Prince Shotoku was actually a regent appointed by his Aunt Suiko, the first woman ruler of Japan. He ruled from 593 to 622. Shotoku was very impressed with Chinese culture, so he tried to incorporate it in his rule. He sent scholars and artists to study the Chinese society. He made a point of welcoming artisans from China into Japan. He opened an embassy in China, and created guidelines based on confucian principles. He also promoted Buddhism, which was a challenge all on it's own. Buddhism was not founded in Japan so it met some difficulties.