Emperor Shōkō

Quick Facts: Who was Emperor Shōkō?

Subject:

Emperor Shōkō

Known for:

The 101st Emperor of Japan, whose reign spanned from 1412 to 1428.

Born:

1401-05-12

Died:

1428-08-30

Century / Era:

1401s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Emperor Shōkō (称光天皇, Shōkō-tennō; May 12, 1401 – August 30, 1428) was the 101st emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. His reign spanned the years from 1412 through 1428. His personal name was Mihito (initially written as 躬仁, and later written as 実仁). He was the eldest son of Emperor Go-Komatsu. His mother was Hinonishi Motoko (日野西資子), daughter of Hino Sukekuni (日野資国).

Career & Major Achievements

He had no children of his own, and was succeeded by his third cousin, Emperor Go-Hanazono, great-grandson of the Northern Pretender Emperor Sukō. The name "Shōkō" (称光) was formed by taking one kanji from the names of the 48th and 49th imperial rulers Empress Shōtoku (称徳) and Emperor Kōnin (光仁). Empress Shōtoku (称徳) ↓ "Shōkō" (称光) ↑ Emperor Kōnin (光仁) Lady-in-waiting: Fujiwara (Hino) Mitsuko (藤原（日野）光子), Hino Katsumitsu’s daughter Naishi: Minamoto (Itsutsuji) Tomoko (源（五辻）朝子), Itsutsuji Tomonaka’s daughter daughter: (b.1418) Naishi: Takakura Nagafuji’s daughter Court Lady: Iyo no Tsubone (伊予局), Jimyoin Motochika’s daughter daughter: (b.1426) Court Lady: Kii no Tsubone (紀伊局), Kamo Tomo’s daughter He reigned from October 5, 1412 until his death on August 30, 1428. Shōkō became emperor upon the abdication of his father, Go-Komatsu in Ōei 18, in the 10th month (October 5, 1412). His actual coronation date was two years later.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The "retired" Go-Komatsu ruled as a Cloistered Emperor during Shōkō's reign. Shōkō was connected to Ashikaga Yoshimitsu and the Hino clan through his mother's side. Shōkō-tennō was only 12 years old when he assumed the role of formal head of the Daïri; but "Go-Komatsu-in" had direction of the court [and] the Shōgun Ashikaga Yoshimochi was charged with the general superintendence of affairs." October 5, 1412 (Ōei 18, on the 18th day of the 9th month): Emperor Shōkō was made the new sovereign upon the abdication of his father, Emperor Go-Komatsu; and the succession (‘‘senso’’) was received. Shōkō was only 12 years old when he began living in the daïri; but Go-Komatsu, as a Cloistered Emperor still retained direction of the court and the Shōgun was charged with the general superintendence of affairs. 1413 (Ōei 20): Shōgun Ashikaga Yoshimochi fell ill, and so he sent an ambassador to the Ise Shrine to pray for the return of his health.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1401 (1401-05-12): Birth of Emperor Shōkō — The 101st Emperor of Japan, whose reign spanned from 1412 to 1428.
2. 1412: 1412 Milestone — His reign spanned the years from 1412 through 1428.
3. 1413: 1413 Milestone — 1413 (Ōei 20): Shōgun Ashikaga Yoshimochi fell ill, and so he sent an ambassador to the Ise Shrine to pray for the return of his health.
4. 1418: 1418 Milestone — 1418) Naishi: Takakura Nagafuji’s daughter Court Lady: Iyo no Tsubone (伊予局), Jimyoin Motochika’s daughter daughter: (b.
5. 1426: 1426 Milestone — 1426) Court Lady: Kii no Tsubone (紀伊局), Kamo Tomo’s daughter He reigned from October 5, 1412 until his death on August 30, 1428.
6. 1428 (1428-08-30): Passing & Historical Legacy — Emperor Shōkō passed away on 1428-08-30, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Emperor Shōkō

True or False: “Did Emperor Shōkō rule independently without the influence of his father, Go-Komatsu?”

Answer (FALSE ❌): During his reign, his father, Go-Komatsu, continued to rule as a Cloistered Emperor and retained significant direction over the court.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Francesco I Sforza — Contemporary (Born in 1401) (1401): Founder of the Sforza dynasty in Milan, a skilled condottiero and duke.
• Masaccio — Contemporary (Born in 1401) (1401): Pioneering Florentine Renaissance painter, master of perspective and naturalism.
• Nicholas of Cusa — Contemporary (Born in 1401) (1401): German cardinal and philosopher, key proponent of Renaissance humanism.
• Ashikaga Yoshimochi — Contemporary (Died in 1428) (1428): Fourth Shōgun of the Ashikaga shogunate, ruling during Japan's tumultuous Muromachi period.
• Jingtai Emperor — Contemporary (Born in 1428) (1428): Seventh Ming Emperor, known for rebuilding infrastructure and stabilizing the state.
• Richard Neville, 16th Earl of Warwick — Contemporary (Born in 1428) (1428): Powerful English nobleman and key player in the Wars of the Roses, known as the Kingmaker.
• Adolfo Pedernera — Shared historical date (05-12 · Died) (1995): Argentine football legend, nicknamed 'El Maestro,' pivotal in the 1940s.
• Aly Khan — Shared historical date (05-12 · Died) (1960): Diplomat, socialite, and former Pakistani Ambassador to the UN.
• Alexander Lukashenko — Shared historical date (08-30 · Born) (1954): Longest-tenured European president, known for maintaining a socialist economic model in Belarus.
• Angelo Dundee — Shared historical date (08-30 · Born) (1921): Legendary American boxing trainer and cornerman, most famous for guiding Muhammad Ali.
• 1401 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1401
• May 12 (05-12) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on May 12
• 1428 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1428
• August 30 (08-30) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on August 30

Frequently Asked Questions about Emperor Shōkō