Emperor Chōkei

Quick Facts: Who was Emperor Chōkei?

Subject:

Emperor Chōkei

Known for:

98th Emperor of Japan; reigned from 1368 to 1383, during the Southern Court period.

Born:

1343

Died:

1394-08-27

Century / Era:

1343s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Emperor Chōkei (長慶天皇, Chōkei-tennō; 1343 – August 27, 1394) was the 98th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. He reigned from 1368 through 1383. His personal name was Yutanari (寛成) and his regal name roughly translates to "Long Celebration". His father was Emperor Go-Murakami and his mother may have been Kaki Mon'in. Empress (chūgū): Saionji Kinshige's daughter Gyōgo (行悟; 1377–1406) Nyōgo: Noriko (father and family unknown) First son: Imperial Prince Tokiyasu (世泰親王) Unknown Kaimonji Kosho (海門承朝; 1374–1443) Sonsei (尊聖; 1376–1432), son: founder of Tamagawa family (玉川宮) On March 29, 1368 (Shōhei 23, 11th day of the 3rd month), following the death of Emperor Murakami II, he was enthroned in the house of the Chief Priest at the Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine in Sumiyoshi, Osaka, where the Southern Court had made its capital.

Career & Major Achievements

However, because the Southern Court's influence was declining, the enthronement remained in some doubt until the Taishō period. In 1926, the enthronement was officially recognized and inserted into the Imperial Line. Emperor Chōkei insisted throughout his reign on fighting the Northern Dynasty, but it was already too late. In 1383 or 1384, he abdicated to Emperor Go-Kameyama, who supported the peace faction. After the reunification of the rival courts, he went into retirement and eventually returned to Yoshino where he died on August 27, 1394.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The kami of Emperor Chōkei is venerated at Shishō jinja in Totsugawa, Yamato province. Kugyō (公卿) is a collective term for the very few most powerful men attached to the court of the Emperor of Japan in pre-Meiji eras. Even during those years in which the court's actual influence outside the palace walls was minimal, the hierarchic organization persisted. In general, this elite group included only three to four men at a time. These were hereditary courtiers whose experience and background would have brought them to the pinnacle of a life's career.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1343: Birth of Emperor Chōkei — 98th Emperor of Japan; reigned from 1368 to 1383, during the Southern Court period.
2. 1377: 1377 Milestone — Empress (chūgū): Saionji Kinshige's daughter Gyōgo (行悟; 1377–1406) Nyōgo: Noriko (father and family unknown) First son: Imperial Prince Tokiyasu (世泰親王) Unknown Kaimonji Kosho (海門承朝; 1374–1443) Sonsei (尊聖; 1376–1432), son: founder of Tamagawa family (玉川宮) On March 29, 1368 (Shōhei 23, 11th day of the 3rd month), following the death of Emperor Murakami II, he was enthroned in the house of the Chief Priest at the Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine in Sumiyoshi, Osaka, where the Southern Court had made its capital.
3. 1383: 1383 Milestone — In 1383 or 1384, he abdicated to Emperor Go-Kameyama, who supported the peace faction.
4. 1394 (1394-08-27): Passing & Historical Legacy — Emperor Chōkei passed away on 1394-08-27, leaving an enduring historical legacy.
5. 1926: 1926 Milestone — In 1926, the enthronement was officially recognized and inserted into the Imperial Line.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Emperor Chōkei

True or False: “Emperor Chōkei's enthronement was immediately and universally recognized by all Japanese factions in 1368.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The initial enthronement remained somewhat doubtful until the Taishō period; official recognition was only inserted into the Imperial Line in 1926.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Geoffrey Chaucer — Contemporary (Born in 1343) (1343): Poet, writer, and civil servant, famed for The Canterbury Tales.
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• Ashikaga Yoshinori — Contemporary (Born in 1394) (1394): Sixth Ashikaga Shogun who reigned during the Muromachi period, known for cultural patronage.
• James I of Scotland — Contemporary (Born in 1394) (1394): King of Scots from 1406 to 1437, navigating political turmoil and captivity.
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• Charles VI of France — Historical peer (Born in 1368) (1368): King of France, known for his reign from 1380 to 1422, plagued by mental illness.
• Emperor Go-Murakami — Historical peer (Died in 1368) (1368): 97th Emperor of Japan, reigning during the turbulent Nanboku-chō period.
• John Hawkwood — Historical peer (Died in 1394) (1394): English mercenary leader and condottiero whose exploits remain shrouded in myth.
• Prince Henry the Navigator — Historical peer (Born in 1394) (1394): Portuguese prince credited with initiating the Age of Discovery and maritime exploration.
• 1343 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1343
• 1394 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1394
• August 27 (08-27) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on August 27

Frequently Asked Questions about Emperor Chōkei