Emperor Sakuramachi

Quick Facts: Who was Emperor Sakuramachi?

Subject:

Emperor Sakuramachi

Known for:

The 115th Emperor of Japan during the Edo period, whose reign saw restored Imperial rites.

Born:

1720-02-08

Died:

1750-05-28

Century / Era:

1720s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Emperor Sakuramachi (Japanese: 桜町天皇, Hepburn: Sakuramachi-tennō; 8 February 1720 – 28 May 1750), personal name Teruhito, was the 115th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. He was enthroned as Emperor in 1735, a reign that would last until 1747 with his abdication. As with previous Emperors during the Edo period, the Tokugawa shogunate had control over Japan. The Emperor's role was a religious figure who performed limited duties. This changed when Sakuramachi was granted permission from the Shōgun to restore some Imperial rites.

Career & Major Achievements

Ceremonies such as the Harvest Festival that had previously been absent for over 250 years were now allowed. Sakuramachi had one wife and a concubine with whom he fathered 4 children. His first son would go on to become Emperor Momozono, while his second daughter would later be Empress Go-Sakuramachi. Sakuramachi died on 28 May 1750, which was almost three years after his abdication. Before Sakuramachi's ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name (imina) was Teruhito (昭仁).

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Teruhito was born on 8 February 1720 and was the firstborn son of Emperor Nakamikado, he was also said to be the reincarnation of Prince Shōtoku. Teruhito's Imperial family lived with him in the Dairi of the Heian Palace. Events during Teruhito's early life included Edo becoming the world's largest city in 1721, with a population of 1.1 million people. On 17 July 1728, Teruhito was named crown prince and held the pre-accession title of Waka-no-miya (若宮). The only other major event to occur afterwards was a disaster in 1732–33 called the Kyōhō famine.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1720 (1720-02-08): Birth of Emperor Sakuramachi — The 115th Emperor of Japan during the Edo period, whose reign saw restored Imperial rites.
2. 1721: 1721 Milestone — Events during Teruhito's early life included Edo becoming the world's largest city in 1721, with a population of 1.
3. 1728: 1728 Milestone — On 17 July 1728, Teruhito was named crown prince and held the pre-accession title of Waka-no-miya (若宮).
4. 1732: 1732 Milestone — The only other major event to occur afterwards was a disaster in 1732–33 called the Kyōhō famine.
5. 1735: 1735 Milestone — He was enthroned as Emperor in 1735, a reign that would last until 1747 with his abdication.
6. 1750 (1750-05-28): Passing & Historical Legacy — Emperor Sakuramachi passed away on 1750-05-28, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Emperor Sakuramachi

True or False: “Did Emperor Sakuramachi hold significant political power comparable to the Tokugawa Shogunate during his lifetime?”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The text explicitly states that while he held the title of Emperor, it was 'in name only as the shoguns of the Tokugawa family controlled Japan.'

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Frequently Asked Questions about Emperor Sakuramachi