Emperor Shijō

Quick Facts: Who was Emperor Shijō?

Subject:

Emperor Shijō

Known for:

87th Emperor of Japan; reigned from 1232 to 1242, marked by political turmoil.

Born:

1231-03-17

Died:

1242-02-10

Century / Era:

1231s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Emperor Shijō (四条天皇, Shijō-tennō) (17 March 1231 – 10 February 1242) was the 87th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. His reign spanned the years 1232 through 1242. Emperor Shijō was born to Emperor Go-Horikawa and his wife Kujō Shunshi as Prince Mitsuhito. He succeeded to the throne shortly before his father's death, and since his father died shortly after, a relative named Princess Kinshi became head of the court in the emperor's minority, while Kujō Michiie and Saionji Kintsune helped carry out the affairs of state. Additionally his aunt, Princess Rishi, became his honorary mother.

Career & Major Achievements

In 1241 Kujō Genshi was appointed as his consort. Shijō was known to be mischievous and often played pranks. One day, Shijō had talc spread all across the floors in the hopes that a court lady would trip on it and fall. While he was playing with a court lady, the emperor tripped himself, which ultimately led to his death. His death ultimately led to the Political Crisis of the Third Year of the Ninji Era.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Kujō Michiie supported the ascension of Prince Tadanari, son of Emperor Juntoku, to the throne. On the other hand, court noble Tsuchimikado Sadamichi supported Prince Kunihito, son of Emperor Tsuchimikado, to the throne. Both men sent envoys to the shōgun to seek his support and, after an oracle was called from Tsurugaoka Hachimangū, Kunihito was declared the valid successor to the throne. Taira no Tsunetaka suggested in his diary that Tadanari's father, exiled former emperor Juntoku, may have stopped eating (ultimately leading to his death) due to the fact he knew he would never return to Heian-kyō. The court nobles originally opposed Kunihito, but Saionji Kintsune took advantage and had him enthroned in the house of the brother of Shijō Sadako (Sadako being his daughter in-law).

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1231 (1231-03-17): Birth of Emperor Shijō — 87th Emperor of Japan; reigned from 1232 to 1242, marked by political turmoil.
2. 1232: 1232 Milestone — His reign spanned the years 1232 through 1242.
3. 1241: 1241 Milestone — In 1241 Kujō Genshi was appointed as his consort.
4. 1242 (1242-02-10): Passing & Historical Legacy — Emperor Shijō passed away on 1242-02-10, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Emperor Shijō

True or False: “Emperor Shijō's death was directly caused by a fall resulting from tripping over talcum powder he spread on the palace floors.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While he played pranks involving talc, the text states that when he tripped himself while playing with a court lady, it ultimately led to his death; however, this is presented as an anecdote rather than a confirmed medical cause.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Anthony of Padua — Contemporary (Died in 1231) (1231): Portuguese Catholic saint and Franciscan friar, renowned for his preaching.
• Emperor Tsuchimikado — Contemporary (Died in 1231) (1231): 83rd Emperor of Japan; reigned from 1198 to 1210, marking a period of political transition.
• Guo Shoujing — Contemporary (Born in 1231) (1231): Pioneering Chinese astronomer, mathematician, and hydraulic engineer of the Yuan Dynasty.
• Arnolfo di Cambio — Contemporary (Born in 1242) (1242): Pioneering 13th-century Italian architect and sculptor of the Duecento.
• Emperor Juntoku — Contemporary (Died in 1242) (1242): 84th Emperor of Japan during the Kamakura Period, known for his exile on Sado Island.
• Hōjō Yasutoki — Contemporary (Died in 1242) (1242): Third Shikken of the Kamakura Shogunate, who solidified the Hōjō regency's power.
• Adelbert Brownlow-Cust, 3rd Earl Brownlow — Shared historical date (03-17 · Died) (1921): British soldier, courtier, and Conservative politician who held several high offices.
• Alex Chilton — Shared historical date (03-17 · Died) (2010): American musician, best known for his vocal work with The Box Tops and Big Star.
• Abdul Hamid II — Shared historical date (02-10 · Died) (1918): Last effective Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, navigating decline and constitutional upheaval.
• Alex Haley — Shared historical date (02-10 · Died) (1992): Pioneering author of 'Roots,' who brought Black American genealogy to global prominence.
• 1231 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1231
• March 17 (03-17) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on March 17
• 1242 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1242
• February 10 (02-10) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on February 10

Frequently Asked Questions about Emperor Shijō