Prince Shōtoku

A royal statesman of Asuka-period Japan in the 6th and 7th centuries, traditionally described as regent under Empress Suiko. The prince is remembered for promoting the adoption of Buddhism and centralized state institutions.

The world's oldest firm was Kongō Gumi, a Japanese temple builder founded in 578 AD. A Baekje artisan built Japan's first Buddhist temple at Prince Shōtoku's request, and it raised temples for 1,400+ years over 40 generations — until a 2006 takeover ended its run.

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