Emperor Shōmu
Emperor who oversaw major Buddhist construction, establishing provincial temples across Japan.
Quick Facts: Who was Emperor Shōmu?
- Subject:
- Emperor Shōmu
- Known for:
- Emperor who oversaw major Buddhist construction, establishing provincial temples across Japan.
- Born:
- 701-09-18
- Died:
- 756-06-04
- Century / Era:
- 701s Historical Era Archive
- Verified Source:
- 2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives
Origins & Early Life
Emperor Shōmu (聖武天皇, Shōmu-tennō; September 22, 701 – June 4, 756) was the 45th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Shōmu's reign spanned the years 724 through 749, during the Nara period. Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name (imina) is not clearly known, but he was known as Oshi-hiraki Toyosakura-hiko-no-mikoto. Shōmu was the son of Emperor Monmu and Fujiwara no Miyako, a daughter of Fujiwara no Fuhito. Shōmu had five consorts and six Imperial sons and daughters.
Career & Major Achievements
Shōmu was still a child at the time of his father's death; thus, his grandmother, Empress Gemmei, and aunt, Empress Gensho, occupied the throne before he acceded. 724 (Yōrō 8, 1st month): In the 9th year of Genshō-tennō's reign (元正天皇九年), the empress abdicated; and her nephew received the succession (‘‘senso’’). Shortly thereafter, Emperor Shōmu is said to have acceded to the throne (‘‘sokui’’). January 31, 724 (Jinki 1): The era name is changed to mark the accession of Emperor Shōmu. 735–737: A major smallpox epidemic raged throughout Japan, incurring adult mortality rates of about 25% to 35%.
Enduring Legacy & Impact
Shōmu continued to reside in the Hezei Palace. Shōmu is known as the first emperor whose consort was not born into the imperial household. His consort Kōmyō was a non-royal Fujiwara commoner. A ritsuryō office was created for the queen-consort, the Kogogushiki; and this bureaucratic innovation continued into the Heian period. While battle maneuvers of the Fujiwara no Hirotsugu Rebellion were still underway, in Tenpyō 12 10th month (November, 740) Emperor Shōmu left the capital at Heijō-kyō (Nara) and traveled eastward via Horikoshi (堀越頓宮; today Tsuge; 10th month, 29th day: November 22), Nabari (10th month, 30th day: November 23), Ao (安保頓宮; today Aoyama; 11th month 1st day: November 24) to Kawaguchi in Ichishi District, Ise Province (today part of Tsu, formerly part of Hakusan) where he retreated together with his court to a temporary palace.
Chronological Milestones & Life Events
Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Emperor Shōmu
True or False: “The Daibutsu statue commissioned by Emperor Shōmu was completed and dedicated in the year 743.”
Answer (FALSE ❌): While the commission began around 743, the Eye-Opening Ceremony for the Great Buddha did not take place until 752.
Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines
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- Yang Guifei — Contemporary (Died in 756) (756): Beloved imperial consort of Emperor Xuanzong, famed for beauty and influence during the Tang Dynasty.
- Adrien-Marie Legendre — Shared historical date (09-18 · Born) (1752): Pioneering French mathematician known for Legendre polynomials and least squares method.
- Agnes de Mille — Shared historical date (09-18 · Born) (1905): Pioneering American choreographer known for blending ballet with modern dance.
- Abdulaziz — Shared historical date (06-04 · Died) (1876): Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, whose reign spanned major reforms and decline.
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- Ahmad bin Yahya — Shared historical date (09-18 · Died) (1962): Penultimate King of Yemen (1948–1962), known for conservative rule and shifting foreign alliances.
- Aleksandr Vasilevsky — Shared historical date (09-18 · Born) (1895): A pivotal Soviet general who commanded forces during WWII and served as Minister of Defense.
- André Rigaud — Shared historical date (09-18 · Died) (1811): Leading mulatto military figure during the tumultuous Haitian Revolution.
- 701 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 701
- September 18 (09-18) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on September 18
- 756 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 756
- June 4 (06-04) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on June 4
Frequently Asked Questions about Emperor Shōmu
Who was Emperor Shōmu and what are their primary contributions?
Emperor who oversaw major Buddhist construction, establishing provincial temples across Japan. Origins & Early Life: Emperor Shōmu (聖武天皇, Shōmu-tennō; September 22, 701 – June 4, 756) was the 45th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Shōmu's reign spanned the years 724 through 749, during the Nara period. Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name (imina) is not clearly known, but he was known as Oshi-hiraki Toyosakura-hiko-no-mikoto. Shōmu was the son of Emperor Monmu and Fujiwara no Miyako, a daughter of Fujiwara no Fuhito. Shōmu had five consorts and six Imperial sons and daughters.
When was Emperor Shōmu born and during which historical era did they live?
Emperor Shōmu was born on 0701-09-18 and passed away on 0756-06-04. For complete historical world events during this era, explore the 701 Chrono-Archive.
Where can I read more verified chronological archives on Emperor Shōmu?
Explore verified primary sources, interactive timelines, and contemporary figures in the 2Day Chrono-Wiki encyclopedia or review the original entry on Wikipedia.
Source: Wikipedia