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Yashima Gakutei was a Japanese artist and poet who was a pupil of both Totoya Hokkei and Hokusai. Gakutei is best known for his kyoka poetry and surimono woodblock works.
The Meiji Restoration was a chain of events that restored practical imperial rule to Japan in 1868 under Emperor Meiji. Although there were Emperors before the Meiji Restoration, the events restored practical abilities and consolidated the political system under the Emperor of Japan.<br/><br/> The goals of the restored government were expressed by the new emperor in the Charter Oath. The Restoration led to enormous changes in Japan's political and social structure. The Meiji period spanned 1868 to 1912 and was responsible for the emergence of Japan as a modernized nation in the early twentieth century.
Akihito (born 23 December 1933) is the reigning Emperor of Japan. He is the 125th emperor of his line according to Japan's traditional order of succession. Akihito succeeded his father Showa and acceded to the Chrysanthemum Throne on 7 January 1989. He abdicated on 30 April 2019.
Yashima Gakutei was a Japanese artist and poet who was a pupil of both Totoya Hokkei and Hokusai. Gakutei is best known for his kyoka poetry and surimono woodblock works.
Emperor Seiwa (清和天皇 Seiwa-tennō, 850–878) was the 56th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Seiwa's reign spanned the years from 858 through 876.<br/><br/> Ban Dainagon Ekotoba (伴大納言絵詞 The Tale of Great Minister Ban) is a late 12th century emakimono (handscroll painting) depicting the events of the Ōtemmon Conspiracy, an event of Japan's early Heian period. The painting, attributed to Tokiwa Mitsunaga, is over 20m long and about 31.5 cm tall.
Junna had six Empresses and Imperial consorts and 13 Imperial sons and daughters. His personal name (imina) was Ōtomo (大伴).<br/><br/> Junna is traditionally venerated at his tomb; the Imperial Household Agency designates Ōharano no Nishi no Minenoe no Misasagi (大原野西嶺上陵, Ōharano no Nishi no Minenoe Imperial Mausoleum), in Nishikyō-ku, Kyoto, as the location of Junna's mausoleum.
Emperor Ingyō (允恭天皇 Ingyō-tennō) was the 19th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. No firm dates can be assigned to this emperor's life or reign, but he is conventionally considered to have reigned from 410–453.<br/><br/> Emperor Ingyo's empress is named Oshisaka no Ōnakatsu no Hime in the Japanese annals. Princess Sotori Hime was the concubine of the Emperor Ingyo, so named for the beauty of her skin which seemed to radiate through her robes. Later accounts associated her with the deity Tamatsushima Myojin, enshrined at Wakanoura in Kii Province, and venerated her as one of the three gods of poetry together with Kakimoto no Hitomaro and Yamabe no Akahito.<br/><br/> According to the <i>Nihon Shoki</i> written in 720, Princess Sotori lived in seclusion in the Fujiwara Shrine out of deference to the Empress. The Emperor decided to visit her there in secret, but even before he arrived the Princess had divined that he was coming by noticing a spider building its web in the roots of a dwarf bamboo plant.
Empress Jitō (持統天皇 Jitō-tennō, 645 – 13 January 703) was the 41st monarch of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Jitō's reign spanned the years from 686 through 697.<br/><br/> In the history of Japan, Jitō was the third of eight women to take on the role of empress regnant. The two female monarchs before Jitō were (1) Suiko and (2) Kōgyoku/Saimei. The five women sovereigns reigning after Jitō were (3) Gemmei, (4) Genshō, (5) Kōken/Shōtoku, (6) Meishō, and (7) Go-Sakuramachi.<br/><br/> Jitō took responsibility for court administration after the death of her husband, Emperor Temmu, who was also her uncle. She acceded to the throne in 687 in order to ensure the eventual succession of her son, Kusakabe-shinnō. Throughout this period, Empress Jitō ruled from the Fujiwara Palace in Yamato.<br/><br/> Prince Kusabake was named as crown prince to succeed Jitō, but he died at a young age. Kusabake's son, Karu-no-o, was then named as Jitō's successor. He eventually would become known as Emperor Mommu.<br/><br/> In 697, Jitō abdicated in Mommu's favor; and as a retired sovereign, she took the post-reign title daijō-tennō. After this, her imperial successors who retired took the same title after abdication. The actual site of Jitō's grave is known. This empress is traditionally venerated at a memorial Shinto shrine (misasagi) at Nara. The Imperial Household Agency designates this location as Jitō's mausoleum. It is formally named Ochi-no-Okanoe no misasagi.
Empress Jitō (持統天皇 Jitō-tennō, 645 – 13 January 703) was the 41st monarch of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Jitō's reign spanned the years from 686 through 697.<br/><br/> In the history of Japan, Jitō was the third of eight women to take on the role of empress regnant. The two female monarchs before Jitō were (1) Suiko and (2) Kōgyoku/Saimei. The five women sovereigns reigning after Jitō were (3) Gemmei, (4) Genshō, (5) Kōken/Shōtoku, (6) Meishō, and (7) Go-Sakuramachi.<br/><br/> Jitō took responsibility for court administration after the death of her husband, Emperor Temmu, who was also her uncle. She acceded to the throne in 687 in order to ensure the eventual succession of her son, Kusakabe-shinnō. Throughout this period, Empress Jitō ruled from the Fujiwara Palace in Yamato.<br/><br/> Prince Kusabake was named as crown prince to succeed Jitō, but he died at a young age. Kusabake's son, Karu-no-o, was then named as Jitō's successor. He eventually would become known as Emperor Mommu.<br/><br/> In 697, Jitō abdicated in Mommu's favor; and as a retired sovereign, she took the post-reign title daijō-tennō. After this, her imperial successors who retired took the same title after abdication. The actual site of Jitō's grave is known. This empress is traditionally venerated at a memorial Shinto shrine (misasagi) at Nara. The Imperial Household Agency designates this location as Jitō's mausoleum. It is formally named Ochi-no-Okanoe no misasagi.
