413 Japanese Leaders

“Japanese Leaders”

“Harmony should be valued and quarrels should be avoided.”
This is a value rooted in the heart of the Japanese people.
The first article of the 17-Article Constitution enacted by Prince Shotoku tells us,
Avoid disputes and decide things through discussion.
This was the beginning of Japanese democracy.

Prince Shotoku’s goal was to rule Japan peacefully.
In order to do this he created a Shinto spirit centering on the emperor,
Incorporating the doctrines and spirit of Buddhism and Confucianism.

The emperor was enshrined as the absolute authority.
The vassals who served him were given power,
Their ranks were clearly defined by the 12 ranks of the crown system.
This hierarchy was based on Confucian virtues.
Those in power were forbidden from pursuing their own interests,
Rulers were to value altruism as a virtue.

This hierarchy of power from 1,400 years ago is still valid today.
No, it is precisely what is needed today.
What is wrong today, is the inability to judge right from wrong,
This is caused by the diversity of values in the world.
What is required of today’s leaders is true wisdom.

Leaders who lie with impunity and always make excuses,
Who focus only on what is politically advantageous instead of good policy,
Who cannot express their own vision in their own words,
We no longer need leaders like this.

Leaders who lead us into a future that fulfills God’s will,
These are the leaders that Japan needs now.