Emperor Kōmyō

Quick Facts: Who was Emperor Kōmyō?

Subject:

Emperor Kōmyō

Known for:

Northern Emperor during the tumultuous Nanboku-chō period, ruling from 1336 to 1348.

Born:

1322-01-11

Died:

1380-07-26

Century / Era:

1322s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Emperor Kōmyō (光明天皇, Kōmyō Tennō) (11 January 1322 – 26 July 1380) was the second of the Emperors of Northern Court, although he was the first to be supported by the Ashikaga Bakufu. According to pre-Meiji scholars, his reign spanned the years from 1336 through 1348. His personal name was Yutahito (豊仁), second son of Emperor Go-Fushimi. His mother was Neishi (寧子), the daughter of Saionji Kinhira (西園寺公衡) Naishi: Ogimachi Sanjo Sanemi’s daughter daughter: Jogakuin-dono (長照院; d.1422) daughter Naishi: Mikawa-no-kami’s daughter son: Shuson (周尊) In his own lifetime, Kōmyō and those around him believed that he occupied the Chrysanthemum Throne from 20 September 1336 to 18 November 1348. When Ashikaga Takauji rebelled against Emperor Go-Daigo's Kenmu Restoration and entered Kyōto in 1336, Go-Daigo fled to Enryaku-ji on Mount Hiei.

Career & Major Achievements

Despite lacking the sacred treasures, Prince Yutahito was enthroned as emperor, beginning the Northern Court. On the 12th month, 21st day, Go-Daigo escaped to Yoshino, founding the Southern Court. On 18 November 1348, he abdicated in favor of the eldest son of his older brother, the former claimant to the throne Emperor Kōgon, who became Emperor Sukō. In April 1352, taking advantage of the Kan'ō Disturbance, a family feud in the Ashikaga clan, the Southern Emperor Emperor Go-Murakami entered Kyoto, capturing it and carrying away Kōmyō along with Emperor Kōgon, Emperor Sukō, and the Crown Prince Tadahito. They all ended up finally in Anau, the location of the Southern Court.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In the Shōhei Reunification, Kōmyō and his companions were placed under house arrest in Yamato Province, in what is today the village of Nishiyoshino, Yoshino District, Nara. In 1355, returning to Kyōto, he entered a monastery. 26 July 1380 (Kōryaku 2, 24th day of the 6th month): The former emperor died at age 60. The years of Kōmyō's reign are more specifically identified by more than one era name or nengō.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1322 (1322-01-11): Birth of Emperor Kōmyō — Northern Emperor during the tumultuous Nanboku-chō period, ruling from 1336 to 1348.
2. 1336: 1336 Milestone — According to pre-Meiji scholars, his reign spanned the years from 1336 through 1348.
3. 1348: 1348 Milestone — On 18 November 1348, he abdicated in favor of the eldest son of his older brother, the former claimant to the throne Emperor Kōgon, who became Emperor Sukō.
4. 1352: 1352 Milestone — In April 1352, taking advantage of the Kan'ō Disturbance, a family feud in the Ashikaga clan, the Southern Emperor Emperor Go-Murakami entered Kyoto, capturing it and carrying away Kōmyō along with Emperor Kōgon, Emperor Sukō, and the Crown Prince Tadahito.
5. 1355: 1355 Milestone — In 1355, returning to Kyōto, he entered a monastery.
6. 1380 (1380-07-26): Passing & Historical Legacy — Emperor Kōmyō passed away on 1380-07-26, leaving an enduring historical legacy.
7. 1422: 1422 Milestone — 1422) daughter Naishi: Mikawa-no-kami’s daughter son: Shuson (周尊) In his own lifetime, Kōmyō and those around him believed that he occupied the Chrysanthemum Throne from 20 September 1336 to 18 November 1348.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Emperor Kōmyō

True or False: “Emperor Kōmyō was the first emperor of the Northern Court to be supported by the Ashikaga Bakufu.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The text explicitly states that he was 'the first to be supported by the Ashikaga Bakufu' among the Emperors of Northern Court.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Emperor Kōmyō