Empress Jitō (持統天皇 Jitō-tennō, 645 – 13 January 703) was the 41st monarch of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Jitō's reign spanned the years from 686 through 697.<br/><br/> In the history of Japan, Jitō was the third of eight women to take on the role of empress regnant. The two female monarchs before Jitō were (1) Suiko and (2) Kōgyoku/Saimei. The five women sovereigns reigning after Jitō were (3) Gemmei, (4) Genshō, (5) Kōken/Shōtoku, (6) Meishō, and (7) Go-Sakuramachi.<br/><br/> Jitō took responsibility for court administration after the death of her husband, Emperor Temmu, who was also her uncle. She acceded to the throne in 687 in order to ensure the eventual succession of her son, Kusakabe-shinnō. Throughout this period, Empress Jitō ruled from the Fujiwara Palace in Yamato.<br/><br/> Prince Kusabake was named as crown prince to succeed Jitō, but he died at a young age. Kusabake's son, Karu-no-o, was then named as Jitō's successor. He eventually would become known as Emperor Mommu.<br/><br/> In 697, Jitō abdicated in Mommu's favor; and as a retired sovereign, she took the post-reign title daijō-tennō. After this, her imperial successors who retired took the same title after abdication. The actual site of Jitō's grave is known. This empress is traditionally venerated at a memorial Shinto shrine (misasagi) at Nara. The Imperial Household Agency designates this location as Jitō's mausoleum. It is formally named Ochi-no-Okanoe no misasagi.
Emperor Tenji (天智天皇 Tenji-tennō, 626 – January 7, 672), also known as Emperor Tenchi, was the 38th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.<br/><br/> As prince, Naka no Ōe played a crucial role in ending the near-total control the Soga clan had over the imperial family. In 644, seeing the Soga continue to gain power, he conspired with Nakatomi no Kamatari and Soga no Kurayamada no Ishikawa no Maro to assassinate Soga no Iruka in what has come to be known as the Isshi Incident. Although the assassination did not go exactly as planned, Iruka was killed, and his father and predecessor, Soga no Emishi, committed suicide soon after.<br/><br/> Following the Isshi Incident, Iruka's adherents dispersed largely without a fight, and Naka no Ōe was named heir apparent. He also married the daughter of his ally Soga no Kurayamada, thus ensuring that a significant portion of the Soga clan's power was on his side.
Empress Jitō (持統天皇 Jitō-tennō, 645 – 13 January 703) was the 41st monarch of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Jitō's reign spanned the years from 686 through 697.<br/><br/> In the history of Japan, Jitō was the third of eight women to take on the role of empress regnant. The two female monarchs before Jitō were (1) Suiko and (2) Kōgyoku/Saimei. The five women sovereigns reigning after Jitō were (3) Gemmei, (4) Genshō, (5) Kōken/Shōtoku, (6) Meishō, and (7) Go-Sakuramachi.<br/><br/> Jitō took responsibility for court administration after the death of her husband, Emperor Temmu, who was also her uncle. She acceded to the throne in 687 in order to ensure the eventual succession of her son, Kusakabe-shinnō. Throughout this period, Empress Jitō ruled from the Fujiwara Palace in Yamato.<br/><br/> Prince Kusabake was named as crown prince to succeed Jitō, but he died at a young age. Kusabake's son, Karu-no-o, was then named as Jitō's successor. He eventually would become known as Emperor Mommu.<br/><br/> In 697, Jitō abdicated in Mommu's favor; and as a retired sovereign, she took the post-reign title daijō-tennō. After this, her imperial successors who retired took the same title after abdication. The actual site of Jitō's grave is known. This empress is traditionally venerated at a memorial Shinto shrine (misasagi) at Nara. The Imperial Household Agency designates this location as Jitō's mausoleum. It is formally named Ochi-no-Okanoe no misasagi.
Emperor Tenji (天智天皇 Tenji-tennō, 626 – January 7, 672), also known as Emperor Tenchi, was the 38th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.<br/><br/> As prince, Naka no Ōe played a crucial role in ending the near-total control the Soga clan had over the imperial family. In 644, seeing the Soga continue to gain power, he conspired with Nakatomi no Kamatari and Soga no Kurayamada no Ishikawa no Maro to assassinate Soga no Iruka in what has come to be known as the Isshi Incident. Although the assassination did not go exactly as planned, Iruka was killed, and his father and predecessor, Soga no Emishi, committed suicide soon after.<br/><br/> Following the Isshi Incident, Iruka's adherents dispersed largely without a fight, and Naka no Ōe was named heir apparent. He also married the daughter of his ally Soga no Kurayamada, thus ensuring that a significant portion of the Soga clan's power was on his side.
Emperor Jimmu was the first emperor of Japan, according to legend. His accession is traditionally dated as 660 BCE. He is a descendant of the sun goddess Amaterasu through her grandson Ninigi, as well as a descendant of the storm god Susanoo. He launched a military expedition from Hyuga near the Inland Sea, captured Yamato, and established this as his center of power.<br/><br/> Jimmu's reign notionally spanned the years 660-585 BCE.
Emperor Jimmu was the first emperor of Japan, according to legend. His accession is traditionally dated as 660 BCE. He is a descendant of the sun goddess Amaterasu through her grandson Ninigi, as well as a descendant of the storm god Susanoo. He launched a military expedition from Hyuga near the Inland Sea, captured Yamato, and established this as his center of power.<br/><br/> Jimmu's reign notionally spanned the years 660-585 BCE.
