Emperor Nijō

Quick Facts: Who was Emperor Nijō?

Subject:

Emperor Nijō

Known for:

78th Emperor of Japan; reigned from 1158 to 1165, navigating civil unrest.

Born:

1143-07-31

Died:

1165-09-05

Century / Era:

1143s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Emperor Nijō (二条天皇, Nijō-tennō; July 31, 1143 – September 5, 1165) was the 78th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. His reign spanned the years from 1158 through 1165. Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name (his imina) was Morihito-shinnō (守仁親王). He was the eldest son of Emperor Go-Shirakawa. He was the father of Emperor Rokujō.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Empress: Imperial Princess Yoshiko (姝子内親王) later Takamatsu-in (高松院), Emperor Toba’s daughter. Empress: Fujiwara no Ikushi (藤原育子), Fujiwara no Tadamichi’s daughter Tai-Kōtaigō: Fujiwara Masuko (藤原多子) Later Grand Empress Dowager Omiya, Tokudaiji Kin'yoshi's daughter. Toku-no-Kimi (督の君), Minamoto Tadafusa’s daughter also Fujiwara no Narichika’s Wife Kasuga-dono (春日殿), Nakahara Moromoto’s daughter First Daughter: Imperial Princess Yoshiko (僐子内親王; 1159-1171) Umeryo-kimi (右馬助), Minamoto Mitsunari’s daughter First Son: Imperial Prince Priest Son'e (尊恵法親王; 1164-1192) Ōkura-daisuke (大蔵大輔) Second Son: Imperial Prince Nobuhito (順仁親王) become Emperor Rokujo Minamoto Tadafusa’s daughter Third Son: Shine (真恵) Nijō was proclaimed as heir to Emperor Go-Shirakawa. Hōgen 1, 2nd day of the 7th month (1156): Cloistered Emperor Toba-in died at age 54. Hōgen 1, 10th–29th days of the 7th month (1156): The Hōgen Rebellion, also known as the Hōgen Insurrection or the Hōgen War.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Hōgen 4, on the 11th day of the 8th month (1158): In the third year of Go-Shirakawa-tennō's reign (後白河天皇二十五年), the emperor abdicated; and the succession (‘‘senso’’) was received by his eldest son. Shortly thereafter, Emperor Nijō is said to have acceded to the throne (‘‘sokui’’). After Nijō was formally enthroned, the management of all affairs continued to rest entirely in the hands of the retired emperor, Go-Shirakawa. Heiji 1, 9th–26th day of the 12th month (1159): The Heiji Rebellion, also known as the Heiji Insurrection or the Heiji War. Chōkan 2, on the 26th day of the 8th month (1164):The former-Emperor Sutoku died at the age of 46.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1143 (1143-07-31): Birth of Emperor Nijō — 78th Emperor of Japan; reigned from 1158 to 1165, navigating civil unrest.
2. 1156: 1156 Milestone — Hōgen 1, 2nd day of the 7th month (1156): Cloistered Emperor Toba-in died at age 54.
3. 1158: 1158 Milestone — His reign spanned the years from 1158 through 1165.
4. 1159: 1159 Milestone — Toku-no-Kimi (督の君), Minamoto Tadafusa’s daughter also Fujiwara no Narichika’s Wife Kasuga-dono (春日殿), Nakahara Moromoto’s daughter First Daughter: Imperial Princess Yoshiko (僐子内親王; 1159-1171) Umeryo-kimi (右馬助), Minamoto Mitsunari’s daughter First Son: Imperial Prince Priest Son'e (尊恵法親王; 1164-1192) Ōkura-daisuke (大蔵大輔) Second Son: Imperial Prince Nobuhito (順仁親王) become Emperor Rokujo Minamoto Tadafusa’s daughter Third Son: Shine (真恵) Nijō was proclaimed as heir to Emperor Go-Shirakawa.
5. 1164: 1164 Milestone — Chōkan 2, on the 26th day of the 8th month (1164):The former-Emperor Sutoku died at the age of 46.
6. 1165 (1165-09-05): Passing & Historical Legacy — Emperor Nijō passed away on 1165-09-05, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Emperor Nijō

True or False: “Emperor Nijō's reign was entirely peaceful, allowing for uninterrupted cultural flourishing.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Nijō’s reign coincided with periods of intense civil strife, including the Heiji Rebellion (1159–1160) and the backdrop of the Hōgen Rebellion.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• John II Komnenos — Contemporary (Died in 1143) (1143): Byzantine Emperor known for restoring the Komnenian glory to the Empire.
• Yelü Dashi — Contemporary (Died in 1143) (1143): Founder of the Western Liao Dynasty (Qara Khitai), ruling from 1124 to 1143.
• Henry VI, Holy Roman Emperor — Contemporary (Born in 1165) (1165): Hohenstaufen Emperor, King of Germany, and co-ruler of Sicily.
• Ibn Arabi — Contemporary (Born in 1165) (1165): Pioneering Sufi philosopher known for waḥdat al-wujūd, shaping Islamic metaphysics.
• Philip II of France — Contemporary (Born in 1165) (1165): King of France who ended the Angevin Empire and established the title 'King of France'.
• Alan Parker — Shared historical date (07-31 · Died) (2020): Acclaimed English filmmaker known for genre versatility and numerous BAFTA and Golden Globe wins.
• Alessandro Algardi — Shared historical date (07-31 · Born) (1598): Master of High-Baroque Sculpture, renowned for his portrait busts in Rome.
• Abu Hanifa — Shared historical date (09-05 · Born) (699): Founder of the Hanafi school of Sunni jurisprudence, a pivotal scholar of early Islam.
• Al Stewart — Shared historical date (09-05 · Born) (1945): Scottish folk-rock musician known for blending historical tales with intimate songwriting.
• Simon de Montfort, 5th Earl of Leicester — Historical peer (Born in 1165) (1165): French nobleman and military commander, famed for the Albigensian Crusade.
• 1143 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1143
• July 31 (07-31) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on July 31
• 1165 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1165
• September 5 (09-05) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on September 5

Frequently Asked Questions about Emperor Nijō