Emperor Go-Reizei

Quick Facts: Who was Emperor Go-Reizei?

Subject:

Emperor Go-Reizei

Known for:

70th Emperor of Japan; reigned from 1045 to 1068, known as 'Later Emperor Reizei'.

Born:

1025-08-28

Died:

1068-05-22

Century / Era:

1025s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Emperor Go-Reizei (後冷泉天皇, Go-Reizei-tennō; August 28, 1025 – May 22, 1068) was the 70th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Go-Reizei's reign spanned the years 1045–1068. This 11th century sovereign was named after the 10th century Emperor Reizei and go- (後), translates literally as "later"; and thus, he is sometimes called the "Later Emperor Reizei". The Japanese word "go" has also been translated to mean the "second one"; and in some older sources, this emperor may be identified as "Reizei, the second", or as "Reizei II". Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name (imina) was Chikahito-shinnō (親仁親王).

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He was the eldest son of Emperor Go-Suzaku. His mother was Fujiwara no Kishi (藤原嬉子), formerly Naishi-no kami, daughter of Fujiwara no Michinaga. Go-Reizei had three Empresses and no Imperial sons or daughters. When Emperor Go-Suzaku abdicated on February 5, 1045, his eldest son received the succession (‘‘senso’’) on the same day. Emperor Go-Reizei formally acceded to the throne (‘‘sokui’’) shortly after, and the era name was changed the following year to mark the beginning of his reign.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

His father Go-Suzaku died at the age of 37 on February 7, 1045, of unknown causes. The one major event in Go-Reizei's life occurred in the year 1051, when Abe no Sadatō and Munetō instigated a rebellion that became known as the Zenkunen War (1051–1062). In response, Minamoto no Yoriyoshi is appointed governor of Mutsu and he is named chinjufu shōgun. He is given these titles and powers so that he will be able to restore peace in the north. Yoriyoshi would have been the first to receive this specific shogunal title, although his grandfather (Minamoto no Tsunemoto) had been seitō fuku-shōgun (assistant commander for pacification of the east).

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1025 (1025-08-28): Birth of Emperor Go-Reizei — 70th Emperor of Japan; reigned from 1045 to 1068, known as 'Later Emperor Reizei'.
2. 1045: 1045 Milestone — Go-Reizei's reign spanned the years 1045–1068.
3. 1051: 1051 Milestone — The one major event in Go-Reizei's life occurred in the year 1051, when Abe no Sadatō and Munetō instigated a rebellion that became known as the Zenkunen War (1051–1062).
4. 1068 (1068-05-22): Passing & Historical Legacy — Emperor Go-Reizei passed away on 1068-05-22, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Emperor Go-Reizei

True or False: “Emperor Go-Reizei was the first emperor to hold the title of Shogun.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Minamoto no Yoriyoshi received the specific shogunal title during a period following Go-Reizei's reign.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Emperor Go-Reizei