Emperor Jimmu was the first emperor of Japan, according to legend. His accession is traditionally dated as 660 BCE. He is a descendant of the sun goddess Amaterasu through her grandson Ninigi, as well as a descendant of the storm god Susanoo. He launched a military expedition from Hyuga near the Inland Sea, captured Yamato, and established this as his center of power.<br/><br/> Jimmu's reign notionally spanned the years 660-585 BCE.
Amaterasu (天照), Amaterasu-ōmikami (天照大神／天照大御神) or Ōhirume-no-muchi-no-kami (大日孁貴神) is a part of the Japanese myth cycle and also a major deity of the Shinto religion.<br/><br/> She is the goddess of the sun, but also of the universe. The name Amaterasu derived from Amateru meaning 'shining in heaven'. The meaning of her whole name, Amaterasu-ōmikami, is 'the great august kami (God) who shines in the heaven'.<br/><br/> The Emperor of Japan is said to be a direct descendant of Amaterasu.<br/><br/> Ama-no-Iwato (天岩戸) literally means 'The cave of the sun goddess' or 'heavenly rock cave'. In Japanese mythology, Susanoo, the Japanese god of the seas, was the one who drove Amaterasu into Ame-no-Iwato. This caused the sun to hide for a long period of time.<br/><br/> In order to get Amaterasu out of the cave the other gods threw a party outside. When she heard the noise she got curious and peeked but got blinded by the mirror Yata no Kagami and so she thought they were celebrating the arrival of an even greater and brighter goddess than herself, though in reality it was her own mirror image. Then Ame-no-tajikarao forced the cave to open up the rest and the world was bathed in light once again. As Amaterasu stepped out of the cave a holy seal was applied to it so that she couldn't go back into hiding.
Amaterasu (天照), Amaterasu-ōmikami (天照大神／天照大御神) or Ōhirume-no-muchi-no-kami (大日孁貴神) is a part of the Japanese myth cycle and also a major deity of the Shinto religion.<br/><br/> She is the goddess of the sun, but also of the universe. The name Amaterasu derived from Amateru meaning 'shining in heaven'. The meaning of her whole name, Amaterasu-ōmikami, is 'the great august kami (God) who shines in the heaven'.<br/><br/> The Emperor of Japan is said to be a direct descendant of Amaterasu.<br/><br/> Ama-no-Iwato (天岩戸) literally means 'The cave of the sun goddess' or 'heavenly rock cave'. In Japanese mythology, Susanoo, the Japanese god of the seas, was the one who drove Amaterasu into Ame-no-Iwato. This caused the sun to hide for a long period of time.<br/><br/> In order to get Amaterasu out of the cave the other gods threw a party outside. When she heard the noise she got curious and peeked but got blinded by the mirror Yata no Kagami and so she thought they were celebrating the arrival of an even greater and brighter goddess than herself, though in reality it was her own mirror image. Then Ame-no-tajikarao forced the cave to open up the rest and the world was bathed in light once again. As Amaterasu stepped out of the cave a holy seal was applied to it so that she couldn't go back into hiding.
Emperor Uda (宇多天皇 Uda-tennō, May 5, 867 – July 19, 931) was the 59th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Uda's reign spanned the years from 887 through 897.<br/><br/> Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was Sadami (定省) or Chōjiin-tei.<br/><br/> Emperor Uda was the third son of Emperor Kōkō. His mother was Empress Dowager Hanshi, a daughter of Prince Nakano (who was himself a son of Emperor Kammu). Uda had five Imperial consorts and 20 Imperial children.
Emperor Uda (宇多天皇 Uda-tennō, May 5, 867 – July 19, 931) was the 59th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Uda's reign spanned the years from 887 through 897.<br/><br/> Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was Sadami (定省) or Chōjiin-tei.<br/><br/> Emperor Uda was the third son of Emperor Kōkō. His mother was Empress Dowager Hanshi, a daughter of Prince Nakano (who was himself a son of Emperor Kammu). Uda had five Imperial consorts and 20 Imperial children.
Emperor Seiwa (清和天皇 Seiwa-tennō, 850–878) was the 56th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Seiwa's reign spanned the years from 858 through 876.<br/><br/> Seiwa was the fourth son of Emperor Montoku. His mother was Empress Dowager Fujiwara no Akirakeiko (明子), also called the Somedono empress 染殿后). Seiwa's mother was the daughter of Fujiwara no Yoshifusa (藤原良房), who was regent and great minister of the council of state. He was the younger half-brother of Imperial Prince Koretaka (惟喬親王) (lived 844–897).
Emperor Murakami (村上天皇 Murakami-tennō, 14 July 926 – 5 July 967) was the 62nd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Murakami's reign spanned the years from 946 to his death in 967.<br/><br/> Before he ascended to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was Nariakira-shinnō (成明親王). Nariakira-shinnō was the 14th son of Emperor Daigo, and the younger brother of Emperor Suzaku by another mother. Murakami had ten Empresses and Imperial consorts and 19 Imperial sons and daughters.
Emperor Kanmu (桓武天皇 Kanmu-tennō, 737–806) was the 50th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Kanmu reigned from 781 to 806.<br/><br/> Kanmu's personal name was Yamabe (山部). He was the eldest son of Prince Shirakabe (later known as Emperor Kōnin), and was born prior to Shirakabe's ascension to the throne. According to the Shoku Nihongi (続日本紀), Yamabe's mother, Yamato no Niigasa (later called Takano no Niigasa), was a 10th generation descendant of Muryeong of Baekje.<br/><br/> Kanmu had 16 empresses and consorts, and 32 imperial sons and daughters. Among them, three sons would eventually ascend to the imperial throne: Emperor Heizei, Emperor Saga and Emperor Junna. Some of his descendants (known as the Kanmu Taira or Kanmu Heishi) took the Taira hereditary clan title, and in later generations became prominent warriors. Examples include Taira no Masakado, Taira no Kiyomori, and (with a further surname expansion) the Hōjō clan. The waka poet Ariwara no Narihira was one of his grandsons.<br/><br/> Kanmu is traditionally venerated at his tomb; the Imperial Household Agency designates Kashiwabara no Misasagi (柏原陵, Kashiwabara Imperial Mausoleum), in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, as the location of Kanmu's mausoleum.
