Emperor Takakura

Quick Facts: Who was Emperor Takakura?

Subject:

Emperor Takakura

Known for:

80th Emperor of Japan; reigned from 1168 to 1180, during a period of political maneuvering.

Born:

1161-09-23

Died:

1181-01-30

Century / Era:

1161s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Emperor Takakura (高倉天皇, Takakura-tennō; 20 September 1161 – 30 January 1181) was the 80th emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. His reign spanned the years from 1168 through 1180. Before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne, his personal name (his imina) was Norihito-shinnō (憲仁親王). Takakura was the fourth son of Emperor Go-Shirakawa, and thus uncle to his predecessor, Emperor Rokujō. His mother was Empress Dowager Taira no Shigeko, the younger sister of Taira no Tokiko, the concubine of Taira no Kiyomori.

Career & Major Achievements

His empress consort was Taira no Tokuko (later Empress Dowager Kenrei), the regent of Taira no Kiyomori, and thus his first cousin (as his mother and Tokuko's mothers were sisters). Empress consort: Taira no Tokuko (平徳子) – later Kenreimon-in First Son: Imperial Prince Tokihito (言仁親王) – later Emperor Antoku Lady-in-waiting: Bōmon Shokushi (坊門殖子; 1157–1228) later Shichijō-in (七条院), Bomon Nobutaka's daughter Second son: Imperial Prince Morisada (守貞親王; 1179–1223) – later Go-Takakura In (後高倉院) – father of Emperor Go-Horikawa Fourth son: Imperial Prince Takahira (尊成親王) – later Emperor Go-Toba Consort: Konoe Michiko (近衛通子; b. 1163) or Rokujō-no-tsubone (六条局), Konoe Motozane’s daughter. Lady-in-waiting: Horikawa Toyoko (堀河豊子) or Azechi-Naishi (按察典侍), Horikawa Yorisada’s daughter Third daughter: Imperial Princess Kiyoko (潔子内親王; b. 1179) – Saigū of Ise Court Lady: Taira no Noriko (平範子) or Shōshō-Naishi (少将内侍), Taira Yoshisuke’s daughter Third son: Imperial Prince Koreaki (惟明親王; 1172–1221) later Imperial Prince Priest Shōen (聖円入道親王) Court Lady: Fujiwara Kimiko (藤原公子) or Sochi-no-Tsubone (帥局), Fujiwara no Kimishige’s daughter – former nanny of Takakura First daughter: Imperial Princess Isako (功子内親王; b.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

1176) – Saigū of Ise Court Lady: Kogō-no-Tsubone (小督局; b. 1157), Fujiwara no Shigenori’s daughter Second daughter: Imperial Princess Hanshi/ Noriko (範子内親王; 1177–1210) later Empress Dowager Bōmon-in (坊門院) Although Takakura was formally enthroned, the reality was that government affairs were controlled by his father and his father-in-law. 30 March 1168 (Nin'an 3, 19th day of the 2nd month): In the 3rd year of Rokujō-tennō's reign (六条天皇3年), the emperor was deposed by his grandfather, and the succession (‘‘senso’’) was received by his cousin, the third son of the retired-Emperor Go-Shirakawa. 29 April 1168 (Nin'an 3, 20th day of the 3rd month): Emperor Takakura is said to have acceded to the throne (‘‘sokui’’), and he is proclaimed emperor. Takakura had his own views on the role of Emperor.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1157: 1157 Milestone — Empress consort: Taira no Tokuko (平徳子) – later Kenreimon-in First Son: Imperial Prince Tokihito (言仁親王) – later Emperor Antoku Lady-in-waiting: Bōmon Shokushi (坊門殖子; 1157–1228) later Shichijō-in (七条院), Bomon Nobutaka's daughter Second son: Imperial Prince Morisada (守貞親王; 1179–1223) – later Go-Takakura In (後高倉院) – father of Emperor Go-Horikawa Fourth son: Imperial Prince Takahira (尊成親王) – later Emperor Go-Toba Consort: Konoe Michiko (近衛通子; b.
2. 1161 (1161-09-23): Birth of Emperor Takakura — 80th Emperor of Japan; reigned from 1168 to 1180, during a period of political maneuvering.
3. 1163: 1163 Milestone — 1163) or Rokujō-no-tsubone (六条局), Konoe Motozane’s daughter.
4. 1168: 1168 Milestone — His reign spanned the years from 1168 through 1180.
5. 1176: 1176 Milestone — 1176) – Saigū of Ise Court Lady: Kogō-no-Tsubone (小督局; b.
6. 1179: 1179 Milestone — 1179) – Saigū of Ise Court Lady: Taira no Noriko (平範子) or Shōshō-Naishi (少将内侍), Taira Yoshisuke’s daughter Third son: Imperial Prince Koreaki (惟明親王; 1172–1221) later Imperial Prince Priest Shōen (聖円入道親王) Court Lady: Fujiwara Kimiko (藤原公子) or Sochi-no-Tsubone (帥局), Fujiwara no Kimishige’s daughter – former nanny of Takakura First daughter: Imperial Princess Isako (功子内親王; b.
7. 1181 (1181-01-30): Passing & Historical Legacy — Emperor Takakura passed away on 1181-01-30, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Notable Quotes by Emperor Takakura

“The Emperor is a ship. His subjects are water. The water enables a ship to float well, but sometimes the vessel is capsized by it.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Emperor Takakura

True or False: “Emperor Takakura's reign was characterized by him holding absolute political power over the nobility and military clans.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): During his time, government affairs were largely controlled by his father, Emperor Go-Shirakawa, and his father-in-law, Taira no Kiyomori.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Emperor Takakura