Emperor Go-Ichijō

Quick Facts: Who was Emperor Go-Ichijō?

Subject:

Emperor Go-Ichijō

Known for:

The 68th Emperor of Japan, reigning from 1016 to 1036.

Born:

1008-10-12

Died:

1036-05-15

Century / Era:

1008s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Emperor Go-Ichijō (後一条天皇, Go-Ichijō-tennō; October 12, 1008 – May 15, 1036) was the 68th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Go-Ichijō's reign spanned the years from 1016 through 1036. This 11th century sovereign was named after his father, Emperor Ichijō, and go- (後), translates literally as "later"; thus, he is sometimes called the "Later Emperor Ichijō", or, in some older sources, may be identified as "Emperor Ichijō, the second", or even "Emperor Ichijō II". Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name (imina) was Atsuhira -shinnō (敦成親王). He was also known as Atsunari-shinnō.

Career & Major Achievements

Atsuhira was the second son of Emperor Ichijō. His mother, Fujiwara no Akiko/Shōshi (藤原彰子) (988–1074), was a daughter of Fujiwara no Michinaga. In her later years, Ichijō's chūgo consort was known as Jōtō-mon In (上東門院). Atsuhira-shinnō was used as a pawn in Imperial court politics when he was only a child. 1012 (Chōwa 1, 8th month): Prince Atsuhira marries a daughter of sesshō and later kampaku Fujiwara no Michinaga.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Atsuhira became emperor at the age of 8, upon the abdication of his first cousin once removed, Emperor Sanjō. March 10, 1016 (Chōwa 5, 29th day of the 1st month): In the 5th year of Emperor Sanjō's reign (三条天皇五年), he abdicated; and the succession (‘‘senso’’) was received by a cousin. Shortly thereafter, Emperor Go-Ichijō is said to have acceded to the throne (‘‘sokui’’). During the initial years of Go-Ichijō's reign, Fujiwara no Michinaga actually ruled from his position as sesshō (regent). June 5, 1017 (Kannin 1, 9th day of the 5th month): The former-Emperor Sanjō died at the age of 41.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1008 (1008-10-12): Birth of Emperor Go-Ichijō — The 68th Emperor of Japan, reigning from 1016 to 1036.
2. 1012: 1012 Milestone — 1012 (Chōwa 1, 8th month): Prince Atsuhira marries a daughter of sesshō and later kampaku Fujiwara no Michinaga.
3. 1016: 1016 Milestone — Go-Ichijō's reign spanned the years from 1016 through 1036.
4. 1017: 1017 Milestone — June 5, 1017 (Kannin 1, 9th day of the 5th month): The former-Emperor Sanjō died at the age of 41.
5. 1036 (1036-05-15): Passing & Historical Legacy — Emperor Go-Ichijō passed away on 1036-05-15, leaving an enduring historical legacy.
6. 1074: 1074 Milestone — His mother, Fujiwara no Akiko/Shōshi (藤原彰子) (988–1074), was a daughter of Fujiwara no Michinaga.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Emperor Go-Ichijō

True or False: “Emperor Go-Ichijō was the first emperor of Japan to rule during the Chōgen era.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The reign spanned multiple eras; while he reigned through the Chōgen era (1028–1037), it was not his inaugural period.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Emperor Go-Ichijō