Soga no Umako (蘇我馬子; 551? - June 19, 626[1]), the son of Soga no Iname and the strongest member of the Soga clan of Japan, conducted political reforms with Prince Shotoku during the rules of Emperor Bidatsu and Empress Suiko and established the Soga clan's stronghold in the government by having his daughter married with members of the royal family.
In the late 6th century, Soga no Umako went to great lengths to promote Buddhism in Japan. At that time, The Soga clan employed the immigrant from China and Korea, and obtained a high technology and knowledge. Soga no Umako, who made the acceptance of Buddhism, destroyed Mononobe no Moriya and his family, which led to Soga dominance.[1] According to the Nihongi and the Suiko section of Fusō-ryakuki (compiled by the monk Kōen during the early thirteenth century), the records [citation needed] say that, on January 15, 593, when relics of Buddha were deposited inside the foundation stone under the pillar of a pagoda at Asuka-dera, the Great Minister Soga Umako, together with 100 people, had appeared wearing Paekche clothes, and the spectators were very much delighted.
Ishibutai Kofun is believed to be the tomb of Soga no Umako.
Genealogy
Soga no Umako's wife was a daughter of Mononobe no Ogusi and a sister of Mononobe no Moriya; they had five children.
- Soga no Emishi
- Soga no Kuramaro
- Kahakami no Iratsume, made consort of Emperor Sushun in 587, married to Yamato no Aya no Atahe in 592.
- Tojiko no Iratsume, consort of Shotoku Taishi
- Hode no Iratsume, consort of Emperor Jomei
Notes
- ^ June 19, 626 corresponds to the twentieth day of the fifth month of 626 (Heibo) of the traditional lunisolar calendar used in Japan until 1873
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