Emperor Sutoku

Quick Facts: Who was Emperor Sutoku?

Subject:

Emperor Sutoku

Known for:

75th Emperor of Japan during the late Heian period, known for his powerful legacy.

Born:

1119-07-07

Died:

1164-09-14

Century / Era:

1119s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Emperor Sutoku (崇徳天皇, Sutoku-tennō; July 7, 1119 – September 14, 1164) was the 75th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Along with Sugawara no Michizane and Taira no Masakado, he is known as one of the "Three Great Onryō of Japan". Sutoku's reign in the late Heian period spanned 1123–1142. Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name (his imina) was Akihito (顕仁). Sutoku was the eldest son of Emperor Toba.

Career & Major Achievements

Some old texts say he was instead the son of Toba's grandfather, Emperor Shirakawa. Chūgū: Fujiwara no Kiyoko (藤原 聖子) later Kōkamon'in (皇嘉門院), Fujiwara no Tadamichi's daughter Hyounosuke-no-Tsubone (兵衛佐局), Minamoto no Masamune's adopted daughter First son: Imperial Prince Shigehito (重仁親王) (1140–1162). Mikawa-dono (三河), Minamoto no Morotsune's daughter Fifth Son: Kakue (覚恵; 1151–1184) Karasuma-no-Tsubone (烏丸局) February 25, 1123 (Hōan 4, 28th day of the 1st month): In the 16th year of Emperor Toba's reign (鳥羽天皇二十五年), he abdicated; and the succession (‘‘senso’’) was received by his son, aged 3. Hōan 4, in the 2nd month (1123): Emperor Sutoku is said to have acceded to the throne (sokui). 1124 (Tenji 1, 2nd month): Former Emperor Shirakawa and former-Emperor Toba went in carriages to the outside of the city, where they could all together enjoy contemplating the flowers.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

– August 26, 1145), who was Toba's empress and Sutoku's mother, joined the procession along with many other women of the court. Their cortege was brilliant and colorful. A great many men of the court in hunting clothes followed the ladies in this parade. Fujiwara no Tadamichi then followed in a carriage, accompanied by bands of musicians and women who were to sing for the emperors. 1124 (Tenji 1, 10th month): Shirakawa visited Mount Kōya.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1119 (1119-07-07): Birth of Emperor Sutoku — 75th Emperor of Japan during the late Heian period, known for his powerful legacy.
2. 1123: 1123 Milestone — Sutoku's reign in the late Heian period spanned 1123–1142.
3. 1124: 1124 Milestone — 1124 (Tenji 1, 2nd month): Former Emperor Shirakawa and former-Emperor Toba went in carriages to the outside of the city, where they could all together enjoy contemplating the flowers.
4. 1140: 1140 Milestone — Chūgū: Fujiwara no Kiyoko (藤原 聖子) later Kōkamon'in (皇嘉門院), Fujiwara no Tadamichi's daughter Hyounosuke-no-Tsubone (兵衛佐局), Minamoto no Masamune's adopted daughter First son: Imperial Prince Shigehito (重仁親王) (1140–1162).
5. 1145: 1145 Milestone — – August 26, 1145), who was Toba's empress and Sutoku's mother, joined the procession along with many other women of the court.
6. 1151: 1151 Milestone — Mikawa-dono (三河), Minamoto no Morotsune's daughter Fifth Son: Kakue (覚恵; 1151–1184) Karasuma-no-Tsubone (烏丸局) February 25, 1123 (Hōan 4, 28th day of the 1st month): In the 16th year of Emperor Toba's reign (鳥羽天皇二十五年), he abdicated; and the succession (‘‘senso’’) was received by his son, aged 3.
7. 1164 (1164-09-14): Passing & Historical Legacy — Emperor Sutoku passed away on 1164-09-14, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Emperor Sutoku

True or False: “Emperor Sutoku's primary historical significance was establishing a new era of Buddhist scholarship in Japan.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While he was deeply connected to religious life and later became associated with vengeful spirits (onryō), his main historical impact relates to the political turbulence of the late Heian period.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Emperor Sutoku