Emperor Chūkyō

Quick Facts: Who was Emperor Chūkyō?

Subject:

Emperor Chūkyō

Known for:

The 85th Emperor of Japan, whose brief reign was overshadowed by political turmoil.

Born:

1218-10-30

Died:

1234-06-18

Century / Era:

1218s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Emperor Chūkyō (仲恭天皇, Chūkyō-tennō) (30 October 1218 – 18 June 1234) was the 85th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. His reign spanned only two months in 1221, and he was not officially listed amongst the emperors until 1870 because of doubts caused by the length of his reign. The Imperial Household Agency recognizes Kujō no misasagi (九條陵) near Tōfuku-ji in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto as his tomb. Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name (his imina) was Kanenari-shinnō (懐成親王). He was the first son of Emperor Juntoku.

Career & Major Achievements

His mother was Ritsushi (?) (立子), daughter of Kujō Yoshitsune (九条良経). Consort: Ukyonodaibu-no-Tsubone (右京大夫局), Priest's daughter First Daughter: Imperial Princess Yoshiko (義子内親王) later Wademon’in (和徳門院, 1234 - 1289) Chūkyō was enthroned at the age of two following the deposition of his father, the Emperor Juntoku in preparation for the Jōkyū Incident, an unsuccessful attempt by Juntoku's father, the Retired Emperor Go-Toba, to overthrow the Kamakura Bakufu. 13 May 1221 (Jōkyū 3, 20th day of the 4th month): In the 11th year of Juntoku-tennō's reign (順徳天皇十一年), the emperor abdicated; and the succession (‘‘senso’’) was received by his eldest son who was only two years old. Shortly thereafter, Emperor Chūkyō is said to have acceded to the throne (‘‘sokui’’). That same year, after the Jōkyū Incident, he was dethroned and replaced by his first cousin once removed Emperor Go-Horikawa, the nephew of Emperor Go-Toba.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Because of his dethronement just 2 months after the Jōkyū Incident, his enthronement was not recognized. He was known as the Kujō Dethroned Emperor (Kujō Haitei, 九条廃帝), the Half-Emperor (半帝), and the Later Dethroned Emperor (Go-Haitei, 後廃帝, a reference to Emperor Junnin who was often called Haitei, 廃帝). In 1870, he was recognized as an Emperor and given the posthumous name of Emperor Chūkyō. 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. In general, this elite group included only three to four men at a time.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1218 (1218-10-30): Birth of Emperor Chūkyō — The 85th Emperor of Japan, whose brief reign was overshadowed by political turmoil.
2. 1221: 1221 Milestone — His reign spanned only two months in 1221, and he was not officially listed amongst the emperors until 1870 because of doubts caused by the length of his reign.
3. 1234 (1234-06-18): Passing & Historical Legacy — Emperor Chūkyō passed away on 1234-06-18, leaving an enduring historical legacy.
4. 1870: 1870 Milestone — In 1870, he was recognized as an Emperor and given the posthumous name of Emperor Chūkyō.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Emperor Chūkyō

True or False: “Emperor Chūkyō's reign was officially recognized immediately following the Jōkyū Incident in 1221.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Due to his brief and tumultuous tenure, his enthronement was not initially recognized, leading to him being known by various titles like 'Dethroned Emperor'.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Emperor Chūkyō