Founder or eminent monk
Shōtoku Taishi
聖徳太子
Shōtoku Taishi was a member of the imperial family in the Asuka period with deep ties to Shitennō-ji and Hōryū-ji. In later ages, faith in the Taishi grew around him as one who protected and passed on Buddhism. On this site he is introduced as one of the people who passed on Buddhism.
You can read separately about the life of the historical person and the faith and legends handed down in later times.
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
Faith in the Taishi handed down at Shitennō-ji
Shitennō-ji reveres the Taishi as “the teacher of the Land of Wa” (和国の教主) and also introduces the belief that he was an incarnation of Guze Kannon. This is an expression of Buddhist faith that cherishes the Taishi.
Source: 和宗総本山 四天王寺
Places for learning and for supporting people
The founding legend of Shitennō-ji tells of the Shikain, which, together with a place to study the Buddha way, supported the sick and people in need. We introduce it as a legend that conveys the Taishi's aspiration.
Source: 和宗総本山 四天王寺
The filial image, praying for his father's recovery
Images of the Taishi at different ages and in different scenes have come down. Here, drawing on the kyōyō (filial) image of him at sixteen, said to have prayed for the recovery of his father, Emperor Yōmei, from illness, we depict a young figure wearing a kesa and holding a long-handled censer.
Source: 奈良国立博物館
The connection on the 22nd of each month
Shitennō-ji announces the Taishi-e on the 22nd, the monthly memorial day of Shōtoku Taishi. We list general monthly ennichi and monthly memorial days that remember founders and other figures separately, keeping their meanings distinct.
Source: 四天王寺
Related shrines and temples
Related kami and buddhas
Sources (in Japanese)
- 和宗総本山 四天王寺「聖徳太子」（2026-10-18 確認）
- 奈良国立博物館「ジュニアガイド・聖徳太子」（2026-10-18 確認）
- 四天王寺「太子会」（2026-10-17 確認）