Emperor Kōgon

Quick Facts: Who was Emperor Kōgon?

Subject:

Emperor Kōgon

Known for:

First Emperor of the Northern Court during Japan's tumultuous Nanboku-chō period.

Born:

1313-08-01

Died:

1364-08-05

Century / Era:

1313s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Emperor Kōgon (光厳天皇, Kōgon-tennō; 1 August 1313 – 5 August 1364) was the first of the Emperors of Northern Court during the Period of the Northern and Southern Courts in Japan. His reign spanned the years from 1331 through 1333. Before his ascension to the Nanboku-chō throne, his personal name (his imina) was Kazuhito-shinnō (量仁親王). He was the third son of Emperor Go-Fushimi of the Jimyōin line. His mother was Kōgimon'in Neishi (広義門院寧子).

Career & Major Achievements

He was adopted by his uncle, Emperor Hanazono. His family included: Empress: Imperial Princess Yoshiko (懽子内親王) later Senseimon-in (宣政門院), Emperor Go-Daigo’s daughter Second daughter: (b. 1335) Third daughter: Imperial Princess Mitsuko (b. 1337; 光子内親王) Consort: Imperial Princess Hisako (寿子内親王) later Kianmon-in (徽安門院), Emperor Hanazono’s daughter Lady-in-waiting: Sanjō Shūshi (三条秀子) later Yōrokumon’in (陽禄門院), Ogimachi Sanjo Kinhide's daughter First daughter: (b. 1333) Princess First son: Imperial Prince Okihito (興仁親王) later Emperor Sukō Second son: Imperial Prince Iyahito (弥仁親王) later Emperor Go-Kōgon Naishi: Ima-no-kata, Saionji Sanehira's daughter Naishi: Dai-no-kata, Saionji Saneakira's daughter Fourth Son: Imperial Prince Sonchō (1344–1378; 尊朝親道親王) Princess Naishi: Ichijo-no-tsubone, Ogimachi Kinkage's daughter Imperial Prince Yoshihito (died 1415; 義仁親王) Naishi: Oinomikado Fuyuuji's daughter daughter: (1331–1402) Unknown Daughter: Hanarin Songen (d.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

1386; 華林恵厳) In his own lifetime, Kōgon and those around him believed that he occupied the Chrysanthemum Throne from 22 October 1331 until 7 July 1333. Kazuhito-shinnō was named Crown Prince and heir to Emperor Go-Daigo of the Daikakuji line in 1326. At this time in Japanese history, by decision of the Kamakura shogunate, the throne would alternate between the Daikakuji and Jimyōin lines every ten years. However, Go-Daigo did not comply with this negotiated agreement. In 1331, when Go-Daigo's second attempt to overthrow the shogunate became public, the Shogunate seized him, exiled him to the Oki Islands, and enthroned Kōgon on 22 October.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1313 (1313-08-01): Birth of Emperor Kōgon — First Emperor of the Northern Court during Japan's tumultuous Nanboku-chō period.
2. 1326: 1326 Milestone — Kazuhito-shinnō was named Crown Prince and heir to Emperor Go-Daigo of the Daikakuji line in 1326.
3. 1331: 1331 Milestone — His reign spanned the years from 1331 through 1333.
4. 1333: 1333 Milestone — 1333) Princess First son: Imperial Prince Okihito (興仁親王) later Emperor Sukō Second son: Imperial Prince Iyahito (弥仁親王) later Emperor Go-Kōgon Naishi: Ima-no-kata, Saionji Sanehira's daughter Naishi: Dai-no-kata, Saionji Saneakira's daughter Fourth Son: Imperial Prince Sonchō (1344–1378; 尊朝親道親王) Princess Naishi: Ichijo-no-tsubone, Ogimachi Kinkage's daughter Imperial Prince Yoshihito (died 1415; 義仁親王) Naishi: Oinomikado Fuyuuji's daughter daughter: (1331–1402) Unknown Daughter: Hanarin Songen (d.
5. 1335: 1335 Milestone — 1335) Third daughter: Imperial Princess Mitsuko (b.
6. 1337: 1337 Milestone — 1337; 光子内親王) Consort: Imperial Princess Hisako (寿子内親王) later Kianmon-in (徽安門院), Emperor Hanazono’s daughter Lady-in-waiting: Sanjō Shūshi (三条秀子) later Yōrokumon’in (陽禄門院), Ogimachi Sanjo Kinhide's daughter First daughter: (b.
7. 1364 (1364-08-05): Passing & Historical Legacy — Emperor Kōgon passed away on 1364-08-05, leaving an enduring historical legacy.
8. 1386: 1386 Milestone — 1386; 華林恵厳) In his own lifetime, Kōgon and those around him believed that he occupied the Chrysanthemum Throne from 22 October 1331 until 7 July 1333.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Emperor Kōgon

True or False: “Emperor Kōgon was enthroned in Kyoto immediately after the Kamakura Shogunate's initial agreement regarding imperial succession.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The throne alternation was a negotiated agreement that Emperor Go-Daigo ultimately failed to comply with.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Emperor Kōgon