Emperor Bidatsu
The 30th Emperor of Japan, whose reign saw struggles over Buddhism and foreign relations.
Quick Facts: Who was Emperor Bidatsu?
- Subject:
- Emperor Bidatsu
- Known for:
- The 30th Emperor of Japan, whose reign saw struggles over Buddhism and foreign relations.
- Born:
- 538
- Died:
- 585-09-14
- Century / Era:
- 538s Historical Era Archive
- Verified Source:
- 2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives
Origins & Early Life
Emperor Bidatsu (敏達天皇, Bidatsu-tennō; 538 – 14 September 585) was the 30th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. The traditional regnal years of Bidatsu are 572−585, within Asuka period; however, there are no certain dates for this emperor's life or reign. This is the post-Kofun period of the Yamato Kingship. The names and sequence of the early emperors were not confirmed as "traditional" until the reign of Emperor Kanmu, who was the 50th monarch of the Imperial House. Historians consider details about the life of Emperor Bidatsu to be possibly legendary, but probable.
Pivotal Works & Achievements
The name Bidatsu-tennō was created for him posthumously by later generations. In the Nihon Shoki, he is called Nunakura no Futotamashiki (渟中倉太珠敷). His palace in Yamato Province was called Osada no Miya of Iware. According to traditional historiography, in the 15th year of Emperor Kinmei’s reign, Bidatsu was named crown prince. In the 32nd year of Kimmei-tennō's reign (欽明天皇32年; 572), the emperor died, and the succession was received by his second son.
Enduring Legacy & Impact
Soon after, Emperor Bidatsu is said to have acceded to the throne. Bidatsu's contemporary title would not have been titled Tennō, as most historians believe this title was not introduced until the reigns of Emperor Tenmu and Empress Jitō. Rather, it was presumably Sumera-mikoto or Ame-no-sita Sirosimesu Opo-kimi (治天下大王, the great ruler of all under heaven). Alternatively, Bidatsu might have been referred to as ヤマト大王/大君 or the "Great King of Yamato". Bidatsu's reign was marked by power struggles about Buddhism, which had been introduced in his mother's lifetime.
Chronological Milestones & Life Events
Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Emperor Bidatsu
True or False: “Emperor Bidatsu was the first emperor to rule during the Asuka period.”
Answer (FALSE ❌): The text states that his reign occurred within the Asuka period, but he was not the first emperor of that era.
Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines
- Gregory of Tours — Contemporary (Born in 538) (538): Gallo-Roman historian and Bishop of Tours, chronicler of Merovingian life.
- Zhiyi — Contemporary (Born in 538) (538): Founder of the Tiantai Buddhist school, a major systematizer of East Asian thought.
- Bāṇabhaṭṭa — Contemporary (Born in 585) (585): A seminal 7th-century Sanskrit poet and prose writer, celebrated for courtly literature.
- Pope Honorius I — Contemporary (Born in 585) (585): Bishop of Rome noted for correspondence on Monothelite doctrines and Anglo-Saxon missions.
- Aaron Burr — Shared historical date (09-14 · Died) (1836): American politician, lawyer, and statesman known for his role in the Jeffersonian era.
- Ai Takahashi — Shared historical date (09-14 · Born) (1986): Japanese singer and actress known for her tenure in the idol group Morning Musume.
- Alexander von Humboldt — Shared historical date (09-14 · Born) (1769): German polymath, geographer, and naturalist who pioneered biogeography and modern science.
- Allan Bloom — Shared historical date (09-14 · Born) (1930): American philosopher and classicist known for championing Great Books education.
- Amy Winehouse — Shared historical date (09-14 · Born) (1983): Iconic British soul artist blending jazz, R&B, and retro sounds.
- Anton Donchev — Shared historical date (09-14 · Born) (1930): Prominent Bulgarian author celebrated for historical novels and screenwriting.
- 538 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 538
- 585 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 585
- September 14 (09-14) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on September 14
Frequently Asked Questions about Emperor Bidatsu
Who was Emperor Bidatsu and what are their primary contributions?
The 30th Emperor of Japan, whose reign saw struggles over Buddhism and foreign relations. Origins & Early Life: Emperor Bidatsu (敏達天皇, Bidatsu-tennō; 538 – 14 September 585) was the 30th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. The traditional regnal years of Bidatsu are 572−585, within Asuka period; however, there are no certain dates for this emperor's life or reign. This is the post-Kofun period of the Yamato Kingship. The names and sequence of the early emperors were not confirmed as "traditional" until the reign of Emperor Kanmu, who was the 50th monarch of the Imperial House. Historians consider details about the life of Emperor Bidatsu to be possibly legendary, but probable.
When was Emperor Bidatsu born and during which historical era did they live?
Emperor Bidatsu was born on 538 and passed away on 0585-09-14. For complete historical world events during this era, explore the 538 Chrono-Archive.
Where can I read more verified chronological archives on Emperor Bidatsu?
Explore verified primary sources, interactive timelines, and contemporary figures in the 2Day Chrono-Wiki encyclopedia or review the original entry on Wikipedia.
Source: Wikipedia