Emperor Kinmei
The 29th Emperor of Japan; reigned from 539 to 571 CE.
Quick Facts: Who was Emperor Kinmei?
- Subject:
- Emperor Kinmei
- Known for:
- The 29th Emperor of Japan; reigned from 539 to 571 CE.
- Born:
- 509
- Died:
- 571-05-24
- Century / Era:
- 509s Historical Era Archive
- Verified Source:
- 2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives
Origins & Early Life
Emperor Kinmei (欽明天皇, Kinmei-tennō; 509–571) was the 29th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. His reign is said to have spanned the years from 539 to 571. Most historians support either the view that Kinmei is the first historically verifiable Japanese emperor or the view that Yuryaku (the 21st) is. Kinmei's contemporary title would not have been tennō, as most historians believe this title was not introduced until the reigns of Emperor Tenmu and Empress Jitō. Rather, it was presumably Sumeramikoto or Amenoshita Shiroshimesu Ōkimi (治天下大王), meaning "the great king who rules all under heaven".
Career & Major Achievements
Alternatively, Kinmei might have been referred to as ヤマト大王/大君 or the "Great King of Yamato". Because of several chronological discrepancies in the account of Emperor Kinmei in the Nihon Shoki, some believe that he was actually ruling a rival court to that of Emperors Ankan and Senka. Nevertheless, according to the traditional account, it was not until the death of Emperor Kinmei's older brother Emperor Senka that he gained the throne. Before he came to the throne (at least according to the Nihon Shoki) he was hesitant and refused to wield power stating: I am young in years, and of shallow knowledge. I have not yet had experience of the affairs of government.
Enduring Legacy & Impact
The Empress Yamada has a clear acquaintance with all matters of administration, and I pray you to apply to her and then decide. The Empress, Kasuga no Yamada, refused this believing Kinmei was compassionate and smart enough to rule. However, historians such as William George Aston have questioned this with Aston himself noting that: A brother had died four years before, aged seventy, and another had just died, aged seventy-three. Kimmei is said to have died A.D. 571, at the age of sixty-three, or eighty-one, by another account. Evidently the chronology is not yet quite satisfactory.
Chronological Milestones & Life Events
Notable Quotes by Emperor Kinmei
“I am young in years, and of shallow knowledge. I have not yet had experience of the affairs of government.”
Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Emperor Kinmei
True or False: “Emperor Kinmei was the first Japanese emperor to rule after the introduction of Buddhism to Japan.”
Answer (FALSE ❌): The text suggests that while his reign coincided with the major influx of Buddhist artifacts in 552, earlier texts indicate Buddhism may have been introduced as early as 538.
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- 509 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 509
- 571 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 571
- May 24 (05-24) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on May 24
Frequently Asked Questions about Emperor Kinmei
Who was Emperor Kinmei and what are their primary contributions?
The 29th Emperor of Japan; reigned from 539 to 571 CE. Origins & Early Life: Emperor Kinmei (欽明天皇, Kinmei-tennō; 509–571) was the 29th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. His reign is said to have spanned the years from 539 to 571. Most historians support either the view that Kinmei is the first historically verifiable Japanese emperor or the view that Yuryaku (the 21st) is. Kinmei's contemporary title would not have been tennō, as most historians believe this title was not introduced until the reigns of Emperor Tenmu and Empress Jitō. Rather, it was presumably Sumeramikoto or Amenoshita Shiroshimesu Ōkimi (治天下大王), meaning "the great king who rules all under heaven".
When was Emperor Kinmei born and during which historical era did they live?
Emperor Kinmei was born on 509 and passed away on 0571-05-24. For complete historical world events during this era, explore the 509 Chrono-Archive.
Where can I read more verified chronological archives on Emperor Kinmei?
Explore verified primary sources, interactive timelines, and contemporary figures in the 2Day Chrono-Wiki encyclopedia or review the original entry on Wikipedia.
Source: Wikipedia