Which value is emphasized in the Reform Edict of Taika, 646?

The Reform Edict of Taika, issued in 646, emphasizes Confucian values, particularly concerning education and ethical behavior. This edict marked a significant shift in Japanese governance and society as it sought to centralize power and promote a more structured bureaucratic system inspired by Chinese models.

Confucianism stressed the importance of order, hierarchy, and moral conduct, which aligned with the goals of the Taika reforms to create a more organized and ethical state. The implementation of a system where officials were chosen based on merit rather than birth, as well as the encouragement of education, reflects this alignment with Confucian ideals. By focusing on ethics and education, the Reform Edict aimed to cultivate a more enlightened government and citizenry, ultimately leading to stronger governance and social harmony.

While other options touch on important aspects of society, such as military strength, economic prosperity, or religious practices, they do not fully capture the central focus of the Taika reforms, which was to embed and promote Confucian ethical values within the framework of governance.