Emperor Go-Nijō

Quick Facts: Who was Emperor Go-Nijō?

Subject:

Emperor Go-Nijō

Known for:

94th Emperor of Japan; reigned from 1301 to 1308, marking a period of courtly tension.

Born:

1285-03-09

Died:

1308-09-10

Century / Era:

1285s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Emperor Go-Nijō (後二条天皇, Go-Nijō-tennō; 9 March 1285 – 10 September 1308) was the 94th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. He reigned from 1301 to his death in 1308. This 14th-century sovereign was named after the 12th-century Emperor Nijō, and go- (後), translates literally as "later"; and thus, he is sometimes called the "Later Emperor Nijō", or, in some older sources, may be identified as "Nijō, the second" or as "Nijo II". Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name (his imina) was Kuniharu-shinnō (邦治親王). Go-Nijō was the eldest son of the 91st emperor Emperor Go-Uda.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He belonged to the Daikakuji-tō branch of the Imperial Family. Empress: Fujiwara no Kinshi (藤原忻子) later Chōrakumon-in (長楽門院), Tokudaiji Kintaka's daughter Naishi: Fujiwara Tamako (藤原 頊子) later Banshūmon-in (万秋門院; 1268 - 1338), Ichijō Sanetsune’s daughter Lady-in-waiting: Fujiwara Muneko (藤原 宗子) also Chunagon'no-tenji (中納言典侍), Itsutsuji Munechika’s daughter First Son: Imperial Prince Kuniyoshi (邦良親王; 1300 - 1326） Second Son: Imperial Prince Hanamachi-no-miya-Kunimi (花町宮邦省親王; 1302-1375) Naishi: Koto Naishi, Taira Munetoshi’s daughter First Daughter: Imperial Princess Benshi (㛹子内親王; 1302 - 1362）later Jyuseimon'in/jyujoumon'in (壽成門院/寿成門院) Court Lady: Dainagon-no-tsubone (fujiwara), Sanjo Kinyasu’s daughter Third Son: Imperial Prince Priest Yujo (祐助法親王; 1302 - 1359） Fourth Son: Imperial Prince Priest Shoson (聖尊法親王; 1303 - 1370） Third Daughter: Imperial Princess Eiko (栄子内親王) Fifth Daughter Court Lady: Lady Mikushige (fujiwara), Sanjo Kinchika Fifth Son: Imperial Prince Sonsai (尊済法親王; 1304 - 1329) Court Lady: Taira Nobusuke’s daughter Fourth Daughter: Imperial Princess Choshi (瑒子内親王) Court Lady: Shindainagon-no-Tsubone Second daughter: Imperial Princess Minshi (珉子内親王) Kuniharu-shinnō was made an imperial prince by Imperial proclamation in 1286. In 1296, he became crown prince (heir) to the Jimyōin-tō Emperor Go-Fushimi, his second cousin. 2 March 1301 (Shōan 3, 21st day of the 1st month): In the 5th year of Go-Fushimi-tennō's reign (後伏見天皇五年), the emperor was forced to abdicate; and the succession (‘‘senso’’) was received by his cousin. Shortly thereafter, Emperor Go-Nijō is said to have acceded to the throne (‘‘sokui’’).

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Go-Nijō's father, the Emperor Go-Uda reigned as cloistered emperor during his reign. The succession dispute between the Daikakuji and Jimyōin branches of the Imperial Family continued during his reign. His grandfather, the retired Emperor Emperor Kameyama was said to have acted through the Bakufu to ensure Go-Nijō's enthronement. On 10 September 1308, Go-Nijō died of illness. Go-Nijō is buried at Kitashirakawa no misasagi (北白河陵) in Sakyō-ku, Kyoto.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1268: 1268 Milestone — Empress: Fujiwara no Kinshi (藤原忻子) later Chōrakumon-in (長楽門院), Tokudaiji Kintaka's daughter Naishi: Fujiwara Tamako (藤原 頊子) later Banshūmon-in (万秋門院; 1268 - 1338), Ichijō Sanetsune’s daughter Lady-in-waiting: Fujiwara Muneko (藤原 宗子) also Chunagon'no-tenji (中納言典侍), Itsutsuji Munechika’s daughter First Son: Imperial Prince Kuniyoshi (邦良親王; 1300 - 1326） Second Son: Imperial Prince Hanamachi-no-miya-Kunimi (花町宮邦省親王; 1302-1375) Naishi: Koto Naishi, Taira Munetoshi’s daughter First Daughter: Imperial Princess Benshi (㛹子内親王; 1302 - 1362）later Jyuseimon'in/jyujoumon'in (壽成門院/寿成門院) Court Lady: Dainagon-no-tsubone (fujiwara), Sanjo Kinyasu’s daughter Third Son: Imperial Prince Priest Yujo (祐助法親王; 1302 - 1359） Fourth Son: Imperial Prince Priest Shoson (聖尊法親王; 1303 - 1370） Third Daughter: Imperial Princess Eiko (栄子内親王) Fifth Daughter Court Lady: Lady Mikushige (fujiwara), Sanjo Kinchika Fifth Son: Imperial Prince Sonsai (尊済法親王; 1304 - 1329) Court Lady: Taira Nobusuke’s daughter Fourth Daughter: Imperial Princess Choshi (瑒子内親王) Court Lady: Shindainagon-no-Tsubone Second daughter: Imperial Princess Minshi (珉子内親王) Kuniharu-shinnō was made an imperial prince by Imperial proclamation in 1286.
2. 1285 (1285-03-09): Birth of Emperor Go-Nijō — 94th Emperor of Japan; reigned from 1301 to 1308, marking a period of courtly tension.
3. 1296: 1296 Milestone — In 1296, he became crown prince (heir) to the Jimyōin-tō Emperor Go-Fushimi, his second cousin.
4. 1301: 1301 Milestone — He reigned from 1301 to his death in 1308.
5. 1308 (1308-09-10): Passing & Historical Legacy — Emperor Go-Nijō passed away on 1308-09-10, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Emperor Go-Nijō

True or False: “Did Emperor Go-Nijō's reign see the continuation of political disputes between major Imperial Family branches?”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): Yes, the succession dispute between the Daikakuji and Jimyōin branches of the Imperial Family continued throughout his time on the throne.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Emperor Go-Nijō