Soga no Umako (蘇我 馬子, 551? – June 19, 626[1]) was the son of Soga no Iname and a member of the powerful Soga clanofJapan.
Soga no Umako
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蘇我 馬子
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| Born | 551? |
| Died | (626-06-19)June 19, 626 |
| Resting place | Shimanoshō, Asuka, Nara Prefecture, Japan (traditionally) 34°28′0.7″N 135°49′34.1″E / 34.466861°N 135.826139°E / 34.466861; 135.826139 |
| Monuments | Ishibutai Kofun (traditionally) |
| Other names | Shima no Ōomi (嶋大臣) |
| Years active | late 6th century – early 7th century |
| Known for | Political reforms of Asuka period, associate of Prince Shōtoku, promoter of Buddhism |
| Spouse | Daughter of Mononobe no Ogushi |
| Children | Kahiiko no Iratsume Soga no Emishi Soga no Kuramaro Tojiko no Iratsume Hode no Iratsume |
| Parent | Soga no Iname |
Umako conducted political reforms with Prince Shōtoku during the rules of Emperor Bidatsu and Empress Suiko[2] and established the Soga clan's stronghold in the government by having his daughters married to members of the imperial family.
In the late 6th century, Soga no Umako went to great lengths to promote Buddhism in Japan, and was instrumental in its acceptance. At that time, the Soga clan employed immigrants from China and Korea, and worked to obtain advanced technology and other knowledge. In 587, Umako defeated Mononobe no Moriya in the Battle of Shigisan, securing Soga dominance. On January 15, 593, relics of Buddha Shakyamuni were deposited inside the foundation stone under the pillar of a pagoda at Asuka-dera (Hōkō-ji at the time), a temple whose construction Umako ordered, according to the Suiko section of the Nihonshoki.[3]
Ishibutai Kofun is believed to be the tomb of Soga no Umako.[4]
Soga no Umako's wife was a daughter of Mononobe no Ogushi and a sister of Mononobe no Moriya; they had five children.
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