Emperor Yōmei
The 31st Emperor of Japan, whose brief reign saw tensions between Buddhism and Shinto.
Quick Facts: Who was Emperor Yōmei?
- Subject:
- Emperor Yōmei
- Known for:
- The 31st Emperor of Japan, whose brief reign saw tensions between Buddhism and Shinto.
- Born:
- 600
- Died:
- 587-05-21
- Century / Era:
- 600s Historical Era Archive
- Verified Source:
- 2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives
Origins & Early Life
Emperor Yōmei (用明天皇, Yōmei-tennō; 12 October 540 – 21 May 587) was the 31st Emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Yōmei's reign spanned the years from 585 until his death in 587. He was called Tachibana no Toyohi no Mikoto (橘豊日尊) in the Kojiki. He was also referred to as Prince Ōe (大兄皇子, Ōe no Miko) and Prince Ikebe (池辺皇子, Ikebe no Miko) after the palace in which he lived. He acceded to the throne after the death of his half brother, Emperor Bidatsu.
Pivotal Works & Achievements
The influential courtiers from Emperor Bidatsu's reign, Mononobe no Moriya, also known as Mononobe Yuge no Moriya no Muraji or as Ō-muraji Yuge no Moriya, and Soga no Umako no Sukune, both remained in their positions during the reign of Emperor Yōmei. Umako was the son of Soga Iname no Sukune, and therefore, he would have been one of Emperor Yōmei's cousins. 585: In the 14th year of Bidatsu-tennō's reign (敏達天皇14年), he died; and the succession was received by his younger brother. Shortly thereafter, Emperor Yōmei is said to have acceded to the throne. Yōmei's contemporary title would not have been tennō, as most historians believe this title was not introduced until the reigns of Emperor Tenmu and Empress Jitō.
Enduring Legacy & Impact
Rather, it was presumably Sumeramikoto or Amenoshita Shiroshimesu Ōkimi (治天下大王), meaning "the great king who rules all under heaven". Alternatively, Yōmei might have been referred to as ヤマト大王/大君 or the "Great King of Yamato". Emperor Yōmei's reign lasted only two years; and he died at the age of 46 or 47. 587, in the 4th month: Yōmei died and his body was placed in a coffin, but not buried. 587, in the 5th month: Armed conflict over the succession erupted.
Chronological Milestones & Life Events
Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Emperor Yōmei
True or False: “Emperor Yōmei was responsible for initiating major policy shifts regarding the state religion during his reign.”
Answer (FALSE ❌): Due to the extreme brevity of his rule, Emperor Yōmei is not credited with any radical changes in policy.
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- 600 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 600
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Frequently Asked Questions about Emperor Yōmei
Who was Emperor Yōmei and what are their primary contributions?
The 31st Emperor of Japan, whose brief reign saw tensions between Buddhism and Shinto. Origins & Early Life: Emperor Yōmei (用明天皇, Yōmei-tennō; 12 October 540 – 21 May 587) was the 31st Emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Yōmei's reign spanned the years from 585 until his death in 587. He was called Tachibana no Toyohi no Mikoto (橘豊日尊) in the Kojiki. He was also referred to as Prince Ōe (大兄皇子, Ōe no Miko) and Prince Ikebe (池辺皇子, Ikebe no Miko) after the palace in which he lived. He acceded to the throne after the death of his half brother, Emperor Bidatsu.
When was Emperor Yōmei born and during which historical era did they live?
Emperor Yōmei was born on 600 and passed away on 0587-05-21. For complete historical world events during this era, explore the 600 Chrono-Archive.
Where can I read more verified chronological archives on Emperor Yōmei?
Explore verified primary sources, interactive timelines, and contemporary figures in the 2Day Chrono-Wiki encyclopedia or review the original entry on Wikipedia.
Source: Wikipedia