Amaterasu (天照), Amaterasu-ōmikami (天照大神／天照大御神) or Ōhirume-no-muchi-no-kami (大日孁貴神) is a part of the Japanese myth cycle and also a major deity of the Shinto religion.<br/><br/> She is the goddess of the sun, but also of the universe. The name Amaterasu derived from Amateru meaning 'shining in heaven'. The meaning of her whole name, Amaterasu-ōmikami, is 'the great august kami (God) who shines in the heaven'.<br/><br/> The Emperor of Japan is said to be a direct descendant of Amaterasu.
Amaterasu (天照), Amaterasu-ōmikami (天照大神／天照大御神) or Ōhirume-no-muchi-no-kami (大日孁貴神) is a part of the Japanese myth cycle and also a major deity of the Shinto religion.<br/><br/> She is the goddess of the sun, but also of the universe. The name Amaterasu derived from Amateru meaning 'shining in heaven'. The meaning of her whole name, Amaterasu-ōmikami, is 'the great august kami (God) who shines in the heaven'.<br/><br/> The Emperor of Japan is said to be a direct descendant of Amaterasu.
Amaterasu (天照), Amaterasu-ōmikami (天照大神／天照大御神) or Ōhirume-no-muchi-no-kami (大日孁貴神) is a part of the Japanese myth cycle and also a major deity of the Shinto religion.<br/><br/> She is the goddess of the sun, but also of the universe. The name Amaterasu derived from Amateru meaning 'shining in heaven'. The meaning of her whole name, Amaterasu-ōmikami, is 'the great august kami (God) who shines in the heaven'.<br/><br/> The Emperor of Japan is said to be a direct descendant of Amaterasu.<br/><br/> Ama-no-Iwato (天岩戸) literally means 'The cave of the sun goddess' or 'heavenly rock cave'. In Japanese mythology, Susanoo, the Japanese god of the seas, was the one who drove Amaterasu into Ame-no-Iwato. This caused the sun to hide for a long period of time.<br/><br/> In order to get Amaterasu out of the cave the other gods threw a party outside. When she heard the noise she got curious and peeked but got blinded by the mirror Yata no Kagami and so she thought they were celebrating the arrival of an even greater and brighter goddess than herself, though in reality it was her own mirror image. Then Ame-no-tajikarao forced the cave to open up the rest and the world was bathed in light once again. As Amaterasu stepped out of the cave a holy seal was applied to it so that she couldn't go back into hiding.
Emperor Ojin became the crown prince at the age of four. He was crowned (in 270) at the age of 70 and reigned for 40 years until his death in 310. He supposedly lived in two palaces both of which are in present day Osaka. Ōjin is traditionally identified as the father of Emperor Nintoku, who acceded after Ōjin's death.<br/><br/>Ōjin has been deified as Hachiman Daimyōjin, regarded as the guardian of warriors. The Hata Clan considered him their guardian Kami. The actual site of Ōjin's grave is not known, but he is traditionally venerated at a memorial Shinto shrine (misasagi) at Osaka.<br/><br/> The Imperial Household Agency designates this location as Ōjin's mausoleum. It is formally named Eega no Mofushi no oka no misasagi.
Emperor Montoku (文徳天皇 Montoku-tennō) (22 January 826– 7 October 858) was the 55th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. The years of Montoku's spanned the years from 850 through 858.<br/><br/> Before Montoku's ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was Michiyasu (道康). He was also known as Tamura-no-mikado or Tamura-tei.<br/><br/> He was the eldest son of Emperor Ninmyō. His mother was Empress Dowager Fujiwara no Junshi (also called the Gojō empress 五条后), daughter of the minister of the left, Fujiwara no Fuyutsugu. Montoku had six Imperial consorts and 29 Imperial sons.
Emperor Yūryaku (雄略天皇 Yūryaku-tennō) was the 21st emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Yūryaku is remembered as a patron of sericulture.<br/><br/> No firm dates can be assigned to this emperor's life or reign, but he is notionally considered to have reigned from 456–479.
Fujiwara no Hidesato (藤原 秀郷?) was a <i>kuge</i> (court bureaucrat) of tenth century Heian Japan. He is famous for his military exploits and courage, and is regarded as the common ancestor of the Ōshū branch of the Fujiwara clan, the Yūki, Oyama, and Shimokōbe families.<br/><br/> Hidesato served under Emperor Suzaku, and fought alongside Taira no Sadamori in 940 in suppressing the revolt of Taira no Masakado. His prayer for victory before this battle is commemorated in the Kachiya Festival. Hidesato was then appointed Chinjufu-shogun (Defender of the North) and Governor of Shimotsuke Province.<br/><br/> Emperor Suzaku (朱雀天皇 Suzaku-tennō, July 24, 922 – October 7, 952) was the 61st emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Suzaku's reign spanned the years from 930 through 946.<br/><br/> Before his ascension of the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was Hiroakira-shinnō. He was also known as Yutaakira-shinnō (寛明親王). Hiroakira-shinnō was the 11th son of Emperor Daigo and Empress Consort Onshi, a daughter of the regent and Great Minister of the Council of State, Fujiwara no Mototsune. Daigo had two Empresses or consorts and one Imperial daughter.
Emperor Kōkō (光孝天皇 Kōkō-tennō, 830 – August 26, 887) was the 58th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Kōkō reigned from 884 to 887.<br/><br/> Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was Tokiyatsu (時康親王) or Komatsu-tei. He would later be identified sometimes as 'the Emperor of Komatsu'. This resulted in the later Emperor Go-Komatsu adopting this name (go- meaning 'later', so 'Later Emperor Komatsu' or 'Emperor Komatsu II').<br/><br/> Tokiyatsu Shinnō was the third son of Emperor Nimmyō. His mother was Fujiwara no Sawako. Kōkō had four Imperial consorts and 41 Imperial sons and daughters.
