a set of commands that the people of Japan are expected to adhere to.
Similarly, non-Japanese influence is also seen in article 7, where knowledge and wisdom are essential to the world. The article asserts that few people are born with the ability to obtain wisdom; one should undergo intense and solemn meditation. These people then come out as agreeable and should be sought to hold office. It says, “In this world, few are born with knowledge: wisdom is the product of earnest meditation… find the right man, and they will surely be well managed: on all occasions.”
These said knowledgeable and wise men should be made leaders to avoid disaster befalling the earth. The constitution further says, “In this way will state be lasting and the Temples of the Earth and Grain will be free from danger.” Therefore, non-Japanese influence in this article is depicted by the general effect from the leaders in the world to the good of the world.
In centralized authority, specific groups of people at the top are given the decision-making power and responsibility as the other people comply. This power is retained at the headquarters or head offices, and all the other subordinate and junior offices receive authority from the head office. The concentration of power at the top gives a transparent chain of command to the subjects under it. In Japan, the law tries to centralize the collection of taxes from the people.
According to article 12, the law advocates for one government that rules the whole country to levy taxes on the people and not the provincial authorities to levy taxes as the government also does. It says, “The sovereign is the master of the people of the whole country. The officials are all his vassals. How can they, as well as the government, presume to levy taxes on the people?” In this way, the people of Japan know who to give their taxes to since the authority is centralized. Therefore, Japan was a centralized government, where all other offices in the country reported to the ‘master of the people.’