Daijō Tennō

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Daijō Tennō

Role / Field:

The title for a retired Emperor of Japan, often translated as 'Emperor Emeritus'.

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Daijō Tennō or Dajō Tennō (太上天皇) is a title for an Emperor of Japan who abdicates the Chrysanthemum Throne in favour of a successor. It is sometimes translated as "Emperor Emeritus". It is known as the Jōkō (上皇). As defined in the Taihō Code, although retired, a Daijō Tennō could still exert power. The first such example is the Empress Jitō in the 7th century.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

A retired emperor sometimes entered the Buddhist monastic community, becoming a cloistered emperor. During late Heian period, cloistered emperors wielded power in a system known as cloistered rule. A total of 64 Japanese emperors have abdicated. This includes individuals who were never enthroned but were granted the title of Daijō Tennō (太上天皇, Emperor Emeritus). A list follows: Commodore Matthew C. Perry and his squadron of what the Japanese dubbed "the Black Ships" sailed into the harbor at Edo (now known as Tokyo) in July 1853.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Perry sought to open Japan to trade, and warned the Japanese of military consequences if they did not agree. During the crisis brought on by Perry's arrival, the Tokugawa shogunate took, for the first time in at least 250 years, the highly unusual step of consulting with the Imperial Court, and Emperor Kōmei's officials advised that they felt the Americans should be allowed to trade and asked that they be informed in advance of any steps to be taken upon Perry's return. Feeling at a disadvantage against Western powers, the Japanese government allowed trade and submitted to the "Unequal Treaties", giving up tariff authority and the right to try foreigners in its own courts. The shogunate's willingness to consult with the Imperial Court was short-lived: in 1858, word of a treaty arrived with a letter stating that due to shortness of time, it had not been possible to consult. Emperor Kōmei was so incensed that he threatened to abdicate—though even this action would have required the consent of the shōgun.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1853: 1853 Milestone — Perry and his squadron of what the Japanese dubbed "the Black Ships" sailed into the harbor at Edo (now known as Tokyo) in July 1853.
2. 1858: 1858 Milestone — The shogunate's willingness to consult with the Imperial Court was short-lived: in 1858, word of a treaty arrived with a letter stating that due to shortness of time, it had not been possible to consult.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Daijō Tennō

True or False: “Did the Meiji Constitution formally codify the right to abdicate and establish the title of Daijō Tennō?”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The Prime Minister refused this request, stating that the Emperor should remain above politics.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alfred Tischbauer — Historical peer (Born in 1853) (1853): French artist and designer who found significant career success in Australia.
• Alphonse Bertillon — Historical peer (Born in 1853) (1853): Pioneering biometrics researcher who developed anthropometry for criminal identification.
• Aimé Bonpland — Historical peer (Died in 1858) (1858): French explorer and botanist, renowned for his scientific travels with Alexander von Humboldt.
• Alexis Soyer — Historical peer (Died in 1858) (1858): Pioneering French chef, writer, and inventor celebrated for his work in Victorian England.

Frequently Asked Questions about Daijō Tennō