Empress Jitō (持統天皇 Jitō-tennō, 645 – 13 January 703) was the 41st monarch of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Jitō's reign spanned the years from 686 through 697.<br/><br/> In the history of Japan, Jitō was the third of eight women to take on the role of empress regnant. The two female monarchs before Jitō were (1) Suiko and (2) Kōgyoku/Saimei. The five women sovereigns reigning after Jitō were (3) Gemmei, (4) Genshō, (5) Kōken/Shōtoku, (6) Meishō, and (7) Go-Sakuramachi.<br/><br/> Jitō took responsibility for court administration after the death of her husband, Emperor Temmu, who was also her uncle. She acceded to the throne in 687 in order to ensure the eventual succession of her son, Kusakabe-shinnō. Throughout this period, Empress Jitō ruled from the Fujiwara Palace in Yamato.<br/><br/> Prince Kusabake was named as crown prince to succeed Jitō, but he died at a young age. Kusabake's son, Karu-no-o, was then named as Jitō's successor. He eventually would become known as Emperor Mommu.<br/><br/> In 697, Jitō abdicated in Mommu's favor; and as a retired sovereign, she took the post-reign title daijō-tennō. After this, her imperial successors who retired took the same title after abdication. The actual site of Jitō's grave is known. This empress is traditionally venerated at a memorial Shinto shrine (misasagi) at Nara. The Imperial Household Agency designates this location as Jitō's mausoleum. It is formally named Ochi-no-Okanoe no misasagi.
The renowned female samurai, Tomoe-gozen in the 11th Century. Her husband or love was the Genji General Kiso Yoshinaka.<br/><br/> According to the 'The Tale of Heike', Tomoe was especially beautiful, with white skin, long hair, and charming features. She was also a remarkably strong archer, and as a swords-woman she was a warrior worth a thousand, ready to confront a demon or a god, mounted or on foot.<br/><br/> She handled unbroken horses with superb skill; she rode unscathed down perilous descents. Whenever a battle was imminent, Yoshinaka sent her out as his first captain, equipped with strong armor, an oversized sword, and a mighty bow, and she performed more deeds of valor than any of his other warriors.
Emperor Tenji (天智天皇 Tenji-tennō, 626 – January 7, 672), also known as Emperor Tenchi, was the 38th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.<br/><br/> As prince, Naka no Ōe played a crucial role in ending the near-total control the Soga clan had over the imperial family. In 644, seeing the Soga continue to gain power, he conspired with Nakatomi no Kamatari and Soga no Kurayamada no Ishikawa no Maro to assassinate Soga no Iruka in what has come to be known as the Isshi Incident. Although the assassination did not go exactly as planned, Iruka was killed, and his father and predecessor, Soga no Emishi, committed suicide soon after.<br/><br/> Following the Isshi Incident, Iruka's adherents dispersed largely without a fight, and Naka no Ōe was named heir apparent. He also married the daughter of his ally Soga no Kurayamada, thus ensuring that a significant portion of the Soga clan's power was on his side.
Empress Jitō (持統天皇 Jitō-tennō, 645 – 13 January 703) was the 41st monarch of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Jitō's reign spanned the years from 686 through 697.<br/><br/> In the history of Japan, Jitō was the third of eight women to take on the role of empress regnant. The two female monarchs before Jitō were (1) Suiko and (2) Kōgyoku/Saimei. The five women sovereigns reigning after Jitō were (3) Gemmei, (4) Genshō, (5) Kōken/Shōtoku, (6) Meishō, and (7) Go-Sakuramachi.<br/><br/> Jitō took responsibility for court administration after the death of her husband, Emperor Temmu, who was also her uncle. She acceded to the throne in 687 in order to ensure the eventual succession of her son, Kusakabe-shinnō. Throughout this period, Empress Jitō ruled from the Fujiwara Palace in Yamato.<br/><br/> Prince Kusabake was named as crown prince to succeed Jitō, but he died at a young age. Kusabake's son, Karu-no-o, was then named as Jitō's successor. He eventually would become known as Emperor Mommu.<br/><br/> In 697, Jitō abdicated in Mommu's favor; and as a retired sovereign, she took the post-reign title daijō-tennō. After this, her imperial successors who retired took the same title after abdication. The actual site of Jitō's grave is known. This empress is traditionally venerated at a memorial Shinto shrine (misasagi) at Nara. The Imperial Household Agency designates this location as Jitō's mausoleum. It is formally named Ochi-no-Okanoe no misasagi.
Emperor Yūryaku (雄略天皇 Yūryaku-tennō) was the 21st emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Yūryaku is remembered as a patron of sericulture.<br/><br/> No firm dates can be assigned to this emperor's life or reign, but he is notionally considered to have reigned from 456–479.
Fujiwara no Hidesato (藤原 秀郷?) was a <i>kuge</i> (court bureaucrat) of tenth century Heian Japan. He is famous for his military exploits and courage, and is regarded as the common ancestor of the Ōshū branch of the Fujiwara clan, the Yūki, Oyama, and Shimokōbe families.<br/><br/> Hidesato served under Emperor Suzaku, and fought alongside Taira no Sadamori in 940 in suppressing the revolt of Taira no Masakado. His prayer for victory before this battle is commemorated in the Kachiya Festival. Hidesato was then appointed Chinjufu-shogun (Defender of the North) and Governor of Shimotsuke Province.<br/><br/> Emperor Suzaku (朱雀天皇 Suzaku-tennō, July 24, 922 – October 7, 952) was the 61st emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Suzaku's reign spanned the years from 930 through 946.<br/><br/> Before his ascension of the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was Hiroakira-shinnō. He was also known as Yutaakira-shinnō (寛明親王). Hiroakira-shinnō was the 11th son of Emperor Daigo and Empress Consort Onshi, a daughter of the regent and Great Minister of the Council of State, Fujiwara no Mototsune. Daigo had two Empresses or consorts and one Imperial daughter.
