Emperor Horikawa

Quick Facts: Who was Emperor Horikawa?

Subject:

Emperor Horikawa

Known for:

73rd Emperor of Japan; reigned from 1087 to 1107, known for scholarship.

Born:

1079-08-08

Died:

1107-08-09

Century / Era:

1079s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Emperor Horikawa (堀河天皇, Horikawa-tennō; August 8, 1079 – August 9, 1107) was the 73rd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Horikawa's reign spanned the years from 1087 through 1107. Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name (imina) was Taruhito-shinnō (善仁親王). He was also known as Yoshihito-tennō. Horikawa was the son of Emperor Shirakawa.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

His mother was Fujiwara no Kenshi (藤原賢子), adopted daughter of Fujiwara Morozane (藤原師実). His wet nurse was a different namesake Fujiwara no Kenshi (藤原兼子). Empress (Chūgū): Imperial Princess Tokushi (篤子内親王), Emperor Go-Sanjo’s daughter Consort (Nyōgo): Fujiwara no Ishi (藤原苡子; 1076-1103), Fujiwara no Sanesue’s daughter Imperial Prince Munehito (宗仁親王) later Emperor Toba Lady-in-waiting (Naishi): Princess Jinshi (仁子女王; d.1126), Prince Yasusuke’s daughter Imperial Princess Soshi (悰子内親王, 1099–1162) Lady-in-waiting (Naishi): Fujiwara Muneko (藤原宗子; d.1129), Fujiwara Takamune’s daughter Kangyō (寛暁; 1103–1159) Lady-in-waiting (Naishi): Fujiwara Tokitsune’s daughter Imperial Prince Priest Saiun (最雲法親王; 1105–1162) head priest of the Tendai sect Mother Unknown Imperial Princess Kishi (喜子内親王) Imperial Princess Kaishi (懐子内親王) After becoming crown prince, he acceded to the throne upon the abdication of his father Emperor Shirakawa on January 3, 1087 (Ōtoku 3). His father's kampaku Fujiwara Morozane became regent, and Horikawa's reign was overshadowed by the cloistered rule of his father. Horikawa filled his reign with scholarship, poetry, and music.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

When Horikawa's empress-consort Fujiwara no Ishi (藤原苡子) died in 1103, his son the Imperial Prince Munehito was taken to be raised by the retired Emperor Shirakawa. This son later succeeded Horikawa to the throne and was later known as Emperor Toba. Horikawa died at the age of 28 on August 9, 1107 (Kajō 2). He is among the seven emperors entombed near Ryōan-ji in Kyoto. He is traditionally venerated at the Nochi no Yenkyō-ji no misasagi memorial Shinto shrine; this site has been designated as Horikawa's mausoleum by the Imperial Household Agency.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1076: 1076 Milestone — Empress (Chūgū): Imperial Princess Tokushi (篤子内親王), Emperor Go-Sanjo’s daughter Consort (Nyōgo): Fujiwara no Ishi (藤原苡子; 1076-1103), Fujiwara no Sanesue’s daughter Imperial Prince Munehito (宗仁親王) later Emperor Toba Lady-in-waiting (Naishi): Princess Jinshi (仁子女王; d.
2. 1079 (1079-08-08): Birth of Emperor Horikawa — 73rd Emperor of Japan; reigned from 1087 to 1107, known for scholarship.
3. 1087: 1087 Milestone — Horikawa's reign spanned the years from 1087 through 1107.
4. 1103: 1103 Milestone — When Horikawa's empress-consort Fujiwara no Ishi (藤原苡子) died in 1103, his son the Imperial Prince Munehito was taken to be raised by the retired Emperor Shirakawa.
5. 1107 (1107-08-09): Passing & Historical Legacy — Emperor Horikawa passed away on 1107-08-09, leaving an enduring historical legacy.
6. 1126: 1126 Milestone — 1126), Prince Yasusuke’s daughter Imperial Princess Soshi (悰子内親王, 1099–1162) Lady-in-waiting (Naishi): Fujiwara Muneko (藤原宗子; d.
7. 1129: 1129 Milestone — 1129), Fujiwara Takamune’s daughter Kangyō (寛暁; 1103–1159) Lady-in-waiting (Naishi): Fujiwara Tokitsune’s daughter Imperial Prince Priest Saiun (最雲法親王; 1105–1162) head priest of the Tendai sect Mother Unknown Imperial Princess Kishi (喜子内親王) Imperial Princess Kaishi (懐子内親王) After becoming crown prince, he acceded to the throne upon the abdication of his father Emperor Shirakawa on January 3, 1087 (Ōtoku 3).

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Emperor Horikawa

True or False: “Emperor Horikawa's reign was entirely free from the influence of his father, Emperor Shirakawa.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): His reign was significantly overshadowed by the cloistered rule of his father, Emperor Shirakawa.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Emperor Horikawa