Origins & Early Life

Emperor Ninkō (仁孝天皇, Ninkō-tennō; 16 March 1800 – 21 February 1846) was the 120th emperor of Japan according to the traditional order of succession. Ninkō's reign spanned the years from 1817 until his death in 1846, and saw further deterioration of the power of the ruling shōgun. Disasters, which included famine, combined with corruption and increasing Western interference, helped to erode public trust in the bakufu government. Emperor Ninkō revived certain court rituals and practices upon the wishes of his father.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

However, it is unknown what role, if any, the Emperor had in the turmoil which occurred during his reign. His family included fifteen children from various concubines, but only three of them lived to adulthood. His fourth son, Imperial Prince Osahito, became Emperor Kōmei upon Ninkō's death in 1846. While political power at the time still resided with the shōgun, the beginnings of the bakumatsu (end of military government) were at hand. Before Ninkō's ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name (imina) was Ayahito (恵仁).

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He was born on 16 March 1800 and was the fourth son of Emperor Kōkaku. He was the only child of...

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