Kotoku

Kotoku is a romanization of the Japanese term Kōtoku, used in different contexts to refer to people, places, and institutions. The kanji can be different depending on context: 孝徳 meaning "filial virtue" or 高徳 meaning "high virtue." In English-language references, Kotoku often appears in names rather than as a standalone concept.

In historical contexts, Kotoku may refer to Emperor Kōtoku (孝徳天皇), the 36th emperor of Japan, who reigned in the mid-7th century (645–654). He is associated with early centralization efforts that laid the groundwork for the Taika reforms and the adoption of Chinese-style government structures.

In religious and cultural contexts, Kotoku-in (高徳院) is a Buddhist temple in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture. It is best known for housing the Great Buddha of Kamakura, a large bronze statue completed in 1252. The temple and statue are among Japan's iconic cultural assets and are a common destination for visitors.

The term Kotoku also appears as a component in other place names and institutions in Japan, and as a transliteration of similar-sounding names in other languages. Because of differing kanji spellings and historical readings, Kotoku may be encountered in varied forms in English-language references.

Further details depend on the specific Kotoku being discussed, so references are often disambiguated by accompanying context such as dates, locations, or kanji.