Taishi

Taishi is a romanization that can refer to several terms in East Asian history and culture. In Japan, taishi (太子) denotes the title of Crown Prince, used for the heir apparent in early Japanese governance. The most famous bearer is Shōtoku Taishi (聖徳太子), a semi-legendary regent of the Asuka period. He is linked with the introduction of Buddhism and Chinese-style administration, including the Seventeen-Article Constitution, and with diplomatic missions to China. The title gradually fell out of use as the political system evolved in the Nara period.

In Chinese historical usage, taishi (太史, pinyin Tàishǐ) refers to the office of Grand Historian, the chief compiler of annals and records. The term has ancient roots and appears in dynastic histories as the designation for scholars charged with historiography, calendrical matters, and related records. The tradition is exemplified by figures associated with the early imperial historiography, such as the celebrated Sima Qian, who is sometimes styled as Taishigong (太史公).

Taishi also appears as a personal name element in East Asia and can be encountered in modern given names. The specific meaning depends on the chosen characters and language, and the term may carry historical or honorific connotations depending on context.