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Japan: Emperor Saga was the 52nd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. (r. notionally 806-809). 14th century painting on silk

Japan: Emperor Saga was the 52nd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. (r. notionally 806-809). 14th century painting on silk

Emperor Saga (嵯峨天皇 Saga-tennō, February 8, 785 – August 24, 842) was the 52nd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Saga's reign spanned the years from 809 through 823.

Saga was the second son of Emperor Kanmu and Fujiwara no Otomuro. His personal name was Kamino (神野). Saga was an accomplished calligrapher, able to compose in Chinese who held the first imperial poetry competitions (naien). According to legend, he was the first Japanese emperor to drink tea.

Saga is traditionally venerated at his tomb; the Imperial Household Agency designates Saganoyamanoe no Misasagi (嵯峨山上陵, Saganoyamanoe Imperial Mausoleum), in Ukyō-ku, Kyoto, as the location of Saga's mausoleum.

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