Emperor Kōkō (光孝天皇 Kōkō-tennō, 830 – August 26, 887) was the 58th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Kōkō reigned from 884 to 887.<br/><br/> Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was Tokiyatsu (時康親王) or Komatsu-tei. He would later be identified sometimes as 'the Emperor of Komatsu'. This resulted in the later Emperor Go-Komatsu adopting this name (go- meaning 'later', so 'Later Emperor Komatsu' or 'Emperor Komatsu II').<br/><br/> Tokiyatsu Shinnō was the third son of Emperor Nimmyō. His mother was Fujiwara no Sawako. Kōkō had four Imperial consorts and 41 Imperial sons and daughters.
Emperor Antoku (安徳天皇 Antoku-tennō) (December 22, 1178 – March 24, 1185) was the 81st emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.<br/><br/> Antoku's reign spanned the years from 1180 through 1185.
Emperor Tenji (天智天皇 Tenji-tennō, 626 – January 7, 672), also known as Emperor Tenchi, was the 38th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.<br/><br/> As prince, Naka no Ōe played a crucial role in ending the near-total control the Soga clan had over the imperial family. In 644, seeing the Soga continue to gain power, he conspired with Nakatomi no Kamatari and Soga no Kurayamada no Ishikawa no Maro to assassinate Soga no Iruka in what has come to be known as the Isshi Incident. Although the assassination did not go exactly as planned, Iruka was killed, and his father and predecessor, Soga no Emishi, committed suicide soon after.<br/><br/> Following the Isshi Incident, Iruka's adherents dispersed largely without a fight, and Naka no Ōe was named heir apparent. He also married the daughter of his ally Soga no Kurayamada, thus ensuring that a significant portion of the Soga clan's power was on his side.
Emperor Ojin became the crown prince at the age of four. He was crowned (in 270) at the age of 70 and reigned for 40 years until his death in 310. He supposedly lived in two palaces both of which are in present day Osaka. Ōjin is traditionally identified as the father of Emperor Nintoku, who acceded after Ōjin's death.<br/><br/>Ōjin has been deified as Hachiman Daimyōjin, regarded as the guardian of warriors. The Hata Clan considered him their guardian Kami. The actual site of Ōjin's grave is not known, but he is traditionally venerated at a memorial Shinto shrine (misasagi) at Osaka.<br/><br/> The Imperial Household Agency designates this location as Ōjin's mausoleum. It is formally named Eega no Mofushi no oka no misasagi.
'My Lord Bag of Rice' or in Japanese Tawara Tōda (俵藤太 'Rice-bag Tōda') is a fairy tale about a hero who kills the giant centipede Seta to help a Japanese dragon princess, and is rewarded in her underwater Ryūgū-jō 龍宮城 'dragon palace castle'.<br/><br/> The 1711 Honchō kwaidan koji 本朝怪談故事 contains the best-known version of this Japanese myth about the warrior Fujiwara no Hidesato. There is a Shinto shrine near the Seta Bridge at Lake Biwa where people worship Tawara Tōda.<br/><br/> Fujiwara no Hidesato (藤原 秀郷?) or Tawara Toda was a <i>kuge</i> (court bureaucrat) of tenth century Heian Japan. He is famous for his military exploits and courage, and is regarded as the common ancestor of the Ōshū branch of the Fujiwara clan, the Yūki, Oyama, and Shimokōbe families.<br/><br/> Hidesato served under Emperor Suzaku, and fought alongside Taira no Sadamori in 940 in suppressing the revolt of Taira no Masakado. His prayer for victory before this battle is commemorated in the Kachiya Festival. Hidesato was then appointed Chinjufu-shogun (Defender of the North) and Governor of Shimotsuke Province.<br/><br/>
Emperor Kōkō (光孝天皇 Kōkō-tennō, 830 – August 26, 887) was the 58th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Kōkō reigned from 884 to 887.<br/><br/> Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was Tokiyatsu (時康親王) or Komatsu-tei. He would later be identified sometimes as 'the Emperor of Komatsu'. This resulted in the later Emperor Go-Komatsu adopting this name (go- meaning 'later', so 'Later Emperor Komatsu' or 'Emperor Komatsu II').<br/><br/> Tokiyatsu Shinnō was the third son of Emperor Nimmyō. His mother was Fujiwara no Sawako. Kōkō had four Imperial consorts and 41 Imperial sons and daughters.
Emperor Antoku (安徳天皇 Antoku-tennō) (December 22, 1178 – March 24, 1185) was the 81st emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession.<br/><br/> Antoku's reign spanned the years from 1180 through 1185.<br/><br/> Akama Shrine (赤間神宮 Akama Jingū) is a Shinto shrine in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. It is dedicated to Antoku, a Japanese emperor who died as a child in the Battle of Dan-no-Ura (aka Dannoura), which occurred nearby in 1185. This battle was important in the history of Japan because it brought an end to the Gempei War in which the Minamoto clan defeated the rival Taira clan, and ended the Taira bid for control of Japan.
