Emperor Higashiyama

Quick Facts: Who was Emperor Higashiyama?

Subject:

Emperor Higashiyama

Known for:

The 113th Emperor of Japan whose reign spanned the Genroku era.

Born:

1675-10-21

Died:

1710-01-16

Century / Era:

1675s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Emperor Higashiyama (東山天皇, Higashiyama-tennō; 21 October 1675 – 16 January 1710), personal name Asahito, was the 113th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Higashiyama's reign spanned the years from 1687 through to his abdication in 1709 corresponding to the Genroku era of the Edo period. The previous hundred years of peace and seclusion in Japan had created relative economic stability. The arts flourished, including theater and architecture. Before Higashiyama's ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name (imina) was Asahito (朝仁) or Tomohito.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Tomohito was born on October 21, 1675, and was the fifth son of Emperor Reigen; his birth mother was a lady-in-waiting named Matsuki Muneko. While Prince Tomohito was the son of a secondary consort, he was adopted by empress Takatsukasa Fusako (chief consort or Chūgū). Tomohito's Imperial family lived with him in the Dairi of the Heian Palace. Events that took place before Tomohito became Crown Prince include a great flood that devastated Edo, a great famine that devastated Kyoto, and the Great Tenna Fire in Edo. The Shingon Buddhist temple Gokoku-ji was also founded in Edo where it remains today as one of the few sites in Tokyo that survived World War II.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Tomohito-shinnō was proclaimed Crown prince in 1682, and given the pre-accession title of Go-no-miya (五宮). For the first time in over 300 years a ceremonial investiture was held for the occasion. A fire burned the Kyoto Imperial Palace to ashes in 1684 prompting reconstruction that took a year to complete. The effects from this fire on the Imperial family, if any, are unknown. Emperor Reigen's brother, former-Emperor Go-Sai, died on March 26, 1685, and a great comet was observed crossing the night sky.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1675 (1675-10-21): Birth of Emperor Higashiyama — The 113th Emperor of Japan whose reign spanned the Genroku era.
2. 1682: 1682 Milestone — Tomohito-shinnō was proclaimed Crown prince in 1682, and given the pre-accession title of Go-no-miya (五宮).
3. 1684: 1684 Milestone — A fire burned the Kyoto Imperial Palace to ashes in 1684 prompting reconstruction that took a year to complete.
4. 1685: 1685 Milestone — Emperor Reigen's brother, former-Emperor Go-Sai, died on March 26, 1685, and a great comet was observed crossing the night sky.
5. 1687: 1687 Milestone — Higashiyama's reign spanned the years from 1687 through to his abdication in 1709 corresponding to the Genroku era of the Edo period.
6. 1710 (1710-01-16): Passing & Historical Legacy — Emperor Higashiyama passed away on 1710-01-16, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Emperor Higashiyama

True or False: “Did Emperor Higashiyama's abdication in 1709 mark the end of the Edo period?”

Answer (FALSE ❌): His abdication marked a transition of power within the Imperial line, but the Tokugawa Shogunate continued to rule Japan through the subsequent decades.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Emperor Higashiyama