Emperor Sujin

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Emperor Sujin

Role / Field:

Legendary tenth Emperor of Japan, whose reign is chronicled in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki.

Born:

147 BC

Died:

29 BC

Century / Era:

-147s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Emperor Sujin (崇神天皇, Sujin-tennō), also known as Mimakiirihikoinie no Mikoto (御眞木入日子印恵命) in the Kojiki, and Mimakiiribikoinie no Sumeramikoto (御間城入彦五十瓊殖天皇) or Hatsukunishirasu Sumeramikoto (御肇國天皇) in the Nihon Shoki was the tenth Emperor of Japan. While Sujin is the first emperor whose existence historians widely accept, he is still referred to as a "legendary emperor" due to a lack of information available and because dates for his reign vary. Both the Kojiki, and the Nihon Shoki (collectively known as the Kiki) record events that took place during Sujin's alleged lifetime. This legendary narrative tells how he set up a new shrine outside of the Imperial palace to enshrine Amaterasu. He is also credited with initiating the worship of Ōmononushi (equated with the deity of Mount Miwa), and expanding his empire by sending generals to four regions of Japan in what became known as the legend of Shidō shogun.

Career & Major Achievements

This Emperor's reign is conventionally assigned the years of 97 BC – 30 BC. During his alleged lifetime, he fathered twelve children with a chief wife (empress) and two consorts. Sujin chose his future heir based on dreams two of his sons had; in this case, his younger son became Emperor Suinin upon Sujin's death in 30 BC. Like other emperors of this period, the location of Sujin's grave if it exists is unknown. He is traditionally venerated at the Andonyama kofun in Tenri, Nara.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The Japanese have traditionally accepted this sovereign's historical existence, and a kofun (tumulus) for Sujin is currently maintained. There remains no conclusive evidence though that supports this historical figure actually reigning. The following information available is taken from the pseudo-historical Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, which are collectively known as Kiki (記紀) or Japanese chronicles. These chronicles include legends and myths, as well as potential historical facts that have since been exaggerated and/or distorted over time. The records state that Sujin was born sometime in 148 BC, and was the second son of Emperor Kaika.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 147 BC: Birth of Emperor Sujin — Legendary tenth Emperor of Japan, whose reign is chronicled in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki.
2. 29 BC: Passing & Historical Legacy — Emperor Sujin passed away on -29, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Emperor Sujin

True or False: “The primary source material detailing Sujin's life, the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, are considered definitive historical records.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): These chronicles (Kiki) are known to contain a mixture of legends, myths, and potentially exaggerated or distorted facts rather than being purely factual histories.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Masinissa — Contemporary figure (Died in -148) (-148): Founding King of Numidia, pivotal leader during the Second Punic War.
• Pushyamitra Shunga — Contemporary figure (Died in -148) (-148): Founder of the Shunga Empire, succeeding the mighty Mauryan Dynasty.
• Cato the Elder — Contemporary figure (Died in -149) (-149): Influential Roman statesman, writer, and staunch defender of old Roman traditions.
• Alexander Balas — Contemporary figure (Died in -145) (-145): Seleucid King of Syria, ruling from 150 to 142 BC amidst civil strife.
• Sima Qian — Contemporary figure (Born in -145) (-145): Father of Chinese historiography, author of the monumental Shiji.
• Pingala — Contemporary figure (Born in -150) (-150): Foundational scholar of Indian prosody, metrics, and combinatorics.
• Wei Qing — Contemporary figure (Born in -150) (-150): Renowned Western Han general famed for Xiongnu campaigns and humble origins.
• -147 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from -147
• -29 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from -29

Frequently Asked Questions about Emperor Sujin