Emperor Tenmu (天武天皇 Tenmu-tennō, c. 631 – October 1, 686) was the 40th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Tenmu's reign lasted from 672 until his death in 686.<br/><br/> Tenmu was the youngest son of Emperor Jomei and Empress Saimei, and the younger brother of the Emperor Tenji. His name at birth was Prince Ōama (大海人皇子:Ōama no ōji). He was succeeded by Empress Jitō, who was both his niece and his wife. During the reign of his elder brother, Emperor Tenji, Tenmu was forced to marry several of Tenji's daughters because Tenji thought those marriages would help to strengthen political ties between the two brothers. The nieces he married included Princess Unonosarara, today known as the Empress Jitō, and Princess Ōta. Tenmu also had other consorts whose fathers were influential courtiers.<br/><br/> Tenmu had many children, including his crown prince Kusakabe by Princess Unonosarara; Princess Tōchi; Prince Ōtsu and Princess Ōku by Princess Ōta (whose father also was Tenji); and Prince Toneri, the editor of Nihonshoki and father of Emperor Junnin. Through Prince Kusakabe, Tenmu had two emperors and two empresses among his descendents. Empress Shōtoku was the last of these imperial rulers from his lineage.
Emperor Nintoku (仁徳天皇 Nintoku-tennō) was the 16th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. No firm dates can be assigned to this emperor's life or reign, but he is conventionally considered to have reigned from 313–399 CE.<br/><br/> Nintoku is regarded by historians as a 'legendary emperor' of the 5th century. The reign of Emperor Kimmei (509?–571), the 29th emperor, is the first for which contemporary historiography is able to assign verifiable dates; however, the conventionally accepted names and dates of the early emperors were not to be confirmed as 'traditional' until the reign of Emperor Kammu (737–806), the 50th sovereign of the Yamato dynasty.<br/><br/> According to the <i>Nihon Shoki</i> written in 720, he was the fourth son of Emperor Ōjin and his mother was Nakatsuhime no Mikoto, a great-granddaughter of Emperor Keikō. He was also the father of Emperors Richū, Hanzei, and Ingyō.
Emperor Daigo (醍醐天皇 Daigo-tennō, February 6, 884 – October 23, 930) was the 60th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Daigo's reign spanned the years from 897 through 930. He is named after his place of burial.<br/><br/> Before his ascension of the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was Atsuhito (敦仁親王) or Ono-tei.<br/><br/> Atsuhito-shinnō was the eldest son of his predecessor, Emperor Uda. His mother was Fujiwara no Taneko, daughter of the Minister of the Centre, Fujiwara no Takafuji. He succeeded the throne after his father, the Emperor Uda, abdicated in 897.<br/><br/> Daigo had 21 empresses, imperial consorts, and concubines; he had 36 imperial sons and daughters.
Emperor Kōkō (光孝天皇 Kōkō-tennō, 830 – August 26, 887) was the 58th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Kōkō reigned from 884 to 887.<br/><br/> Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was Tokiyatsu (時康親王) or Komatsu-tei. He would later be identified sometimes as 'the Emperor of Komatsu'. This resulted in the later Emperor Go-Komatsu adopting this name (go- meaning 'later', so 'Later Emperor Komatsu' or 'Emperor Komatsu II').<br/><br/> Tokiyatsu Shinnō was the third son of Emperor Nimmyō. His mother was Fujiwara no Sawako. Kōkō had four Imperial consorts and 41 Imperial sons and daughters.
According to the ancient Japanese chronicles <i>Kojiki</i> written in 680 and <i>Nihon Shoki</i> written in 720, Ōjin was the son of the Emperor Chūai and his consort Jingū. As Chūai died before Ōjin's birth, his mother Jingū became the de facto ruler. These sources allege that Ōjin was conceived but unborn when Chūai died. His widow, Jingū, then spent three years in the conquest of Korea, then, after her return to Japan, the new emperor was born, three years after the death of the father.<br/><br/> Ojin became the crown prince at the age of four. He was crowned (in 270) at the age of 70 and reigned for 40 years until his death in 310. He supposedly lived in two palaces both of which are in present day Osaka. Ōjin is traditionally identified as the father of Emperor Nintoku, who acceded after Ōjin's death.<br/><br/>Ōjin has been deified as Hachiman Daimyōjin, regarded as the guardian of warriors. The Hata Clan considered him their guardian Kami. The actual site of Ōjin's grave is not known, but he is traditionally venerated at a memorial Shinto shrine (misasagi) at Osaka.<br/><br/> The Imperial Household Agency designates this location as Ōjin's mausoleum. It is formally named Eega no Mofushi no oka no misasagi.
Emperor Ingyō (允恭天皇 Ingyō-tennō) was the 19th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. No firm dates can be assigned to this emperor's life or reign, but he is conventionally considered to have reigned from 410–453.<br/><br/> Emperor Ingyo's empress is named Oshisaka no Ōnakatsu no Hime in the Japanese annals. Princess Sotori Hime was the concubine of the Emperor Ingyo, so named for the beauty of her skin which seemed to radiate through her robes. Later accounts associated her with the deity Tamatsushima Myojin, enshrined at Wakanoura in Kii Province, and venerated her as one of the three gods of poetry together with Kakimoto no Hitomaro and Yamabe no Akahito.<br/><br/> According to the <i>Nihon Shoki</i> written in 720, Princess Sotori lived in seclusion in the Fujiwara Shrine out of deference to the Empress. The Emperor decided to visit her there in secret, but even before he arrived the Princess had divined that he was coming by noticing a spider building its web in the roots of a dwarf bamboo plant.
Minamoto no Hiromasa (源 博雅, 918 – September 28, 980) was a nobleman and gagaku musician in the Heian period. He was the eldest son of Prince Katsuakira and the grandson of Emperor Daigo. His mother was the daughter of Fujiwara no Tokihira.<br/><br/> Emperor Daigo (醍醐天皇 Daigo-tennō, February 6, 884 – October 23, 930) was the 60th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Daigo's reign spanned the years from 897 through 930. He is named after his place of burial.
