Emperor Kōshō

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Emperor Kōshō

Role / Field:

A legendary fifth emperor of Japan, whose existence is disputed by modern historians.

Born:

505 BC

Died:

392 BC

Century / Era:

-505s Historical Era

Database Source:

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

Origins & Early Life

Emperor Kōshō (孝昭天皇, Kōshō-tennō), also known as Mimatsuhikokaeshine no Mikoto (真津日子訶恵志泥命) was the fifth legendary emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Very little is known about this Emperor due to a lack of material available for further verification and study. Kōshō is known as a "legendary emperor" among historians as his actual existence is disputed. Nothing exists in the Kojiki other than his name and genealogy. Kōshō's reign allegedly began in 475 BC, he had one wife and two sons.

Career & Major Achievements

After his death in 393 BC, his second son supposedly became the next emperor. In the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, only his name and genealogy were recorded. The Japanese have traditionally accepted this sovereign's historical existence, and an Imperial misasagi(陵) or tomb for Kōshō is currently maintained; however, no extant contemporary records have been discovered that confirm a view that this historical figure actually reigned. Kōshō is believed to be the oldest son of Emperor Itoku, and his wife Amanotoyototsu-hime. His mother was the daughter of Okishimimi-no-kami.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The Kojiki records that he ruled from the palace of Ikekokoro-no-miya (葛城掖上宮; and in the Nihon Shoki as 掖上池心宮) at Waki-no-kami in what would come to be known as Yamato Province. Kōshō allegedly had a wife named Yosotarashi-hime, and fathered two children with her. His reign lasted from 475 BC until his death in 393 BC, his second son then took the throne and would later be referred to as Emperor Kōan. The existence of at least the first nine Emperors is disputed due to insufficient material available for further verification and study. Kōshō is thus regarded by historians as a "legendary Emperor", and is considered to have been the fourth of eight Emperors without specific legends associated with them.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 505 BC: Birth of Emperor Kōshō — A legendary fifth emperor of Japan, whose existence is disputed by modern historians.
2. 392 BC: Passing & Historical Legacy — Emperor Kōshō passed away on -392, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Emperor Kōshō

True or False: “The Kojiki contains verifiable contemporary records confirming Emperor Kōshō's actual reign dates.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): No extant contemporary records have been discovered that confirm the historical figure actually reigned; only his name and genealogy are recorded.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Lucius Junius Brutus — Contemporary figure (Died in -509) (-509): Semi-legendary founder of the Roman Republic and first consul.
• Lucretia — Contemporary figure (Died in -509) (-509): Noblewoman whose suicide sparked the overthrow of the Roman monarchy.
• Cimon — Contemporary figure (Born in -510) (-510): Prominent Athenian statesman and general, key figure in the Delian League's rise.
• Ajatashatru — Contemporary figure (Born in -500) (-500): Powerful King of Magadha, founder of a dominant empire in ancient India.
• Alcamenes — Contemporary figure (Born in -500) (-500): 5th-century BC Greek sculptor known for delicate finish, contemporary of Phidias.
• -505 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from -505
• -392 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from -392

Frequently Asked Questions about Emperor Kōshō