Emperor Ōjin

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Emperor Ōjin

Role / Field:

Legendary 15th Emperor of Japan, divine spirit of Hachiman.

Born:

200-01-05

Died:

310

Century / Era:

200s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Emperor Ōjin (応神天皇, Ōjin Tennō; Japanese pronunciation: [oː.(d)ʑiɴ, -(d)ʑin ten.noꜜː]), also known as Hondawake no Mikoto (誉田別尊; alternatively written 譽田別命, 誉田別命, 品陀和気命, 譽田分命, 誉田別尊, 品陀別命) or Homuta no Sumeramikoto (譽田天皇), was the 15th (possibly legendary) Emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Both the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki record events that took place during Ōjin's alleged lifetime. Ōjin is traditionally listed as the first emperor of the Kofun period, and is primarily known for being the controversial son of Empress Jingū. Historians have mixed views on his factual existence; if Ōjin was indeed a historical figure, then it is assumed he reigned much later than he is attested. No firm dates can be assigned to Ōjin's life or reign, but he is traditionally considered to have reigned from 270 to 310.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

According to the Shinto religion and Buddhism in Japan, Emperor Ōjin is the divine spirit of the deity Hachiman (八幡神). While the location of Ōjin's grave (if any) is unknown, he is traditionally venerated at a memorial Shinto tomb. Modern historians have come to the conclusion that the title of "Emperor" and the name "Ōjin" was used by later generations to describe this possibly legendary Emperor. The Japanese have traditionally accepted this sovereign's historical existence, and a mausoleum (misasagi) for Ōjin is currently maintained. The following information available is taken from the pseudo-historical Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, which are collectively known as Kiki (記紀) or Japanese chronicles.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

These chronicles include legends and myths, as well as potential historical facts that have since been exaggerated and/or distorted over time. The circumstances surrounding the future emperor's birth are controversial as they involve a supposed invasion of the Korean Peninsula as well as a biologically impossible gestation period (3 years). It is said by the Kiki that Ōjin was conceived but unborn when his father Emperor Chūai died. Empress Jingū then became a de facto ruler who allegedly invaded a "promised land" (Korea) out of revenge, then returned three years later to the Japanese mainland to give birth. The records state that Ōjin was born to Empress Jingū in Tsukushi Province sometime in 201 AD, and was given the name Homutawake (誉田別尊).

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 200 (0200-01-05): Birth of Emperor Ōjin — Legendary 15th Emperor of Japan, divine spirit of Hachiman.
2. 310: Passing & Historical Legacy — Emperor Ōjin passed away on 310, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Emperor Ōjin

True or False: “The three-year gestation period described in the Kojiki for Ōjin's birth is considered a literal biological event by modern historians.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Modern scholars view the three-year conception period as mythical and symbolic rather than a realistic biological occurrence.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Emperor Ōjin