Emperor Jimmu was the first emperor of Japan, according to legend. His accession is traditionally dated as 660 BCE. He is a descendant of the sun goddess Amaterasu through her grandson Ninigi, as well as a descendant of the storm god Susanoo. He launched a military expedition from Hyuga near the Inland Sea, captured Yamato, and established this as his center of power.<br/><br/> Jimmu's reign notionally spanned the years 660-585 BCE.
Emperor Kōkō (光孝天皇 Kōkō-tennō, 830 – August 26, 887) was the 58th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Kōkō reigned from 884 to 887.<br/><br/> Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name was Tokiyatsu (時康親王) or Komatsu-tei. He would later be identified sometimes as 'the Emperor of Komatsu'. This resulted in the later Emperor Go-Komatsu adopting this name (go- meaning 'later', so 'Later Emperor Komatsu' or 'Emperor Komatsu II').<br/><br/> Tokiyatsu Shinnō was the third son of Emperor Nimmyō. His mother was Fujiwara no Sawako. Kōkō had four Imperial consorts and 41 Imperial sons and daughters.
Emperor Ojin became the crown prince at the age of four. He was crowned (in 270) at the age of 70 and reigned for 40 years until his death in 310. He supposedly lived in two palaces both of which are in present day Osaka. Ōjin is traditionally identified as the father of Emperor Nintoku, who acceded after Ōjin's death.<br/><br/>Ōjin has been deified as Hachiman Daimyōjin, regarded as the guardian of warriors. The Hata Clan considered him their guardian Kami. The actual site of Ōjin's grave is not known, but he is traditionally venerated at a memorial Shinto shrine (misasagi) at Osaka.<br/><br/> The Imperial Household Agency designates this location as Ōjin's mausoleum. It is formally named Eega no Mofushi no oka no misasagi.
Empress Jitō (持統天皇 Jitō-tennō, 645 – 13 January 703) was the 41st monarch of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Jitō's reign spanned the years from 686 through 697.<br/><br/> In the history of Japan, Jitō was the third of eight women to take on the role of empress regnant. The two female monarchs before Jitō were (1) Suiko and (2) Kōgyoku/Saimei. The five women sovereigns reigning after Jitō were (3) Gemmei, (4) Genshō, (5) Kōken/Shōtoku, (6) Meishō, and (7) Go-Sakuramachi.<br/><br/> Jitō took responsibility for court administration after the death of her husband, Emperor Temmu, who was also her uncle. She acceded to the throne in 687 in order to ensure the eventual succession of her son, Kusakabe-shinnō. Throughout this period, Empress Jitō ruled from the Fujiwara Palace in Yamato.<br/><br/> Prince Kusabake was named as crown prince to succeed Jitō, but he died at a young age. Kusabake's son, Karu-no-o, was then named as Jitō's successor. He eventually would become known as Emperor Mommu.<br/><br/> In 697, Jitō abdicated in Mommu's favor; and as a retired sovereign, she took the post-reign title daijō-tennō. After this, her imperial successors who retired took the same title after abdication. The actual site of Jitō's grave is known. This empress is traditionally venerated at a memorial Shinto shrine (misasagi) at Nara. The Imperial Household Agency designates this location as Jitō's mausoleum. It is formally named Ochi-no-Okanoe no misasagi.
Empress Jitō (持統天皇 Jitō-tennō, 645 – 13 January 703) was the 41st monarch of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Jitō's reign spanned the years from 686 through 697.<br/><br/> In the history of Japan, Jitō was the third of eight women to take on the role of empress regnant. The two female monarchs before Jitō were (1) Suiko and (2) Kōgyoku/Saimei. The five women sovereigns reigning after Jitō were (3) Gemmei, (4) Genshō, (5) Kōken/Shōtoku, (6) Meishō, and (7) Go-Sakuramachi.<br/><br/> Jitō took responsibility for court administration after the death of her husband, Emperor Temmu, who was also her uncle. She acceded to the throne in 687 in order to ensure the eventual succession of her son, Kusakabe-shinnō. Throughout this period, Empress Jitō ruled from the Fujiwara Palace in Yamato.<br/><br/> Prince Kusabake was named as crown prince to succeed Jitō, but he died at a young age. Kusabake's son, Karu-no-o, was then named as Jitō's successor. He eventually would become known as Emperor Mommu.<br/><br/> In 697, Jitō abdicated in Mommu's favor; and as a retired sovereign, she took the post-reign title daijō-tennō. After this, her imperial successors who retired took the same title after abdication. The actual site of Jitō's grave is known. This empress is traditionally venerated at a memorial Shinto shrine (misasagi) at Nara. The Imperial Household Agency designates this location as Jitō's mausoleum. It is formally named Ochi-no-Okanoe no misasagi.
Emperor Shōmu (聖武天皇 Shōmu-tennō, 701 – June 4, 756) was the 45th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Shōmu's reign spanned the years 724 through 749.<br/><br/> Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name is not clearly known, but he was known as Oshi-hiraki Toyosakura-hiko-no-mikoto. Shōmu was the son of Emperor Mommu and Fujiwara no Miyako, a daughter of Fujiwara no Fuhito.<br/><br/> Shōmu was still a child at the time of his father's death; thus, Empresses Gemmei and Gensho occupied the throne before he acceded.<br/><br/> Shōmu is known as the first emperor whose consort was not born into the imperial household. His consort Kōmyō was a non-royal Fujiwara commoner. A ritsuryo office was created for the queen-consort, the Kogogushiki; and this bureaucratic innovation continued into the Heian period.
Emperor Seiwa (清和天皇 Seiwa-tennō, 850–878) was the 56th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Seiwa's reign spanned the years from 858 through 876.<br/><br/> Shuncho Katsukawa was born in Edo and was a pupil of Shunsho Katsukawa. Shuncho is famous for his prints of actors and bijin, beautiful women. After 1795 Shuncho Katsukawa gave up printmaking and became a writer of novels. This woodblock print of Fujiwara Sadayori is from his series: 'One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets'.