Emperor Go-Murakami

Quick Facts: Who was Emperor Go-Murakami?

Subject:

Emperor Go-Murakami

Known for:

97th Emperor of Japan, reigning during the turbulent Nanboku-chō period.

Born:

1328

Died:

1368-03-29

Century / Era:

1328s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Emperor Go-Murakami (後村上天皇, Go-Murakami-tennō) (1328 – March 29, 1368) was the 97th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession, and a member of the Southern Court during the Nanboku-chō period of rival courts. He reigned from September 18, 1339, until March 29, 1368 (Shōhei 23, 11th day of the 3rd month). His personal name was Noriyoshi (義良). He reigned from Sumiyoshi, Ōsaka, Yoshino, Nara, and other temporary locations. This 14th-century sovereign was named after the 10th-century Emperor Murakami and go- (後), translates as "later"; and thus, he is sometimes called the "Later Emperor Murakami".

Pivotal Works & Achievements

The Japanese word go has also been translated to mean the "second one"; and in some older sources, this emperor may be identified as "Murakami, the second", or as "Murakami II". "Prince Norinaga" was Go-Daigo's son from his "favorite consort of his later years". He lived during the turbulent years of conflict between rival claimants to the Chrysanthemum Throne. The contested succession pitted what were known as the Northern and Southern Courts against each other. These years are also known as the Nanboku-chō period.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

When Emperor Go-Daigo began his Kenmu Restoration, the still very young prince, along with Kitabatake Akiie, in 1333 went to Tagajō in what is now Miyagi Prefecture, at the time Mutsu Province, to return the eastern samurai to their allegiance and destroy the remnants of the Hōjō clan. However, in 1336, because Ashikaga Takauji had raised a rebellion, the Emperor returned to Sakamoto with a strong force to confront him. He was accompanied by Kitabatake Akiie, in order to confront Takauji. When Takauji defeated them in Kyōto in 1336, they again returned to Mutsu Province. In 1337, because Tagajō was attacked, they returned yet again to the west, returning to Yoshino while constantly fighting battles.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1328: Birth of Emperor Go-Murakami — 97th Emperor of Japan, reigning during the turbulent Nanboku-chō period.
2. 1333: 1333 Milestone — When Emperor Go-Daigo began his Kenmu Restoration, the still very young prince, along with Kitabatake Akiie, in 1333 went to Tagajō in what is now Miyagi Prefecture, at the time Mutsu Province, to return the eastern samurai to their allegiance and destroy the remnants of the Hōjō clan.
3. 1336: 1336 Milestone — However, in 1336, because Ashikaga Takauji had raised a rebellion, the Emperor returned to Sakamoto with a strong force to confront him.
4. 1337: 1337 Milestone — In 1337, because Tagajō was attacked, they returned yet again to the west, returning to Yoshino while constantly fighting battles.
5. 1339: 1339 Milestone — He reigned from September 18, 1339, until March 29, 1368 (Shōhei 23, 11th day of the 3rd month).
6. 1368 (1368-03-29): Passing & Historical Legacy — Emperor Go-Murakami passed away on 1368-03-29, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Emperor Go-Murakami

True or False: “Did Emperor Go-Murakami rule continuously from his birth until his death?”

Answer (FALSE ❌): He was born in 1328 but did not ascend the throne until September 19, 1339, due to political turmoil.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Emperor Go-Murakami