Emperor Nakamikado

Quick Facts: Who was Emperor Nakamikado?

Subject:

Emperor Nakamikado

Known for:

The 114th Emperor of Japan, whose reign spanned significant political and natural upheavals.

Born:

1702-01-14

Died:

1737-05-10

Century / Era:

1702s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Emperor Nakamikado (Japanese: 中御門天皇, Hepburn: Nakamikado-tennō; 14 January 1702 – 10 May 1737), personal name Yasuhito, was the 114th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. He was enthroned as Emperor in 1709, a reign that would last until 1735 with his abdication. As Emperor, Nakamikado had an increasingly warmed relationship with the shogunate in part due to his father's efforts. Relations warmed up to the point of family marriage talks, but these fell through due to the sudden death of the potential Shōgun groom. Events that surrounded the Emperor included at least 2 major earthquakes, the largest Ryukyuan diplomatic mission of the Edo period, the Kyōhō Reforms, and the Kyōhō famine.

Career & Major Achievements

It is unclear what role if any the Emperor had in these concurrent events as the role of "Emperor" was a figurehead at the time. Nakamikado's family included at least 14 children mothered by his wife, and 5 concubines. Nakamikado abdicated the throne in 1735 in favor of his first son, and died two years later. Before Nakamikado's ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name (imina) was Yasuhito (慶仁). He was born on January 14, 1702, and was the fifth son of Emperor Higashiyama, while his birth mother was a lady-in-waiting named Kushige Yoshiko.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Due to tradition he was brought up as if he were the son of the Empress consort (Arisugawa no Yukiko). Yasuhito's Imperial family lived with him in the Dairi of the Heian Palace. The early years of Yasuhito's life were marked with disasters and incidents that included two major earthquakes, and a revenge plot involving leaderless samurai to avenge their fallen master. The two major earthquakes that took place were in 1703, and then again in 1707. The first of these is the 1703 Genroku earthquake, which caused parts of the shōgun's castle to collapse in Edo.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1702 (1702-01-14): Birth of Emperor Nakamikado — The 114th Emperor of Japan, whose reign spanned significant political and natural upheavals.
2. 1703: 1703 Milestone — The two major earthquakes that took place were in 1703, and then again in 1707.
3. 1709: 1709 Milestone — He was enthroned as Emperor in 1709, a reign that would last until 1735 with his abdication.
4. 1735: 1735 Milestone — Nakamikado abdicated the throne in 1735 in favor of his first son, and died two years later.
5. 1737 (1737-05-10): Passing & Historical Legacy — Emperor Nakamikado passed away on 1737-05-10, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Emperor Nakamikado

True or False: “Emperor Nakamikado was directly responsible for initiating the Kyōhō Reforms during his reign.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The text explicitly states that while he held the title of Emperor, the role was largely figurehead, and the reforms were implemented by Shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Emperor Nakamikado