Why was Prince Shotuku able to make so many changes in Japan when he wasn't emperor?

Question

Why was Prince Shotuku able to make so many changes in Japan when he wasn't emperor?

Answer 1

Prince Shōtok (573–621), also known as Prince Umayado, was a regent and a politician of the Asuka period in Japan. As "The Imperial Prince Mumayado no Toyotomimi" he was appointed Prince Imperial and had general control of the Government, and was entrusted with all the details of administration.

His greatest legacy to Japanese history was the Seventeen Article Constitution which spelled out the philosophic and religious principles on which Japanese Imperial government would be based. In line with his foundational role in Japanese political identity, his birth, like that of Buddha, is a miraculous birth: born without pain, he speaks as an adult from the moment of his birth.

His began his early education first in Buddhism (the Inner Doctrine) and then in Confucianism and the Confucian classics (the Outer Classics). The general narrative of the Nihongi outlines two developments: the evolution of Japanese government in Confucian principles and the gradual adoption of Buddhism among the Japanese.

Answer 2

Prince Shotoku was a regent and a politician of the Asuka period in Japan.

In 603, he established the twelve official ranks at court.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_Sh%C...