Emperor Sukō

Quick Facts: Who was Emperor Sukō?

Subject:

Emperor Sukō

Known for:

Third Northern Emperor during the tumultuous period of the Northern and Southern Courts in Japan.

Born:

1334-05-25

Died:

1398-01-31

Century / Era:

1334s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Emperor Sukō (崇光天皇, Sukō Tennō) (25 May 1334 – 31 January 1398) was the third of the Emperors of Northern Court during the Period of the Northern and Southern Courts in Japan. According to pre-Meiji scholars, his reign spanned the years from 1348 through 1351. His personal name was originally Masuhito (益仁), but was later changed to Okihito (興仁). His father was Emperor Kōgon. His predecessor, Emperor Kōmyō was his uncle, the younger brother of Emperor Kōgon.

Career & Major Achievements

Lady-in-waiting: Niwata (Minamoto) Motoko (庭田（源）資子; d.1394), Niwata Shigemoto's daughter First son: Imperial Prince Fushimi-no-miya Yoshihito (1351–1416; 伏見宮栄仁親王) (Founder of Fushimi-no-miya house, collateral branch of the Imperial Family and included in the Succession to the Japanese throne until 1947) Second son: Imperial Prince Priest Koshin (1358–1391; 興信法親王) Court Lady: Anfuku-dono-Naishi (安福殿女御) Consort: Sanjō-no-Tsubone (三条局) First daughter: Princess Suiho (瑞宝女王) Third son: Imperial Prince Priest Kojo (弘助法親王) Sukō occupied the Chrysanthemum Throne from 18 November 1348 until 22 November 1351. In 1348, he became Crown Prince. In the same year, he became Northern Emperor upon the abdication of Emperor Kōmyō. Although Emperor Kōgon ruled as a cloistered Emperor, the rivalry between Ashikaga Takauji and Ashikaga Tadayoshi began, and in 1351, Takauji returned to the allegiance of the Southern Court, forcing Emperor Sukō to abdicate. This was intended to reunify the Imperial Line.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

However, the peace soon fell apart, and in April 1352, the Southern Dynasty evacuated Kyoto, abducting with them Retired (Northern) Emperors Emperor Kōgon and Emperor Kōmyō as well as Emperor Sukō and the Crown Prince Tadahito. Because of this, Takauji made Emperor Kōgon's second son Imperial Prince Iyahito emperor (First Fushimi-no-miya). Returning to Kyoto in 1357, Emperor Sukō's son Imperial Prince Yoshihito began to work with the Bakufu to be named Crown Prince, but the Bakufu instead decided to make Emperor Go-Kōgon's son (the future Emperor Go-En'yū) Crown Prince instead. In 1398, Emperor Sukō died. But, 30 years after his death, in 1428, his great-grandson Hikohito (彦仁), as the adopted son of Emperor Shōkō, became Emperor Go-Hanazono, fulfilling Sukō's dearest wish.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1334 (1334-05-25): Birth of Emperor Sukō — Third Northern Emperor during the tumultuous period of the Northern and Southern Courts in Japan.
2. 1348: 1348 Milestone — According to pre-Meiji scholars, his reign spanned the years from 1348 through 1351.
3. 1351: 1351 Milestone — Although Emperor Kōgon ruled as a cloistered Emperor, the rivalry between Ashikaga Takauji and Ashikaga Tadayoshi began, and in 1351, Takauji returned to the allegiance of the Southern Court, forcing Emperor Sukō to abdicate.
4. 1352: 1352 Milestone — However, the peace soon fell apart, and in April 1352, the Southern Dynasty evacuated Kyoto, abducting with them Retired (Northern) Emperors Emperor Kōgon and Emperor Kōmyō as well as Emperor Sukō and the Crown Prince Tadahito.
5. 1357: 1357 Milestone — Returning to Kyoto in 1357, Emperor Sukō's son Imperial Prince Yoshihito began to work with the Bakufu to be named Crown Prince, but the Bakufu instead decided to make Emperor Go-Kōgon's son (the future Emperor Go-En'yū) Crown Prince instead.
6. 1394: 1394 Milestone — 1394), Niwata Shigemoto's daughter First son: Imperial Prince Fushimi-no-miya Yoshihito (1351–1416; 伏見宮栄仁親王) (Founder of Fushimi-no-miya house, collateral branch of the Imperial Family and included in the Succession to the Japanese throne until 1947) Second son: Imperial Prince Priest Koshin (1358–1391; 興信法親王) Court Lady: Anfuku-dono-Naishi (安福殿女御) Consort: Sanjō-no-Tsubone (三条局) First daughter: Princess Suiho (瑞宝女王) Third son: Imperial Prince Priest Kojo (弘助法親王) Sukō occupied the Chrysanthemum Throne from 18 November 1348 until 22 November 1351.
7. 1398 (1398-01-31): Passing & Historical Legacy — Emperor Sukō passed away on 1398-01-31, leaving an enduring historical legacy.
8. 1428: 1428 Milestone — But, 30 years after his death, in 1428, his great-grandson Hikohito (彦仁), as the adopted son of Emperor Shōkō, became Emperor Go-Hanazono, fulfilling Sukō's dearest wish.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Emperor Sukō

True or False: “Did Emperor Sukō's reign end because his rival faction successfully forced him to abdicate?”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The text states that in 1351, Ashikaga Takauji returned to the Southern Court's allegiance, forcing Emperor Sukō to abdicate.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Emperor Sukō