Soga no Umako

Who was Soga no Umako?

Ishibutai Kofun is believed to be the tomb of Soga no Umako. Soga no Umako was the son of Soga no Iname and a member of the powerful Soga clan of Japan.

Umako conducted political reforms with Prince Shōtoku 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 immigrants from China and Korea, and obtained a high technology and knowledge. Soga no Umako, who made the acceptance of Buddhism, defeated Mononobe no Moriya in the Battle of Shigisen, and secured Soga dominance. On January 15, 593, Relics of Buddha were deposited inside the foundation stone under the pillar of a pagoda at Asuka-dera, a temple which Umako ordered to construct, according to the Suiko section of Nihongi.