Prince Shōtoku's Letter to China

In 607 CE, Prince Shōtoku of Japan dispatched an official diplomatic mission to the Sui Dynasty of China, led by the envoy Ono no Imoko. This mission marked a significant moment in early Japanese foreign relations, as it demonstrated the Yamato court’s efforts to engage directly with one of East Asia’s most powerful states. The mission is particularly noted for the letter carried by Ono no Imoko to Emperor Yang of Sui. According to historical records, the letter began with the phrase, “The Son of Heaven in the land where the sun rises sends this letter to the Son of Heaven in the land where the sun sets.” This wording was unusual in the context of East Asian diplomacy, where China traditionally viewed itself as the central authority and expected neighboring states to acknowledge its superiority. By using parallel titles, the Japanese court presented itself as an equal rather than a subordinate state. This approach reflected Prince Shōtoku’s broader efforts to strengthen Japan’s political identity and position in regional affairs. Despite the bold language, diplomatic exchanges between Japan and the Sui Dynasty continued, and subsequent missions were sent in the following years. The 607 mission also facilitated cultural and institutional exchange. Through contact with China, Japan gained access to administrative models, Buddhist teachings, and other aspects of continental culture, which influenced developments within the Yamato state.